Sree Mangaleswary Devi Temple is located at Edava, in Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala. The temple is considered ancient, with roots going back several centuries. It has been a center of Bhagavathi worship for generations and has served as a guardian shrine for the local village community.
The presiding deity is Goddess Mangaleswary Devi, worshipped in the form of Bhadrakali, also known locally as Palakkavilamma. She is a protective mother deity who safeguards the village and grants prosperity. Devotees believe that worshipping her removes obstacles and ensures well-being. The Goddess is associated with Karthika Nakshatra, and auspicious days connected to this star attract many devotees.
The temple features traditional Kerala-style architecture. The main sanctum, or Sreekovil, is square-shaped with a tiled roof. The Nalambalam, or inner courtyard, surrounds the sanctum and houses shrines for sub-deities. The temple is primarily constructed with wood and laterite stones. The layout emphasizes simplicity and spiritual focus, typical of ancient Bhagavathi temples in Kerala.
Sree Mangaleswary Devi Temple has long been a spiritual center for Edava. Historically, it functioned as a Grama Devata shrine, offering protection and blessings to the village. Generations of devotees have visited seeking safety, prosperity, and relief from hardships. The temple has preserved its traditional rituals and continues to be an important religious site in the region.
Local legend states that the area was once a dense forest, and villagers faced disturbances and misfortunes. A devotee had a divine vision of Goddess Bhadrakali, instructing the installation of her idol at this spot. After the consecration, the village experienced peace and prosperity. The Goddess is worshipped as Mangaleswary, meaning “the one who brings auspiciousness,” and is believed to protect devotees from negative forces and bring welfare to the community.
The temple celebrates Navaratri, a nine-day festival dedicated to the Goddess with daily poojas and rituals. The main annual festival is Karthika Thirunal Mahotsavam, observed during Karthika Nakshatra in the Malayalam month of Kumbham, lasting ten days. The festival includes Ghosayathra and Ezhunnallathu processions and traditional ceremonies, attracting devotees from surrounding areas.
