Valliyamkavu Devi Temple

Valliyamkavu Devi Temple is a historic Durga shrine located near Travancore under the Peerumedu tehsil of Idukki district-Kerala.

The history of the temple is as old as Dwapara Yuga. Pandavas (heroes in the famous epic Mahabharata) along with their wife Draupadi, during the time of exile reached the present Panchalimedu and stayed here for a long time. The tribes settled here offered helps to them. Before Pandavas left the place, they gave an idol of Durga Devi to the tribal chief and acknowledged them to pay tribute to the Goddess. But the tribes unaware about the pooja methods followed their own traditions which transformed Devi into ‘Bhadra’, a more fierce and aggressive form. Thus the place became uninhabitable for the tribes. Devi reached the present Valliyamkavu region through the forest ropes. Thus the region came to be known as Valliyadikkavu which in course of time became Valliyamkavu.

Later, ‘Vanchipuzha Thamburan’ granted permission to the Aadivasi moopan to worship the Goddess. 22 acres (8.9 ha) of land was given for the temple construction.

The tribes worshipped Devi in their own uncivilized ways which led to the increased powers of Devi. Devotees from various places arrived at the temple hearing the Powers of Devi. The temple itself achieved great fame and glory due to the presence of Bhadra.

The Thiru utsavam and Pongala is hosted in the month of May (Meenam), in the presence of many pilgrims. Durgashtami is also an important event. Special weekly days are Tuesday and Friday. Narangavilakku and aiswariya poojas are held on Fridays.