Neeli

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

Marthandavarma (Malayalam: മാർത്താണ്ഡവർമ്മ, Māṟttāṇḍavaṟmma [mɑːṟt̪t̪ɑːɳɖaʋaṟmma]) is a historical romance novel by C. V. Raman Pillai published in 1891. Taking place between 1727 and 1732 (Kollavarsham 901–906), the story follows three protagonists (Ananthapadmanabhan, Subhadra, and Mangoikkal Kuruppu) as they try to protect Marthanda Varma's... See more

The story of Neeli narrated in the novel portrays Neeli as a victim of patriarchy. Her reaction to the Brahmin can be seen as an avenge to the suppressing masculinity. It has also been mentioned that Neeli did not attack the Brahmin alone. She continued attacking people, especially men who fell for her lustful smile.

This novel is the first historical novel published in Malayalam language and in south India.

This duality of enchanting appearance and deadly intent has made her a central figure in the archetype of the Yakshi, embodying both fascination and fear.

she was feared for her bloodlust, as she and her brother Neelan were said to drink the blood of livestock during their nocturnal hunts.

Cannankara Velayudhan Raman Pillai (19 May 1858 – 21 March 1922), also known as C. V. , was one of the major Indian novelists and playwrights and a pioneering playwright and novelist of Malayalam literature. He was known for his historical novels such as Marthandavarma , Dharmaraja and Ramaraja Bahadur ; the last mentioned considered by many as one... See more

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