Sarkaradevi Temple is one of the most important temples situated in Chirayinkeezhu town, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. The main deity is Bhadrakali (Goddess Durga) and is maintained by Travancore Devaswom Board. The Sarkaradevi temple rose to an important status due to many reasons and gained historical importance mainly with the introduction of the famous Kaliyoot festival by Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma, the ruler of Travancore, in 1748. The Sarkaradevi temple has a fundamental connection with the Nakramcode Devi temple. which is located at Avanavanchery, Attingal.
The sanctum sanctorum is a two-storeyed rectangular structure where the second storey is adorned with the sculptures of Sri Krishna, Sri Rama, Sri Maha Vishnu, Goddess Durga Devi, Narasimhamoorthi, Ganapathy and several other deities. The roof is polished with bronze.
Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfillment of Salvation, Wealth, Relief from diseases, Vehicles Purchase and Gain Knowledge.
Pongala, Kaliyoottu and Meena Bharani are the main Festivals.
Sri Sarkaradevi Temple Timings:
Morning: 5:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Evening: 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Chirayinkeezhu Bhadrakali Temple History:
According to the legends, once a group of molasses merchants from Ambalappuzha visited this place for their business. They decided to rest for a while in a shelter by the side of the road and put their belongings and containers of molasses there. After resting, they decided to continue their journey, however, they found that one of their molasses pots was not able to move. When they tried to force it out, the pot broke and molasses spilled out and an idol appeared there. Later, an old woman who came to clean the shelter found the idol and told others about it. The villagers built a temple and consecrated the idol there. Since the goddess came from Sarkara (Malayalam word for molasses), she was called by the name of Sarkara Devi.
How to Reach Sarkaradevi Mandir:
By Air:
The nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport which is 27.9 km from the temple.
By Rail:
Chirayinkeezhu Railway station is just 850 meters.
By Road:
There are no bus routes from other big cities to Chirayinkeezhu. The nearest bus stand is the Attingal bus station.
Sarkaradevi Temple Address:
Pandakasala Sarkara Road,
Sarkara,
Chirayinkeezhu Taluk,
Thiruvananthapuram District,
Kerala – 695304.