The state of Kerala was chosen by a divine force for various reasons, and its intrinsic beauty stands out as a prominent factor. If you're considering a spiritual retreat, it's advisable to secure your flight tickets to Kerala now. This is due to the presence of renowned temples that emanate positivity and spirituality. This remarkable destination serves as a guiding light for devotees in search of tranquility. Alongside Kerala's captivating beaches and serene backwaters, the immaculate temples allow you to experience the presence of the divine in the very land that warrior sage Parasurama inhabited. Laden with legends and stories, Kerala carries its illustrious history, and its temples, some dating back 2000 years, stand as testament to its devotion. To assist you on your upcoming spiritual and religious journey to this God's own country, here is a compilation of distinguished temples in Kerala that deserve a place on your itinerary.
# Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, ThiruvananthapuramDating back to the 8th century, the Sree Padmanabhawamy Temple is an exceptionally renowned sanctuary in Kerala. Situated within the East Fort of Trivandrum, this enchanting temple is dedicated to the deity Vishnu. The presence of this charming temple is recounted in sacred Hindu scriptures such as the Skanda Purana and Padma Purana. Interestingly, the city of Thiruvanantahpuram itself is believed to derive its name from the primary deity worshipped within this pristine temple, namely Anantha.
This tranquil haven exudes intricate Dravidian architectural influences. Within its sacred confines, an idol of Lord Vishnu is found reclining upon Anantha, the hooded serpent, as depicted in Hindu mythology.
# Sabarimala Sastha Temple, PathanamthittaNestled in close proximity to the Periyar Tiger Reserve, the Sabarimala Sastha Temple stands as one of the most renowned religious edifices in Kerala. This immaculate temple consistently draws in a multitude of devotees, its premises often teeming with fervent worshippers. It's a known fact that Sabarimala Temple plays host to approximately 50 million visitors from various corners of the globe each year. The pilgrimage undertaken to this sacred site is marked by an unwavering faith among its devotees.
Those embarking on the pilgrimage to Sabarimala adhere to specific practices. They don attire in shades of blue or black, complemented by the application of Chandan (sandalwood paste), and observe the custom of not shaving until the pilgrimage is concluded. The origins of this practice are rooted in the legend that Hindu God Ayyapan engaged in an extended period of meditation at the Sabarimala Temple following his victory over the demoness Mahishi.
# Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, ThiruvananthapuramThe Attukal Bhagavathy Temple stands as another precious jewel adorning the state of Kerala. Situated a mere 2 km from the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, it serves as a focal point for devotees who venerate Goddess Kannaki, an incarnation of Goddess Parvati. It's believed that Goddess Kannaki embodies the ultimate divine power and maternal figure responsible for the creation of all living beings.
The Attukal Temple has garnered a unique distinction in the form of a Guinness World Record, specifically for hosting the largest gathering of women participating in religious activities. As you embark on a religious tour of Thiruvananthapuram, ensure not to miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the serenity and tranquility offered by this immaculate temple.
# Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple, AmbalapuzhaThe Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple holds a significant place among the renowned temples of Kerala, dedicated to the worship of Lord Krishna. This temple holds a distinctive appeal for Krishna devotees, who gather here to pay homage to Unni Krishna, the child incarnation of Krishna. A notable ritual within the temple involves the daily serving of Palpayassam, a sweet rice-milk offering.
An intriguing legend is interwoven with Palpayassam, making it more than just a delectable offering. In the narrative, Krishna takes on the guise of a sage and challenges the reigning king to a game of chess. For each victorious square on the chessboard, Krishna requests a quantity of rice from the king, doubling with each subsequent square. By the twentieth round, the king realizes his kingdom's rice reserves have been depleted. In response, Lord Krishna proposes a solution: the king is to provide Palpayassam in his kingdom until the debt is settled. Thus, the practice of serving the delicious Palpayassam (crafted from rice and milk) every day in the temple finds its origin in this legend.
# Chottanikkara Temple, ChottanikkaraFor those embarking on a spiritual journey in Kerala, a visit to the Chottanikkara Temple situated in the Ernakulam district is a must. This temple holds a significant place among the renowned Hindu sanctuaries in the state, dedicated to the worship of Goddess Bhagwati – known as Sri Rajarajeswari, the central deity of the temple. Devotees flock to this sacred site, driven by their faith in its reputed ability to provide solace from mental afflictions. Adjacent to the temple stands an iconic tree, against which devotees gently strike their heads in a ritual believed to be curative for mental ailments.
# Guruvayoor Sree Krishan Temple, GuruvayoorThe southern region of India is graced with numerous captivating temples, and the Guruvayoor Sree Krishna Temple stands out as one of the renowned temples in Kerala, drawing fervent devotees of Lord Krishna. Often referred to as the Dwarka of the South, this temple is nestled within the Thrissur district. Steeped in legend, this sacred site is believed to possess curative powers, particularly in relation to mental afflictions.
A distinctive ritual involves devotees making a special offering at this temple. They are weighed against items such as sugar, coconut, banana, and jaggery, which are then presented to the presiding deity. It's important to note that the Guruvayoor Sree Krishna Temple is exclusively accessible to Hindu visitors.
# Ettumanoor Mahadev Temple, Kottayam
Located at a distance of 12 kilometers from Kottayam, the Ettumanoor Mahadev Temple is thought to have been constructed during the 16th century. The highlight of this temple is its distinctive Ezharaponnan procession, a renowned event that draws a significant number of visitors. Additionally, the temple hosts an annual festival lasting for 10 days, celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm.
# Tali Temple, KozhikodeFor those with an interest in delving into the historical narratives of significant locales and temples, a visit to this exquisite temple in Kerala is strongly recommended. While it holds great significance for devotees, it also magnetizes individuals with an appreciation for history. Constructed by the Zamorin King, Swamy Thirumulapad, this temple not only captivates the religiously inclined but also stands as a magnet for history enthusiasts.
Undoubtedly one of the most frequented destinations in Kerala, the Tali Shiva Temple exemplifies the captivating Kerala architecture, embellished with wall paintings and intricately carved wooden roof panels.