Kallisseri Azhakiyakavu Devi Temple, Chengannur

Azhakiyakavu Devi Temple stands on the bank of the Pamba at Kallisseri in Chengannur taluk, Alappuzha district, about 4 km from Chengannur's railway station and bus stand. It is dedicated to Bhadrakali, whose wooden idol has four hands and is seated on a vethalam, with Karimkali, Yakshiamma, Rakshassu and serpent deities as sub-deities. A committee elected from four surrounding karas runs the temple, and each kara has its own snake boat for the Aranmula and other Onam races.

It is one of 30 temples in Central Travancore where the ritual art of Padayani is staged every year. The festival lasts eight days in Kumbham, from Uthradam to Aswathy, and includes Kakkasassi Natakam and Pooppada Thullal, but its heart is Kolam Thullal. Masks of Bhairavi, Kalan and the Yakshis are painted with natural dyes on areca palm sheaths, and dancers wear them with matching breastplates, moving to songs and the beat of the thappu drum.