The temple situated at Kochalummoodu Pandalam Rd, Vettiyar, Mavelikara in Alappuzha district. Vettiyar, as we see now, was a small neighbouring agrarian village of Chunakkara during the past. There was a story behind the development of this name. Agriculture was the prime occupation of the people of Vettiyar then. Once there occured a severe drought which ruined all hopes of villagers. They tried all the ways possible to overcome this naturnal calamity. But their efforts were in vain. Finally the hard working people of this village united together for a common cause. They decided to let the river Achankovil flow through this village converting its natural flow through Pandanad. This made the land more fertile than ever before as the conversion made possible the vailability of water inplents. It is believed that the digging of new flow path of Achankovil river through this village gave the village this name “Vettiyar’’.
It was believed that Brahmins and kings of Northern Kerala emigrated to South during the last decades of 19th Century. Most of them made Pandalam as their headquarters and settled around it. A family so migrated believed to have settled at Vettiyar. They established their Kingdom in all parts of Vettiyar except western part. They built a huge fort at the Southern side of village and made it their head quarters. Many soldiers were appointed to guard this fort. The king and followers stayed in side the fort. This place was later known as “Kottamala’’. The ruins and remains of this fort and palace still alive there. There was a great bath house inside the fort. This bath house is known as Elvanthikulam. It lies at the eastern part of Kottamala. The interesting thing about the Bathhouse (pond) is that no droguht could dry it. It remains with full of water every seasons.
As they were leading a peaceful life, there aroused conflicts between the emigrated family who were settled in Kottamala and land lords of this village. Later it developed like a war. The King and the family found themselves impossible to stay here more. They were forced to flee the land leaving all their belongings and wealth here except the idol of their worthshipping goddess (paradevada). Later they settled down at Chenneerkkara and built a miraculous palace there. A temple was built confronting with Thevarappura for the Goddes and the idol was installed in it and was worshipped. During this period the people of Vettiyar witnessed a variety of calamities. They felt sure that allthese were due to their cruelties towards the driven king and family and the king might have cursed them. So they sent somebody to pray mercy for the king. But the result was disappointing. The king cursed them once agaia. A team of landlords and ruling class met the king once againe to beg the pardron of the King. This time the king was so pleased and forgave the ill deeds of Land lords. The king became gratified. and invoked the deity he workshipped in the temple to an idol and presented it to the pramanies (Leaders) saying “The more you workship and pray her the more you prosper and develop and viceversa. The chiefs returned with Devi's, idol and worskshipped it settling at different places during their way back to home. Finally it was installed at Puthoorkavu and rituals given. Later it was taken and installed in a charming and sculptural srikovil and chuttambalam built near the Yakshi temple of Vettiyar and is being worshipped with daily rituals and prayings. It is the legand and history of Palliyarakavu Devi Temple.
Pathamudaya festival
Pathamudaya festivalPathamudaya festival is being celebrated on 10 th of Medum every year. It is led by NSS Karayoga Samyuktha Samithi and concerned seven NSS Karayogams. Seven Kettukuthiras, A variety of Art forms presented by Haindava Samajam and Yuvajana Samajam, a charming art from of Nandikesa presented by Haindava Samithi, and a large number of arts froms and Kettukalas as offering by devotees are the major attractions of festival. Above all, the most important and glorious function is the Devi’s Ezhunnaallathu at the evening. Devi (Amma) comes out of Sreekovil to see her affectionate children and devotees and their beautifully decorated “Kettukazhachas’’ submitted. It is very special and everlasting experience to every one to see Devi comes directly towards her lakhs of disciples and devotees praying together for her blessings, the offerings in the form of Kettukazcha presented by her lovely pupils and Devi’s pourings of blessing towards the affectionate mass. Devi comes near to each and every Kettukazhcha and then goes to bring her father Kandakalankavu Devan to see and enjoy the festival. Devi returns with her father and they together enjoy the playing of Kettukazhcha sitting on the Thirumuttom (Temple premises). Later she comes back to Sreekovil and Deeparadhana is offered. Later at night Devi comes again to enjoy Kalamezhuthum Pattu, Velakali, vilakku and receives Valiyakaanikka and Kaineettapara at the eastern threshold. The temple remains closed after Gurusi in the outer pond is performed. These are the customs and conventions of festival.
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