Padiyanoor Sree Chamundi Devi Temple, Poovachal

Padiyanoor Sree Chamundi Devi Temple, also called Padiyanoor Devi Temple, is an old shrine at Poovachal, about 30 km from Thiruvananthapuram city. Its presiding goddess is Chamundi, regarded as a fierce form of Kali, and smaller shrines honour Yakshiyamma, Ganapati, Thampuran, Yogeshwara, the serpent deities and Brahmarakshas.

The main festival is Makam Thozhal, held over three days in Meenam (March–April). The year also brings Karthika Deepa, the Mandala Vratham linked to the Sabarimala season, Pooja Vaypu with Saraswathy Pooja and Vidyarambham, Ayilya Pooja with milk and flowers for the serpent god, an Aiswarya Pooja on every full moon, and Vishu Kani darshan on the first of Medam. Kattakada is the closest bus station; from Mulammoodu junction in Poovachal a right turn via Kurakonam leads to the temple.