Valanjambalam Devi Temple is located in the heart of Ernakulam city, Kerala. The annual Thalappoli festival is held in Makaram month (January – February). The shrine is dedicated to Goddess Bhagavathi – Durga. The temple is also known as Perumanoor Kavu.
During the festival the temple is traditionally decorated
with plantain, coconut leaves, flowers, traditional lamps and lights.
Ezhunnallathu, or the ceremonial procession of the
temple murti atop an elephant, is the most important ritual during the
festival. This is accompanied by traditional temple music. Vilakku is an
important ritual during the annual festival.
Traditional performing arts, dance and music are staged during the festival.
The Upa Devatas worshipped in the temple are Shiva and Ganapati.
Although located in a crowded part of the city, the temple has maintained its sanctity and traditional look. Rows of lamps are fixed on the walls of chuttambalam. The temple compound also has huge peepal trees.