Last Updated At: 22-Apr-2024
Temples in India symbolize places where devotees come together to pay their respects to the divine deities. These temples are mostly symmetry-driven structures, depicting geometric shapes like squares and circles. Some important features of Indian Hindu temples include Garbh Griha, mandapa, shikhara, etc. These temples are built as per underlying principles and beliefs of everything is one and is connected. Temples in Kerala are also constructed as per these beliefs. These are spectacular structures that command respect and devotion from the worshippers.
Kerala is referred to as the Land of Gods. It is an apt name given to the state with its architecturally renowned structures, especially temples unique in different aspects. Kerala is the southernmost state of India and is known for its rich culture, traditions, and legends. The temples in Kerala are evidence of the rich culture of this place. Some of the temples situated here date back to 2000 years. Mostly, these temples are dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, and Lord Ayappa, making it a perfect place to visit for religious and spiritual reasons. When planning a visit to this lovely land of Gods and Goddesses and soak in spiritualism, check out the top 10 temples in Kerala that must be a part of your bucket list.
This temple is a true example of magnificence. Located in Thiruvananthapuram, it is dedicated to Lord Padmanabhaswamy, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The temple was built in the 8th Century in typical Dravidian architectural style. It is among the 108 Divya Desam or Vishnu Temples. The presiding deity Padmanabhaswamy can be seen reclining on a hooded serpent or Anantha. According to historians, this temple is ancient that it finds mention in old scriptures like Padma Purana and Skanda Purana. The city derived its name from Anantha. Every year, the temple witnesses thousands of devotees who come here to seek blessings from the Lord.
Read more: Famous Food Kerala
This temple is located very close to Shri Padmanabhaswamy Temple. This temple is dedicated to the Goddess Kannaki, who is an incarnation of Goddess Parvati. The presiding deity is considered as the Creator of all things, the Supreme Power. The temple shot to popularity when it registered its name in the Guinness Book of World Records for collecting the largest gathering of women worshippers.
Located close to the Periyar Tiger Reserve, Sabrimala Sastha Temple is one of the most renowned temples in Kerala. This temple witnesses large-scale pilgrimage by ardent devotees. Statistics reveal almost fifty million pilgrims visiting the temple every year. This temple is dedicated to Lord Ayappan, who is believed to have meditated and destroyed Mahishi, the demoness. People take a sacred journey to the temple to seek blessings from the Lord. Devotees wear Chandan smeared on their foreheads, wear blue or black dresses, and avoid shaving until the pilgrimage is completed. The striking feature of this temple is that only men and women who have not yet started menstruated or have gone through menopause are allowed inside the temple.
Suggested Read: Top 10 Fairs & Festivals Of Kerala
Dedicated to Lord Krishna, this magnificent temple was built in the 17th Century. Here, the child form of Lord Krishna or the Unni Krishna is worshipped. Devotees visit this temple from far and wide areas to seek blessings from the Lord Almighty. Since Lord is celebrated in the child form, pal payasam is also served as an offering. It is a very delectable Prasada. As the legend goes, the deity came to Ambalapuzha during the reign of Tipu Sultan from Guruvayoor. It was done to keep the deity safe and protected from the raids taking place.
Guruvayoor Temple in Guruvayoor is dedicated to Lord Shri Krishna. It is one of the most Kerala famous temples. The statue of Lord Krishna is four-armed, standing tall, with a discus Sudarshana Chakra in one hand, conch Panchajanya in another, a lotus with a holy basil garland, and the mace Kaumodaki in other hands. The magnificence of this temple made Guruvayoor renowned as the "Dwarka of the South." There is a tank on temple premises, and as the legend goes, this is where Lord Shiv worshiped Lord Vishnu. Devotees love visiting this sacred pond and worship Guruvayoor Srikrishna Temple.
Read More: Myristica Swamps In Kerala
Another popular temple in Kerala that attracts many devotees every year to pay respects to the divine deity, Chottanikkara Temple, is dedicated to Chottanikkara Devi. This temple is an amazing specimen of excellent architectural style. The deity is worshiped in three distinctive forms- Durga in the evening, Laxmi in the noon, and Saraswati in the morning. This temple also revers Lord Shiva. There is Keezhkkaavu temple on the east side of the main temple where every evening, priests perform the Guruthi Pooja to invoke the Goddess.
Read More : Tourist Places In Kerala
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Ettumanoor Mahadev Temple is an ancient temple. Kerala has limited Shiva temples, and this temple is one of them. The temple is also known for its intricate Dravidian architecture. The temple walls are decorated with incredible mural paintings, making this temple one of Kerala's finest temples. Adi Shankaracharya, the famous philosopher, penned Soundarya Lahari while residing in this temple.
Read More: Beaches In Kerala
Maha Vishnu or Thirunelli Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This temple has a lot of significance among the Hindu devotees of South India. This temple is also referred to as the Kashi of South. This temple finds mention in the ancient scriptures or Puranas. As mentioned in the Puranas, this temple was built by Lord Brahma himself. Besides historical, its locational significance also makes it important. It is located in the beautiful valleys up north in Wayanad. Devotees enjoy visiting this temple to seek divine blessings and explore scenic views of the area.
Read more : Food Of Kerala
Tali temple in Kozhikode is a renowned temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This ancient temple with stunning architecture is among the Brahmanical temples built by Zamorin. This temple is known for its wood architectural and laterite blend. The walls of the sanctum sanctorum are beautified with intricate brass work. The wooden roof of the temple has brass carvings that attract visitors coming to the temple. It is one of the most renowned temples in Kozhikode.
Kaviyoor Mahadeva or Thrikkariyoor Mahadeva Temple is an ancient, very sacred temple in Kaviyoor. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, Hanuman, and Goddess Parvati. This temple dates back to the 10th Century. As the legend goes, Lord Rama installed a Shivling in this area while returning after defeating Ravana to Ayodhya. This temple is perched atop a hillock and displays the finest Kerala architectural style.
Read more : Tourist places to Visit in Kerala
Wrapping up the list of top ten temples in Kerala waiting to be visited and explore. Plan a trip to any of these temples with Adotrip and select the best tour package for a memorable trip. Check out the best flight and train deals for an affordable trip.
Q1. Which temple is very famous in Kerala?
Ans. Shree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is one of the most famous temples in Kerala.
Q2. Which is the biggest temple in Kerala?
Ans. Shree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is one of the biggest temples in Kerala.
Q3. Which is the first temple in Kerala?
Ans. The Vadakunatthan Temple in Kerala is one of the first temples in the state.
Q4. Which is the largest Hindu temple in Kerala?
Ans. The Vadakunatthan Temple in Kerala is the largest Hindu Temple in Kerala.
--- Published By Adotrip
Chennai to Guwahati Flights
Kochi to Lucknow Flights
Chandigarh to Srinagar Flights
Bhubaneswar to Srinagar Flights
Jammu to Jaipur Flights
Goa to Chennai Flights
Jaipur to Chandigarh Flights
Dehra Dun to Patna Flights
Pune to Chennai Flights
Jammu to Nagpur Flights
Download Adotrip App Or Simply Subscribe To Get Exclusive Offers On Flights, Hotels, Buses And More
May I Help you
Dubai
Malaysia
USA
