Top Most Powerful and Famous Temples in Kerala

The temples in Kerala are famous and tourists from all over India and even from other countries come to visit them. The idea of visiting the place without actually making a round of the temples is unthinkable. After all, Kerala is called God’s own country for a reason.

Whether you are planning to visit holy places or just on a leisure trip to Kerala, you can’t miss exploring the temples. These temples are thousands of years old and built with ultimate devotion. You can’t help but be awestruck by witnessing the beauty and the history of these holy abodes of gods. And who knows, a trip to Kerala might as well make you a believer in case you aren’t one already.

Here are some famous and powerful temples in Kerala. Read about the history and uniqueness of these temples. Do not forget to pay a visit as well.

1. Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple at Thiruvananthapuram is the richest temple in the world. The name Thiruvananthapuram means the land of Lord Anatha since the temple itself is an abode of Lord Anatha.

The temple is a fine mixture of Dravidian and Keralian architecture. The exact establishment date of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is not confirmed. However, it is said that the history of the temple goes back to around the eighth century or so.

The main deity of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is Lord Vishnu, relaxing on Anathanag, an enormous hooded serpent. The temple is so celebrated that every year numerous worshippers across the globe come here to pay their homage.

You can visit the temple around March and April when the Panguni festival is held. Alpashy festival attracts a lot of visitors as well. Go through Thomas Cook India’s Kerala tour packages to see which package suits your travel plans best.

2.Chottanikkara Temple

Chottanikkara Temple in Kochi is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Kerala. The revered deity in this temple is Goddess Rajarajeswari who is worshipped in three different avatars. In the morning, she is worshipped as Devi Saraswati, in the afternoon she is Goddess Laxmi, and finally, she is Devi Durga in the evening.

According to popular belief, the serene atmosphere of the Chottanikkara Temple helps to calm a troubled mind. Every day in the evening, a special puja is performed to call upon the Goddess. It’s something memorable that you shouldn’t miss when you are visiting the temple.

Also, make sure to visit during Navratri when the annual festival of the temple is held. Check out Thomas Cook’s website to get the most convenient Kerala tour packages.

3. Guruvayoor Shrikrishna Temple

For Lord Krishna devotees, Guruvayoor Temple is everything they can hope for. In this temple, Lord Krishna is worshipped as Lord Guruvayoorappan, hence the name. It has become so significant over the years that today the temple is known as the ‘Dwarka of the South’. The avatar of Lord Krishna here is made of Patalanjana stone. It is a four-armed and four feet tall structure.

This temple, located in Thrissur, has plenty of elephants residing on the premises. It is a famous wedding venue and organises rice-feeding ceremonies as well.

You can visit the temple around February and March when the annual Guruvayur festival is held.

4. Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple

Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple is located in Ambalapuzha in the Alappuzha district of Kerela. It is famous for having the Unnikrishna (little Krishna) avatar of Lord Krishna as the main deity. It was established between the fifteenth and seventeenth centuries. The temple is renowned for its Palpayasam, a sweet milk offering.

What is more special about the temple is the ten avatars of Shri Krishna described in different paintings. You can take a holy trip in the pond near the temple. There are bells, drums, and rhythmic chanting sound inside the shrine.

If you manage to pay a visit during June and July, you can witness the annual boat race festival in the river Pampa.

5. Mannarsala Nagaraja Temple

Mannarasala Nagaraja Temple in Haripad is famous for having multiple snakes nesting all around the temple. Nagaraja, the main deity of this temple, is an avatar of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. Understandably, snakes are everywhere, in living forms and as paintings. However, these serpents are harmless, and there is no need for you to be scared.

People who come to visit the temple, mainly pay their respects to snakes.

According to local belief, infertile women often get pregnant after worshipping Nagaraja, and they return to thank him.

Since the temple is situated in a forest, the atmosphere is peaceful. However, do try to visit in the afternoon to avoid crowds.

6. Attukal Bhagavathy Temple

Located in downtown Thiruvananthapuram, Attukal Bhagavathy Temple is included in the Guinness Book of World Records as ‘the largest gathering of women in the world’.  The temple is famous for organising the Pongala festival where a record number of women gather at the temple to celebrate.

The main deity here is Goddess Bhadrakali, an avatar of Devi Parvati. The entire architecture of the temple is a blend of Keralian and Tamilian architectural styles. Some other deities reside here as well, including Lord Shiva, a few avatars of Lord Vishnu, Mata Kaali, and Devi Parvati.

You can visit the Attukal Bhagavathy temple during February and March when the Attukal Pongala festival is held. It would be a memorable experience to witness the gathering of around 1.5 million women.

7.Vadakkunnathan Temple

Vadakkunnathan Temple in Thrissur has been honoured by UNESCO Asia Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation with the ‘Award of Excellence’. You will understand why this temple has got so much recognition even from outside the country once you take a walk around the place.

This centuries-old temple is made of stone and wood, decorated with hundreds of years old paintings. These paintings describe the stories of Mahabharata. It is said that this is the first temple built by Parasurama who was an incarnation of Vishnu. Since Lord Shiva is the main deity of this temple, Shivaratri is observed here with so much devotion.

8.Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple

Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple is located in Ettumanoor, Kottayam. It is believed that Lord Shiva gifted three Shiva Lingas to the Demon Khara. Khara then carried these lingas to Kerala, and one of them was established in Ettumanoor. Rumour has it that after Khara installed the Shivlingas, he was no longer a demon. He became a deer and found his place in the shelter of God. This is how the place got its name as ‘Manoor’ means ‘the land of deer’.

The temple has Keralian architecture and contains Dravidian mural paintings. There is a famous painting of Nataraja in the Gopuram. Idols of other deities such as Ganapathy, Bhagavati, Sastha, and Yakshi are also installed in this temple.

During February and March every year, the Arattu festival is held. Plenty of devotees visit this temple during that time.

9. Sabarimala Temple

Sabarimala Temple in Pathanamthitta is one of the most regarded temples in Kerala.  The temple, situated 3000 feet above sea level, is devoted to Lord Ayappa. It takes a lot of effort to visit Sabarimala Temple since transportation is limited around here.

This particular shrine is slightly different from others. Unlike the majority of temples in India, Sabarimala Temple welcomes people from all religions. The road to the temple is not smooth as you have to walk through a dense forest to reach the temple. The fact that it is only accessible for just 127 days a year has made it even more special.

The best time to visit Sabarimala Temple is around the middle of November.

10. Vaikom Mahadeva Temple

Vaikom Sree Mahadeva Temple in Kottayam forms a trisome along with Kaduthuruthy Thaliyil Mahadeva Temple and Ettumanor Shiva Temple. Legend has it that whoever performs rituals before ‘Ucha Pooja’, their wishes get fulfilled. It is one of the major temples in India dedicated to Lord Shiva.

The deity of Lord Shiva dates back to Treta Yuga, which is the beginning of mankind. It is said that the Shiv linga was established by an Asura named Khra. The architecture of this temple is unique. The oval-shaped sanctum sanctorum cannot be found in any other temples in Kerala.

What’s more interesting is that the Vaishnavites and Shaivites both are allowed to visit the temple. It is also recognised as the ‘Kashi of the south’. You can visit this place during February and March when the Ashtami festival is celebrated.

In case you are planning a holiday in Kerala, make sure to include the names of these temples in your list. Kerala is so much more than just the backwaters and serene beaches. You will feel a touch of spirituality no matter wherever you are since the state attracts thousands of pilgrims year-round and is a gateway to other pilgrimage sites in South India.

Thomas Cook is a leading tour and travel agency with a presence all around the world, including India. They offer the most convenient and affordable tour packages for travelling in India. Check out their Kerela package today and book your favourite one.