Famous Temples in Kerala

Kerala the Gods own Country, the southernmost state of India, has a land of legends & tales and houses several ancient as well as magnificent temples. Most of them are dedicated to Lord Shiva and Vishnu. Kerala is an ideal destination for those seeking immense spirituality in India. A spiritual tour to South India can give you the feeling of divinity, opportunity to explore great religious places, amazing architecture of the ancient temples, enriched tradition, unique festivals & rituals and glorious sculpture.

1.  Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram

Kerala the Gods own Country, the southernmost state of India, has a land of legends & tales and houses several ancient as well as magnificent temples. Most of them are dedicated to Lord Shiva and Vishnu. Kerala is an ideal destination for those seeking immense spirituality in India. A spiritual tour to South India can give you the feeling of divinity, opportunity to explore great religious places, amazing architecture of the ancient temples, enriched tradition, unique festivals & rituals and glorious sculpture One of the most famous temples in Kerala, Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is a Hindu temple situated in Thiruvananthapuram state capital of Kerala, India. Thiruvananthapuram City has got its name from the presiding deity of this temple (Anantha). The temple is built in an intricate fusion of the Chera style and the Dravidian style of architecture, featuring high walls, and a 16th-century gopura. The temple is dedicated to Hindu God Vishnu and dates back to the 8th century. This eminent shrine is situated in the East Fort in Trivandrum and it is amongst those 108 Vishnu temples or Divya Desam. Undoubtedly, one of the finest specimens of Dravidian architecture, Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is the most famous temple in Kerala. The principal deity Padmanabhaswamy (Vishnu) is enshrined in the “Anantha Shayana” posture, the eternal yogic sleep on the serpent Adi Shesha. It is reckoned that the foundation of the temple is so old that it has been mentioned in holy Hindu sculptures like Skanda Purana and Padma Purana.

Best Time to Visit: The Alpashi festival (October/November), Panguni festival (March/April).

How To Reach Padmanabhaswamy Temple:

The Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway station is closest to Shri Padmanabhaswamy temple at a mere distance of 600 meters, an 8-minute walk. You can also opt to travel from Kochuveli Railway Station (TVM) which is at a distance of 9 km, approximately 17 minutes by road.

2. Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Temple

One of the most popular temples in Kerala, Sabarimala Sastha Temple is situated near Periyar Tiger Reserve, in a forest in Pathanamthitta, which is a hill shrine. The temple is situated on a hilltop at an altitude of 468 m (1535 ft) above sea level and is surrounded by mountains and dense forests. Vehicles going to Sabarimala are allowed only up to Pamba which is at a 5-kilometer distance from the temple. From here, visitors have to proceed on foot. The temple is open during the pilgrim season known as ‘mandala kaalam’ which falls approximately between 14th November to 27th December every year, and makaravilakku which falls in mid-January each year. During this time it is estimated that about 45-50 million devotees visit the shrine of Ayyappa. The temple is also open for a few additional days every month.

There are strict traditional practices, rituals, preparations and dress codes meant for those intending to visit Sabarimala. In preparation for their visit, pilgrims wear black rudraksha beads around their neck, dress in black or blue mundus/dhotis and abstain from the consumption of non-vegetarian food and alcohol. They also take a vow to celibacy for the 40 days prior to their pilgrimage. Presently women in the aged between ten and fifty not allowed in the temple.

How to visit Sabarimala: Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple has some rituals and traditions followed in a strict manner to safeguard the sanctity of the deity and temple premises. Sabarimala Fasting (Vratham) is observed for 41 days (Mandala Kalam starts from Malayalam month Vrischika). Women between 10 and 50 years of age were legally banned from entering Sabarimala.

When to visit Sabarimala: The Mandala Kalam 41 days is the best time to visit Sabarimala (it starts from 1^st of Malayam month Vrischikam) and Every Malayalam months 1 to 5 days allowed to visit, November to February and April to September, ideally making it the best season to visit the sacred shrine.

How to reach Sabarimala: 
By air: Cochin International Airport – 160 km away. From Kochi by train or and then by foot.
By Train:  Chengannur is the nearest railway station – 53 km away, Chengannur to Pampa by road and from pampa to sannidanam by foot.
By road:Kottayam to Pamba (via) Erumeli and from Pamba to Sabarimala (by foot) 136 kilometers. Kottayam to Pamba (via) Manimala and there to Sabarimala 116 km, reaches Pampa then from there by foot.
By Foot (Trekking): From Pamba to Sabarimala -sannidanam by foot – The trek to the holy hill temple of Ayyappa starts from the river Pamba, it is 2.3km trekking.

3. Guruvayoor Sree Krishna Temple, Guruvayoor

Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the Hindu god Guruvayurappan (a four-armed affiliation of the Hindus God Vishnu), located in the town of Guruvayur in Kerala, India. It is one of the most important places of worship for Hindus of Kerala and is often referred to as holy Abode of Vishnu on Earth.

The presiding deity of the Guruvayur Temple is Vishnu, worshipped in the form of his avatar Krishna in the baby form. The central icon is a four-armed standing Vishnu carrying the conch Panchajanya, the discus Sudarshana Chakra, the mace Kaumodaki and a lotus with a Holy basil garland. This image represents the majestic form of Vishnu as revealed to Krishna’s parents Vasudeva and Devaki around the time of Krishna’s birth; this is the reason why Lord is worshipped in his baby form. Also, the temple is called “Dwarka of South India” due to Krishna’s widespread presence. He is currently worshipped according to routines laid down by Adi Shankara and later written formally in the Tantric way.

The temple (puja) routines are strictly followed. The Thanthri is available full-time at the Temple to ensure this. The temple is managed by a special Devaswom (Guruvayur Devaswom) under the control of the Government of Kerala. The main festivals of this temple are the 10-day festival in the Malayalam month of Kumbham starting with flag hoisting on Pooyam star, Ekadasi (11th day) in the Shukla paksha (bright fortnight) in the month of Vrischikam, popularly called as Guruvayur Ekadasi and Vishu on the first day of the month of Medam, once a harvest festival. The sub-deities of this temple are Ganapathi, Ayyappan and Bhagavathi, and there are two sub-temples each, one for Ganapathi and the other for Nagadevata nearby the temple.

How to reach Guruvayoor Temple:

By Air: The nearest airport is Kochi International Airport, which is 80 kilometers from Guruvayur and the Calicut airport is 100 kilometers away from here. Then it is easily avail direct taxi, or a bus from these airports to reach Guruvayur Temple

By Rail: The nearest railway station is Guruvayur, towards the east of the temple and is connected to the Madras-Mangalore mainline in Thrissur. Regular bus service and cabs are available from this station to reach Guruvayoor Temple.

By Road: To reach Guruvayur Temple,  Kerala Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) runs buses from the nearby cities like Guruvayur,  are Thrissur, Kochi, Kozhikode, and nearby states.

4. Vadakkunnathan Temple at Thrissur:

Vadakkumnathan Temple is the most famous and an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva at city of Thrissur. Thrissur is a location which is famous for the grand temple festivities and the poorams. The divine structure emanates vibrant positive energy and has got a breathtakingly marvelous architecture. It reveals the architectural style of Kerala and has monumental towers on all four sides and also a kuttambalam. Mural paintings depicting various episodes from Mahabharata can be seen inside the temple. The shrines and the Kuttambalam display vignettes carved in wood. The temple, along with the mural paintings, has been declared as a National Monument by India under the AMASR Act.[4] According to popular local lore, this is the first temple built by Parasurama, the sixth avatar of Vishnu. Thekkinkadu maidan, encircling the Vadakkunnathan Temple, is the main venue of the famous festivals Thrissur Pooram. In 2012 the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has recommended 14 sites, including Vadakkumnathan Temple and palaces, from Kerala to include in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

How To Reach Vadakkunnathan Temple:
It is located in the middle of the Thrissur city and can easily be reached via cabs and auto-rickshaws. The railway station is situated 2 kilometers away from the temple while the airport is located at a distance of 50 kilometers and is well-connected to all the major cities.

5. Sree Krishna Swamy Temple, Ambalapuzha

Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna, Built in the typical Kerala architectural style, Famous all over India for the Pal Payasam, a daily offering of deliciously sweet milk porridge. Its reputation has crossed over the boundaries of the state and attracts devotees from other states as well.

Temple is believed to have been built during 17th century AD by the local ruler Chembakasserry Pooradam Thirunal-Devanarayanan Thampuran. The idol at Ambalapuzha is likened to Parthasarthi form of Vishnu, holding a whip in his right hand and a conch in his left. During the raids of Tipu Sultan in 1789, the idol of Sri Krishna from the Guruvayoor Temple was brought to the Ambalappuzha Temple for safekeeping for 12 years.

The history says that Lord Krishna, once, appeared in the form of a sage in the court of the King who ruled the region, challenging him to win the game of chess competing with him. Being the chess enthusiast, the King gladly accepted the invitation. The King asked the sage to chose the prize. The sage, being a modest man, wished for a few grains of rice. The grains were placed in the squares in the chessboard, each. Every square will have double of its predecessor. The King lost, needless to say. As he started adding the grains to the board, the King realized the humble sage’s demand was not as humble as he thought it would be. At the end, the number had reached one million. The Royal Granary ran out of rice. The prize reached trillions of tons of rice. Upon seeing the dilemma, the sage revealed his true form. He also told the King that he did not have to pay the debt immediately but over time. The King had to serve Paalpayasam freely to the pilgrims until the debt was paid off.

The temple also has a majestic display of paintings depicting the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu (Dasavatharam). Devotees are also reminded that is here that the first performance of the legendary Ottanthullal, a powerful satirical folk art that comments on various socio-political issues, was first performed. The temple is also noted for the performance of Pallipaana performed every 12 years by Velans (sorcerers).

How to reach Sree Krishna Swamy Temple, Ambalapuzha:
Nearest railway station: Ambalapuzha, about 2 km away; Alappuzha, about 14 km away.
Nearest airport: Trivandrum International Airport, about 139 km away

6. Chottanikara Bhagavathi Temple, Ernakulum

The Chottanikkara Bhagavathi Temple is a famous temple of mother goddess Lakshmi Devi known as Sree Bhagavathi. Lakshmi is believed to be residing in Chottanikkara along with Supreme Deity Paramatman Maha Vishnu. The temple is located at Chottanikkara, a southern suburb of the city of Kochi in the state of Kerala, India and is one of the most popular temples in the state. In terms of temple architecture, Chottanikkara temple stands out to be an ultimate testimonial for the ancient Vishwakarma sthapathis (wooden sculpture) along with Sabarimala temple. The temple is one of the finest examples of Kerala’s temple architecture which is believed to be constructed by Vishwakarma, the Architect God. The idol of the goddess is a self-manifested one which is formed out of laterite known as Rudraksha Shila.  Sree Mahamaya Bhagawati (Aadiparashakthi), the goddess of power, is one of the most popular deities in Kerala and the supreme mother goddess in Hinduism. Chottanikkara Devi is worshipped at the temple, in three different forms: as Maha Saraswati in the morning, draped in white; Maha Lakshmi at noon, draped in crimson; and as Maha Kali in the evening, decked in blue. Supreme lord Shiva, Ganesh & Lord Dharmasastha (Ayyappa) is also worshiped at the temple.  The temple has two shrines which are known as Keezhkavu and Melukavu. Melukavu is the main shrine which houses the Mother Goddesses and Keezhkavu is dedicated to Bhadrakali which is located next to the temple’s pond.

Goddess ‘keezhkkaavu Devi’ is believed to be ‘Bhadrakali'(Mahakali), in her fierce form or ugra form. Bhadrakali, is a form of mother Kali, supposed to be born from the third eye of Lord Shiva, to kill the demon king ‘Daruka’. Guruthi pooja is a ritual done at late evening to invoke goddess Mahakali. Earlier ‘Guruthi Pooja’ was done only on Fridays. But nowadays, it is performed every day.

People suffering from mental illnesses & commonly visit the temple, as Chottanikkara Devi is said to cure her devotees.  Curing Mental Aliments Chottanikkara Temple is well known for curing devotees with mental disorders and troubles caused to them by evil spirits. The infected are brought to the priest here, who interacts with them and asks them to surrender themselves to the goddess. For which, the priest nails a part of their hair to the temple tree as an indication that the evil spirit has been captured and the person is free from their illness.

“MAKOM Thozhal” (worship on the Makom day) is the most important festival of the temple which is celebrated in the month of Kumbham. (Feb / March) It is believed that Bhagavathy in her full attire gave darshan to Vilwamangalam Swamiyar on the Makom day and appears on the same day every year for giving darshan to the devotees in her special appearance. The Bhadrakaali at Kizhukkavu is believed to exorcise evil spirits from devotees, after conducting bhajanam.

How to reach Chottanikkara Temple

Air: International Air Port is at Nedumbassery, near Aluva, about 22 km away from Ernakulam, Kochi.

Rail :The nearest station is at Ernakulam about 17km away from Chottanikkara. The two railway stations in Kochi are Ernakulam Junction and Ernakulam Town.

Road: There are plenty of KSRTC busses and Private buses and also cabs available from Ernakulam town to Chottanikkara Temple. Central Bus station is near the Ernakulam Junction railway station.

7. Ettumanoor-Vaikom-Kaduthuruthy Temples

The most famous Lord Shiva Temples are Vaikom Mahadeva Temple,  Kaduthuruthy Thaliyil Mahadeva Temple, and Ettumanoor Siva Temple, Visiting these three Shiva temples on a single day will bring prosperity and the blessings of God Shiva.

According to the legend, an Asura called Kharasura on receiving the Shaiva Vidya Upadesh from Malyavan went to Chidambaram he did severe penance and Tapasya for the attainment of Moksha. Lord Siva pleased with his penance,  granted him all the boons he asked 3 Lingams. He traveled southward & carried one in each hand and the third in his mouth. Overcome by the weight of the Lingams, he tried to rest at Vaikom and then at Ettumanoor and the Lingams got installed at each place. The last one installed was from his mouth and the site got the name Kadathuruthy. Hence it is believed that darshan of all three Lingams before noon on a single day fulfills wishes.

The Vaikom Mahadeva temple, Vaikom: is one of the few temples which is held in reverence by both Shaivites and the Vaishnavaites. Vaikom’s Shiva is fondly called Vaikkathappan. The Shiva Linga here is believed to be from the ‘Treta yuga’ and considered as one of the oldest temples in Kerala where pooja has not been broken since inception.

Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple at Kottayam:   is dedicated to Lord Shiva., It is considered as the earliest temple for Lord Shiva in the State Kerala, it houses some of the most beautiful murals and frescoes of the lord, reportedly the best wall painting in the country. Apart from the main deity’s idol, there are shrines for Lord Shastha and Lord Ganesh inside the premises.

Kaduthuruthy Mahadeva Temple: or the Thaliyil Shiva Temple is one amongst the trio of most legendary Shiva Temples in Kerala.  The Mahadeva temple was installed by the demon Khara along with Ettumanoor and Vaikom temple shrines.  The idols at Vaikom and Ettumanoor temples are believed to be installed at the same time by the demon Khara.

How to reach Ettumanoor-Vaikom-Kaduthuruthy Temples

The 3 temples are on the same route and nearby each other on state highway.

By air: Kochi is the Nearest Airport 60 km away
Bt Train: Kottayam  is the nearest railway station 25 km away
By Road: Direct Bus is available from Kottayam and Ernakulam

8. Sivagiri Temple, Varkala

Standing firm in an elevated plateau amidst the scenic locales of Varkala, this sacred monument was designed and built by Sree Narayana Guru. It is home to one among the holiest sites in all of God’s Own Country, the Sivagiri Mutt. One of the popular pilgrim destinations in Kerala which captivates pilgrims from India and abroad.  The headquarters of the Sree Narayana Dharma Sangham, an organization built by Sree Narayana Guru’s disciples and followers, honoring one among the world’s finest social reformers and crusader for justice.  Sivagiri Mutt is spread over an area of 200 acres and you will be attracted by the unique multi-tiered white terraces of the mutt while getting inside, along with the very structure and functioning of the place, has provided spiritual assistance and support to thousands of people.

Built-in octagonal shape, Sivagiri Temple now serves as headquarter of Sree Narayana Dharma Sangham and also an important pilgrimage center for the Hindu devotees. Among all the other pious temples in Kerala, the Sivagiri Temple displays a unique and interesting philosophy of life. It encourages the devotees to pray in their own ways, and follow the principle of ‘One Caste, One Religion, One God’. The temple also encourages devotees from other castes. It is located on an elevated plateau and is enclosed by greenery. It is believed that the Sree Narayan Guru, the social reformer breathed his last in 1928. It was the residence of Sree Narayana Guru during his life and after his death, the place holds his Samadhi and displays his personal stuff. Many tourists flock this place.

Best time to Visit: Between August and September-Guru Deva Jayanti, and January: Sivagiri Pilgrimage
Location: Sivagiri Mutt, Varkala, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695141 The ashram is located at a distance of 2.5 km from Varkala.

How to Reach Sivagiri:

Air: The nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport about 57 km away from Varkala

Rail : The nearest railway station is at Varkala town. here it direct connects from major towns in the states as well as neighboring states.

Road: Varkala is 51 km away from Thiruvananthapuram and 37 km away from Kollam. Buses ply regularly between Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam. 3 km from the main town of Varkala, Sivgiri is easily accessible by road.

9. Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram

The Attukal Bhagavathy Temple is a Hindu religious Temple at Attukal, Trivandrum in Kerala, India. Goddess Bhadrakali (Kannaki), mounted over ‘vethala’, is the main deity in this temple. Bhadrakali, a form of Mahakali, who killed the demon king Daruka, believed to be born from the third eye of Lord Shiva. ‘Bhadra’ means good and ‘Kali’ means goddess of time. So Bhadrakali is considered as the goddess of prosperity and salvation. Goddess ‘Attukal Devi’, itself is the supreme mother ‘Bhaadrkali Devi’, the goddess of power and courage. The temple is renowned for the annual Attukal Pongal festival, in which over three million women participate. Devotees believe that all of their wishes will be fulfilled by the goddess, provide prosperity and can attain salvation. Attukal Devi is often worshipped in 3 forms such as Maha Saraswati (goddess of knowledge), Maha Lakshmi (goddess of wealth) and Mahakali/ Durga/ Parvathy (goddess of power).  A festival that has figured in the Guinness Book of World Records for being the single largest gathering of women for religious activity, the Attukal Pongala continues to draw millions of women with each passing year. According to the Attukal Temple Trust, around 4.5 million devotees are expected to attend the pongala in 2016.

Location: Attukal Temple is easily accessible, it is situated near the heart of the city, 2 kilometers away from Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, East Fort in Thiruvananthapuram.

9. Sree Parassinikadavu Muthappan Temple, Kannur

Parassinikadavu Muthappan temple is a temple, located at the Anthoor Municipality on the banks of the Valapattanam river about 10 km from Taliparamba and 16 km from Kannur City in Kannur District, Kerala. The temple is famous for Theyyam, a ritual act that is performed here on a daily basis. Valletta and Thiruvappana are the generic names for two types of ‘ Theyyam Ketti-aadal ‘ in the kavu/temples of North Malabar. Principal deity of the temple is Sree Muthappan, is the local tradition the presiding deity is a manifestation of Lord Shiva, whose divinity is presented as a ritualistic theyyam enactment in two versions called Thiruvappana and Vellattam. The deity worshiped in this temple is Sree Muthappan, a personification of two Gods – Thiruvappana (Lord Vishnu) and Vellatom (Lord Shiva). It attracts people from all sections of the society; irrespective of religion or caste to the district of Kannur. The dogs are considered to be sacred as it’s the vehicle of Lord Muthappan. One of the most sacred pilgrim sites in north Kerala, the temple provides free meals and accommodation to all visitors. The devotees are given boiled black beans and tea as Prasadam (devotional offering).

Women visit this temple to carry thanksgiving ceremonies after child-birth and they offer snake images.

How to reach Parassinikadavu Muthappan Temple :

By Air: The nearest airport is the Calicut International Airport, at a distance of 137 km from the temple.

By Rail:  The nearest railway station is Kannur Railway Station, at a distance of 20 km from the temple.

By Road: Parassinnikkadavu is 4 km from Kadambery. There are buses, auto-rickshaws and taxis are available.

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