Manju Vellayani

Manju Vellayani is a journalist, poet cum songwriter who was born and brought up in Trivandrum, Kerala. Manju’s parents are Somanathan and Rajamma. He is married to Ambili Manchu. They have a son, Sravan Vellayani. Manju completed his schooling at Vellayani MNLPS, Shanthivila UPS, and Nemom Victory School. He graduated from Kerala University. He started his career at Kerala Kaumudi Daily. He worked as the news editor at Kerala Kaimudi channel.

His first poetry collection was released at the Government Arts College, Trivandrum. Some of his poetry collections are Pranayasaayanthanam, Mahal, Kettapaathi, Paalam Kadakkumbol, Ottamarakkattile Seetha, Naale Ee Neram, and Raykkuraamaanam. Some of his travelogues include Himavaan Swantham Ganga, Himagiri Nandanam, Maanasakailasam, and Daivadashakam Europiloode.

Some of his other writing works include Madhu Pooja, which speaks about Vellaayani temple; Shivamaanasapooja; Shreebhadraamrutham; Mahaadevee Bhagavatham in his own narration; Shreegaruda Puraanam in his own narration; Haalaasya Mahaathmaathyam in his own narration; and Karayunna Shamkhukal, which is written based on his experience.

Manju was honoured with various awards, including awards from Thunchan Smaaraka Samithi, Aashaan Academy, and Granthasree. With the sale proceeds of his book, Madhu Pooja, he donated half of the proceeds to the Madhu Pooja trust, which is used for children’s education. Besides writing various books and being the news editor, he also penned the lyrics for various TV Series and movies.

In 2025, he narrated the devotional stories for the album, Navaraathri Maahaathmyam. He also penned the lyrics for the devotional song, Ithramathram, crooned by Radhika Gopan.