17 Most Ancient Temples In Kerala You Should Visit in Your Lifetime

Temples

17 Most Ancient  Temples In Kerala You Should Visit in Your Lifetime

 

Kerala is one of the states that is synonymous with the beauty of nature. The stunning state has the most beautiful tea gardens, waterfalls, hills beaches, and backwaters. Kerala has also some of the most beautiful Temples found in India. The spiritual history of the state is heavily affected by its neighboring state of Tamil Nadu. From the 3rd century onwards, Kerala was under the influence of the Tamil culture as evident in the architectural style of the old temples of Kerala. From the 16th century onwards, Kerala temples are adorned with inscriptions written in the Malayalam language and also have their own distinctive style of construction. Kerala temples are generally simple structures, in contrast to Tamil temples. This article examines the most well-known shrines located in Kerala.

 

Most Famous Temples In Kerala:

Here is the complete list of Hindu temples in Kerala With Pictures.

 

1. Ayyappa Temple Kerala:

It is believed that the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple is famous all over the world. It is one of the biggest pilgrimage locations with an annual flow of 50 million pilgrims who visit it. It is situated within the Periyar Tiger Reserve, which is a forest-rich region. Its main shrine is situated at the summit of the hill. It is believed to be the spot the prince Ayyappa was meditative. It is known for its Makaravilakku which occurs in January.

 

2. Guruvayoor Temple:

 

Guruvayoor temple is dedicated to the name of worshipping Lord Krishna. It is located within the city of Guruvayur and is also known by the name of Bhuloka Vaikunta, by the devotees. According to legends, the idol believed to be worshipped is over five thousand years old. It is also home to an oath tank that is known as the Rudratheertham. There is an unwritten dress code for visitors to the temple, and there are no exceptions.

Address: Guruvayur Devaswom, East Nada, Guruvayur, Kerala 680101.

Temple Time: 3:00 am to 12:30 pm from 4:30 pm until 9:15 pm.

 

3. Padmanabhaswamy Temple In Thiruvanthapuram:

Padmanabhaswamy Temple located in Thiruvanthapuram is constructed in Dravidian style. It is the largest Hindu temple anywhere in the world. It is dedicated to the god Lord Vishnu. The god is revered in the Anantha Sayanam posture, or the eternal yoga sleep upon the serpent, Adisheshan. The temple is restricted to Hindu individuals and strictly adheres to the dress code. The two main festivals that are celebrated in the temple include Alpashy along with Panguni.

address: West Nada, East Fort, Pazhavangadi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695023.

Temple Times: 3:30 am to 12:00 pm from 5:00 pm until 8:30 pm.

 

4. Pathiyanadu Sree Bhadrakali Temple In Mullassery:

It is located in the Pathiyanadu Sree Bhadrakali temple in Mullassery close to Thiruvanthapuram is located near Thiruvanthapuram. It is a Hindu shrine dedicated the to goddess Bhadrakali. It houses a shrine to the goddess Bhadrakali the deity who rules the temple that is the child of Lord Shiva. The temple also has the idols of Goddess Kali. There are many celebrations in the temple, such as Swayamvara Parvathi puja and Grahalakshmi Puja. Grahadosha Nivarana puja Balithooval, Sarppabali, Kalamkaval, Dikkubali, Paranettu, Nilathilporu, Aaraattu and Pongala.

Address: Mullassery, Vazhayila – Kallayam Road, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695564.

Temple timings are 4:00 am to 12:30 pm 4 pm  7:30 pm.

 

5. Attukal Bhagavathy Temple In Attukal:

It is the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple is situated within Attukal It is named after the goddess Kannaki who is a representation of Parvati, who is the patron deity at the temple. The temple is famous because of the annually held Attukal Pongala festival in which more than a million women take part. The festival lasts for 10 days. It is one of the most lavish celebrations and other festivals that are celebrated include Mandala Vratham, Pooja Vyapu, and Vinayaka Chaturthi. Shivaratri and many more.

Address: Attukal, Attukal – Chiramukku Road, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695009.

Temple timings are 5:00 am to  12:30 pm from  5:00 pm until 8:30 pm.

 

17 Most Ancient Temples In Kerala You Should Visit in Your Lifetime

 

17 Most Ancient Temples In Kerala You Should Visit in Your Lifetime

 

6. Andoor Kandan Sri Dharma Sastha Temple In Neyyattinkara:

 

Andoor Kandan Sree Sastha temple is situated in Neyyattinkara located in the southeast of Thiruvanthapuram. The deity who is presiding god of this temple is the God Kandan Sree Dharma Sastha. There are many other gods like Ganapathy, Durga Bhagavathy, Easwara Kala Bhoothanan Nagaraja, and Nagayakshi, and an idol of an elephant at the entry point. The most important festival that is celebrated annually by the temple’s devotees will be Makaravilakku Mahotsavam.

address: Tholady, Karakoram, Parassala Vellarada Road, Thiruvananthapuram – 695504.

Time of Temple: 6 am to 7 pm.

 

7. Edava Palakkavu Bhagavathi Temple At Edava:

It is believed that the Edava Palakkavu Bhagavathi temple is situated in Edava in the Thiruvanthapuram district. It is dedicated to Bhadrakali Devi, the main deity in the temple. There are numerous sub-deities including Goddess Annapurna, Lord Ganesha, Navagraham, Adithyan, Hanuman, Brahmarakkhas, Yogeswaran, and NagaruKavu. Karthika Thirunal Mahatsovam which is celebrated in Kumbham in the Malayalam months of Kumbham is the most yearly festival that focuses the entire city upon the temple.

Address: Varkala Edava Kappil Road, Vettakada, Edava, Kerala, 695311.

Temple timings are 5:30 am to 10:30 am and 4:45 pm to 7:15 pm.

 

8. Karikkakom Sree Chamundi Devi Temple In Thiruvananthapuram:

Karikkakom’s Sree Chamundi Devi temple, located within Thiruvanthapuram is an old Hindu temple that is over 600 years old. It’s dedicated to the goddess Chamundi. The Panchaloha idol of the goddess Karikkakathamma which is a representation of Chamundi is kept within the temple. Goddess Chamundi is revered at the shrine in three versions, Maha Chamundi, Raktha Chamundi, and Bala Chamundi. There are also shrines for Ganapati, Sastha, Bhuvaneshvari, and many more. The most popular festival of the year within the shrine is Pongala.

Contact: Karikkakom, Karikkakam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 685007.

Time of Temple: 5:00 am to 12:00 pm 4:45 pm to 8:45 pm.

 

9. Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Temple In Thiruvananthapuram:

The Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Kerala temple, located in the East Fort within Thiruvanthapuram city has been dedicated to Sri Maha Ganapathy (also known as Ganesha which is also known as the deity who is the chief. There are other gods revered in the temple like Dharmasasta as well as the goddess Durga and Nagaraja and sculptures depicting 32 different kinds of Ganesha. The most important festivals in this temple are Vinayaka Chaturthi Ganesh Jayanthi Virad Chaturthi and many more.

Address: Padmavilasam Road, Pazhavangadi, Padma Nagar, Pazhavangadi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695023.

Temple Times: 5:00 am to 11:30 am 5 pm to 8 pm.

 

10. Sarkara Devi Temple In Chirayinkeezhu Taluk:

Sarkara Devi temple is located in Chirayinkeezhu Taluk in the northwest of Thiruvanthapuram district. The temple’s principal deity is Bhadrakali who is also the main deity in this area. The Kaliyoot festival is the most well-known festival that is celebrated in the temple, apart from it being the Meena Bharani festival which falls second, and the temple is full of devotees.

Address: Pandakasala Sarkara Road, Sarkara, Chirayinkeezhu, Kerala 695304.

Timings for Temple: 4:30 am to 11:30 am and 5 pm to 8 pm.

 

11. Thirupalkadal Sreekrishnaswamy Temple Keezhperoor:

Thirupalkadal Sreekrishnaswamy temple is situated within the village Keezhperoor and is among the oldest Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Krishna the second version of Vishnu who is also the deity who is presiding at this location. The temple is built in the shape of a Dravidian design. The temple features the Garbagraha featuring Brahma as well as Shiva on its walls. Built between the 6th and 9th centuries The temple is thought to be the 108th of major Divya Desams, also known as holy places of worship in Vaishnavism.

address: Ponganadu Puthusserymukku Rd, Peroor Post, Kilimanoor, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695601.

Temple Timings from 5:00 am to 9:15 am and 5 pm to 8 pm.

17 Most Ancient Temples In Kerala You Should Visit in Your Lifetime

 

12. Thali Temple:

Thali temple is the oldest in Kerala. Thali temple, which is considered to be the oldest within Kerala is dedicated worship to Lord Shiva. It was built during the 14th century, by Swami Thirumalpad who was Zamorin of the earlier Calicut. The temple was built in the 14th century in Kozhikode. It is believed that the temple was constructed by Parasuram in the middle of Dwaparayugam. Lord Shiva is worshipped by the name of Umamaheswara at this temple.

Address: Tali Rd, near Zamorins school, Markazudaawa, Palayam, Kozhikode, Kerala 673002.

Temple Timings From 5:00 am to 9:59 pm.

 

13. Ettumanoor Temple:

It is believed that the Ettumanoor temple is home to Lord Shiva and is situated in Kottayam. It is among the temples that date back to Kerala which was reconstructed around 1542 AD. According to legends, Pandavas together with Vyasa Maharshi were worshippers of Lord Shiva in the temple. The name comes from the word “manor” which means the place of the deer. Ezhara Ponnanna is one of the biggest anticipated and celebrated festivals in the Temple.

Address: Ettumanoor Temple Rd, Ettumanoor, Kerala 686631.

Time of Temple: 4:00 am to 12:00 pm and 5 pm to 8 pm.

 

14. Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple:

It is believed that the Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna temple is situated in the Alapuzha district in Kerala. It is believed that the temple was constructed in the 15th-17th century AD by an aristocratic ruler of the area. The Krishna idol is worshipped as Parthasarathy who wears a whip in his left hand and a Sankham in the other hand. The temple is known because of its Payasam Prada, comprised of milk and rice.

Address: SH 12, Ambalapuzha, Kerala 688561.

Temple Timings 6 am to 11:15 pm.

 

15. Thirunelli Temple:

It is believed that the Thirunelli Temple is believed to be the sacred dwelling place that is the home of Sri Maha Vishnu and is situated on the slope of Brahmagiri Hill, which is at an altitude of 900 meters. According to legend, the temple takes its name from the word Nelli which means Amla tree. According to legend, Lord Brahma discovered an idol for Vishnu beneath an Amla tree, hence the name. It is also believed that Lord Brahma continues to praise Vishnu in the temple.

Address Thirunelly, Mananthavady, Kerala 670646.

Temple Times: 5:30 am to 12:30 pm and 5:45 to 8:00 pm.

 

16. Vadakkunnathan Temple:

Another ancient temple located in Kerala has been dedicated to worshiping Lord Shiva. It is situated within the town of Thrissur and exhibits the characteristic Kerala style of architectural design. The temple is known for its murals, which show various scenes from Maha Bharat and hence are designated as a national landmark. It is believed the structure was constructed by Parasurama. Non-Hindus are not permitted in the temple.

Address Swaraj Round N Kuruppam, Thekkinkadu Maidan, Thrissur, Kerala 680001.

Temple Times: from 5:00 am until 11:00 am from 5:00 pm until 6:25 pm.

17. Chottanikkara Temple:

Chottanikkara Temple Chottanikkara Temple is a very popular temple in Kerala that is dedicated to the worship of Mahalakshmi, Goddess Mahalakshmi. The temple is situated within Chottanikkara in Kochi. It is one of the largest temples in Kerala that has a wood sculpture style of construction similar to the Sabarimala temple. The belief is that those suffering from mental illness may be healed by visiting the temple.

Address: Chottanikkara, Kochi, Kerala 682312.

Temple timings are 3:30 am to 11:30 am from 4:00 pm until 7:15 pm.

 

17 Most Ancient Temples In Kerala You Should Visit in Your Lifetime

 

District Wise List Of Top 5 Temples In Kerala:

1. Thiruvananthapuram:
Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple
Pazhavangadi Ganapathi Temple
Attukal Bhagavathy Temple
Old Sreekanteswara Temple
Major Vellayani Devi Temple

2. Kollam:
Kottarakkulam Sree Mahaganapathy Temple
Valiya Koonambaikulam Temple
Sree Puthiyakavu Bhagavathy Temple
Sree Umamaheshwara Swami Temple
Ashramam Sri Krishna Swamy Temple

3. Alappuzha:
Kidangamparambu Sree Bhuvaneswari Temple
Venkatachalapathy Temples(Mullakkal)
Sree Krishna Swamy Temple Ambalapuzha
Chakkulathukavu Devi Temple
Chettikulangara Bhagavathi Temple

4. Pathanamthitta:

Malayalapuzha Devi Temple
Thazhoor Bhagavathi Temple
Sri Kodumthara Subrahmanya Swamy Temple
Smaller Sree Rakthakantaswamy Temple
Pandalam Mahadeva Temple

5. Kottayam:
Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple
Thaliyil Mahadeva Temple
Kumaranalloor Karthyayani Devi Temple
Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple
Pallipurathukavu Devi Temple

6. Idukki:
Mangala Devi Kannaki Temple
Ulupooni Sree Arthanareeswara Temple
Sree Krishna Swami Temple
Kozhikkanam Devi Temple
Vellappara Devi Temple

7. Ernakulam:
Ernakulam Shiva Temple
Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple
Ameda Temple
Thrikkakkara Vamana Moorthy Temple
Mahadeva Temple

8. Thrissur:
Sri Vadakkumnathan Shiva Temple
Paramekkavu Bhagavathi Temple Thrissur
Thiruvambady Sri Krishna Temple
Punkunnam Shiva Temple
Urakathamma Thiruvadi Temple

9. Palakkad:

Bhagavathi Temple
Sree Emoor Bhagavathy Temple
Vishnu Temple
Exmoor Bhagavathy Temple
Manappulli Bhagavathy Temple

10. Malappuram:
Podiyattupara Mahadeva Temple
Sree Kadampuzha Bhagavathi Temple
Thirunavaya Nava Mukunda Temple
The Sree Thripuranthaka Mahasiva Temple Malappuram
Sree Lady Shiva Triangle

11. Kozhikode:
Thali Temple Kozhikode
Namakkal Devi Temple
Sree Kanteshwara Temple
Thiruvachira Sree Krishna Temple
Thalikkunu Maha Siva Temple

12. Wayanad:
Thirunelli Sree Maha Vishnu Temple
Seetha Devi Temple
Valliyoorkavu, Melekavu
Mazhuvannur Maha Siva Temple
Sree Cheengeri Bhagavati Temple

13. Kannur:
Sree Sundareswara Temple
Railway Muthappan Temple Kannur
Pillayar Kovil
Kalarivathukkal Bhagavathi Temple
Trichambaram Temple

14. Kasaragod:
Shree Varadaraja Venkataramana Temple
Mallikarjuna Temple
Sri Ananthapadmanabha Swamy Temple
Trikkannad Tryambakeshwara Temple
Nagarajakatte Temple, kasargod

It seems like the list of Kerala temples never ends. Every district has at minimum one or two significant temples located in Kerala and has rich architectural and historical significance. Kerala isn’t just an extremely popular tourist destination, it is also a must-visit pilgrimage location for Hindus. As opposed to other states’ temples, Kerala temples have strict regulations and it is imperative to ensure that the sacredness that the shrine is safeguarded. The majority of temples do not allow non-Hindus to enter and strict dress codes are enforced. It is crucial to study the rules of the temple before you visit them.

 

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