Temples

Kerala is known for its rich heritage of temples, which are an integral part of the state's cultural and religious traditions. Here are some key highlights of the history of temples in Kerala:

Ancient temples: Kerala has a long history of temple architecture, dating back to the 8th century AD. The state is home to several famous ancient temples, including the Vadakkunnathan Temple in Thrissur, which is one of the oldest temples in Kerala.

Influence of Dravidian architecture: The temple architecture in Kerala is heavily influenced by Dravidian architecture, which originated in the southern part of India. This style of architecture is characterized by its elaborate sculptures, intricate carvings, and towering gopurams (temple towers).

Importance of temple festivals: Temple festivals are an important part of Kerala's cultural and religious traditions, and are celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm. These festivals often involve elaborate processions, music and dance performances, and rituals that are performed to appease the deities.

Preservation and restoration efforts: Over the years, many of Kerala's ancient temples have fallen into disrepair, due to neglect and lack of funds for restoration. However, in recent years, there has been a renewed interest in preserving and restoring these temples, with government and private organizations working to protect and restore these important cultural and religious landmarks.

Temples as tourist attractions: Kerala's temples are not only important religious landmarks, but also major tourist attractions. The state's temple festivals, in particular, attract a large number of tourists from all over India and the world.

Overall, the history of temples in Kerala reflects the state's rich cultural and religious traditions, and the people of Kerala continue to celebrate and preserve their temple heritage to this day.

Temples of Kerala, Websites and Description are available here. Major temples like Chottanikkara temple, Poornathreyeesa Temple, Vaikom Mahadevar Temple and many more are listed here.

• Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram : The origin of Sree Maha Ganapathy temple at Pazhavangati is connected with Padmanabhapuram.
• Chakkulathukavu Devi Temple, Neerettupuram, Thiruvalla : Chakkulathamma is famously known as the Mother who answers the call of her devotees. Countless pilgrims irrespective of caste creed and colour reach the shrine.
• Sri Hariharasudha Temple, Palarivattom, Kochi : The Lord Ayyappa can be seen in the same posture as He is at Sabarimala with the domineering Chinmudra and is enshrined in the octagonal shaped sanctum sanctorum.
• Karanayil Madom Kuttichathan Temple, Ettumana : People come to Karanayil Madom for Jathakadosham,mental disorders,failure in business, profession.
• Pavakulam Mahadeva Temple, Kochi : The main deity of the temple Natarajamoorthy(Sivan) is seated Eastwards with Nandi(the bull) facing him.
• Parakkad Shri Bhagavathy Temple, Alattur, Palakkad : Parakkat Bhagavathi is enshrined in a beautiful temple situated in the middle of Parakkad, an evergreen forest and is showering Her blessings on Her devotees.
• Thiruvanikkavu Temple, Mullurkara : Pooram', 'Navarathri','Laksharchana' and 'Prathishtta dinam' constitutes the main festivals of the temple.
• Malliyoor MahaGanapathi Temple, Kaduthuruthy, Kottayam : Malliyoor MahaGanapathi Temple is located at Kaduthuruthy in Kottayam District. The presiding deity is Maha Ganapathi.
• Sri Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple, Ernakulam : Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple is the most important Temple among 393 shrines spread over 3 Districts of Kerala.
• Chettikulangara Devi Temple, Mavelikkara, Alappuzha : Jagadambika of Chettikulangara, the Goddess of Oodanadu, is among the five Ambalayams.