Kerala is known as God’s Own Country. Just like its nickname, it is famous for its temples. It hosts many of the most visited temples in the world. Said to be created by a warrior sage Parasurama, Kerala is the southernmost state in India that is full of legends and tales. It is home to numerous ancient temples, some of which are as old as 2000 years. Most of these temples are dedicated to revered deities like Lord Ayyappa, Lord Shiva, and Lord Vishnu. Kerala is an incredible religious tourist destination, offering a glimpse into its authentic and ancient religious heritage.
Most Famous Kerala Temples
Kerala is renowned for its serene beauty, and this tranquility is not only found in its natural wonders but also in its numerous temples. These temples add to the charm of the region and offer a sense of peace and spirituality. If you are seeking a peaceful experience, here is a list of the famous temples in Kerala that you should visit.
|
Name of the Temple |
Location |
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Pathanamthitta |
|
|
Thiruvananthapuram |
|
|
Guruvayoor Srikrishna Temple |
Guruvayoor |
|
Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple |
Thiruvananthapuram |
|
Chottanikkara Temple |
Chottanikkara |
|
Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple |
Ambalapuzha |
|
Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple |
Kottayam |
|
Thirunelli Temple |
Wayanad |
|
Tali Temple |
Kozhikode |
|
Kaviyoor Mahadeva Temple |
Kaviyoor |
|
Vadakkunnathan Temple |
Thrissur |
|
Sivagiri Temple |
Varkala |
|
Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple |
Mallapuzhassery |
|
Mannarasala Nagaraja Temple |
Haripad |
|
Vaikom Mahadeva Temple |
Vaikom |
|
Lokanarkavu Temple |
Memunda |
|
Sree Parassinikadavu Muthappan Temple |
Parassinikadavu |
|
Thiruvanchikulam Shiva Temple |
Kodungalloor |
|
Thiruvalla Temple |
Thiruvalla |
|
Kottarakkara Ganapathy Temple |
Kottarakkara |
|
Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Temple |
Thiruvananthapuram |
|
Pandalam Ayyappa Temple |
Pandalam |
|
Malayalappuzha Temple |
Malayalapuzha |
|
Chengannur Mahadeva Temple |
Chengannur |
|
Nilakkal Mahadeva Temple |
Perunad |
Details of the Important Kerala Temples
Here are the details of the 25 temples based on the information provided:
Guruvayur Temple, Guruvayur
Location: Guruvayur, Kerala
Description: Also known as the Guruvayoorappan Temple, it is dedicated to Lord Krishna. This temple is one of the most important and popular pilgrimage sites in Kerala. It is known for its grand architecture, rituals, and the presence of the idol of Lord Krishna, which is believed to be over 5,000 years old.
Opening hours: 3 AM to 1:30 PM and 4:30 PM to 9:15 PM.
Sabarimala Temple, Pathanamthitta
Location: Sabarimala, Pathanamthitta, Kerala
Description: Situated in the Western Ghat mountain ranges, this temple is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. It is one of the largest pilgrimage centers in the world and attracts millions of devotees annually, especially during the Mandala season. Devotees undertake a rigorous 41-day fasting period before visiting the temple.
Opening hours: The temple is open for worship only during specific periods, such as the Mandalam-Makaravilakku season.
Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram
Location: Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
Description: A gorgeous golden-colored temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is one of the oldest Vishnu temples in India and is known for its architecture, stone carvings, and murals.
Opening hours: Darshan is allowed at various times throughout the day.
Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram:
Location: Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
Description: Located close to Padmanabhaswamy Temple, this temple is dedicated to Kannaki, an incarnation of Parvati. It is famous for the Attukal Pongala Festival, which is considered the largest gathering of women for a single religious event.
Opening hours: 4:30 AM to 8:30 PM.
Chottanikkara Devi Temple, Ernakulam
Location: Ernakulam, Kerala
Description: This temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhagawati. It is famous for its healing powers and is believed to cure various ailments. The temple is visited by devotees seeking the blessings of the goddess and offers daily rituals and special pujas.
Opening hours: 4 AM to 12 noon and 4 PM to 9 PM.
Thirunelli Temple, Wayanad
Location: Wayanad, Kerala
Description: Situated in the Brahmagiri Hills, this ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is believed to have been built by Lord Brahma himself and is surrounded by serene natural beauty. The temple is famous for its rituals and holy bathing in the nearby Papanasini River.
Opening hours: 5:30 AM to 12 noon and 5:30 PM to 8 PM.
Ambalapuzha Sri Krishna Temple, Alappuzha
Location: Alappuzha, Kerala
Description: Dedicated to Lord Krishna, this temple is known for its unique offering called “Palpayasam,” a sweet milk porridge made with rice and milk. The temple is renowned for its architectural beauty and the “Palpayasam” is considered a divine offering to the deity.
Opening hours: 3 AM to 12 noon and 5 PM to 10 PM.
Vadakkunnathan Temple, Thrissur
Location: Thrissur, Kerala
Description: This ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the oldest and largest Shiva temples in Kerala. It is known for its traditional Kerala architectural style and the grand Thrissur Pooram festival, which attracts thousands of visitors.
Opening hours: 3 AM to 10:30 AM and 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM.
Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple, Pathanamthitta
Location: Aranmula, Pathanamthitta, Kerala
Description: This temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna in his form as Parthasarathy. It is renowned for its annual boat race called “Aranmula Vallamkali,” which takes place during the Onam festival. The temple is known for its rich history, rituals, and exquisite architecture.
Opening hours: 4:30 AM to 11:30 AM and 5 PM to 8:30 PM.
Udiyanoor Devi Temple, Thiruvananthapuram
Location: Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
Description: This temple is dedicated to Shiva and is known for its unique feature of facing the north direction. It is one of the oldest temples in Kerala and is associated with various deities like Ganesha and Nagaraja.
Opening hours: 4:30 AM to 8:15 PM.
Tali Temple, Kozhikode
Location: Kozhikode, Kerala
Description: Also known as Kaduthuruthi Mahadeva Thali Temple, it is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is famous for its architecture, including laterite, wood, and brass work. It is one of the oldest temples in Kerala.
Opening hours: 5 AM to 12 noon and 4 PM to 9 PM.
Sivagiri Temple, Varkala
Location: Varkala, Kerala
Description: The temple is dedicated to Sree Narayana Guru and is visited by pilgrims wearing yellow outfits. It is situated on sprawling land and houses the samadhi of Sree Narayana Guru. Guru puja is performed daily, and lunch is offered to devotees.
Opening hours: 5:30 AM to 12 noon and 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM.
Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple, Kottayam
Location: Kottayam, Kerala
Description: This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its Dravidian architecture, murals, and paintings. The fresco of Dancing Shiva on the temple walls is a popular artwork.
Opening hours: 4 AM to 8:30 PM.
Chottanikara Devi Temple, Ernakulum
Location: Ernakulam, Kerala
Description: Situated atop a hill, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhagawati. The temple is famous for its golden idol of the goddess, which is believed to have curing powers. The idol is worshiped in three different forms throughout the day.
Opening hours: 4 AM to 12 noon and 4 PM to 8:45 PM.
Mannarasala Nagaraja Temple, Mannarasala
Location: Mannarasala, Kerala
Description: This temple is dedicated to serpent Gods and is surrounded by groves to facilitate the movement of serpents. The temple is known for its decorations with over 30,000 images of snake Gods.
Opening hours: Not available
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