Kerala Temples|Temples of Kerala|Famous Temples in Kerala

The temples of Kerala are dedicated to various gods and goddesses from the Hindu mythology. Famous Temples in Kerala, Kerala India Temples, Kerala Temples Travel, Religious Temples Travel Kerala, Visit Kerala Temples, Temples Travel Kerala An architectural delights, these temples are carved in the traditional style. Some of the significant temples in Kerala include the Padmanabhaswamy temple, Vadukkumnathan Temple, Vaikom Temple, Chottanikkara Temple, Mannarshala Temple, Ananthapura Lake Temple and the Ambalapuzha Temple. These temples reflects the religious fervor of people of Kerala.

Kerala temples find expression in a mixed medium of stone, brick, laterite and wood this unique approach to temple building resulted in a distinctive form of architecture, laying stress on sanctity, simplicity and a prevailing naturalism which marked the worship in temples. The earlier temples of Kerala were primarily for Shiva and Vishnu or their manifestations (Krishna, Parasurama, Rama, Vamana). Swayampradhana shrines to Ganesha, Kartikeya are of later origin.

Sabarimala Temple: Sabarimala is a renowned pilgrim center atop the rugged hills of the Western Ghats.Famous Temples in Kerala, Kerala India Temples, Kerala Temples Travel, Religious Temples Travel Kerala, Visit Kerala Temples, Temples Travel Kerala This holy shrine is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. The Village of Sabarimala is named after Shabari who did severe penance in order to meet Rama who granted her wish for her devotion and faith during her penance.

The Main Festival: There are two main pujas called the Mandal Puja and the Makara Sankranti Puja, which are celebrated from November to Middle of January in Kerala, during which time the devotees perform austerities and penance. Devotees wear black 'dhotis' and are bare-chested as they prepare for the pilgrimage to Sabarimala. The temple is at the top of the Neeli hills and the devotees have to climb the treacherous route carrying their meager provision in a bundle called "Iru Mudi" meaning in "two folds".

Guruvayoor Temple: Guruvayoor, where the famous Sree Krishna Temple is situated, is one of the most sacred and important pilgrim centers of Kerala. The walls of the sanctum are inlaid with exquisite mural paintings and carvings. Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple.

Sri Padmanabh Swamy Temple (Trivandrum): Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is an awe-inspiring structure that has a 100 feet high 'gopuram', built in Dravidian style. TFamous Temples in Kerala, Kerala India Temples, Kerala Temples Travel, Religious Temples Travel Kerala, Visit Kerala Temples, Temples Travel Kerala he temple, known for the Mural paintings and stone carvings is one among the 108 temples dedicated to Vishnu in India.

Vadukkumnathan Temple (Trichur): Vadukkumnathan is a prominent Shiva temple, in downtown Thrissur (Trichur), Kerala. This is one of Kerala's most ancient shrines, which also houses a museum of ancient wall paintings, wood carvings and art pieces of immense historical value. The 'Pooram' festival, falling in April/ May, attracts devotees and tourists from all over the world.

Chottanikkara Temple
Chottanikkara temple, located near Ernakulam enshrines Bhagawati - the mother Goddess, one of the most popular deities in Kerala. Enroute is the Poornatrayesa temple at Tripunittura. The Devi is worshipped along with Lord Vishnu. Together, they are known as Lakshminarayana.

Kalpathy Temple
The Vishwanatha Swamy shrine, the oldest Shiva temple is situated 3 kms from Palakkad. The annual chariot temple is a gala event. The annual 'Ratholsavam' or Chariot Festival at Sree Viswanantha Swamy temple lasts for seven days.

Vaikom Temple
Parasurama, the mythical founder of Kerala, is said to have built a temple here dedicated to Lord Shiva. The twelve-day festival of the temple falls in November -December, and is celebrated with classical dance and music performances.

Thiruvalla Temple
Thiruvalla Temple is one of the largest temples of Kerala and a fine specimen of its traditional style of temple architecture. The temple has many shrines though it is mainly dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Thirunavaya Navamukunda Temple
Thiruvanaya Navamukunda Temple, near Ponnani in Malappuram district is situated on the banks of the river Bharathapuzha. Holding immense historical importance, this is the place where 'Mamangam', a grand assembly of the rulers of Kerala was held here once every 12 years, in olden times.

Thali Temple
Thali Temple, located downtown is an important temple of the erstwhile Zamorin Kingdom of Kozhikode. The temple is famous for the 'Revathi Pattathanam', an annual competition of pedagogic skills.

Oachira Temple
Oachira is unique place of worship with neither a structure to house an idol nor an idol around which temples are usually built. The presiding deity at this sanctum-sanctorum is the abstract principle of the 'Parabrahmam' or the 'Divine Omnipresence' or 'Universal Conciousness'.