The most preferred holiday destination Kerala is always been a place where visitor’s age has no bar. No matter who you are; a kid, an adult or an old age traveler; Kerala has something for each age group. Similarly; when planning a holiday to Kerala; one need not worry about what someone would get of their interest. From beaches to backwaters, mountains to waterfalls, tea estates to handicrafts, palaces to caves, culture to modernity and Temples to Churches; Kerala holds a lot for its guests. However, in this write-up we are confined to discuss about the important temples in Kerala and culture of Kerala. The Kerala culture is a blend of Indian and Dravidian culture. Coming to the religions of Kerala– it has been found that Kerala relishes the culture from Hinduism, Christianity and Islam. Now, because Hindus hold a major portion of Kerala’s population; there are plenty of old age temples that still holds the pride of being the most visited temples across the world. Temples in Kerala can prominently fill you with spiritualism and the feeling of holiness.

10 Famous Temples of Kerala:

Through this write-up we are familiarizing you with the 10 most famous Temples in Kerala; that you must visit at least ones in lifetime.

1. Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Pazhavangadi, Thiruvananthapuram :

This world’s richest temple in Kerala is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Witness the combination of the Kerala and Dravidian classes of architecture here. The temple is adjacent to the holy tank – Padma Theertham. Please note that only Hindus are allowed inside this richest temple in the world, located in Kerala.

Also Read: 18 Amazing Tourist Places to Visit in Trivandrum with Family & Friends

2. Sabarimala Temple, Pathanamthitta:

A 4 kms walk from Pamba takes you to this temple dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. The temple is located on the Sabari Hills in a subterranean, condensed forest.  This temple of Kerala remains closed majority of the times and is opened for worship only in the days of Mandala Pooja, Makaravilakku and Vishu.

3. Guruvayur Temple, Guruvayur, Thrissur :

This 5000 year oldest temple in Kerala is devoted to Lord Krishna. It is believed that Vishwakarma designed this temple. On distinctive occasions, the holy images are carried out to take in a march in Guruvayur town. The walls of the main shrine are bedecked with stunning mural landscapes and complicated figurines, making it one of the Best temples in Kerala.

4. Chottanikkara Temple,Eranakulam, Kochi:

Goddess Bhagavathy is revered here in three different forms making this one of the prominent Kerala devotional places. She is worshipped as Saraswati in the morning, Lakshmi in the day, and Durga in the evening. The Bhagavathy is portrayed with the conch and the discus. Men will be required to take out their shirts before entering this temple of Kerala.

5. Vadakkunnathan Temple, Thekkinkadu Maithanam, Thrissur :

This temple is a definitive illustration of the constructional elegance of Kerala. It has immense towers on four sides. The temple is devoted to Lord Shiva. This temple has been stated as a National Monument by India under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act. MahaShivaRatri is the prime festival celebrated in this temple of Kerala.

6. Thirunelli Maha Vishnu Temple, Thirunelly, Mananthavady:

The only temple in the world where the disciples can perform all the ceremonies associated to one’s life, beginning from birth to demise and life after decease. This temple of Kerala is well-known as ‘Kashi of South”. The Thirunelli temple is built in accordance with ancient temple structural design. Temples to visit in Kerala, including this unique temple, offer a rich spiritual experience.

Also Read: Top 10 Relaxing & Fun Activities to do in Kerala

7. Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple, Ettumanoor, Kottayam:

You can witness the Kerala style of architecture here at this temple. The temple is devoted to Lord Shiva. According to folklore the Pandavas and the sage Vyas deified the Lord at this temple. Photography is not permissible.

8. Ananthapura Lake Temple, Kumbla, Kasargod:

There are many beautiful lakes In Kerala. Ananthapura Temples is only lake temple in Kerala, this temple lures thousands of devotees each year. A quadrangular lake, supplied with consistent spring water, hosts this wonderful temple. Babia, the vegetarian crocodile and temple caretaker, is famous among all the tourists.

9. Vaikkom Sree Mahadev Temple, Vaikkom, Kottayam:

The one among the few temples those are held in worship by the Shaivaites and the Vaishnavaites. Vaikkom’s Shiva is affectionately named Vaikkathappan. The Shiva Linga here is supposed to be from the Treta Yuga.

10. Parassinikadavu Muthappan Temple, Kannur:

This temple of Kerala dedicated to Lord Shiva lies on the banks of the River Valapattanam. Dogs being the vehicle of Lord Muthappan are considered to be blessed here.  The temple offers free meals and housing to all tourists. Theyyam, a customary art is performed here regularly. Fish and toddy are the routine offerings to Muthappan. This temple is one of the Important Temples of Kerala.

Time to Spiritualise Yourself:

Kerala is supposed to be a place for honeymoons and holidays. But with the above information in-hand; now you can also plan a Pilgrimage Trip to Kerala with parents. Though the entry is free in all the temples; but for poojas and Prasad you need to pay a minimal amount as donation. Kerala temple tourism can be a rewarding experience, offering spiritual solace and cultural enrichment.

Image Sources: Wikipedia, Flickr

FAQs: