Vellayani Devi Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala

Vellayani Devi Temple is located on the eastern banks of Vellayani Lake. The temple dates back to the 14th century AD. Tourists love visiting the temple for its beautiful lakeside view. Prime deity worshipped in the temple is Goddess Bhadrakali. Sub deities revered in the Vellayani Devi Temple are Lord Ganapathy, Lord Shiva and the Nagaraja. A separate shrine is dedicated to Madan Thampuran.
 
Since time immemorial the temple is connected to Nair and Kollen communities. Nairs have the right to perform Uchabali.
 
According to mythological legend Kelan Kulashekhara, a blacksmith saw a frog with mystical powers near the lake. He caught and brought it to the Nair chiefs of the locality. Kulasekara, then, constructed the Thiru Mudi (idol) in which the divine spirit is believed to be stored. Since then, the right to perform the rituals is held by the Nair families.
 
Another legend states that Demon Darika received an immortality boon from Lord Brahma, and went on to conquer the world by defeating Indra. Looking at his extreme atrocities, Narada requested Lord Shiva to kill Darika. Lord Shiva opened his Third Eye and created Kali to destroy Darika, as he was blessed that any human can’t kill him in any of the fourteen worlds. Goddess Kali did not stop even after killing Darika. She went on to destroy all human beings. No, God could calm her. Kali was stopped only after Lord Shiva surrendered to her.