Famous Temples of Kerala
THE CHULIYAR BHAGAVATHY TEMPLE, KANHANGAD
The Chuliyar Bhagavathy Temple here is a popular place of worship. ‘Thirayattu Utsavam’ of this temple acquires special significance because of the different types of Theyyam performances.
THE LAKE TEMPLE AT ANANTHAPURA
Ananthapura, 12 km north-east of Kasargod town, is known for its lake temple. This holy temple is believed to be the original seat (‘moolasthanam’) of Anantha Padmanabha of Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple at Thiruvananthapuram
THE MAHAGANAPATHY TEMPLE AT MADHUR
The Mahaganapathy Temple at Madhur near Kasaragod is a well- known place of worship. This temple has some unique style of architecture.
THIRUCHAMBARAM VISHNU TEMPLE AT THALIPARAMBU
Thaliparambu, about 20 km north-east of Kannur, is famous for its Thiruchambaram Vishnu Temple dedicated to Lord Maha Vishnu. This temple, which dates back to the 10th century, is an example of medieval temple architecture.
SRI MUTHAPPAN TEMPLE AT PARASSINIKADAVU
Parassinikadavu on the banks of the river Valapattanam, is 18 km away from Kannur. The place has become famous for its Sri Muthappan Temple
The presiding deity of this popular temple is Muthappan, the reincarnation of Lord Shiva. This is the only temple in the state where Theyyam, the ritual dance form of Kerala, is performed daily. Another distinguishing feature of the temple is its unusual ritual of offering fish and toddy to the deity. Kathakali is also performed at the temple by the Kathakali Club on request.
THE GLASS TEMPLE AT KOTTAMUNDA
Kottamunda is on the slope of Vellarimala 20 km from Kalpetta, the Headquarters of Wayanad district. The place acquires significance because of the Glass Temple here. The temple is dedicated to Parswanatha Swami, the third Thirthankara of the Jain Faith. The mirrors inside the temple walls, reflect thousands of beautiful image patterns of the icons in the temple sanctum sanctorum
THE MAHAVISHNU TEMPLE AT THIRUNELLI
Thirunelli is a beautiful spot 42 km from Mananthavadi in Waynad district. Here, the panoramic view of the Brahmagiri hills offers an idyllic charm to the enchanting nature around. Thirunelli is not only a beautiful spot but also famous for the Maha Vishnu Temple here. It is popularly known as the ‘Kasi of the South’. It is also believed that the idol of Vishnu in the temple was installed by Brahma himself. Waters in the Papanasini river here is said to have mystical powers. It is believed that bathing in the river will wash away one’s sins.
SRI MAHAGANAPATHY TEMPLE AT THIRUVANGOOR
Thiruvangoor in Kozhikode district is famous for the Sree Mahaganapathy Temple, dedicated to Lord Ganapathy. The annual festival ‘Sivaratri Utsavam’ here lasts for two days. Cultural and ritual art forms Kerala are performed all nights during the festival. The ritual festival Theyyam is performed on the second day. It is watched by a large gathering of devotees who in the end receive ‘blessings in person’ from the ‘Theyyam’.
THE NAVAMUKUNDA TEMPLE, TIRUNAVAI, TIRUR
‘Thunchan Parambu’, the birth place of Thunchath Ezhuthachan is in Tirur. Tirunavai, 8 km south of Tirur, is a place of historical and religious significance. The Sarvodayamela is held here every year in January at the Navamukunda Temple. This temple, which is called the Benares of the South, is believed to have been founded by nine great saints. The popular Mamamkam festival used to be held here every 12 years. In the olden days there was a grand assembly for rulers of Kerala. This festival is said to have been started by Cheraman Perumal and the last performance was in 1755.
PUNARJANI GUHA
The Punarjani Guha, in Palakkad district, is a natural tunnel 15 meters long in the rocky cliff. It is situated 2 km from the Thiruvilwamala Temple. The chief presiding diety is Sri Rama. The idol is believed to be ‘swayamboo’ ie. born on its own. It is believed that by performing ‘noozhal’ or crawling through the tunnel from one end to the other will wash away all of one’s sins and thus attain rebirth. Only men are allowed to do the ‘noozhal’ and women can only visit the cave. This ritual is practised only one day in a year on Guruvayur Ekadashi.
SREE KRISHNA TEMPLE AT GURUVAYUR
Guruvayur, 33km north-west of Thrissur, is one of the most famous religious centres in South India and one of the most important pilgrim centres in India. It is also known as the Dwaraka of the south. The temple which dates back to the 16th century, is dedicated to Lord Krishna who is known as Guruvayurappan here. Legend has it that the temple was created by Guru, the preceptor of the Devas and Vayu, the Lord of the winds. The idol is said to have been worshipped by Lord Bramah himself at Dwaraka. It is at this temple Melpathur Narayana Bhattathiri composed his well- known Sanskrit devotional song, ‘Narayaneeyam’. Thousands of devotees flock here every day with offerings of different kinds to appease ‘Guruvayurappan’ for his blessings.
VADAKKUNNATHAN TEMPLE, THRISSUR
vadakkunnathan_temple.jpg (18032 bytes)The Vadakkunnathan Temple at Thrissur is one of the famous temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the largest temples in Kerala. Adi Sankaracharya is supposed to have spent his last days in this temple. This temple is a classic example of the Kerala style of architecture. The shrines and the Koothambalam (Temple theatre), display exquisite vignettes carved in wood. Legend says that this temple was built by Parasurama. This temple is famous for its April/May Pooram Festival, which includes colourful and magnificent processions, brightly decorated elephants, fireworks etc.
Other attractions in Thrissur town are the Zoo, State Museum, Archaeological Museum, Our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral, Puthenpalli Church etc.
KALADY
Kalady is the birth place of Adi Sankara. This pilgrim centre, situated on the banks of the river Periyar, is 45 km from Ernakulam. There are two shrines in memory of Adi Sankaracharya –one dedicated to Adi Sankara as Dakshinamurthy and the other to Goddess Sharada maintained by Sringeri Mutt. There is also an ancient Shri Krishna Temple and another temple known as the International Temple, built with hope that it would ultimately become a temple for all religions and an abode of peace.
SRI VALLABHA TEMPLE AT THIRUVALLA
It is a famous place of worship. This temple is 35 km south of Kottayam on the rail /road between Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam. This temple is famous for the traditional KATHAKALI performances almost every night of the year.
VAIKKOM
Vaikkom, 40 km away from Kottayam, is historically a famous town situated on the eastern bank of the expansive Vembanad lake. It was once the capital of the erstwhile kingdom of Vadakkumkur. The ancient Mahadeva Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva here has carried its name far and near. The Mahadeva Temple at Vaikkom is a sacred place of worship. According to legend, It was constructed by Parasurama, the mythological creator of Kerala. The 12 day ‘Ashtami’ festival here (November/December) is renowned for its elephant processions, religious discourses, and traditional dance and music perform
LORD SHIVA TEMPLE AT ETTUMANUR
This ancient temple, which is 17 km away from Kottayam, is a famous place of worship. There are mural paintings of high order and beautiful sculpture of intricate workmanship inside the temple.
THE THIRUNAKKARA MAHADEVA TEMPLE
This ancient temple in the town is a sacred place of worshipn for the Hindus. There are some wall paintings. The annual temple festival (March/April) attracts a large number of people.
DAKSHINA MOOKAMBIKA TEMPLE
This temple, which is 10 km from Kottayam on the way to Changanacherry, is a famous one dedicated to Goddess Saraswathy. The Navaratri festival here attracts quite a fascinating crowd.
AMBALAPPUZHA
ambalapuzha.gif (24694 bytes)It is a little town 14 km south of Alappuzha, famous for Sri Krishna Temple. The Ambalappuzha Palpayasom- a sweet porridge of milk, rice and sugar – offered to the diety is very popular. The annual temple festival is in March/April. The temple has also another significance. It was in this temple that the 16th century poet Kunjan Nambiar staged his first Ottan Thullal, a solo dance performance with high social content.
arthunkal.gif (25884 bytes)THE ST. ANDREW’S CHURCH AT ARTHUNKAL
It is a known pilgrim centre near Cherthala, 22 km north of Alappuzha. The St. Andrew’s Church better known as Arthunkal Church was established by the Portuguese missionaries.
SABARIMALA
This well-known pilgrim centre is in the rugged terrains of the Western Ghats. The holy shrine, situated atop the Sabarimala, is dedicated to LORD AYYAPPA. It attracts millions of pilgrims from far and near. The 5 km stretch from Pamba to the shrine can only be reached by trekking. The main pilgrimage season is November to January. For more details click here
ARANMULA
Aranmula is 10 km away from Chengannur on the Thiruvananthapuram - Kottayam route. It is a little temple town in Pathanamthitta District, surrounded by undulating green hillocks and girdled by the holy river Pampa. Its rural outskirts form part of the ‘Kozhencherry Gulf Belt’ and the modern concrete houses that one sees all around bear testimony to the affluence brought to the area by the Gulf boom. Aranmula is famed for its hand-made mirrors of polished metal called ‘Aranmula Kannadi’. Aranmula is also a popular pilgrim center with its Lord Krishna Temple and the annual snake boat races held in connection with the temple festival during August-September.
KANYAKUMARI
kanyakumari1.jpg (8903 bytes)Kanya Kumari (also known as Cape Comorin), about 90 km south of Thiruvananhapuram, is the southernmost tip of the Indian sub-continent where the Indian Ocean, the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian sea mate together. Once it had been part of the erstwhile Travancore state. After the re-organization of the states in India in 1956, it became part of the Kanyakumari district of Tamilnadu.
Kanyakumari is a very famous tourist and pilgrim centre. The famous shrine of the goddess DEVI KANYA, Gandhi Memorial, Vivekananda Memorial built on the rocky islands are tourist attractions.
The Temple at Suchinram 13 km north- west on the rail /road route from Kanya- Kumari to Thiruvananthapuram is an important place of worship. The temple with its large entrance Gopuram is quite magnificent. There are pillared Halls all around the inner Sanctum where there is the triple image of the Lords Shiva, Brahma and Vishnu. The 10-day annual chariot festival is famous.
To stay and dine: Kerala House ( run by Kerala Tourism Development Corporation), Hotel Tamil Nadu, Hotel Maadhini, Hotel Sangam etc. More information can be had from the KTDC Tourist Reception Centre near the Central Railway Station in Thiruvananthapuram. There are daily conducted tours arranged by the KTDC to places of interest.
VARKALA
It is a beautiful beach resort and pilgrim centre 40 km north of Thiruvananthapuarm. SIVAGIRI MUTT here devoted to SRI NARAYANA GURU who preached 'One caste, One religion, one God for man' is a pilgrim center for the Guru's followers. There areYOGA and MASSAGE centres offering traditional Ayurvedic and Swedish massage and Swedish Massage techniques.
SRI PADMANABHASWAMY TEMPLE
sreepadmanaba.jpg (9962 bytes)A famous pilgrimage centre and one of the major attractions in Thiruvananthapuram city. The Maharaja of Travancore built this famous temple with its seven-storey carved gopuram in the Dravidian style in 1733. There are innumerable pillars, intricate carvings and mural paintings of natural pigments. The temple is dedicated to Vishnu who reclines on the sacred serpent Ananda. The image of Vishnu is 18 feet long and a lotus grows from Vishnu’s navel and Brahma is seen in the lotus. Several arts forms like Krishnanattam, Koodiyattom, Pavakkoothu, Nokkuvidya, Velakali, Kathakali etc. thrived under the patronage of Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple.
The Chuliyar Bhagavathy Temple here is a popular place of worship. ‘Thirayattu Utsavam’ of this temple acquires special significance because of the different types of Theyyam performances.
THE LAKE TEMPLE AT ANANTHAPURA
Ananthapura, 12 km north-east of Kasargod town, is known for its lake temple. This holy temple is believed to be the original seat (‘moolasthanam’) of Anantha Padmanabha of Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple at Thiruvananthapuram
THE MAHAGANAPATHY TEMPLE AT MADHUR
The Mahaganapathy Temple at Madhur near Kasaragod is a well- known place of worship. This temple has some unique style of architecture.
THIRUCHAMBARAM VISHNU TEMPLE AT THALIPARAMBU
Thaliparambu, about 20 km north-east of Kannur, is famous for its Thiruchambaram Vishnu Temple dedicated to Lord Maha Vishnu. This temple, which dates back to the 10th century, is an example of medieval temple architecture.
SRI MUTHAPPAN TEMPLE AT PARASSINIKADAVU
Parassinikadavu on the banks of the river Valapattanam, is 18 km away from Kannur. The place has become famous for its Sri Muthappan Temple
The presiding deity of this popular temple is Muthappan, the reincarnation of Lord Shiva. This is the only temple in the state where Theyyam, the ritual dance form of Kerala, is performed daily. Another distinguishing feature of the temple is its unusual ritual of offering fish and toddy to the deity. Kathakali is also performed at the temple by the Kathakali Club on request.
THE GLASS TEMPLE AT KOTTAMUNDA
Kottamunda is on the slope of Vellarimala 20 km from Kalpetta, the Headquarters of Wayanad district. The place acquires significance because of the Glass Temple here. The temple is dedicated to Parswanatha Swami, the third Thirthankara of the Jain Faith. The mirrors inside the temple walls, reflect thousands of beautiful image patterns of the icons in the temple sanctum sanctorum
THE MAHAVISHNU TEMPLE AT THIRUNELLI
Thirunelli is a beautiful spot 42 km from Mananthavadi in Waynad district. Here, the panoramic view of the Brahmagiri hills offers an idyllic charm to the enchanting nature around. Thirunelli is not only a beautiful spot but also famous for the Maha Vishnu Temple here. It is popularly known as the ‘Kasi of the South’. It is also believed that the idol of Vishnu in the temple was installed by Brahma himself. Waters in the Papanasini river here is said to have mystical powers. It is believed that bathing in the river will wash away one’s sins.
SRI MAHAGANAPATHY TEMPLE AT THIRUVANGOOR
Thiruvangoor in Kozhikode district is famous for the Sree Mahaganapathy Temple, dedicated to Lord Ganapathy. The annual festival ‘Sivaratri Utsavam’ here lasts for two days. Cultural and ritual art forms Kerala are performed all nights during the festival. The ritual festival Theyyam is performed on the second day. It is watched by a large gathering of devotees who in the end receive ‘blessings in person’ from the ‘Theyyam’.
THE NAVAMUKUNDA TEMPLE, TIRUNAVAI, TIRUR
‘Thunchan Parambu’, the birth place of Thunchath Ezhuthachan is in Tirur. Tirunavai, 8 km south of Tirur, is a place of historical and religious significance. The Sarvodayamela is held here every year in January at the Navamukunda Temple. This temple, which is called the Benares of the South, is believed to have been founded by nine great saints. The popular Mamamkam festival used to be held here every 12 years. In the olden days there was a grand assembly for rulers of Kerala. This festival is said to have been started by Cheraman Perumal and the last performance was in 1755.
PUNARJANI GUHA
The Punarjani Guha, in Palakkad district, is a natural tunnel 15 meters long in the rocky cliff. It is situated 2 km from the Thiruvilwamala Temple. The chief presiding diety is Sri Rama. The idol is believed to be ‘swayamboo’ ie. born on its own. It is believed that by performing ‘noozhal’ or crawling through the tunnel from one end to the other will wash away all of one’s sins and thus attain rebirth. Only men are allowed to do the ‘noozhal’ and women can only visit the cave. This ritual is practised only one day in a year on Guruvayur Ekadashi.
SREE KRISHNA TEMPLE AT GURUVAYUR
Guruvayur, 33km north-west of Thrissur, is one of the most famous religious centres in South India and one of the most important pilgrim centres in India. It is also known as the Dwaraka of the south. The temple which dates back to the 16th century, is dedicated to Lord Krishna who is known as Guruvayurappan here. Legend has it that the temple was created by Guru, the preceptor of the Devas and Vayu, the Lord of the winds. The idol is said to have been worshipped by Lord Bramah himself at Dwaraka. It is at this temple Melpathur Narayana Bhattathiri composed his well- known Sanskrit devotional song, ‘Narayaneeyam’. Thousands of devotees flock here every day with offerings of different kinds to appease ‘Guruvayurappan’ for his blessings.
VADAKKUNNATHAN TEMPLE, THRISSUR
vadakkunnathan_temple.jpg (18032 bytes)The Vadakkunnathan Temple at Thrissur is one of the famous temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the largest temples in Kerala. Adi Sankaracharya is supposed to have spent his last days in this temple. This temple is a classic example of the Kerala style of architecture. The shrines and the Koothambalam (Temple theatre), display exquisite vignettes carved in wood. Legend says that this temple was built by Parasurama. This temple is famous for its April/May Pooram Festival, which includes colourful and magnificent processions, brightly decorated elephants, fireworks etc.
Other attractions in Thrissur town are the Zoo, State Museum, Archaeological Museum, Our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral, Puthenpalli Church etc.
KALADY
Kalady is the birth place of Adi Sankara. This pilgrim centre, situated on the banks of the river Periyar, is 45 km from Ernakulam. There are two shrines in memory of Adi Sankaracharya –one dedicated to Adi Sankara as Dakshinamurthy and the other to Goddess Sharada maintained by Sringeri Mutt. There is also an ancient Shri Krishna Temple and another temple known as the International Temple, built with hope that it would ultimately become a temple for all religions and an abode of peace.
SRI VALLABHA TEMPLE AT THIRUVALLA
It is a famous place of worship. This temple is 35 km south of Kottayam on the rail /road between Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam. This temple is famous for the traditional KATHAKALI performances almost every night of the year.
VAIKKOM
Vaikkom, 40 km away from Kottayam, is historically a famous town situated on the eastern bank of the expansive Vembanad lake. It was once the capital of the erstwhile kingdom of Vadakkumkur. The ancient Mahadeva Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva here has carried its name far and near. The Mahadeva Temple at Vaikkom is a sacred place of worship. According to legend, It was constructed by Parasurama, the mythological creator of Kerala. The 12 day ‘Ashtami’ festival here (November/December) is renowned for its elephant processions, religious discourses, and traditional dance and music perform
LORD SHIVA TEMPLE AT ETTUMANUR
This ancient temple, which is 17 km away from Kottayam, is a famous place of worship. There are mural paintings of high order and beautiful sculpture of intricate workmanship inside the temple.
THE THIRUNAKKARA MAHADEVA TEMPLE
This ancient temple in the town is a sacred place of worshipn for the Hindus. There are some wall paintings. The annual temple festival (March/April) attracts a large number of people.
DAKSHINA MOOKAMBIKA TEMPLE
This temple, which is 10 km from Kottayam on the way to Changanacherry, is a famous one dedicated to Goddess Saraswathy. The Navaratri festival here attracts quite a fascinating crowd.
AMBALAPPUZHA
ambalapuzha.gif (24694 bytes)It is a little town 14 km south of Alappuzha, famous for Sri Krishna Temple. The Ambalappuzha Palpayasom- a sweet porridge of milk, rice and sugar – offered to the diety is very popular. The annual temple festival is in March/April. The temple has also another significance. It was in this temple that the 16th century poet Kunjan Nambiar staged his first Ottan Thullal, a solo dance performance with high social content.
arthunkal.gif (25884 bytes)THE ST. ANDREW’S CHURCH AT ARTHUNKAL
It is a known pilgrim centre near Cherthala, 22 km north of Alappuzha. The St. Andrew’s Church better known as Arthunkal Church was established by the Portuguese missionaries.
SABARIMALA
This well-known pilgrim centre is in the rugged terrains of the Western Ghats. The holy shrine, situated atop the Sabarimala, is dedicated to LORD AYYAPPA. It attracts millions of pilgrims from far and near. The 5 km stretch from Pamba to the shrine can only be reached by trekking. The main pilgrimage season is November to January. For more details click here
ARANMULA
Aranmula is 10 km away from Chengannur on the Thiruvananthapuram - Kottayam route. It is a little temple town in Pathanamthitta District, surrounded by undulating green hillocks and girdled by the holy river Pampa. Its rural outskirts form part of the ‘Kozhencherry Gulf Belt’ and the modern concrete houses that one sees all around bear testimony to the affluence brought to the area by the Gulf boom. Aranmula is famed for its hand-made mirrors of polished metal called ‘Aranmula Kannadi’. Aranmula is also a popular pilgrim center with its Lord Krishna Temple and the annual snake boat races held in connection with the temple festival during August-September.
KANYAKUMARI
kanyakumari1.jpg (8903 bytes)Kanya Kumari (also known as Cape Comorin), about 90 km south of Thiruvananhapuram, is the southernmost tip of the Indian sub-continent where the Indian Ocean, the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian sea mate together. Once it had been part of the erstwhile Travancore state. After the re-organization of the states in India in 1956, it became part of the Kanyakumari district of Tamilnadu.
Kanyakumari is a very famous tourist and pilgrim centre. The famous shrine of the goddess DEVI KANYA, Gandhi Memorial, Vivekananda Memorial built on the rocky islands are tourist attractions.
The Temple at Suchinram 13 km north- west on the rail /road route from Kanya- Kumari to Thiruvananthapuram is an important place of worship. The temple with its large entrance Gopuram is quite magnificent. There are pillared Halls all around the inner Sanctum where there is the triple image of the Lords Shiva, Brahma and Vishnu. The 10-day annual chariot festival is famous.
To stay and dine: Kerala House ( run by Kerala Tourism Development Corporation), Hotel Tamil Nadu, Hotel Maadhini, Hotel Sangam etc. More information can be had from the KTDC Tourist Reception Centre near the Central Railway Station in Thiruvananthapuram. There are daily conducted tours arranged by the KTDC to places of interest.
VARKALA
It is a beautiful beach resort and pilgrim centre 40 km north of Thiruvananthapuarm. SIVAGIRI MUTT here devoted to SRI NARAYANA GURU who preached 'One caste, One religion, one God for man' is a pilgrim center for the Guru's followers. There areYOGA and MASSAGE centres offering traditional Ayurvedic and Swedish massage and Swedish Massage techniques.
SRI PADMANABHASWAMY TEMPLE
sreepadmanaba.jpg (9962 bytes)A famous pilgrimage centre and one of the major attractions in Thiruvananthapuram city. The Maharaja of Travancore built this famous temple with its seven-storey carved gopuram in the Dravidian style in 1733. There are innumerable pillars, intricate carvings and mural paintings of natural pigments. The temple is dedicated to Vishnu who reclines on the sacred serpent Ananda. The image of Vishnu is 18 feet long and a lotus grows from Vishnu’s navel and Brahma is seen in the lotus. Several arts forms like Krishnanattam, Koodiyattom, Pavakkoothu, Nokkuvidya, Velakali, Kathakali etc. thrived under the patronage of Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple.