Varanad Devi Temple

Varanad Devi Temple (revered as Varanad Sree Bhagavathy Temple), located amidst swaying coconut groves and tranquil palm fringed backwaters in Varanad near Cherthala just 18 km north of Kumarakom in Kerala, is one of Central Kerala's most ancient, historically venerable, and spiritually powerful Bhadrakali shrines.

Dating back over a thousand years to the classical era of Kerala temple architecture, this sacred sanctuary is dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali (affectionately worshipped as Varanattu Amma), the fierce cosmic protector who vanquished the demon Darika as recounted in the ancient Markandeya Purana.

It's the home of the traditional copper roofed Srikovil sanctum built of laterite and teakwood, the towering brass Deepastambham oil lamp illuminating evening Deeparadhana prayers, the world renowned annual Varanad Bharani Mahotsavam in February and March, sacred midnight Guruthi Poojas, and mystical Kalamezhuthu Pattu floor art drawn using organic herbal powders.

It represents a rich cultural sanctuary where ancient Dravidian Mother Goddess worship, traditional Kerala Tantric temple rituals, Chenda Melam percussion rhythms, and peaceful Vembanad backwater landscapes unite in Gods Own Country.

Located in Varanad along the Cherthala Muhamma road, it sits 18 km north of Kumarakom village, 20 km from Kottayam Railway Station (KTYM), 22 km from Alappuzha, and 68 km south of Cochin International Airport (COK), easily accessible by taxi, rental scooter, or state transport bus.

The Ancient 1,000 Year Bhadrakali Heritage

According to regional temple lore, the powerful deity Varanattu Amma was consecrated centuries ago by local sages to bestow protection and agricultural prosperity across the fertile backwater villages of Cherthala and Kuttanad.

The temple architecture conforms to the classical Kerala Vastu Vidya tradition, featuring sloping timber eaves designed to withstand torrential monsoon rains, an open air stone Chuttambalam (outer cloister), and intricate wooden carvings depicting mythological scenes.

Truth is, devotees travel from across South India to offer prayers to Varanattu Amma, believing her divine grace removes chronic obstacles, protects families from negativity, and brings lasting peace of mind.

The Grand Varanad Bharani Mahotsavam

The Annual Bharani Festival: Celebrated in the Malayalam month of Kumbham (February/March), the multi day festival attracts thousands of pilgrims who witness ceremonial elephant processions accompanied by Panchavadyam and Pandi Melam orchestra.

Sacred Guruthi Pooja: A deeply revered tantric ritual performed at midnight following the temple aarti, where special herbal concoctions are sanctified to invoke divine protection and dispel spiritual disharmony.

Kalamezhuthu Pattu & Velakali Martial Art

Kalamezhuthu Sand Murals: During festival nights, skilled temple artists create massive, colorful floor portraits of the multi armed Goddess Kali using only natural colored powders made from rice flour, turmeric, crushed green leaves, charcoal, and lime.

Velakali Martial Dance: Dressed in colorful warrior turbans and brandishing painted shields and swords, local performers execute traditional martial dance steps depicting the epic war between the Pandavas and Kauravas in the temple courtyard.

After offering your prayers at Varanad Devi Temple, cruise the tranquil backwaters of Vembanad Lake in a traditional houseboat, explore the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, or visit the historic St. Mary's Church in Kottayam.