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 hundreds of celestial shrines.
So, how about taking a tour of those prime 10 temples in Kerala which can be dwelling testimonies to centuries-old traditions and rituals of South India?
Whether or not you search solace, want to witness charming rituals, or dive deep into the traditionally illustrious heritage of Kerala temples, you’re on the proper place on the excellent timing as a result of Thomas Prepare dinner’s Kerala tour packages are rolling out.
1. Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram, the capital metropolis of Kerala, is residence to the topped jewel amongst the temples of South India. With its Dravidian model 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 however it brims with worldwide travellers through the Alpashy pageant in October and November, and Panguni celebrations round March- April.
Nevertheless, 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 plenty of stone carvings and murals, an enormous open courtyard, and a sanctum brimming with gold and different valuable jewels. One of many oldest Vishnu temples within the nation, this Hindu shrine traces its historical past to outdated scriptures, like Padma Purana and Skanda Purana.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 model, the traditional Kaduthuruthi Mahadeva, domestically generally 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.
Aside from Shiva’s devotees, the gorgeous Tali Temple can be a favorite amongst structure college students and professionals due to its ravelled wooden and brass carvings.
It is usually one of many prime 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 is just not solely one of the crucial well-known temples in Kerala but additionally probably the most revered in South India.
This famend pilgrimage website is visited by thousands and 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 manner that solely male devotees and females under 10 and above 50 are allowed to enter its threshold.
They put on blue and black attire and smear Chandan on their brow earlier than coming into the temple, exhibiting the year-old traditions and rituals which can 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 generally known as Pathinettam Padi, which can 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, generally known as Thrikkariyoor Mahadeva amongst locals, is among the oldest temples in Kerala. This Tenth-century Hindu shrine is devoted to 3 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 couple of Shivling that was put in by Lord Ram whereas he was on his solution to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana in Lanka.
The atmosphere of the temple is stuffed with the perfume of flowers and incense, framed with tranquil vibes, and stuffed with devotees all 12 months 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 prime Kerala well-known temples, Ettumanoor Mahadeva, is a powerful amalgamation of mural work, which stand as a testomony to the beautiful craftsmanship of conventional South Indian structure.
The primary deity of the temple, Lord Shiva, sits gracefully within the sanctum providing a ravishing 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 probably 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, ensure 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
Some of the widespread temples in Kerala, Chottanikara devoted to 3 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’ll be able to sit with the temple clergymen or locals to know extra in regards to the marvel that Chottanikara is, and they’d be pleased to inform you!
The 5 ft 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, domestically generally known as Amma Kadavu, the place Goddess grants reduction from ache and affiliations.
So, it’s the idol and the therapeutic pond that all the time have the highlight on them, however wait, there may be another reason to go to the long-lasting Chottanikara Temple. It’s the annual Makam Thozhal pageant that draws 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
Some of the widespread temples in Kerala, Chottanikara devoted to 3 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’ll be able to sit with the temple clergymen or locals to know extra in regards to the marvel that Chottanikara is, and they’d be pleased to inform you!
The 5 ft 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, domestically generally known as Amma Kadavu, the place Goddess grants reduction from ache and affiliations.
So, it’s the idol and the therapeutic pond that all the time have the highlight on them, however wait, there may be another reason to go to the long-lasting Chottanikara Temple. It’s the annual Makam Thozhal pageant that draws 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 is just not solely one of the crucial well-known temples in Kerala, however it is usually visually breathtaking! Settled fantastically on a hilltop in Varkala, the temple presents splendorous views of the Arabian Sea.
You should take a minute to soak within the magnificence surrounding this temple – emerald bushes, vibrant flowers, gorgeous 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 often known as Sivagiri Mutt and stands as a logo of Guru’s teachings, and conjures up individuals 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 delivery anniversary of the Guru.
Nevertheless, you’ll be able to go to the temple each time you’re in Kerala, in yellow outfits and deep devotion, and who is aware of, you may expertise a miracle in your private life. That is the magic of Sree Narayan Guru.
9. Thirunelli Temple, Wayanad Valley
There are a lot of Kerala temples devoted to Lord Vishnu however that is one shrine to worship Him as Lord Thirunelli Perumal.
Nevertheless, 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 outstanding mix of the normal Kerala and Dravidian model, which is highlighted in its intricate carvings, and beautiful sculptures.
It’s sometimes called 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, ensure to incorporate this in your itinerary.
When you want to go to this temple, then e-book your Kerala tourism bundle across the annual pageant of Sree Narayana Jayanthi, which attracts hundreds 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 gorgeous woodwork, elegant murals, and beautiful work. Despite the fact that there are various temples in India to worship Lord Krishna, the deity presides in Ambalapuzha in His baby type generally known as Unni Krishna.
This breathtaking piece of structure can 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 referred to 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 individuals soaking within the divine vitality of the Lord as they dance via 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 every single day.
Take Away
Embark on a charming 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 charming rituals and centuries-old traditions.
Don’t miss this chance to discover the cultural heritage of Kerala. Ebook your unique Kerala tour bundle with Thomas Prepare dinner and embark on a soul-stirring journey right now.