Vaikom in Kottayam

Today Vaikom is one of the most revered Shiva shrines in South India. The temple alongwith Ettumanoor Siva Temple, Kaduthuruthy Thaliyil Mahadeva Temple  is considered a powerful trisome. The  belief is that if a devotee worships at these three temples before 'Ucha pooja', all the wishes are fulfilled. 

Though Vaikkath Asthami is the the better known festival at the temple, it celebrates many other festivals, some of them unique to the temple.

Arattupuzha Temple, Thrissur

The Arattupuzha Temple is a Hindu temple situated at Arattupuzha in Thrissur district of Kerala in India. The Temple is administered by Cochin Devaswom Board

Accoding to legends, the antiquity of this temple dates back 3,000 years. The temple has been the host of the most ancient and well-known yearly Devamela a festival when all gods and goddesses assemble at Arattupuzha. It is believed that the deity of Arattupuzha temple is the embodiment of the divine potential of Guru Vasishta, the great master of Lord Sree Rama

Kodungallur Sreekurumba Bagavathy temple

Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple is situated at Kodungallur in Thrissur District. Presiding deity badrakali is situated with Saptamaatrukkal, Vasoorimala and Kshethrapalakan. One of the supreme temple which is installed by Parasurama. It is believed that this temple built in the period of Cheran Chenguttavan.This is the most ancient temple in the northern part of Kerala. It was one among the first temple which removed the caste and religion restrictions of people for worshipping temple

The deity of the temple is the image representing Sree Badra Kali, who killed the evil demon Daaruka. The 6 foot high wooden image of Kali is facing north side and there is a cloth hung on the western wall of the sanctum where the worship is offered. The idol has eight arms and holds different kinds of weapons. The crown of the image is similar to the Kathakali type. The idol is covered with golden raiment all over except hands. This deity is believed to be ugra form of Kali.

Secret chamber, which is the Sakthi Kendra of the temple can be found in eastern side of Sreekovil. The Sreekovil and secret chamber have a common wall. The secret chamber is closed full with granite and on the top there is a roof. There is a closed door on the western wall of the chamber along with the sanctum sanctorum of Bhagavathy

You can see sub deities Lord Ganesh, Lord Veerabhadra and the Seven Divine Mothers in this temple. Idol of Mahameru and Adi Shankara are also can be found which is installed by Parasurama. The idol of Shiva is facing to the east without a Nandi. There is a separate shrine for 'Silappathrkaram,' the chaste Kannagi, an avatar of Goddess Durga which is well known in Tamil Nadu

Bharani festival[edit]

Kodungallur Bharani festival in Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple

The Bharani festival at the Kodungallur Bhagawati temple is one of the grandest in Kerala. It is a month of festivities from the Bharani asterism in the month of Kumbham to 7 days after the Bharani asterism in the month of Meenam. It normally falls between the months of March and April. The festival usually starts with the ritual called 'Kozhikkallu moodal' which involves the sacrifice of cocks and shedding of their blood, which forms an important feature of this temple. The members of the Kodungallur Bhagavathy temple are allowed to participate in this ritual. It is to appease the goddess Kali and her demons who take delight in blood offerings.

'Kavu Theendal', another important event of the festival, overseen by the King of Kodungallur where Vellichapads (oracles) make a run around the temple waving their sabres in the air while the members of their retinue offer reverence over the inner quadrangle. They make cry of abuse at the goddess in bawdy language. Their abuse is said to be accepted by the goddess followed by the purification ceremony the next day. Chandanapoti Charthal is yet another festival of smearing the image with sandal paste.^[7][8]

Thalappoli festival[edit]

The Thalappoli festival is in the month of Makaram (January–February). The four day Thalappoli commences from the evening of Makara Sankranthi with religious rituals. Big procession headed by richly caparisoned elephants are taken out to the accompaniment of Pancha Vadyam, Paancari, Paandi, etc.It is the Main Celebration of KUDUMBI Community.

Perunthatta Mahadeva temple

 The Perunthatta Mahadeva Temple one of the legendary 108 Shivalayas of Kerala is situated at a distance of nearly half-a-kilometer to the south of the famous Sri Krishna temple of Guruvayur. This Shiva Kshetra too was once a great center of pilgrimage.The history of Perunthatta temple is shrouded in mystery. There is no known evidence of record indicating the date of construction or who constructed it. But the fact that it is mentioned in the ancient Tamil work Thirukovai as one of the Shivalayas visited by the Bhakthasiromony Sundaramoorthy Nayanar and his entourage is proof enough that this temple was already a flourishing center of pilgrimage in that distant past.

The Perunthatta temple has survived quite a few onslaughts by vandals over the centuries. Legend has it that the soldiers of Tippu Sulthan, who camped near the temple premises, once demolished this temple. It is believed that the Lord's wrath fell on the marauders in the form of mortal diseases. The penitent soldiers to appease The Lord by offering Him His favorite archana - Elaneer Abhishekam (pouring of tender coconut water over the idol).

The sultan and his men left the place only after making arrangements for regular abhishekam as a token of their thanks giving.Frequent plunders and loot reduced the temple assets to very pitiable state. The Zamorin Raja of Kozhikode, who was the Ooralan (Trustee) of the temple, too were not in a position to provide for the upkeep of the temple since their reign had come to an end in Malabar. Even for performing the daily poojas adnrites of the temple, the priest had to seek contributions from generous devotees. This miserable Plight was a matter of deep sorrow and great concern to the Bhakthas of Perunthattappan.

Sreekandeshwaram temple, Trivandrum

Sreekanteswaram is known for the temple of Lord Shiva.There is another temple by the name "Pazhaya Sreekanteswaram" near Overbridge,Trivandrum.In the 'Mathilakam' records (documents relating to administration of Sree Padmanabha Swami Temple,Thiruvananthapuram) there is reference about this temple.In this temple, the 2 main deities are Lord Shiva and Lord Mahavishnu.

The story goes that there was an old sweeper maid who used to work in Pazhaya Sreekanteswaram Temple.After the day's work,the tired old maid used to take rest under the shade of a tree near her hut.She would keep the broom and the pot called "Kalayakkudam" near the tree.One day it so happened that after her rest, she tried to lift the pot but it would not move!! So she tried to break the pot using a stone.To her great shock she found that the pot was bleeding profusely!! It is believed that Lord Shiva gave darshan to the old lady.On further enquiry, it was confirmed to be 'SWAYAMBHU SHIVA LINGA'.The king inspected the spot and orderd to build a new Shiva Temple there which in the later years become the famous Sreekanteswaram Temple.

This temple must be at least 700 years old.Hundreds of devotees worship at Sreekanteswaram Temple every day.The main idol faces east.The sacred temple pond is seen on the eastern side.Sree Mahaganapathy, Sree Dharmasastha,Sree Nagaraja,Sree Murukan,Sree Anjaneya and Sree Krishna are also worshipped in this glorious temple.Although the "Sreekoil"(Sanctum Sanctorum) is very small,divine presence is strongly felt.

Sreekanteswaram Temple is conveniently located at 3 km from Trivandrum Central Railway Station and KSRTC Bus Stand and 1 km from Sree padmanabha Swami Temple.

Erumeli Sastha Temple

Erumeli Sastha Temple, an important meeting place in the pilgrimage trip to Sabarimala is famous on many counts. There is also a Muslim Temple very near to the Sastha Temple. Ayyappans go to Sabarimala after worshipping at these two temples, that symbolise the Hindu-Muslim unity. The pilgrims go to Sabarimala after 'Pettathullal' at Erumeli. Pilgrimage to Sabarimala without Pettathullal and worship at the above mentioned temples is against the traditional dogmas. Erumeli Temple is at a distance of 38 Kms from Kottayam. Nearest Railway station is Kottayam.

Parthasarathy Temple, Guruvayoor

Parthasarathy Temple This is a famous temple credited with an idol of Parthasarathy, Lord Krishna in the form of Guiding Arjuana (Partha). It is believed that this idol was installed in this temple by Adi Shankara. This temple also has a shrine for Adi Shankara. The temple sanctum is in the form of chariot with wheels and horses. Many devotees regularly visit to offer prayers and temple ambiance is good for silent prayer and meditation.

Kulathoopuzha Ayyappan temple

Situated on a forest range on the Thiruvananthapuram – Shenkottai road, Kulathupuzha is known for the Sastha temple. The Vishu Mahotsavam in April/May is the most important festival. There are frequent buses from Kollam to Kulathupuzha. The Thenmala railway station is just 10 km from here.The Sastha Temple at Kulathupuzha is very ancient. The idol at Kulathupuzha is called ‘Manikandan’. It is believed that the Temple was constructed by the Raja of Pandalam. But the idol was discovered by a Brahmin from Kottarakkara after several years and he started pooja there. The King of Kottarakkara heard about this and constructed the present temple. Feeding to the fishes in the nearby river is an important ‘vazhipadu’ in the Temple.

Chilanthi Ambalam

This ‘Chilanthi Ambalam’ is located one km east of Kodumon on Ezhamkulam- Kaipattor Road and 10 km from Adoor. It is not a new one, but 1,200 years’ old and attracts hundreds of devotees on Sundays.

Administered by the Travancore Devaswom Board, the temple has Vanadurga as the presiding deity who is a sub-goddess of the nearby Kodumon Sre e Vai - kundapuram Sree Mahavishnu temple.The victims of spider-bites, even having deep wounds, get relief with the prasadam and ‘theertham’ provided by the temple which has poojas twice a day.

The temple attracts devotees from Tamil Nadu too. Temple melsanthi Madhavan Potti said about 50 devotees approach him for spider-bites treatment every week.They are given ‘kadalipazham,’ ‘malar, ‘an eatable made from fried paddy and ‘theeratham’ from the well after performing poojas at the temple. And they get cured.For those who have deep wounds, t h e t h r e e ‘nivedyams’ are prescribed for seven days. Reghunath, the devaswom employee of the temple, said a large number of devotees approach the temple for treatment.

Attukal Bhagavathy Temple

The Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, one of the ancient temples of South India, is popularly described as Sabarimala of the Women, as women form the major portion of devotees is located at Attukal. The Goddess in the temple of Attukal is worshipped as the Supreme Mother, creator of all living beings and the mighty preserver as well as destroyer of them all. The pilgrims from all over the country, who visit Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple and worship the Lord, do not consider their visits complete without the visit to the shrine of the supreme Mother Attukalamma.

According to mythology, Attukal Bhagavathy is supposed to be the divinised form ofKannaki, the famous heroine of Chilapathikaram, written by Elenkovadikal, the Tamil Poet. The story goes that after the destruction of ancient city of Madurai, Kannaki left the city and reached Kerala via Kanyakumari and on the way to Kodungalloor took a sojourn at Attukal. Kannaki is supposed to be the incarnation of Parvathy, the consort of Paramasiva. The all powerful and benign Attukal Bhagavathy reigns eternally supreme at Attukal and nurses devotees as a mother does her children. Thousands of devotees from far and near flock to the Temple to bend before the Goddess with awe and reverence to prostrate and redress their affliction and agony.

Perinthalmanma Thali

Perinthalmanma Thali

This Mahadeva kshetram is situated at Perinthalmanma , and is dedicated to lord Mahadeva. Uma Maheshwari pooja is the main offerings of this temple.n
This temple is situated close to Thirumandankunnu temple, and one can even plan the famous Kadambuza.

Muthuvara Siva Temple Thrissur

Sree Maheswara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is situated in Koorkancherry, 2 km away from Thrissur. The temple idol was installed by the well known religious and social reformer, Sree Narayana Guru. The Thypooya Mahotsav, the annual seven day festival of the temple is celebrated with pomp and splendor by the devotees. Regular bus and taxi services are available to the temple.
Cochin International Airport, located 58 km from Thrissur is the nearest airport. Rail aspirants can access this place through Thrissur Railway Station. Local attractions include Vadakkunnathan Temple, Archeological Museum and Thrissur Zoo

Chamakkavu Devi Temple

Chamakkavu Devi Temple near Venmoney is currently a Hindu Temple, but historically this temple was a Buddhist place of worship, which was transformed initially into a Vishnu temple (then known as Sharnga-kavu) and later into a Devi temple. The annual chariot festival and other traditions correspond to the old Buddhist practices of "kettu kazhcha", which was assimilated into Hinduism in Kerala.

The old Buddhist families that worshipped at this temple are said to have moved to a nearby 'kavu' called Vavvara. The Vavvara kavu was owned and maintained by the Elavanthi family. M. C. Narayanan of Kallumala used to be the head of the clan that maintained the Vavvara Kavu and legendary family related to the Chamakkavu temple (the old Buddhist shrine).

Uthrallikavu Temple

Uthralikkavu temple is some two kilometers away in the direction of north from Wadackanchery on the Kodungallore-Shoranur state highway. Just aside the Thrissur – Shoranur Railway line, amidst the paddy fields and surrounded by a chain of highlands and hills, the temple compound forms a rather arena-like stage where the Pooram and its associated features such as elephant procession, fireworks, percussion orchestra etc. would be held.
Despite the fact that the temple is rather small in size compared to its counterparts in Kerala and that it is located at an isolated rural part of the district, during the festival season, the temple and the village raises to media attraction and news fame.

Achancovil Temple Kollam

Achankovil Temple is in the Kollam district and is in Kerala border. Infront of the temple we can see Achancovil river.  Achankovil is an important Hindu pilgrim centre and the famous Sastha temple here is situated amidst thick forest. It is very much important among the sastha temples in Kerala. The presiding deity of this temple is Lord Ayyappa. It is said that the installation of the idol of Sastha have been installed several centuries before the Christian Era by Lord Parasurama himself. Achencovil temple is almost above 950 mtrs height from the sea level.Achankovil Shastha Temple, or the Dharmasastha Temple, is one among the five important temples dedicated to Lord Ayyappa in Kerala. Lord Ayyappa leads the Grihastha Ashrama life here – he is depicted as a family man or leads married life here. He is depicted along with his two wives – Purna and Pushkala.

It is believed that the idol here was installed by Lord Parashurama.Lord parasurama got the 'Darshan' From the God Ayyappa, leads to the creation of this Temple which is named as Satha Kovil temple .The Idol of Ayyappa at this Sastha Temble is known as "Rudraksha sila" Which Believed to be made with ruthraksha's and this Idol is believed to be having Miraculous Properties with it's sandal paste Especially snake venom is believed to be cured with that sandal paste from the hand of lord Ayyappa.The Achankovil Sastha Temple is famous for curing poisonous snake bites. The left hand of the idol of Ayyappa at Achankoil Shastha Temple always holds ‘Chandan’ (sandalwood paste) and Thirtha (holy water). The Chandan and Thirtha are considered to have medicinal properties to cure snake bites.

Here Lord Ayyappa is in the form of “Grihasthasrami”. Lord is sitting along with his two wives  ‘Poorna’ and ‘Pushkkala’.The temple is surrounded by a big wall,it is meant to prevent wild animals entering inside the temple.The temple complex also contains other deities associated with the Ayyappa legend. The festivals and rituals held here have strong Tamil roots. During the Sabarimala pilgrimage, devotees also visit this temple to offer their prayers.

Thirunelli Temple Wynad

Thirunelli Temple is the only temple in the world where the devotees can perform all the rituals related to one’s life, starting from birth to death and life after death. It is one of the most ancient temples in Kerala. It is believed that here the prathishta of Lord Vishnu was performed by Lord Brahma. It is also known as ''Sahyamala Kshetram'' and ''Kashi of the South''.

 Thirunelli Temple draws pilgrims from allover, primarily for ancestral rites. The rituals are performed on the banks of the stream Papanasini which flows down from Mount Brahmagiri. It is believed that this stream has divine power to dissolve sins of all the mortals. Another major attraction of the temple is the holy rock where people pray for their forefathers. On the western side of the temple is the cave temple Gunnika, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Thus Thirunelli becomes blessed by the unique presence of all the members of the trinity. 

The beautiful Brahmagiri hills and the surrounding lush green forests have made the temple premises a valley of tranquility. So everybody feels completely relaxed after sitting in the sanctum of the temple. The temple is an embodiment of ancient temple architecture. The aquaduct that brings water to the temple is also a witness to hundreds of years of history. 

Sabarimala - Sree Dharma Sastha Temple,

Sree Dharma Sastha Temple, SabarimalaSabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple, dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, is the most famous and prominent among all the Sastha temples in Kerala. The temple is situated on a hilltop (about 3000 feet above sea level) named Sabarimala in Pathanamthitta district, which is unique in many respects. The uniqueness gathers its voice, as the temple is open to all, irrespective of caste, creed or religion. There is a place near the temple; east to Sannidhanam, dedicated to the Vavar (a sufi and friend of Lord Ayyappa) which is called 'Vavarunada', an epitome of religious harmony. Another interesting fact is that it is not open throughout the year.

It is open for worship only during the days of Mandalapooja, Makaravilakku and Chitra Vishu. It is said that the pilgrims have to follow fasting for 41 days to cleanse their minds before going to Sabarimala. The journey to the temple is to be taken through difficult paths in the forest as the vehicles can go only up to Pampa. 

Valiyakunnu Narasimha Murthy kshetram

This temple in Valiyakunnu , Malappuram district of kerala is dedicated to the lord Narasimha. Along side with Lord Narasimha, Lord Guruvayoorappa is also present. The presence of Lord Guruvayoorappa is to calm down the ferocious nature of Lord Narasimha.
This temple is situated besides a ayyappa tempe which is called as the 'Ayyappan Kavu'. The temple is situated admist of scenic beauty with greenery around. In colochial terms the lord here is also addressed as 'Thevar'.

This temple is accessasible via - valanchery ,perithalmanna, or through Pattambi.While visiting this temple , the famous Thiruvegapura, Kadampuzha, Thirumandhankunnu, Perinthalmanna Thalli can also planned alongside.

Niram kaitha Kotta Temple - Malappuram

Niram Kaitha Kotta Temple is situated in Vallikunnu Grama Panchayath at the northern extreme of Malappuram district of Kerala. This is about 20 Kms south of Calicut city.This is an important pilgrim centre of Malabar.  

 The Ayyappa temple is thought to be about thousand years of old. The temple is one among the most important Dharma Sastha temple of Malabar region. The Pattulsavam in every Makaram(a month in Kolla varsham ) performs in the premise of this temple with special rituals and ‘Seeveli’.Somany monkeys are living near this temple. The well which provides the holy water (theertham) to the temple also have some special features. The holy water from this well which never dry or overflow is believed that the water is from the holy river Ganges. The water in the well never get sunlight. There is a way to this under ground well from inside the temple for collecting the holy water by the priest.     A few many feets higher than this temple the famous Mekkotta Bagavathy Temple situates on the top of the hill. One will feel how the beauty and solitude provides mental relax when stay here for worship.  

 The vast area around this temple provides the scope for forestation. The peak of the hill and the river which flows round the hill is a really beautiful sight. The beauty, elegance and the peacefulness of this area has the scope of developing in to a shooting location and a tourist centre. 

Kakkad Shree Mahaganapathy kshetram.- Thrissur

The Temple is only 8 kms away from Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple. In 1921, Kakkad Karanawar, Manakulam Kunjunni Raja and his nephew Mukunda Raja and Mahakavi Vallathol jointly formed Kalamandalam and began the performance of Kathakali in this temple. Thus the temple became famous in Kerala as well as outside.

Mahaganapathi and Vettekaran are the Idols installed here. Both are Equally powerful and are given equal importance while performing poojas and offerings. The trunk of the Ganapathy is turned to the left which is an important factor. This temple is one of the rare Mahaganapathy Temples in Kerala. This temple is historically famous in Kerala as well. With the blessings of sree Mahaganapathy and Vettekaran, the temple has became famous in the country. In 2002 the temple flag hoisting (Dwajaprathishta) was performed. In 2003, Subdeities (Upadevathas) like Navagrahas, Nagas, Dampathirakashas, Durga, Bhadrakali etc. were also installed. Famous and well known people are liberally donating money and land to this temple.With the blessing of Ganapathi, life of most of the devotees are advancing succesfully with their expectation.

Important offerings like Mahaganapathi Homam to remove all obstacles; Mangalya Pooja to clear away all the obstacles in marriage, Santhana Pooja for Children and for the Fulfilment of desires. Elephant horn in gold is offered in place of ivory. Other important offerings are Niramala Vettakaran Pattu, Udayasthamana Pooja, Koottappam etc. Reading of (Vayana) Ramayana Navahayanjam, Bhagavathasapthaham, Ganesha Puranam, Sivapuranam etc. are also performed . There is Friday Oottu on every first friday of each malayalam month for which food is distributed to the devotees after Nivedhyam. Vinayaka Chathurthy of Chingamasam is celebrating with Ganesh a Sangeethotsavam. On first saturday of January, Vettakaran pattu is performed along with the breaking of 12008 coconuts. After taking seat on coconuts, at 12.30 am, the Komaram starts throwing and breaking of coconuts and complete the breaking of 12008 coconuts in just 3 1/2 hours. 8 days of Temple Festival (Utsavam) is celebrating every year starting with flag Hoisting (Kodiyettam) on Thiruvathira Nakshathram in Malayalam month of Meenam and concluding with the Pallivetta 7th day Arattu on the 8th day. Chakyarkoothu Ottamthullal, Dance, Bhajans etc. are performed during these 8 day’s of festival. On next sunday after Arattu the residents of Kakkad celebrating Deshapooram. The Prathishta Day (Prathishtadinam) is celebrating on the Aswathi Nakshathram day of the Malayalam month Kumbham. Food is distributed to devotees (Prasadaoottu) on Prathishta day, Vinayaka Chathurthy, Vettakaran Pattu and Temple Festival Days. It is believed to be good that persons who pray to Sree Ganapathi and Vettakaran, for attaining success in every aspect of life.

Visit this Temple and do worship at least once and receive the blessings of Sree Mahaganapathi and Sree Vettakaran.

Panachikadu Saraswathi Temple...

The Saraswathi temple in the Panachikadu 

village of Kottayam district, Kerala is known as Dakshina (Southern) Mookambi. Eventhough many Saraswathi temples perform pooja only during the ' Navarathri period', this temple offers pooja throughout giving ' darshan' to the devotees.This temple is situated in the panachikadu village 11 kilometers away from the well known Kottayam District Head Quarters of South Kerala. This village resembles the famous Kodajadri,. In the Main Central Road( MC Road), between Kottayam and Changanassery, there is a small village called Chingavanam. Travelling 4 kilometers east fromChangavanam one can reach the temple situated in anidyllic and beautiful place.