Natika, Hanuman Swamy temple

The temple had come to existence during the past century approximately seventy years back in 1939. Sree Chandranantha Guru (the founder) with the blessings of Paradesi Guru – Sree Madhavananda Guru –had originated this temple and had become the first Chief Mutt. Sree Chandrananda Guru entered His Mahasamadhi in 1983 during the Brahma Muhoortha of Vijayadashami and Thiruvonam Nakshathram. After Guruji’s Samadhi Sree Suresh Swamy has taken charge of the Temple as Chief Mutt. According to the divine perception made happened to Sree Suresh Swamy in 1990, he has built new temples for Lord Hanuman and other Deities

After completing the duties entrusted on him by Lord Hanuman, he entered his divine Samadhi on 15th March 2001 at the age of 43 years. Master Ananthu, the only son and the disciple of Sree Suresh Swamy is currently the Chief Mutt of the Temple.

The idol of Lord Hanuman installed here is magnificent. It is the largest, created in panchaloha, first of its kind in the world. The idol is in such style that Lord Hanuman in a move to fly to SreeRama, procuring the herb mountain (Rishabadri) in His left hand and Golden Gadha (Golden Club) in His right hand. The height of this idol is about 5.5 feet, eye-catching and marvelous.

At the time of installation there were no other temples in Kerala had the presence of Navagrahas installed in front of Lord Hanuman. After our birth, the life is controlled by Navagrahas. Astrological Science confirms this. For Navagraha Dosha all the related and relevant prayers, poojas and manthras are being performed here

Madhur Temple Kasargod

Madhur temple was originally Madhanentheswara (Shiva) Temple and as the lore goes, an old so called "low caste" lady "Madura" discovered an "Udbhava Murthy" (a statue that was not made by a human) of shiva linga. The Ganapathy statue was drawn by a priest's son, a small Brahmin boy, on the walls of the Garbhagriha(sanctum sanctorum) while playing. Day by day it became big and fat; so that the boy called Ganapathi as "boddajja" or "bodda ganesha". The legend of Kumble seme says Tipu Sultan wanted to demolish the temple like Adooru Mahalingeswara temple during his invasion of Coorg, Tulunadu, and Malabar. But after drinking water from the well of the temple, he changed his mind on attacking and demolishing the Garbhagudi and marched towards Malabar. But to satisfy his soldiers and Islamic scholars he made a cut with his sword symobolising the attack. The mark is still visible on the building that is built around the temple well.

Cherai Gowreeshwara Temple

Cherai Gowreeshwara Temple

 is one of the main Hindu temple in Kerala state, south India. This temple is in Cherai village in Ernakulam district of Kerala. Temple is mainatained byVinjhana Vardhini Sabha (V. V Sabha). It also known as Malyala palani മലയാള പഴനി orMuruga Temple. The Cherai Gowreeshwara Temple festival is one of the main festivals in the Eranakulam district. The festival happens every year towards the last 2 weeks of January or first 2 weeks of February. The main attractions are caparisoned elephant march(around 20-30 elephants).

Shankara Narayana Murthi Temple - Moothakunnam

The village Moothakunnam is well known for Shankara Narayana Murthi[Moothakunathappan] temple, which was blessed by Sree Narayana Guru in the early part of the twentieth century. The temple is located near [Periyar] river. Speciality about the temple is, whatever trees are considered to be sacred according to hindutva has sprout out naturally which shows the sacredness of the temple

Aluva Manappuram

Aluva Manappuram (since manal in Malayalam means sand, the reference is to  sandy bank of the river) on the banks of Periyar river has been a divine pilgrimage spot for Hindus since time immemorial . One hundred fifty two acres of sandy bank, with a modest Shiva temple, attracts lakhs of believers on Sivarathri days every year.  Sivarathri is an auspicious day for offering bali tharpan for the ancestors. People from all over Kerala throng the manappuram on those days. They do have darshan at Shiva temple and offer bali tharpan.  Approximatey 6 to 7 lakh pilgrims are visiting manalppuram for this ritual every year. On top of this several lakhs come to manalppuram to participate in and enjoy the one month long trade fair, celebrations and illuminations.

  Periyar alias Poorna river is the same one which caresses Kaladi, the birth place of Adi Sankaracharya. Kaladi is a few miles away from manappuram

Trichambaram Temple

Trichambaram Temple

 is a Temple dedicated to Lord Krishna located in Taliparamba town of Kannur about 20 Km away. There are no documentary evidence available to show exactly when this holy place was built .There is a reference to this in the sanskrit epic (Moosa kava sam) penned by the court poet of the Kolathiri king Athulan in 1100 Ad .The reference says that the popular ruler vallabhan II renovated the trichambaram Sreekrishna temple during that period.The sanctum sanctorum is in squarish shape. Inside the main temple there is a Bhagavathy shrine facing Lord Krishna, with a lotus in her hands. Behind the main sanctum sanctorum there is the enshrinement of Ananthasayanam. This sanctum sanctorum is believed to be the abode of Lord Balabhadra, Sri Krishnas elder brother . The temple also contains one of the most exquisite collection of mural paintings in south India.

Thiruvanchikulam Mahadeva temple - Thrissur

 Thiruvanchikulam Mahadeva Temple  

Village : Methala
Taluk : Kodungalloor
District : Thrissur
Location : About 6 km from Kodungalloor

The western entrance of the temple is on the Kodungallur- Ernakulam highway. This temple is said to be more than 2,000 years old and is remarkable for its number of representations of Shiva. There is a Namaskara Mandapam, with 16 pillars, which is in front of the Shrikovil. The Utsavam is held in the Malayalam month of Kum­bham (Feb-Mar), during which the festival of Shivratri is celebrated in a grand manner. Aanayottam is conducted as part of the festival. Devotees attend the Palli-yara pujas, held just before the temple closes in the evening, on full moon nights, to pray for a happy married life and to be blessed with children.

Nelluvai Dhanwantari kshetram - Nelluvai

Dhanwantari is the incarnation of the Lord, when He revealed medical knowledge to mankind. The Nelluvai Temple has been consecrated to His Manifestation as the Lord of Medicine.Sick people come here and do Meditation. The Deity is widely believed to cure illnessess and the Prasadam given here is made up of turmeric, curd etc, called Mukkidi Nivedyam.Swargavathil Ekadasi is celebrated here, the 11th Lunation in the sidereal month of Sagittarius or Dhanus. Other famous events are Dhanwantari Sangeetolsavam and Panchavadya or Percussion Symphony.Applying Ghee on Idol called Vennachartal and pudding made with milk, Pal Payasam are the main offerings here.

This famous temple is situated 21 kms from Guruvayur in the village of Nelluvai, Trichur Dist. Most of the astrologers and psychics recommend praying and meditating before the Lord of Ayurveda, here, in this magnificent temple !In order to cure my mother's disease, I went and prayed at this temple.

Offerings were made and her illnesses disappeared ! Bhagavan Dhanwantari told his disciples that the greatest quality is  Continence or Brahmacharya.  He who takes in favorable foods He who is aware of consequences of actionHe who has self control absolutePatient, conquers all disease!

Nithyam Hithahara Vihara SeviSameekshya Karee Vishayaksha SakthaDhatha Samasatya Para KshamavanApthopa Sevee cha Bhavath Aroga 

How strange is Thy Grace !

Iranikulam Sree Mahadeva Temple - Thrissur

Iranikulam Sree Mahadeva TempleOne of the most ancient temples of Kerala. The biggest double storied circular sanctum called ‘Thekkedathu’ (Southern) temple. The ‘Sadasivalingam’ consecrated by Lord Parasurama. Lord Siva with consort Sree Parvathy and son Kumara on a single pedestal at ‘Vadakkedathu’ (Northern) temple. Architectural perfection and sculptural beauty. Situated along the southern border of Thrissur district, 7 Km south of Mala, 15 Km east of Kodungallur and 22 Km north west of Aluva. 

DeitiesThekkedathappan:
 Lord Siva in Sadasiva concept in lingam form, believed to be installed by Lord Parasurama, originally in ‘Threthayuga’ inside the sanctum sanctorum of the double storied circular sanctum.

 Nandikeswaran: As a single stone statue installed in the middle of the western edge of the mandapam. Sapthamathrukkal with Ganesa: In front of the southern Dwara (door) of the Sanctum. 

Maha Ganapathy: In a small sanctum at the south west corner (Kanni Moola) of the main shrine. 

Sree Dharma Sastha: As Lord Ayyappa in granite statue installed in a small sanctum at the south west corner just outside the thekkedathu chuttambalam. 

Serpent Gods: Installed on an open pedestal at the outermost south west corner of the temple complex. 

Karottamma: The initial mother goddess revered as the guardian goddess of the area, worshipped as ‘Bhuvaneswari’, ‘Nanadurga’ and ‘Bhadrakali’. Installed in the primitive granite stone form in a roofless sanctum, situated on a natural elevation at the North West corner along the outer border of the complex. 

SkandomaaParameswara: The rarest concept of Siva- Sakthi Samyogam in Indian worship culture. Lord Siva, Sree Parvathy and Balamuruga in life size Panchaloha idols on a single pedestal inside the double storied square sanctum Known as the vadakkedathu temple.

 Yakshi: Sree Parvathy in ‘soundarya devatha’ (goddess of beauty an youthfulness) concept, installed in a single stone idol at the intersecting corner of the southern wall of the mughamandapom and the eastern wall of the sanctum. 

Keezhthrikkovil Mahavishnu: In a full formed (chathur bahu in ‘Prahlada praseeda’ concept) granite idol inside a single storied square sanctum, 30 metres north of the main temple compound.         

The Thiruvenkitachalapathy Temple Guruvayoor

The Thiruvenkitachalapathy Temple situated at Thiruvenkidom desom which is a kilometer to the north east of the famous SreeKrishna Temple, Guruvayur is an ancient and unique shrine in many respects. The most notes worthy point is that the deity worshipped at this temple is the same Lord Thiruvenkitachalapathy (Balaji) worshipped at the world famous Tirumala Temple in Andrapradesh. As per astrological findings made by reputed astrologer, late Puduseri Vishnu Namboodiri, more than one thousand years ago, a sage from the Tirumala Temple came over to Guruvayur and wishing to establish a temple for his Lord Venkitachalapathi at Guruvayur where there is already a temple for Lord Sreekrishna, sat by the side of the present temple tank, prayed for and obtained permission of the Lord for such a temple at Guruvayur and then established this temple after bringing an idol from Tirupati.  This astrological finding is borne out by the simple fact that the locality where this temple is situated is known as Thiruvenkidom from time immemorial. The abode of Thiruvenkitachalapathy, is naturally Thiruvenkidom . It might be the wish of the great Lord that where he is already worshipped as Sreekrishna, he should be worshipped as Venkitachalapathy also. That must explain this extraordinary phenomenon of the three different manifestations at the same place, to perhaps make true. His declaration that "whoever worships me in which ever manner, I bless him in the same manner". There is no doubt, that in that distant past when communication and contact facilities wore totally lacking the sage could come from Tirumala and establish this temple at distant Guruvayur is entirely due to the Lord's will and blessings. This temple could very well be treated as established by the Lord himself, the sage being only an instrument in His hand. But here also man's violent nature and maliciousness manifested. Enemies of the temple later mutilated the idol. The head and right hand of the idol were cut off and later generations didn't know whose idol it was. This continued till 1974 In 1974, some devotees arranged the devaprasna (astrological search) mentioned earlier and came to know the real nature of the deity. The devotees then went to Tirumala, arranged an idol from there, took it to all the temples in South India, finally brought to Thiruvenkidom and reinstallation was done in June 1977 in a grand ceremony by the Thanthri of the Guruvayur temple, Brahmasree Chennas Parameswaran Namboodiripad, and Periya Jeer Swami of Tirumala who is believed to be the successor of the founder sage of this temple. Thus the Lord in his divine grace manifested himself again at Thiruvenkidom. Now most of the devotees who come to Guruvayur have darsan of Lord Venkitachalapathy.Another unique feature of this temple is that about six hundred years after the original installation of Lord venkitachalapathy an idol of Bhagavathy (Mother goddess) was also installed here. This Mother goddess through her benign nature and generous blessings soon began to be worshipped as the ruling mother of the entire population. There soon grew and emotional tie between the Mother and the devotees. She was the refuge and protector of all the devotees. No body returned empty handed from her Divine presence.After the idol of Thiruvenkitachalapathy was mutilated it was the Mother's shrine which retained the tradition of this temple. The Mother continued to be worshipped during this cloudy period. This is explained by the fact that for the local people this is still the temple of the Thiruvenkidom Bhagavathy as the presence of Thiruvenkitachalapathy came to be known only in 1974, Now both Thiruvenkitachalapathy and Bhagavathy have equal importance. The main Sreekovil is of Thiruvenkitchalapathy. Bhagavathy's Srikovil is in the south East end of the valiambalam.Ganapathy (Vigneswaran) Saraswathy, Ayyappan and Nagaraja are also worshipped as upadevadas. A separate shrine is also built for the original founder of the temple, Ramanujaryar.After the reinstallation in 1977 an elaborate systems of poojas and rites have been prescribed. Pooja is done three times for Bhagavathy and Venkitachalapathy. Milk and navakabishekams are done for Venkitachalapathy preceding the Uchapooja. Poomoodal is done daily for Bhagavathy as part of the Uchapooja. This is done as offerings by the devotees.Muttirickal and Poomoodal are very important offerings for Bhagavathy. Muttirickal is done by ceremoniously breaking a coconut at the feet of the Bhagavathy. This is done for removing all obstacles in the path of the devotee in all matters connected with his life, like getting job, passing of examinations, Marriages etc. Poomoodal on the other hand grants all his wishes and ensures success in all ventures. This is borne out by the fact that Poomoodal is booked in advance up to 2020 now. Only one Poomoodal is done on one day. Booking is continuing.

Rajarajeswara temple - Kannur

The Rajarajeswara temple is a Shiva temple located at Taliparamba in the Kannur districtof Kerala, South India.The temple is regarded as one of the existing 108 ancient Shiva Temples of Kerala. It also has a prominent place amongst the numerous Shiva temples in South India. It had the tallest shikhara amongst the temples of its time.

The Rajarajeshwara temple has a top of about 90 tonnes. If any problem is encountered in the other temples of South India, devotees seek a solution in this temple through a prasna, a traditional method of astrological decision making.The prasna is conducted on a peedha (a raised platform) outside the temple.This temple was built in the early eleventh century. It was supposedly renovated by Sage Parashurama long before the Kali Yuga commenced. Several centuries ago it was renovated by the Mushika (Kolathiri) dynasty kings. The quadrangular sanctum has a two-tiered pyramidal roof; in front of the sanctum is the namaskara mandapam, but the temple has no kodi maram (flagstaff), unlike others in Kerala.

Kaduthuruthy Mahadeva Temple

The temple is situated mid-way between Vaikom and Ettumanoor. Kaduthuruthy is a small town, the northern and western parts of which are spread over by Vembanattu backwaters. One among the famous Shiva Temples of Kerala.
A Siva temple is known as Thali, when the consecration is only that of Lord Shiva and the Goddess Parvati is not installed in the premises. It is believed that the consecration at Vaikom was done at the same time. There also exist a replica of Ettumannor Shiva Idol, thus it is believed that visit to this temple is as good as visiting three famous Shiva Temple, namely Vaikom, Ettumannor and this temple. The temple is adjacent to Ernakulam -Ettumannor Road

Thiruvambady Temple - Thrissur

The Thiruvambady Temple and Thrissur Pooram festival are today almost synonymous to the general public.  However the latter is the climax to the sustained round the year activities of divine worship aimed at providing a spiritual avenue for peace, tranquility and mental uplift of thousands of devotees far and near.

The temple is located 1 km north of the Vadakkunnathan Temple and 800m from Swaraj Round, on the Shornur Road.  It is only 10mts drive from Thrissur Railway Station and Bus stand.   The Punkunnam Railway station, which is a C-grade station, is only 250 mtrs from the temple.  In physical appearance the temple is a small one; but in quality and immensity of rites of worship, it stands on a par with the Mahakshethras here.

Advent of Krishna:

The idol of Krishna, now worshipped here, was originally the Parthasarathy idol in a temple at Edakkalathur, a sleepy hamlet, about 15km from Thrissur. The temple had the same name – Thiruvambady – and there were many shrines too, for Bhagavathy, Sastha etc. Some four centuries ago, when life and property in the village were threatened by communal conflagration, some villagers under the cover of darkness, surreptitiously carried the idol to Thrissur and entrusted the same to a pious Namboodiri couple at Kachanappilly Illam, 200mtrs from the present Thiruvambady temple. The childless couple considered it a blessing in disguise from the Almighty and as they fostered the idol for worship, they felt it was their own unborn child. The benevolent Lord who appears before a devotee in the form he wants, opted to cast aside Partha Sarathy’s whip and to pick up the flute in one hand and extended the other to receive the butter of devotion from the ‘foster parents’. A small temple in the form of a ‘sala’ was erected 200mtrs, South of Kachanappally Illam and ‘Unnikrishna’ was enshrined.

Bhagavathy:

The saga of Devi is no less enchanting. The Kachanappally couples were ardent devotees of Kodungallur Devi and the male used to foot a distance of 40km, up and down, every month, to have a darshan of the Devi at Kodungallur. With the passage of time and deteriorating health conditions, per force, he had to bid farewell to the Deity and plod homeward with a broken heart. However, just like a human mother, the Devi could not bear the pangs of separation from her dedicated devotee; her ‘Chaitanya’ followed the Bhaktha to his abode and consequently got enshrined on a granite pillar in the central courtyard within the Nalukettu. It is this consecrated pillar with the Devi ‘Chaitanya’ which is installed in the Sanctum to the left of Unnikrishna and worshipped as the compassionate Balabhadrakali (Kali as a  child). The aura of the divine duo-Unni and Devi – makes Thiruvambady a spiritual beacon of beatitude, like Brindavan, providing solace and succour to thousands of devotees from far and near. The poojas and other thanthric rites are performed, as envisaged in Thanthra samuchaya, with meticulous care, and this has upgraded the small temple qualitatively to the stature of a Mahakshethra.

Chowalloor Siva Kshethra - Thrissur

Pranams! The ancient Chowalloor Siva Kshethra or Mahadeva Temple, as it is called is famed to be over centuries old. Located approximately three kilometers towards east from the world famous pilgrims paradise Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple is yet another significant pilgrim centre for saints and God seekers alike.

Considered to be one of the oldest 108 sivalayas consecrated by Lord Parasurama, the fascinating legends linked to the Chowalloor Siva Temple bear testimony to the ancestry and age of this Temple.

Lord Siva, the deity of thrissur Sree Vadakunnatha Temple is said to have manifested himself on an umberella carried by one of his beloved devotees, a pious old Namboothiri from Chowalloor Mazhavannoor Mana (Illam of Namboothiri), who used to walk all the way to thrissur to have daily darshan of the Lord.

When his devotee become too old to walk and worship him regularly, the Lord is said to have accompanied him to his native home in Chowalloor. Later a temple was constructed at the very place where the Lord appeared to his devotee

Haripad subrahmanya swamy temple - Alapuzha

Subrahmanya Swamy temple in Haripad near Kayamkulam, Kerala is one of the oldest temples in Kerala. This temple dedicated to Subrahmanya Swamy is known as Dakshina Palani(Southern Palani). It is believed that the temple was established even before the advent of Kaliyuga.

It is believed that the idol has been used by Parasurama for Poojas and was left in Kandanalloor in Govindamuttom Backwaters from which it was recovered. It is said that all the landlords of Eakachakra (the then Haripad) had vision regarding the idol in the sametime which led them to find the idol in Kayamkulam lake.The idol was brought ashore at Nelpurakadavu. In commemmeoration of retrival of the idol Vigraha Labdhi Jalolsavam is conducted in Payippad river for three days, after Thiruvonam. Legend has it that the idol was kept for public viewing for Ara Nazhika (half an hour) under a banyan tree that belonged to a Christian family,Tharakanmar. There still exist a small temple where the idol was kept known as “Ara Nazhika Ambalam”

Pambummekkattu Mana - Mala Thrissur.

Pambummekkattu Mana is the most famous Serpent worship centre in Kerala. The Pambummekattu lllam (also known as Mana) stands in Vadama village, a part of Mukundapuram Taluk in Thrissur District, Kerala. The nearest railway station is 10 km away at Chalakudy. Devotees can reach here by road from any part of Kerala. The believers can take Thrice - Mala route; 2.5 Km North to Mala stands the Meikkattu Mana west to the main road. The name of the bus stop itself is Mekkattu Junction.

When you reach the pathway in front of Mekkattu Mana, a wall with Figures of Serpents painted on it. When you turn to the north, an arch-shaped entrance inscribed with Serpent figures can be seen. When you go further, thick, tall trees and small temples (Kavu) snatch your attention. Then you reach the entrance. You can enter the "Sarpakavu" with a pure mind and body to seek the blessings of the serpent Gods. The Serpent Gods Nagaraja (male God) and Naga Yakshi (female God) reside in the eastern portion of Mekkattu Mana. The peculiarity is that there are no idols of these Gods, but daily poojas are conducted.

The Pambu Mekkattu (serving of snake) is spread over six acres of land with five "Serpant Kavus" (Kavu is sacred garden). The Pambummekkattu land is kept in its virgin style with huge trees and thick vegetation. Thousands of bats are dwelling on these trees. Only on rare occasions the devotees are allowed to enter into the Pambummekkattu Temple for worship. On the 1st of the Malayalam month "Vrischikam" (November 17) of the Keralites' calendar many devotees of Sabarimala Ayyappa come to Pambu Mekkattu in order to get the blessing of Serpent Gods. "Noorum Palum" (food and milk) offering to the snakes is on this day.

Chamravattam Shasthavu Kshetram - Malappuram

Unlike other Hindu temples; the Sanctum sanctorum of the temple, where “murti” of “lord Ayyappa” is installed, is below the ground level and the murti is installed in sand; as if the temple was built around the idol which was already there. The reason for this is believed to be that the idol was not installed by anyone but as a miracle emerged from the ground by itself and is still growing. This phenomena is names as “Swayambhu”, meaning Self-manifested or that which is created by its own accord. The method of worship also differs here slightly as, unlike other temples, bell is not used here for pooja.

This temple is situated in a small island about 100 meters inwards the river, which immerse in water during the monsoons. Temple will be so much waterlogged that the water level will be about 4 feet high inside the temple.

Akkare Kottiyur - Kannur

The festival at Kottiyoor in Kannur district involves two temples, situated on the opposite banks of River Bavali – Akkare Kottiyoor and Ikkare Kottiyoor. The annual Kottiyoor festival is celebrated for twenty-eight days and it falls during the months of May and June. Here, the Neyyattam ritual on the first day and the Thirukalasatturitual on the concluding day are attended by hundreds of devotees.

At the temple, known as Akkare Kottiyoor, the deity is believed to be aswayambhoo lingam (self-created idol of Lord Shiva). There is no formal structure of a temple as such here. The image is seated on a ground, formed by small heap of stones called manithara. The Akkare Kottiyoor temple remains open only during the festival days.

The Malliyoor Sree MahaGanapathy Temple - Kottayam

The Malliyoor Sree MahaGanapathy Temple :in Kottayam district, Kerala is the sacred abode of the all - encompassing divine presence of Lord Ganesha and also a coveted destination of lakhs of pilgrims from all over India. The endearing elephant - headed Lord Ganesha, the son of Siva and Parvathy, enjoys prime place among all the gods in the Hindu pantheon. He is Parabrahma incarnate, the God of Wisdom and Learning, the Remover of all Obstacles and is worshipped first, any other god. The Malliyoor Sree MahaGanapathy Temple is in comparable in the conception of the presiding deity as Vaishnava Ganapathy, with a young Sree Krishna seated on the lap of Lord Ganesha.

 This unique and powerful infusion of the Vaishnava spirit in the Ganesha idol is the supreme achievement of the devoted penance of the much-revered main priest of the temple, Brahmasree Bhagavathahamsam Malliyoor Sankaran Nampoothiri. Today thousand of devotees flock to the feet of Vasihnava Ganapthy at Malliyoor seeking eternal salvation form the bonds of Karama and solace from the evils of Kaliyuga.

Vadakkunnathan Temple - Thrissur

Vadakkunnathan Temple (Malayalam: വടക്കുന്നാഥൻ ക്ഷേത്രം), also known as Tenkailasam (Tamil: தென் கைலாயம்) and Vrshabhacalam(Sanskrit: ऋषभाचलम्), is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva at city ofThrissur, of Kerala state in India. This temple is a classic example of the architectural style of Kerala and has monumental towers on all four sides and also a kuttambalam

Thirunavayya Navamukundan - Malappuram

Thirunavaya Temple , an ancient Hindu temple, is located at Thirunavaya,12 km South of Tirur in Malappuram district of Kerala state, India. From ancient times Thirunavaya was known throughout India as a centre of excellence for Vedic teachings, with Veda Paadda Saalas (Thirunnavaya Otthanmmar Maddom) for teaching the Vedas, Sasthras, Tantric Mantras, performing of rituals and preaching under learned scholars. (Recently these were shifted to Cheru Thirunnavaya, a centre on the South bank of Bharathapuzha).

The Vaishnava sect of Hindus have 108 Thiruppathis (most holy temples) and eleven of them are now in Kerala and Thirunavaya is one among them. It was on the sandy ridges and outskirts of Bharatapuzha that the glorious magnum event MAMANKAM was conducted once in every 12 years.This temple was constructed about 5000 years back. 

Though it had undergone periodical renovations, the last and major renovation with the reconstruction of Sanctum Sanctorum was done by the legendary PERUMTHACHAN under the direction of the Vettath Raja about 1300 years back. The reconstruction had the typical ' Perumthachan touch ' making the rays of the rising sun fall on the idol on every Medam First ( in Utharaayana period, ie in April) and on Kanni First,(in Dakshinayana period ie, in October).

Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple

(32 km South of Alappuzha) Situated near Harippad, this is a serpent shrine under the patronage of a brahmin family, headed by a priestess. The ancient shrine is an internationally renowned pilgrim centre dedicated to the Serpent God - Nagaraja. Sarpa Yakshi and Naga Yakshi are the beloved consorts of Nagaraja. It is believed that Nagaraja as the installed diety is endowed with the form of Hari (Lord Vishnu) and the spirit of Lord Shiva.

Legend has it that the first priestess of Mannarasala gave birth to a five-headed snake, which is believed to reside in the ancestral house to safeguard the family. At Mannarasala barren women are believed to be blessed with children and a special turmeric paste available at the shrine is credited with powers to cure even leprosy.

Triprangode Temple - Malappuram

One legend relates the story of how Shiva protected Markandeya from the clutches of death. (Yama)

Mrikandu rishi and his wife Marudmati worshipped Shiva and sought from him the boon of begetting a son. As a result he was given the choice of either a gifted son, but with a short life on earth or a child of low intelligence but with a long life. Mrikandu rishi chose the former, and was blessed with Markandeya, an exemplary son, destined to die at the age of 16.

Markandeya grew up to be a great devotee of Shiva and on the day of his destined death he continued his worship of Shiva in his form of Shivalingam. The messengers of Yama, the god of death were unable to take away his life because of his great devotion and continual worship of Shiva. Yama then came himself in person to take Markandeya's life away. Markandeya ran away from him and reached near the sivalinga and started praying by chanting panchakshari mantra. By hearing this the yama raja threw the noose to catch him. By accident of fate the noose mistakenly landed around the Shivalingam, and out of it, Shiva emerged in all his fury attacking Yama for his act of aggression. After defeating Yama in battle to the point of death, Shiva then revived him, under the condition that the devout youth would live forever. For this act, Shiva was thereafter known also as Kaalakalaya, meaning 'one who brought death, to death himself'.Thus Maha Mrityunjaya Stotra is also attributed to Markandeya .





It is said that this happened in the premises of tranvancore state called triprangode. Its one of the famous siva temple now in kerala The divine existence of lord siva reduce the ashes and transcends the kaleidoscope of goods and evils. The idol here is very powerful that he is always there for help for the needed during their sufferings and evil time.



This temple has a remarkable page in the history by its communal ,mythical and achievements of the people. The holy scriptures of this temple is being known to all and thus it still exists in the minds of the all who worship the lord Siva.

Long back in the history it can be seen that the lord Siva was worshipped as a divinity.

Mammiyoor Shree Mahadeva Temple - Thrissur

The legendary history extends to the consecration of the famous Sree Guruvayur Temple - It was the final phase of Dwaparayuga. The great Deluge has submerged Sree Krishna's abode Dwaraka and the Lord, as a playful child, was frolicking on a banyan leaf tossed about by the surging waters. Devaguru Brihaspathi and wind god Vayu stumble upon him where upon the Lord himself handed over to them the idol of the Supreme Lord that he has been worshipping at Dwaraka, with instructions to have it installed and consecrated at an appropriate spot on earth.





Guru and Vayu then descended on the banks of a sprawing lake Rudratheertha rendered holy by Lord Shiva who has been doing penance there for ages. Realizing the purpose of the visit Lord Shiva suggested the consecration there itself on the bank of Rudratheertha and obligingly moved over to a near by location on the other side of the Rudhra theertha.

The place where Guru and Vayu consecrated the idol of Lord Krishna became GURUVAYOOR and the site that Lord Shiva chose for himself and his consort Sree Parvathy became Mahimayur, mahima evolving out of the status bestowed on Lord Shiva for voluntarily relinquishing his initial abode to accommodate Lord Krishna. This in course of time got colloquialised as MAMMIYUR.

Ettumanoor Mahadevar Temple - Kottayam

Ettumanoor Mahadeva temple is an ancient Shiva temple in Kottayam, Kerala, India. It has brought glory and fame to the place. Myths have it that the Pandavas and the sage Vyasa had worshipped at this temple. The name of the place has its origin from the word 'manoor', which means the land of deer.

Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple hosts the arattu festival celebrated on a grand scale on the Thiruvathira day in February–March every year. Lot of people come to this temple on the 8th and 10th day of the festival when seven and half elephants (in Malayalam: ezharaponnaana) made of gold (nearly 13 Kgms) will be held in public view. This statue was donated to the temple by a travancore maharaja. The temple, one of the wealthiest Devaswoms in Kerala, has many valuable possessions.

The Thulabharam is one of the important rituals of this temple. People make offerings to God for favours received. On balance, the child or man for whom offerings were promised to God, is weighed against offerings ranging from gold to fruits

Thiruvegappura Mahadevan - Palakkad

This Siva Temple is on the banks of Thutha Puzha, a tributary of Bharatha Puzha. This temple is built in the 14th century and is unique in many ways. The main deities are Lord Sivan, Lord Sankaranarayanan and Lord Krishnan. The sthalapuranam says that the Lingam was founded by Garudan. Garudan was bringing the idol from Himalayas and the muhurtham time was fast approaching. The Lord ask Garudan to fly fast (Vegam parakkanam) and thus the name Thiru vegam para. This is one of the few temples, where you can find in the inner prakaram three separate Sreekovils for the three deities with three flag posts (Kodimaram), three balikallu at the entrances, also three separate sets of upadevatas like small balikallu and stone navagrahams around the garbhagrahams. Apart from these three deities, Ganapathy prathishta is there in the inner prakaram on the right side of Siva. In the inner prakaram big homakundam built with stone, which looks like a well from outside is there. In olden days on Vaikkathashtami day Vasordhara homam (continuous pouring of ghee without break in to the homakundam with chanting of manthras) was conducted here. In the outer prakaram, the Koothambalam is there in the south – east corner which is very large with exquisite typical Kerala architecture. (bigger than the one at Guruvayur). Padma Shri Mani Madhava Chakyar used to perform Chakyar Koothu and Koodiyattam here for decades. In the outer prakaram we have the prathishta for Sastha, Erinjoodan (Thripuranthakan), and Kirathamoorthy. Here the abhishekajalam and water for Neivedhyam are brought from the river by the Nambuthiri who is doing the poojas. Offerings:

The main offerings are Divasa pooja, Palpayasam and Sathasathayam. Koovalamala, Nei Vilakku are also offered by devotees.

Indianoor Ganapathy Temple - Kottakkal - Malappuram

Location : Indianoor, Malappuram

About The Temple :

The temple situates in Indianoor, near Kottakal, of Malappuram district. The presiding deities are Siva and Vishnu. But the importance is given to the sub-deity Ganapathy. The presiding deities are facing the east and the sub-deity Ganapathy is facing the south. The other sub-deity is Sasthavu. The main offering to Ganapathy is Otta-appam (single bread)

Pulpalli Sitadevi Temple - Wynaad

This temple located at Pulpally is dedicated to Goddess Sita. The sub deities here are Lavan, Kushan, Thalachiluan, Ayyappan, Subramanyan, Ganapathy, Vettakaran and Naga.

According to legends, Lava and Kusha are the sons of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita. The idols of Lava and Kusha are installed in a single sanctum sanctorum in the temple and it is one of the very few temples dedicated to Lava and Kusha.  There are legends connecting the region with important episodes of Ramayana.  The temple permits entry to devotees from all faiths.

Tirumanthamkunnu Temple - Malappuram

Thirumandhamkunnu Temple is a historically significant Hindu temple in Angadipuram near Perintalmanna which is known as the capital city of Valluvanad,in Malappuram district, Kerala state, South India.^[1] The temple deity, Thirumandhamkunnilamma, was the para devatha (official goddess) of the kings of Valluvanad, the local feudal kings ruled the area in the Middle Ages. The assassins (called Chavers) of Valluvanad king set out from this temple to Thirunavaya, to participate in the famous Mamankam festival. A memorial structure called the chaver thara ("platform of the assassins") can be found in front of the main entrance of the Thirumanthamkunnu Temple.

The temple is also an important pilgrim center, especially for the eleven-day long annual festival celebrated in March and April months of the Gregorian calendar. The "principle deity" of temple is the Hindu god Shiva. Other deities include goddess Bhagavathi, locally called as Thirumandhamkunnilamma and the elephant god Ganesha, for whom the famous Marriage Offering (Mangalya puja) is performed.^[3] Mangalya Puja, Rigveda Laksharchana, Chandattam and Kalampattu are the important religious offerings of the Thirumanthamkunnu Temple.^[4]

Ambalapuzha Sreekrishna Swami Temple - Alapuzha

Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple (Malayalam: അമ്പലപ്പുഴ ശ്രീകൃഷ്ണ ക്ഷേത്രം) is a Hindu temple in Ambalappuzha, Alapuzha district of Kerala, in south India.

The idol at Ambalapuzha is likened to Parthasarthi with a whip in the right hand and a Shankhu (sacred conch) in the left. This temple is directly associated to the Guruvayoor Sree Krishna Temple. During the raids of Tipu Sultan in 1789, the idol of Sri Krishna from the Guruvayoor Temple was brought to the Ambalappuzha Temple for safe keeping.

The payasam served in the Ambalappuzha Temple is famous among Hindu devotees. This sweet pudding made of rice and milk has an interesting mythological legend behind it.It is believed that Guruvayoorappan reaches here daily at the time of Palpayasa Nedyam to have it.

Guruvayoor Temple - Thrissur

Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple (Malayalam: ഗുരുവായൂര്‍ ക്ഷേത്രം, Tamil: குருவாயூர் கோவில்) is a Hindu temple dedicated to the godKrishna (an avatar of the god Vishnu), located in the town of Guruvayur in Kerala, India. It is one of the most important places of worship for Hindusof Kerala and is often referred to as "Bhuloka Vaikunta"^[2] which translates to the "Holy Abode of Vishnu on Earth". However, even though the shrine is considered to be one of the holiest spots for Vaishnavites

The temple is located about 29 km from Thrissur. The nearest railway station is at Guruvayur. Only Guruvayur-Chennai Egmore express train  from Chennai via Thiruvananthapuram, Madurai andTiruchirapalli runs up to this station. However, a regular passenger train service to Ernakulam via Thrissur is available. The nearest major railway station with better connectivity is at Thrissur. The nearest airport (75 km) is Cochin International Airport, at Nedumbassery near Kochi. Guruvayur is well connected from all major towns of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Various private and state government-owned bus companies operate regular services to this temple town.

The annual festival starts by hoisting the holy flag on the golden mast erected in front of the Temple. The holy rope for hoisting the Flag comes from Sree Mahavishnu Temple at Panangad near Kochi as a procession.