6 Temples You Must Visit In Kerala

Kerala is a state in India situated in the south-western Malabar Coast of India. It is also known as “God’s own country”. Kerala is famous for tourism and spirituality. There are so many ancient temples that are ideal for people who like to go in the path of the spiritual world. Most of the temples are the perfect place for those who are doing researches in architectural monuments. You can see unique culture, festivals and traditions in each part of Kerala.

# Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple

Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple is situated in Pathanamthitta district, near Periyar tiger reserve. This ancient temple is on the hilltop of the Western Ghats surrounded by forest and mountains. The God here worshipped is Ayyappa. This temple is not restricted for Hindus. Most of the people who visit this temple wear a blue or black dress and they keep vratham for 41 days. Throughout this period of time, they are considered as lord Ayyappa and are not represented by their name real name but called as Ayyappa. The main festival in this temple is Mangala Puja and Makara Sankranthi during the month of Nov – Mid Jan. This Temple is opened only at the time of festival and the first six days of all Malayalam month.

# Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple

Guruvayur Sree Krishna temple is located in Guruvayur, Thrissur district, Kerala. This famous temple is dedicated to God Guruvayurappan, a form of Vishnu. Devotees consider this place as “Bhuloka Vaikunda” which means “holy Abode of Vishnu on earth”. The idol of God is carved with a special stone “Patanlanjana stone” that have several medicinal properties. Guruvayur Ekadashi, Janmashtami etc are the famous festivals in this temple.

# Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple is located in the state capital, Trivandrum. This temple is dedicated to Pathmanabha swami, means Vishnu. You can see the deity here is in “Ananthashayanam” or “yogic sleep” posture on the serpent Adisheshan. It is one of the oldest temples in India.

It was constructed in the 8th century in Dravidian style. It is believed that this temple is one of the 108 Divya Desams. The name of the place Thiruvananthapuram itself is connected to this temple. English translation of Thiruvananthapuram is “The city of Lord Anantha”. The main festivals in this temple are Alpashy in Oct/Nov and Panguni in March/ April.

# Chottanikkara Devi Temple

Chottanikkara Devi Temple is in Ernakulam district. The Goddess here worshipped is Lakshmi Devi or Bhagavathi. It is believed that Chottanikkara Bhagavathi is very powerful in treating mental disorders.

You can see many people with mental difficulties doing prayer in this temple. The speciality of this temple is that the Bhagavathi is worshipped in three different forms here; Saraswati in the morning, Lakhmi at noon and Kali in the evening. The most popular festival in this temple is Chottanikkara “Makam Thozhal”.

# Mannarasala – Nagaraja Temple

Mannarasala – Nagaraja temple is a very popular temple dedicated to serpent gods. This temple is situated in Alappuzha district. It is believed that that couple who don’t have children pray in this temple will definitely be blessed by Nagaraja and their wish will fulfil soon.

When the baby is born the couple used to come here with their baby for thanksgiving ceremony and they offer an image of a snake. You can see so many serpent images all over the temple. The main festival of this temple is Mannarasala Ayilyam and Shivarathri.

# Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple

Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna temple is a very ancient temple built in the 17th century. The God in this temple is Parthasarathy, a form of Vishnu. You can see the deity is holding a whip in the right hand and conch in the left hand. The main prasadam here is Palpayasam, a sweet pudding made with rice and milk. It is believed that Lord Guruvayurappan visit the temple while serving this Palpayasam. So if you are visiting this temple don’t forget to get this delicious divine Prasadam. The Arattu festival in this temple is in the month of March – April.