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temples in kerala

Last Updated At: 22-Apr-2024

Top 10 Temples in Kerala - Sacred Places of Pilgrimage

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.

List Of Top 10 Kerala Famous Temple

  • Shri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram
  • Attukal Bhagwathy Temple, Thiruvanthapuram
  • Sabrimala Sastha Temple, Pathanamthitta
  • Ambalapuzha Shree Krishna Temple, Ambalapuzha
  • Guruvayoor Shrikrishna Temple, Guruvayoor
  • Chottanikkara Temple, Chottanikkara
  • Ettumanoor Mahadev Temple, Kottayam
  • Thirunelli Temple, Wayanad Valley
  • Tali Temple, Kozhikode
  • Kaviyoor Mahadeva Temple, Kaviyoor

1. Shri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram

Shri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram

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.

  • Location: West Nada, East Fort, Pazhavangadi
  • Best time to Visit: Panguni Festival in March-April and Alpashi Festival in October-November   
  • Nearest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport
  • Nearest Railway Station: Thiruvananthapuram Railway Station

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2. Attukal Bhagwathy Temple, Thiruvanthapuram

Temples in Kerala - Attukal Bhagwathy Temple

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.

  • Location: Chiramukku Road, C Block, Attukal
  • Best time to Visit: February or March for Attukal Pongal
  • Nearest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport
  • Nearest Railway Station: Trivandrum Central

3. Sabrimala Sastha Temple, Pathanamthitta

Sabrimala Sastha Temple, Pathanamthitta

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.

  • Location: The temple is 72 km away from Pathanamthitta.
  • Best time to Visit: Mandalapooja during November-December, Makar Sakranti in January, and Maha Thirumal Sakranti in April.
  • Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport
  • Nearest Railway Station: Kottayam, Chinganur, and Thiruvalla Railway Stations

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4. Ambalapuzha Shree Krishna Temple, Ambalapuzha

Ambalapuzha Shree Krishna Temple, Ambalapuzha

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.

  • Location: Ambalapuzha, Kerala
  • Best time to Visit: Arattu Festival in March and April, and Ambalapuzha Temple Festival in July
  • Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport
  • Nearest Railway Station: Alleppey Railway Station

5. Guruvayoor Shrikrishna Temple, Guruvayoor

Guruvayoor Shrikrishna Temple, Guruvayoor

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.

  • Location: Guruvayoor, Kerala
  • Best time to Visit: Kuchela's Day in December-January, The Malayali New Year in Mid April, and Ulsavam in February-March
  • Nearest Airport: Kochi International Airport
  • Nearest Railway Station: Guruvayur Railway Station

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6. Chottanikkara Temple, Chottanikkara

Chottanikkara Temple, Chottanikkara

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.

  • Location: Chottanikkara, Kochi, Kerala
  • Best time to Visit: The Vrishchicka Mandala Mahotsava and Navrathri Aghosham in October.
  • Nearest Airport: Kochi International Airport
  • Nearest Railway Station: Chottinikkara Road Railway Station

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7. Ettumanoor Mahadev Temple, Kottayam

Ettumanoor Mahadev Temple, Kottayam

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.   

  • Location: Ettumanoor Temple Road, Ettumanoor, Kerala
  • Best time to Visit: During Arattu Festival in February and March
  • Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport
  • Nearest Railway Station: Ettumanoor Railway Station

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8. Thirunelli Temple, Wayanad Valley

Best temples in Kerala - Thirunelli Temple

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.

  • Location: Thirunelli Temple Post, Manathavady, Kerala
  • Best time to Visit: September to March
  • Nearest Airport: Kannur Airport
  • Nearest Railway Station: Kannur Railway Station

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9. Tali Temple, Kozhikode

Tali Temple, Kozhikode

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.

  • Location: Tali Road, Markazudaawa, Kozhikode
  • Best time to Visit: October and November for Revathi Pattathanam
  • Nearest Airport: Karipur International Airport
  • Nearest Railway Station: Kozhikode Railway Station

10. Kaviyoor Mahadeva Temple, Kaviyoor

Kaviyoor Mahadeva Temple, Kaviyoor

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.

  • Location: Kaviyoor, Thiruvalla, Kerala
  • Best time to Visit: Hanuman Jayanti, the Temple Festival in December-January
  • Nearest Airport: Trivandrum International Airport
  • Nearest Railway Station: Tiruvalla Railway Station

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. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Famous Temples In Kerala

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

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