Sree Pazhanchira Devi Temple is one of the most ancient temples, almost 700 years old and was installed by a ‘Siddhayogi’ who worshipped the Devi. Gradually this place was converted into a temple and there a place was given to the Yogi on the western side of the Sree Kovil.
Shrine’s History
The present Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala was once a region of forests. A sage, Yogeeswarar by name performed deep penance on the banks of River Neelattrangarai on Devi for Her darshan. Mother Devi granted darshan to the sage and asked him to install Her in the place. The sage made an idol of Mother Devi in the form She granted darshan to him and installed her here. Later, forests were destroyed and a prison was built in the place. That also vanished in course of time. Hence, the place was named Pazhanjirai ? Old Jail. The idol of sage Yogeeswara also is here who built the temple in front of Devi. Mother Devi is praised as the alter-ego of Kodungalur Devi.
Shrine’s Map Location and How to Go There
By Road
Nearest Bus stand station is Thiruvananthapuram Central, around 5 km away
By Rail
Nearest railway station is Thiruvananthapuram Central, around 5 km away
By Air
Nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, around 6 km away
Shrine Timings
6.00 a.m. to 8.00 a.m. and from 5.00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m.
Events Celebrated at This Shrine
The festival of the temple is in the Malayalam month of ‘Meenam’ and starts on the day of ‘Makayiram’. Makayiram is considered as the star of the deity.
On every full moon day, a special pooja is known as ‘Aishwarya Mahalakshmi Pooja’ is conducted here. The pooja begins at 5 in the evening and ends at 6 p.m. Samooha Laksharchana Mandala Vratham ? Festival in connection with the annual Utsavam of Sabarimala. Vinayaka Chathurthi ? Pooja to the Lord Ganapathy. Pooja Vaypu ? Identical to Dussera festival (Saraswathy Pooja and Vidyarambham). Ayilya Pooja ? Milk, flowers etc. offered to serpent god and special rites. Monthly Pooja in Ayilyam day except in the months of Mithunam and Karkidakom. Ayilyolsavam ? Nagaroottu and Sarpabali in the month of Thulam Ramayana Parayanam and BhagavathiSeva ? All days of Karkidakom (evening).
Extra Information About this Shrine
Devotees offer Pongal-pudding nivedhana to Mother Devi with vastras, red flower garlands. They also fire crackers.
