The echoing sound of morning bells, an intricate structure based mostly on Thatchu Shastra, towering gopurams, rhythmic chants, and the perfume of incense – the enchanting land of Kerala is a sacred symphony dotted with 1000’s of celestial shrines.
So, how about taking a tour of those high 10 temples in Kerala which might be residing testimonies to centuries-old traditions and rituals of South India?
Whether or not you search solace, want to witness fascinating rituals, or dive deep into the traditionally illustrious heritage of Kerala temples, you might be on the proper place on the good timing as a result of Thomas Cook dinner’s Kerala tour packages are rolling out.
1. Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram, the capital metropolis of Kerala, is dwelling to the topped jewel amongst the temples of South India. With its Dravidian fashion structure, sky-high gopuram, and true creative finesse, Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is among the 108 Divya Desams of Lord Vishnu.
The magnificent temple is flocked by vacationers and devotees alike all year long nevertheless it brims with worldwide travellers through the Alpashy pageant in October and November, and Panguni celebrations round March- April.
Nonetheless, the spotlight of this 8-th century shrine is the reclining idol of the deity Lord Padmanabha or Lord Vishnu on Anantha- the eight-hooded serpent God.
Additionally, you will come throughout a whole lot of stone carvings and murals, an unlimited open courtyard, and a sanctum brimming with gold and different treasured jewels. One of many oldest Vishnu temples within the nation, this Hindu shrine traces its historical past to previous scriptures, like Padma Purana and Skanda Purana.
The temple opens intermittently all through the day earlier than closing the doorways at 7-7.30 PM.
2. Kaduthuruthi Mahadeva Tali Temple, Kozhikode
Flourishing below the influences of Kerala and Dravidian architectural fashion, the traditional Kaduthuruthi Mahadeva, regionally often known as Tali Temple, is devoted to Lord Shiva.
As you step inside, the massive sanctum is the seated area of the idol adorned with sacred choices and vibrant flowers.
Other than Shiva’s devotees, the beautiful Tali Temple can also be a favorite amongst structure college students and professionals due to its ravelled wooden and brass carvings.
Additionally it is one of many high two Brahminical temples constructed by Zamorin.
Apart from, the Tali Temple isn’t just a sacred delight however a grove for nature lovers since it’s nestled on a hilltop close to the Karamana River.
The temple opens from 5 AM to 12 midday and from 4 PM to 9 PM.
3. Sabarimala Sastha Temple, Pathanamthitta
Snuggled amid the lushness of the Western Ghats, Sabarimala isn’t solely one of the crucial well-known temples in Kerala but in addition essentially the most revered in South India.
This famend pilgrimage website is visited by hundreds of thousands of devotees of Lord Ayyappan, the son of Lord Shiva and Mohini and an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The temple is exclusive in a means that solely male devotees and females under 10 and above 50 are allowed to enter its threshold.
They put on blue and black clothes and smear Chandan on their brow earlier than coming into the temple, exhibiting the year-old traditions and rituals which might be nonetheless adopted on its premises.
Surrounded by the dense woods of Periyar Tiger Reserve, the journey to the temple could also be a difficult one, however as soon as it’s full, you may be greeted by the serene shrine with 18 holy steps often known as Pathinettam Padi, which is able to fill you with divine vitality.
A logo of religion, enlightenment, and religion, Sabarimala Sastha is open between 3 AM to 11.40 AM and 1 PM to three PM.
4. Kaviyoor Mahadeva Temple, Kaviyoor
Steeped in mythology and folklore of south India, Kaviyoor Mahadeva, often known as Thrikkariyoor Mahadeva amongst locals, is among the oldest temples in Kerala. This Tenth-century Hindu shrine is devoted to a few deities – Lord Shiva, Lord Hanuman, and Goddess Parvati.
The murals depict mythological tales of their distinctive methods. One of many legends of the temple speaks a few Shivling that was put in by Lord Ram whereas he was on his strategy to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana in Lanka.
The atmosphere of the temple is crammed with the perfume of flowers and incense, framed with tranquil vibes, and stuffed with devotees all yr round, particularly across the time of Hanuman Jayanti in December-January.
Kaviyoor Mahadeva stays open all through the day for the devotees to have the ‘darshan’ of their beloved Gods.
5. Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple, Kottayam
One of many high Kerala well-known temples, Ettumanoor Mahadeva, is an impressive amalgamation of mural work, which stand as a testomony to the beautiful craftsmanship of conventional South Indian structure.
The principle deity of the temple, Lord Shiva, sits gracefully within the sanctum providing a fantastic mix of spirituality, artistry, and wealthy cultural heritage.
The fresco portray of a dancing Shiva on the partitions of the shrine has been known as essentially the most intricate murals in all of South India.
One of many fascinating details about this temple is that Adi Shankaracharya wrote Soundarya Lahiri whereas residing there, and it piques the curiosity of historians, philosophy fanatics, and religious seekers.
Ettumanoor Mahadeva is splendorous all year long however to witness its glory at its fullest, be certain to go to Ettumanoor through the Arattu pageant in February and March.
The temple opens at 4 AM and closes at 8.30 PM.
6. Attukal Bhagwathy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram
Probably the most standard temples in Kerala, Chottanikara devoted to a few types of Goddess Bhagavati, particularly, Saraswati (Goddess of Studying), Lakshmi (Goddess of Wealth), and Goddess Durga (Goddess of Energy).
The origin of this phenomenal temple dates again centuries however its origin is shrouded in fantasy and folklore. You possibly can sit with the temple clergymen or locals to know extra in regards to the marvel that Chottanikara is, and they’d be completely satisfied to let you know!
The 5 toes tall golden idol of the Goddess is alleged to have therapeutic powers. Locals say that the three ‘Shaktis’ come collectively to treatment any illnesses within the bodily physique, if the individual worships them with true intentions and pure hearts.
You will notice devotees providing jewelry, silk sarees, and flowers to the Mom Goddess. Guests additionally flock to the therapeutic pond, regionally often known as Amma Kadavu, the place Goddess grants reduction from ache and affiliations.
So, it’s the idol and the therapeutic pond that at all times have the highlight on them, however wait, there may be another reason to go to the enduring Chottanikara Temple. It’s the annual Makam Thozhal pageant that pulls devotees, particularly ladies from all around the nation, in February and March.
The temple stays open from 4 AM to midday after which from 4 PM to eight:45 PM, so you’ll be able to plan your go to accordingly.
7. Chottanikara Temple, Ernakulum
Probably the most standard temples in Kerala, Chottanikara devoted to a few types of Goddess Bhagavati, particularly, Saraswati (Goddess of Studying), Lakshmi (Goddess of Wealth), and Goddess Durga (Goddess of Energy).
The origin of this phenomenal temple dates again centuries however its origin is shrouded in fantasy and folklore. You possibly can sit with the temple clergymen or locals to know extra in regards to the marvel that Chottanikara is, and they’d be completely satisfied to let you know!
The 5 toes tall golden idol of the Goddess is alleged to have therapeutic powers. Locals say that the three ‘Shaktis’ come collectively to treatment any illnesses within the bodily physique, if the individual worships them with true intentions and pure hearts.
You will notice devotees providing jewelry, silk sarees, and flowers to the Mom Goddess. Guests additionally flock to the therapeutic pond, regionally often known as Amma Kadavu, the place Goddess grants reduction from ache and affiliations.
So, it’s the idol and the therapeutic pond that at all times have the highlight on them, however wait, there may be another reason to go to the enduring Chottanikara Temple. It’s the annual Makam Thozhal pageant that pulls devotees, particularly ladies from all around the nation, in February and March.
The temple stays open from 4 AM to midday after which from 4 PM to eight:45 PM, so you’ll be able to plan your go to accordingly.
8. Sivagiri Temple, Varkala
Sivagiri isn’t solely one of the crucial well-known temples in Kerala, however it’s also visually breathtaking! Settled fantastically on a hilltop in Varkala, the temple gives splendorous views of the Arabian Sea.
You need to take a minute to soak within the magnificence surrounding this temple – emerald bushes, vibrant flowers, beautiful views – earlier than coming into the complicated that homes the ultimate resting place of the good thinker and social reformer, Sree Narayan Guru.
The temple is also called Sivagiri Mutt and stands as a logo of Guru’s teachings, and conjures up folks from all walks of life to observe his rules of life, which discuss spirituality, unity, and concord.
Most devotees go to the temple round December and January, which marks the beginning anniversary of the Guru.
Nonetheless, you’ll be able to go to the temple each time you might be in Kerala, in yellow outfits and deep devotion, and who is aware of, you would possibly expertise a miracle in your private life. That is the magic of Sree Narayan Guru.
9. Thirunelli Temple, Wayanad Valley
There are lots of Kerala temples devoted to Lord Vishnu however that is one shrine to worship Him as Lord Thirunelli Perumal.
Nonetheless, this sacred website is greater than a pilgrimage place as it’s nestled amidst the luxurious forests of Brahamagiri Hills, within the picturesque Wayanad Valley, inviting trekkers and vacationers of all seasons to soak in its immense magnificence.
Coming again to the temple, its structure is a exceptional mix of the standard Kerala and Dravidian fashion, which is highlighted in its intricate carvings, and beautiful sculptures.
It’s also known as the Kashi of South or Maha Vishnu Temple, this serene place of worship has discovered its point out within the Puranas, which says that Lord Brahma created this masterpiece Himself.
The spotlight of the temple is the holy Papanasini River, which is thought for laundry away the sins of those that take a dip in Her water. So, be certain to incorporate this in your itinerary.
In the event you want to go to this temple, then e-book your Kerala tourism bundle across the annual pageant of Sree Narayana Jayanthi, which attracts 1000’s of devotees to wash within the religious vibrations surrounding the shrine.
The opening hours of Thirunelli Temple begins from 4.30 AM to 12 PM and 5.30 PM to eight PM.
10. Ambalapuzha Shree Krishna Temple, Ambalapuzha
Ambalapuzha is a 17-th century temple devoted to Lord Krishna and brims with serene backwaters and luxurious paddy fields, which soothes thoughts and physique even earlier than coming into this divinely wealthy temple/
This conventional Kerala-style temple boasts beautiful woodwork, elegant murals, and lovely work. Though there are a lot of temples in India to worship Lord Krishna, the deity presides in Ambalapuzha in His baby kind often known as Unni Krishna.
This breathtaking piece of structure can also be well-known for its iconic prasadam, Ambalapuzha Palpayasam, which is a candy rice porridge supplied to the deity and distributed amongst the devotees.
The very best time to go to this shrine is throughout its annual pageant known as Ambalapuzha throughout which the deity is taken out of the temple for a grand procession earlier than He’s given a ceremonial bathtub within the temple’s pond. You will notice folks soaking within the divine vitality of the Lord as they dance by means of the procession and sing songs for his or her beloved Krishna.
Ambalapuzha Shree Krishna Temple is thus one of many many temples in Kerala that show the wealthy tradition and heritage of God’s Personal Nation.
The temple stays open from 4 am to 12 midday and 5 PM to eight PM daily.
Take Away
Embark on a fascinating journey to the divine realms of South India and immerse your self within the architectural and religious divinity of God’s personal nation, Kerala. Discover the highest 10 temples in Kerala, from the magnificent Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple to the serene Thirunelli Temple. Immerse your self within the architectural and religious divinity, witnessing fascinating rituals and centuries-old traditions.
Don’t miss this chance to discover the cultural heritage of Kerala. E book your unique Kerala tour bundle with Thomas Cook dinner and embark on a soul-stirring journey as we speak.
