Kalliyankattu Neeli is a malevolent spirit (Yakshi) who appears in Kerala folk songs, Villadichan songs and folk tales of Travancore.[1][2] Neeli also appears in Marthandavarma, CV Raman Pillai's historical novel.

Before being a malevolent spirit, Neeli had been born as Alli, the daughter of Karveni Amma, a Devadasi, who lived in the land of Pakhakannur in the early ninth century with a fierce appearance. Her hair reached her knees, complementing her wide eyes and mesmerizing beauty.[1] She fell in love with and married the priest of the local Shiva temple,... See more

Neeli is worshiped as a mother goddess in a temple in Panchavankaadu.[1][3]