Kerala Temples
Kerala is known for its rich cultural and traditional background. You get an idea about how much pain the people of Kerala take to preserve their tradition despite so much of commercialism and globalization. The famous temples of Kerala are a living proof about the fact that people in Kerala still value their culture and are fiercely protective about it. Read on further about the various temples in Kerala India in our related sections.
Aranmula Temple
Aranmula Temple, in Pathanamthitta district, is famous as one of the five temple towns of Kerala. There are other temples besides Aranmula, which are devoted to Lord Krishna and are located at Trichambaram, Tiruvarppu and Ambalappuzha. Lord Parthasarathy is the presiding deity of the Aranmula temple. There are five ancient shrines around Chengannur, sanctified by the Pandavas. One of them is Aranmula pilgrimage of Kochi. It is said that this temple has existed since the time of Mahabharata. In Cochin, Aranmula temple comes alive during the time of Onam festival when snake boat races are held in this temple. The temple premises is decorated beautifully and is thronged by thousands of devotees who come to offer prayers and cheer for those participating in the boat race.
Aranmula temple is famous for its Aranmula "kannadi", which is basically a mirror engulfed by some exquisite metal works. "Kannadi" is Malayalam for mirror and this kind of mirror work is found exclusively in Aranmula and nowhere in the world. If you happen to visit Aranmula, buy these beautiful mirrors that are available in all shapes and sizes. The Aranmula Temple is famous for its murals, which were carved out during the 18th century. Infact, many foreign tourists come here and stay for a long time to learn the culture of Kerala. It is a soul satisfying experience and one that you shall never forget in your life.
Guruvayoor Temple
Guruvayoor Temple of Thrissur is a very important and famous pilgrimage. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is worshipped as Lord Krishna, an avatar of Lord Vishnu. The town where this temple is located is known by the name of Thrissur Guruvayoor. The temple of Guruvayur in Trichur, Kerala is worth a visit and just a mere sight of the Lord's idol in its grandeur is enough to make you feel pure and blessed. The temple follows a strict decorum and only Hindus are allowed inside. The temple is said to have been built by Guru (preceptor of Gods) and Vayu (God of winds). The idol is built out of a rare stone called Patala Anjana.
The idol of Lord Vishnu is shown having four arms, carrying a conch, a discus (Sudharshana Chakra), a mace and a lotus and is decked with a Tulasi (basil leaves) and rose garlands and pearl necklaces. The walls of the main temple shrine are decorated with splendid paintings that depict stories from the life of Lord Krishna. There are many paintings that belong to the 17th century that adorn the sacred walls here. The roof and two doors inside the temple are covered with gold. In the eastern side in front of the temple entrance stands a tall Dhwajasthambam (flag post), which measures 33 meters and is entirely gold plated. Right adjacent to it, one can find a 7-meter high pillar of lamps known as the Dipastambham. This magnificent pillar of lamps has 13 circular receptacles on top of each other that look brilliant when lit in the evening. Other than the main idol of Lord Vishnu, one can also find idols of Lord Ganesha, Lord Ayyappa and Goddess Durga. The temple holds the maximum number of weddings and "Annaprasanam", which means feeding rice to a child for the first time.
Sabarimala Temple
Located at a height of almost 1000 meters above sea level on the Sahyadri ranges in Western Ghats, lies one of the most important shrines of India known by the name of Sabarimala. The Sabarimala temple of Kerala is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, who is said to have meditated here after killing the demon Mahishi. Some legends also say that Parashuram, who created Kerala, installed the idol of Lord Ayyappa and worshipped him. The Sabarimala pilgrimage attracts thousands of devotees from all over India during the peak season of November to January.
Not everyone can take a tour to Sabarimala Kerala. One needs to observe strict discipline like abstinence from alcohol, smoking and other comforts of life. You are supposed to lead life like an ascetic for 41 days before embarking on the journey to Sabarimala. Women between the ages of 10-50 are not allowed to go on this pilgrimage. The pilgrimage is open to all irrespective of caste, creed and religion. It sets a perfect example of harmonious co-existence of different religions and sects. Everyone is a devotee of the Lord, not Hindu, Muslim or Christian. Before reaching the temple, everyone is supposed to worship a shrine that is dedicated to a Muslim saint.
The temple is reached by climbing a flight of 18 steps covered in gold. These 18 steps signify different aspects of human nature like intelligence, anger, the 5 senses, etc. One who crosses these 18 steps is said to have attained "Punyadarshanam". In January every year, thousands of devotees gather at Sabarimala to view the "Makaravilaku" or divine flame that is visible during one particular day of the Makara star. When dusk falls, a small flame arises in a distance, between two hills just opposite the temple. The temple comes alive with the praises of the Lord filling the air.
Padmanabhaswamy Temple
Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Trivandrum is an architectural wonder and a magnificent temple that is sure to amaze you. Situated in the heart of the city, the massive structure has a staggering 100 feet high "Gopuram", the main temple tower. Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple of Kerala is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, one of the Gods of the Hindu trinity of Brahma, Shiva and Vishnu. The massive idol of the deity measures 18 feet in length and is covered with gold and other precious stones.
The idol is viewed through three different doors. The head and torso is visible through the first opening. The midriff and hands are visible through the second door and the feet are visible through the third door. The massive idol is seen resting gracefully on the Serpent Lord, Anantha. The temple is made beautifully with an amalgamation of Hindu and Kerala architecture. The temple is spread over a vast area and is an important worship of Hindus in Kerala. The temple is quite strict and allows entry only to Hindus.
The temple is famous for its Arattu festival, which is till date headed by the royal family of Travancore. The procession is worth seeing as it is a grand spectacle of beautifully decorated elephants and musicians chanting Lord's name. The whole temple is beautifully decorated and the city of Trivandrum comes alive during the temple procession. People from all over come here to take part and cheer during the festival. Grand feasts are prepared in the temple and the food never seems to go out of stock. It is a beautiful temple and should be visited if you happen to travel to Trivandrum.
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Kerala Temples
Aranmula Temple
Aranmula Temple, in Pathanamthitta district, is famous as one of the five temple towns of Kerala. There are other temples besides Aranmula, which are devoted to Lord Krishna and are located at Trichambaram, Tiruvarppu and Ambalappuzha. Lord Parthasarathy is the presiding deity of the Aranmula temple. There are five ancient shrines around Chengannur, sanctified by the Pandavas. One of them is Aranmula pilgrimage of Kochi. It is said that this temple has existed since the time of Mahabharata. In Cochin, Aranmula temple comes alive during the time of Onam festival when snake boat races are held in this temple. The temple premises is decorated beautifully and is thronged by thousands of devotees who come to offer prayers and cheer for those participating in the boat race.
Aranmula temple is famous for its Aranmula "kannadi", which is basically a mirror engulfed by some exquisite metal works. "Kannadi" is Malayalam for mirror and this kind of mirror work is found exclusively in Aranmula and nowhere in the world. If you happen to visit Aranmula, buy these beautiful mirrors that are available in all shapes and sizes. The Aranmula Temple is famous for its murals, which were carved out during the 18th century. Infact, many foreign tourists come here and stay for a long time to learn the culture of Kerala. It is a soul satisfying experience and one that you shall never forget in your life.
Guruvayoor Temple
Guruvayoor Temple of Thrissur is a very important and famous pilgrimage. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is worshipped as Lord Krishna, an avatar of Lord Vishnu. The town where this temple is located is known by the name of Thrissur Guruvayoor. The temple of Guruvayur in Trichur, Kerala is worth a visit and just a mere sight of the Lord's idol in its grandeur is enough to make you feel pure and blessed. The temple follows a strict decorum and only Hindus are allowed inside. The temple is said to have been built by Guru (preceptor of Gods) and Vayu (God of winds). The idol is built out of a rare stone called Patala Anjana.
The idol of Lord Vishnu is shown having four arms, carrying a conch, a discus (Sudharshana Chakra), a mace and a lotus and is decked with a Tulasi (basil leaves) and rose garlands and pearl necklaces. The walls of the main temple shrine are decorated with splendid paintings that depict stories from the life of Lord Krishna. There are many paintings that belong to the 17th century that adorn the sacred walls here. The roof and two doors inside the temple are covered with gold. In the eastern side in front of the temple entrance stands a tall Dhwajasthambam (flag post), which measures 33 meters and is entirely gold plated. Right adjacent to it, one can find a 7-meter high pillar of lamps known as the Dipastambham. This magnificent pillar of lamps has 13 circular receptacles on top of each other that look brilliant when lit in the evening. Other than the main idol of Lord Vishnu, one can also find idols of Lord Ganesha, Lord Ayyappa and Goddess Durga. The temple holds the maximum number of weddings and "Annaprasanam", which means feeding rice to a child for the first time.
Sabarimala Temple
Located at a height of almost 1000 meters above sea level on the Sahyadri ranges in Western Ghats, lies one of the most important shrines of India known by the name of Sabarimala. The Sabarimala temple of Kerala is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, who is said to have meditated here after killing the demon Mahishi. Some legends also say that Parashuram, who created Kerala, installed the idol of Lord Ayyappa and worshipped him. The Sabarimala pilgrimage attracts thousands of devotees from all over India during the peak season of November to January.
Not everyone can take a tour to Sabarimala Kerala. One needs to observe strict discipline like abstinence from alcohol, smoking and other comforts of life. You are supposed to lead life like an ascetic for 41 days before embarking on the journey to Sabarimala. Women between the ages of 10-50 are not allowed to go on this pilgrimage. The pilgrimage is open to all irrespective of caste, creed and religion. It sets a perfect example of harmonious co-existence of different religions and sects. Everyone is a devotee of the Lord, not Hindu, Muslim or Christian. Before reaching the temple, everyone is supposed to worship a shrine that is dedicated to a Muslim saint.
The temple is reached by climbing a flight of 18 steps covered in gold. These 18 steps signify different aspects of human nature like intelligence, anger, the 5 senses, etc. One who crosses these 18 steps is said to have attained "Punyadarshanam". In January every year, thousands of devotees gather at Sabarimala to view the "Makaravilaku" or divine flame that is visible during one particular day of the Makara star. When dusk falls, a small flame arises in a distance, between two hills just opposite the temple. The temple comes alive with the praises of the Lord filling the air.
Padmanabhaswamy Temple
Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Trivandrum is an architectural wonder and a magnificent temple that is sure to amaze you. Situated in the heart of the city, the massive structure has a staggering 100 feet high "Gopuram", the main temple tower. Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple of Kerala is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, one of the Gods of the Hindu trinity of Brahma, Shiva and Vishnu. The massive idol of the deity measures 18 feet in length and is covered with gold and other precious stones.
The idol is viewed through three different doors. The head and torso is visible through the first opening. The midriff and hands are visible through the second door and the feet are visible through the third door. The massive idol is seen resting gracefully on the Serpent Lord, Anantha. The temple is made beautifully with an amalgamation of Hindu and Kerala architecture. The temple is spread over a vast area and is an important worship of Hindus in Kerala. The temple is quite strict and allows entry only to Hindus.
The temple is famous for its Arattu festival, which is till date headed by the royal family of Travancore. The procession is worth seeing as it is a grand spectacle of beautifully decorated elephants and musicians chanting Lord's name. The whole temple is beautifully decorated and the city of Trivandrum comes alive during the temple procession. People from all over come here to take part and cheer during the festival. Grand feasts are prepared in the temple and the food never seems to go out of stock. It is a beautiful temple and should be visited if you happen to travel to Trivandrum.
Read Article on its original site:
Kerala Temples
Navamukunda Temple Thirunavaya, North Kerala
This famous and very old Vishnu temple situates on the banks of Bharathapuzha in Thirunavaya.This is one of the oldest temples in Kerala....its here atleast from the time of sage Markandeya-the famous sage who defeated death through his devotion and prayers to Lord Shiva.
It is believed that Markandeya made the Shiva Lingam using the soil that Lord Navamukunda gave him from his temple courtyard.
The temple is managed by the Zamorin Raja of Kozhikode. The sub-deities are Aadi Ganesa and Mahalakshmi. The temple which is facing east in spectacular view with marvelous engravings. The temple is famous to perform the rituals for departed souls.
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Spice Odyssey: Navamukunda Temple Thirunavaya, North Kerala
It is believed that Markandeya made the Shiva Lingam using the soil that Lord Navamukunda gave him from his temple courtyard.
The temple is managed by the Zamorin Raja of Kozhikode. The sub-deities are Aadi Ganesa and Mahalakshmi. The temple which is facing east in spectacular view with marvelous engravings. The temple is famous to perform the rituals for departed souls.
Read Article on its original site:
Spice Odyssey: Navamukunda Temple Thirunavaya, North Kerala