KERALA TEMPLES

Aaranmula Temple

Location: Aranmula Near Thiruvananthapuram.
Main Attraction: Parthasarathy, Lord Krishna.
Formerly Known As: Snake Boat Races.

Parthasarthy temple, dedicated to Parthasarathi or Lord Krishna is said to date back to the days of the Mahabharata. The Vaishnavite Alwar Saints have sung its glory.

A famous pilgrim place for Hindus, the temple is in Chengannor on the Thiruvananthapuram - Kottayam route. This temple is also associated with water sports involving snake boats.

A major attraction is the snake boat races held as part of the festival in August/September. Aranmula is famed for its hand-made mirrors of polished metal called the "Aranmula Kannadi".

Ambalapuzha Temple (Sreekrishna Temple)

Location: Ambalapuzha near 8 miles south of Alappuzha, Kerala.
Main Attraction: An Image Of Buddha At Karumadi.

This temple is famous throughout Kerala for the milk porridge, 'Palpayasam' served here. At Karumadi, near by, is an image of the Buddha, a relic of the times when Buddhism flourished in the State.

It is also in this temple that 'Pallipana' is performed by 'Velans' (sorcerers) once in twelve years. Human sacrifice was conducted in ancient times. However, cocks have now replaced humans on the sacrificial altar.

Neighbouring Alleppey, with its beautiful backwaters and canals has a water carnival and Regatta conducted every year as part of the Independence Day celebrations.

Ananthapadmanabhaswamy Temple

Location: Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
Founded By: Raja Marthanda Varma.
Deity: Lord Vishnu.

Sree Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple, the temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is an awe-inspiring structure that has a 100 feet high 'gopuram', built in Dravidian style.

City's historical landmark, the structure of the main building is a blend of the Kerala and Dravidian styles of architecture.

The temple, known for the Mural paintings and stone carvings is one among the 108 temples dedicated to Vishnu in India. A magnificent array of gods, goddesses, nymphs, sprites and demons adorn the seven-storey 'gopuram' that forms the temple tower.

Lord Vishnu, the presiding deity, reclines in the posture of 'Ananthashayanam' on the coiled serpent 'Anantha'. The temple is a proud specimen of South Indian and Dravidian architectural styles.

Renovated in 1733 AD by the then ruler of Travancore, Raja Marthanda Varma, this holy shrine attracts thousands of Hindu devotees. There are innumerable pillars, intricate carvings and Mural paintings.

Outside the temple courtyard, there is a medley of shops that sell souvenirs, handicrafts, woodcarvings and handiwork of sandal. One can witness the craftsmen do their work right from carving the wood to polishing.

In the October/November months of every year, there is held the Navarathri Festival of musical concerts at the Navarathri Mandapam, adjacent to the main building of the temple. Only Hindus are allowed inside and dress regulations are strictly followed.

Ananthapura Lake Temple

Location: 30 km from Bekal, Kerala.
Main Attraction: Only Lake Temple In Kerala.

Ananthapura Lake Temple located at a distance of 30kms from Bekal in the Kasargod district, is the only lake temple in Kerala.

The beautigul lake temple is regarded as the 'Moolasthanam' (original seat) of Anathapadmanabha, the diety of Padmanabhaswamy temple, Thiruvananthapuram.

The presiding of the temple is Lord Vishnu seated on the serpent god, Adishesha. The temple is open to all visitors irrespective of caste, creed, and colour.

The temple is situated in the centre of the Ananthapura Lake, on a remote rocky hill in a calm isolated region. The temple affords a bird's eye view of the green landscape around. It is believed by the local people that there is a lone crocodile living in the lake.
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The shrine is encircled by a 'Chuttambalam' (an enclosed verandah running around the building), its walls are adorned by murals and there is a cave within that opens out to a small pond where the water level remains steady regardless of climatic changes.

Chottanikkara Temple

Location: Near Ernakulam, Kerala.
Deity: Goddess Bhagvathi.
Main Attraction: The image in the shrine is not fixed to the ground and is mounted on loose sand. Water offered during ablution ceremonies percolates underground.
Timings: The temple is kept open from 5:30 in the morning and stays so till 12:00 in the noon.The temple usually remains closed during the noon hours, and reopens in the evening at 4:00 p.m.
The temple closes in the night after the last pujas are performed by 8:00.

Chottanikkara temple, located near Ernakulam enshrines Bhagawati - the mother Goddess, one of the most popular deities in Kerala.

Enroute is the Poornatrayesa temple at Tripunittura. The Devi is worshipped along with Lord Vishnu. Together, they are known as Lakshminarayana.

People who have mental illness seek refuge in the divine mother, who graciously cures all her devotees. Goddess Rajarajeswari is the presiding deity.

This deity is worshipped in three different forms - as Saraswati in the morning - draped in white, as Bhadrakali at noon draped in crimson, and as Durga in the evening decked in blue.

Ettumanoor Temple

Location: 12 Kms North Of Kottayam Town, Kerala.
Deity: Lord Shiva.
Origin: 16 th Century.
Main Attraction: Mural Art Centre.

The temple, a specimen of the indigenous Kerala style of architecture, attracts many Hindu devotees from all over the state.The copper plated conical roof of the central shrine, is in itself a majestic structure.

The shrine is inlaid with beautiful carvings of scenes from the Ramayana, Bhagavatha and Krishna Leela. The temple is also endowed with an exquisite collection of Mural paintings and sculptures, depicting scenes from the Hindu mythology.

The Mural Art Centre, near the temple is preserved by the Archaeological Department of the state. The ten-day annual festival, 'Ezharaponnaana Ezhunallathu' falls in February/ March. The last day 'Arathi' falls on the day of Thiruvathira.

Ganapathy Temple

Location: Kottarakkara, Kerala
Deities: Lord Ganesha.

Ganapathi Temple is the birth place of Kathakali (an ancient and major art form of Kerala).

Kottarakkara is very well connected to the other cities by rail and road. The nearest airport is at Thiruvananthapuram.

Guruvayoor Temple

Location: 29 Kms North-West Of Thrissur, Kerala

Guruvayoor, where the famous Sree Krishna Temple is situated, is one of the most sacred and important pilgrim centres of kerala.

The walls of the sanctum sanctorum are inlaid with exquisite mural paintings and carvings.

In Kerala, this is probably the only temple that hosts the maximum number of marriages and rice feeding ceremonies (the ritual first meal for infants).

It was also the hub of the 'Guruvayoor Sathyagraha' , a historic movement demanding temple entry rights for the 'so called' lower castes.
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The historic temple is shrouded in mystery. According to local belief, the temple was created by 'Guru', the 'preceptor of the gods' and 'Vayu', the 'god of winds'. The eastern 'nada' is the main entrance to the shrine.

In the 'Chuttambalam' (outer enclosure) is a 33.5-m tall gold-plated 'Dwajastambham' (flagpost). There is also a 7 m high 'Deepastambham' (pillar of lamps), whose thirteen circular receptacles provide a truly brillant spectacle, when lit.

The square 'Sreekovil' is the sacred sanctum sanctorum of the temple, housing the main deity. Within the temple, there are also the images of Ganapathy, Sree Ayyappa and Edathedathy Kavil Bhagavathy. Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple.

Punnathoorkotta, which is at a distance of 2 kms from Guruvayoor is home of 50 temple elephants, offers unusual spectacles of the gentle pachyderm.

Kalpathy Temple

Location: 3kms From Palakkad.

The Vishwanatha Swamy shrine, the oldest Shiva temple is situated 3 kms from Palakkad. The annual chariot temple is a gala event. The annual 'Ratholsavam' or Chariot Festival at Sree Viswanantha Swamy temple lasts for seven days.

On the last three days, beautifully decorated temple chariots are ceremoniously drawn through the streets by thousands of devotees whose soul stirring chants rent the air.

The festival is dominated by three magnificent chariots, bedecked with flowers and flags, each sanctified by the presence of the lord.

Teeming crowds of people and millions of hands try to reach out to be one of the privileged to have the honour of pulling the chariots, as they proceed in stately grandeur.

Koodalmanikyam Temple

Location: 21 kms from Thrissur, Kerala
Deity: Bharatha, Brother Of Lord Rama

Koodalmanikyam Temple is the only temple in India dedicated to Bharatha, who, according to mythology, was the brother of Lord Rama.

This ancient temple with a unique deity hosts a colorful eleven-day annual festival with a display of twelve caparisoned elephants. Falling in April/May, this festival marks the end of Hindu festival season in Kerala.

Festival is held for all days in Medom (April-May) from Utram to Thiruvonam asterisms, the flag hoisting being on the Utram day. Procession accompanied by caparisoned elephants is the special features of the festival.

Kulathupuzha Temple

Location: Thiruvananthapuram - Shenkotta Road, Kerala
Main Attraction: Sastha
By Rail: The Thenmala railway station is just 10 km from here.
By Road: There are frequent buses from Kollam to Kulathupuzha.

Kulathupuzha Temple is situated on a forest range on the Thiruvananthapuram - Shenkotta road, Kulathupuzha is known for the Sastha temple.

The Vishu Mahotsavam celebrated in April/May is the most important festival. Pilgrims flock to the shrine during the Vishu Mahotsav, celebrated with much pomp.

Lokanarkavu Temple

Location: 5 Kms From Vadakara, Kerala.
Main Attraction: Goddess Bhagvathy, The Mural Paintings and Carvings on the Temple Walls.

The Lokanarkavu Bhagavathi Temple is a temple frequently alluded to in the Northern Ballads or the Vadakkanpattu of Kerala.

The main deity is Goddess Durga, with two adjacent shrines dedicated to Vishnu and Siva.

The three rock cut caves in the temple premises are artfully engraved with beautiful carvings and fascinating murals.

The candid murals and carvings here are a delight to art lovers. The main temple, according to legend, is more than 1500 years old.

The annual festival called 'Lokanarkavu Festival' is celebrated in March / April. Situated on the right bank of Kuttiyadi river, Vadakara has a historical fort which is now in ruins.

This temple, associated with the heroes and heroines of the Vadakkanpattu combines an arresting simplicity and a legendary aura.

Mangla Devi Temple

Location: 15 km from Thekkady, Kerala
Altitude: 1337 m Above Sea Level
Unique Features: Traditional Kerala Architecture

Mangala devi temple, the ancient temple is located 15 kms from Thekkady. It lies hidden in the dense woods at the top of a peak 1337 m above sea level.

The temple is built in the traditional Kerala style of architecture. Visitors are allowed here only on the Chithra Pournami festival day.

The peak commands a panoramic view of the eastern slopes of the ghats and some hill villages of Tamil Nadu. Permission to visit the area can be obtained from the Wildlife Warden, Thekkady.

Mannarshala Temple

Location: 32 Kms South Of Alappuzha, Kerala
Speciality:Rites Presided Over By Priestess

Mannarshala covers an area of 16 acres of dense green forest grove devoted to serpent worship. The temple here is unique in that the holy rites are presided over by a priestess.

The grove is dotted with the granite idols of serpents. There are 2 main idols: 'Nagaraja' or the serpent king and his consort, Sarpayakshini.

The priestess lives in the 'Illam' on the north side of the temple. 'Uruli Kamazhthal' or the placing of a bell metal vessel upside down in front of the deity is the most popular offering believed to restore fertility to childless couples.

Mannarshala temple at Harippad is reputed for having 30,000 images of snake-gods and this is the largest of its kind in the state.

On the day of 'Ayilliam' asterism in the Malayalam months of Kanni and Thulam (September and October), all the serpent idols in the grove and the temple are taken in procession to illam ( the house connected with the temple) where 'Nurum Palum' (rice flour and milk), 'Kuruthi' (a red liquid made of turmeric and lime), offerings are made.

The procession is conducted with great pomp and gaiety in which the oldest female member of the family carries the Nagaraja idol. During the festival days, thousands throng the temple to worship the hooded gods.

The offerings include coins and snake effigies made of gold, silver and copper, grains of all kinds, pepper, tender coconuts, plantains, melons and sandalwood.

Oachira Temple

Location: 34 Kms North Of Kollam Town, Kerala

Oachira is unique place of worship with neither a structure to house an idol nor an idol around which temples are usually built.

The presiding deity at this sanctum-sanctorum is the abstract principle of the 'Parabrahmam' or the 'Divine Omnipresence' or 'Universal Conciousness'.

The main events at the temple, 'Oachirakkali' festival falls in mid-June, while the 'Panthranduvilakku' or the twelve-day festival of lights gets underway in November/ December.

'Ochirakkali' is a mock fight enacted between groups of men dressed as warriors in the 'padanilam' (fighting arena).

They perform a martial dance standing in knee-deep water, brandishing swords and shields, and splashing water every direction.

Pundareekapuram Temple

Location: Near Thalayolaparambu on the kottayam-Vaikom route, Kerala

Pundareekapuram is a small temple atop a small hill called Midayikunnam near Thalayolapparambu, in Kottayam District.

The temple is dedicated to the Lord Vishnu mounted on his vehicle Garuda.The temple at Pundareekapuram is famous for its Mural Collection.

Considered to be amongst the best in Kerala, the sanctum sanctorum of the temple is decorated with the murals depicting scenes from the Hindu epics and puranas.

The Mural Paintings depict the frolics of Krishna and other scenes from Hindu epics.

Sivagiri Temple

Location: At Varkala, 51 Kms North of Thiruvananthapuram
Founded By: Sree Narayana Guru

The 'Sivagiri Mutt' is a 'Ashram' founded by the great Hindu reformer and philosopher, Sree Naravana Guru.

Even decades after the Guru breathed his last here in 1928 AD, his 'Samadhi' (restling place) continues to be thronged by thousands every year. The 'Sivagiri Pilgrimage' is conducted between December 30 and January 1.

The Mutt is also the headquarter of the 'Sree Narayana Dharma Sangham', a religious organisation established by the Guru to propagate his concept of 'One Caste, One Religion, One God'. The Sarada Temple and Sivagiri Mutt set in picturesque hill of Sivagiri near Varkala have now become a place of pilgrimage with great fanfare.

Colourful processions, debates and seminars, public meetings, cultural shows, community feasts, group wedding, rituals all mark the celebrations in Sivagiri hills.

Sree Narayana Guru was one of the greatest social reformers of India and a contemporary of Mahatma Gandhi. His call for equality among people found a great following.

His teachings have had a profound effect on the caste-ridden society of Kerala and helped the state achieve great social progress when compared to the other states of India. Founded many ashrams, the most important being at Sivagiri near Kollam.

Thirunavaya Temple

Location: Near Ponnani, Kerala
Deity: Lord Vishnu

Thiruvanaya Navamukunda Temple, near Ponnani in Malappuram district is situated on the banks of the river Bharathapuzha.

Holding immense historical importance, this is the place where 'Mamangam', a grand assembly of the rulers of Kerala was held here once every 12 years, in olden times.

This extravagant festival was held for the last time in 1755 AD. Today, Thirunavaya temple is also a famous pilgrim centre.
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The ten-day annual festival at the Thirunavaya Navamukunda Temple, dedicated to Navamukunda (Lord Vishnu), begins with Kodiyettam and concludes with Arattu. The last three days are the most auspicious.

Classical art forms like Krishnanattom, Kathakali, Mohiniyattam etc., are performed during the festival nights.

Thirunelli Temple

Location: 30 Kms North-East Of Mananthavadi, Kerala
Deity: Lord Vishnu
Main Attraction: The Koothambalam

Located 30 kms north west of Mananthavadi in the Wayanad district, Thirunelli Temple is known as the "Kashi of South". Tucked away in the Brahmagiri Hills, Thirunelli Temple is encircled by the gurgling River Papanasini.

Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple is an architectural marvel with 30 granite pieces supporting the shrine and the floor paved with huge square granite blocks.

The 'Koothambalam' here is one of the best in the State and rare paintings adorn the temple walls. Papanasini, the holy mountain spring believed to have divine cleansing powers to absolve the soul of all its sins is situated nearby.

Thiruvalla Temple

Location: 2 Kms From Thiruvalla Town, Kerala
Deity: Lord Vishnu.

Thiruvalla temple is one of the largest temples of Kerala and a fine specimen of its traditional style of temple architecture. The temple has many shrines though it is mainly dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

The 50- feet high flag post is of granite. An idol of garuda, vehicle of Lord Vishnu, is fixed atop the flag post.

A unique attraction of this temple is the Kathakali performance staged every evening, as ritual offering. It is believed that Vishnu, the principal deity, watches the performance from his abode.

Ladies are allowed entry to the sanctum sanctorum only on two days; 'Vishu' and 'Thiruvathira'. Annual festival, 'Uthraseeveli' is celebrated on the 'Makayiram' asterism in 'Meenam' (March - April).

Apart from the religious ceremonies, cultural programmes are also held.

Thrikovu Shiva Temple

Location: Cochin, Kochi, Kerala
Year of Construction: 15th century
Timings: 05:00am to 10:00am and 05:00pm to 08:00pm.

Lord Mahadeva Shiva temple of Kumbalam is famous, albeit locally for its uniqueness of having two Shiva idols at the same sanctum - sanctorum - One is SWAYAMBU SHIVA and the other one is installed with ceremonial rituals by Rishi PARASURAMAN. The temple is more than 600 years old. Lord MAHADEVAN of this temple is believed as the protector of Kumbalam village

Thriprayar Temple

Location: South Of Thrissur, Kerala
Main Attraction: Snake Boat Race
Deity: Bharatha, Brother Of Lord Rama.

Thriprayar Temple, located south of Thrissur is one of the important temples dedicated to Lord Rama.

The exquisite wood carvings, sculptures and Mural Paintings are an interesting sight. The temple festival is held in November / December and includes a parade of 17 elephants.

During the Onam festival in the months of August / September, there is a snake boat race. There are regular buses to Thriprayar from the Shakthan Thamburan bus stand.

Vadakkumnathan Temple

Location: Downtown Thrissur, Kerala
Deity: Lord Shiva
Speciality:One of the oldest temples in Kerala

Vadukkumnnatha is a prominent Shiva temple, in downtown Thrissur, Kerala.

This is one of Kerala's most ancient shrines, which also houses a museum of ancient wall paintings, wood carvings and art pieces of immense historical value.

The 'Pooram' festival, falling in April/ May, attracts devotees and tourists from all over the world.

It is a spectacular event, combining the majestic elephant pageantry with the frenzied playing of drums and cymbals and rounded off with a fireworks extravaganza.

Vaikom Temple

Location: Kottayam, Kerala.

Parasurama, the mythical founder of Kerala, is said to have built a temple here dedicated to Lord Shiva.

The twelve-day festival of the temple falls in November -December, and is celebrated with classical dance and music performances.

Also famous is the 'Kshetra Kalapeedhom', a school devoted to temple arts.

Valliyoorkkavu Temple

Location: Wayanad, Kerala
Main Attraction: The Tribal Dances accompanied by the Percussion Instruments
Deity: Goddess Bhagavathy.
By Air: Nearest airport is at Karipur International Airport, Kozhikode about 23 km from Kozhikode.
By Rail: Nearest railway station is Kozhikode, about 106 km from Mananthavady.

Valliyoorkkavu Bhagavathy temple is located in the tribal areas of Wayanad hills at Valliyoorkavu, 3 kms from Mananthavady town in Wayanad district. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhagavathy. The annual festival - Valliyoorkavu Festival is held in March.

The dances performed by the local tribals, to the accompaniment of native percussion instruments, are a major attraction of this annual feast. The traditional ritual art of Kalamezhuthu and an array of folk art forms are also performed.