Kerala remains known for this rich cultural beauty and is a place that is truly God’s Own Country. The art and architecture of this state when combined with the devoutness of the people naturally lead to magnificent temples that truly provide your soul with spiritual guidance and a calming sense of serenity. With more than a hundred temples in Kerala, this is a great destination for devotees to visit but it also makes it all the more difficult to navigate. But need not worry for we have here a list of some of the most enchanting temples of Kerala.
1. Attukal Bhagavathy Temple
This holy temple can be found at the very capital of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, and is dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali, a symbol of salvation and affluence per Hindu Mythology. The architecture of this temple shows great influences of the traditional style of architecture in Kerala as well as Tamil Nadu and is truly exemplary. Furthermore, the intricate carvings of various gods and goddesses are admirable but the greatest attraction of this temple is without a doubt the Pongala festival held here every year which is a prominent festival of the state.
2. Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple
The Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple, situated in Kottayam, is one of the most popular temples in Kerala. This sacred structure was built in dedication to Lord Shiva. This temple is certainly admirable not only from an architectural point but also from the aura of the temple which provides such solace. This temple is known for the murals on the wall that are actually in the Dravidian style but the main allure of this place is the well-known painting on the temple tower of Nataraja or the God of Dance.
3. Guruvayoor Temple
This sacred temple is dedicated to its namesake, Lord Guruvayurappan, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu with four arms at the time he was in the avatar of Krishna. This temple is visited by thousands of Hindus, being an important place of worship. Also popularly referred to as the ‘Dwarka of South India’, this temple, due to its holy nature, is considered to be the holy abode of Vishnu on Earth, only adding to the religious significance of this temple.
4. Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple
An embodiment of the fusion of native architecture of Kerala and Dravidian architecture, this temple is again situated at the capital of the state, Thiruvananthapuram. The chief deity remains the namesake, Lord Padmanbhaswamy who was worshipped by the royal family of Travancore. The temple looks particularly stunning, especially with all its golden glory and allure. This temple’s main fascination is the treasure that was excavated from its hidden and inner sanctums which are estimated to be above one trillion dollars.
5. Sabarimala Sastha Temple
Located in the Sabarimala temple complex that can be found inside the Periyar National Park, this temple attracts millions of pilgrims and devotees from not only India but from all around the globe. This temple is dedicated to Lord Ayyappam, an incarnation of Vishnu, and is also considered to be the god of growth. The scenic beauty and lush greenery of the Western Ghats surrounding this temple add to the charm of the place. Furthermore, the architecture is fascinating and anyone is bound to get mesmerized by its beauty.
6. Vadakkunnathan Temple
The Vadakkunnathan Temple is situated in Thrissur and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is of great spiritual as well as historic importance to Hindus and was declared as a National Monument by the Government of India. Furthermore, it was also recommended to be included in the list of UNESCO heritage sites. It is a great example of the classic architectural style of Kerala. The major attractions of this temple are the mural paintings found inside that depict stories from the Mahabharata as well the festivals celebrated there such as Thrissur Pooram and Maha Shivratri.
7. Mannarasala Nagaraja Temple
As its name suggests, this temple is dedicated to the serpent king Nagaraja, who is believed to be gifted with the form of Lord Vishu as well as the spirit of Lord Shiva. It is situated in the Alappuzha District of Kerala and as one walks around this fascinating temple, one can observe images of snakes all around in homage to the chief deity. It is also a popular rumor here that coming here to pray and worship can help a child to a family who’s struggling with fertility problems. These families later re-visit the temple with their children to show their gratitude.
8. Vaikom Mahadeva Temple
The Vaikom Mahadeva Temple is situated in the Kottayam District of Kerala and is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the oldest temples in Kerala and the Shiva Linga that can be found there is believed to belong to the Treta Yuga, the second yuga, following legend. The architecture is splendid and one must simply see for themselves. As it is enclosed by the river Vembanad, the scenic beauty and the depiction of the peaceful town life is entrancing.
9.Chottanikkara Devi Temple
This temple is dedicated to the goddess Bhagavati, an incarnation of Mahalaxmi. It is one of the most well-known temples, especially for Hindus, in Kerala. It is furthermore considered to be a site for ‘exorcism’ due to its ability to remove your inner demons. It is a popular belief that if someone who is struggling with mental health prays at this shrine, they shall be cured due to the healing powers of this temple. An important festival that is celebrated at this temple is Makom Thozhal.
Enticed to buy a ticket to Kerala? It is natural after reading about the entrancing temples of Kerala. If doing so, it is additionally highly recommended to attend one of Kerala’s well-known temple festivals of Kerala which are surrounded by great fanfare and fervor! So, which one of these temples of the Land of Gods caught your inner devotee? Let us know in the comments section below.
.jpg){kind=link}
