10 Most Famous Temples in Kerala

4. Kaduthuruthi Mahadeva Tali Temple: Kozhikode

The ancient Kaduthuruthi Mahadeva Temple, also known as Tali Temple, is located in the centre of Kozhikode city. This temple is devoted to Lord Shiva and features Kerala and Dravidian architectural styles. The Namboothri family had previously owned the temple, which was located in a small village.

The temple's holy conduct and dedication have been recognized for around 1,500 years, and it has become a popular destination of worship.

The main sanctuary of Lord Shiva at this temple is believed to have heavenly power. Tipu Sultan destroyed the temple during his invasion of Malabar, and it was reconstructed in 1964. The temple's rich history and spiritual significance attract tourists as well as locals.

Furthermore, it is situated on a hilltop beside the Karamana River, the Tali Temple is not only a mystical experience but also a nature lover's paradise.

5. Attukal Bhagavathy Temple: Thiruvananthapuram

The Attukal Bhagavathy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram is devoted to the Goddess Bhadrakali, known as Attukalamma. The temple is known for the large number of female devotees that come together every year to celebrate the Pongala festivals, which made it into the Guinness Book of World Records. The goddess is often worshipped as all three Goddesses of the Tridevi namely Saraswati, Lakshmi, and Parvati.

The 5-foot-tall golden statue of the Goddess is said to have healing powers. Locals believe that if a person worships the three 'Shaktis' with true intent and a pure heart, they would join to treat any ailments.

Devotees will be offering jewels, silk sarees, and flowers to the Mother Goddess. Visitors also go to the healing pond, locally called Amma Kadavu, where the Goddess provides relief from pain and illness.

6. Ambalapuzha Shree Krishna Temple: Ambalapuzha

The Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple is located in the lovely town of Ambalappuzha, Kerala's Alleppey district. The temple was built between the 15th and 17th centuries by the Chembakasserry Pooradam Thirunal-Devanarayanan Thampuran and is devoted to the lord Parthasarathi (a form of Vishnu). This traditional Kerala-style temple showcases fantastic woodwork, lovely murals, and beautiful paintings.

Even though there are numerous temples in India which are dedicated to Lord Krishna, this temples deity stays at Ambalapuzha in his child form, Unni Krishna.

The temple is known for its signature Prasadam called Ambalapuzha Paal-Payasam a delicious rice porridge served to the deity and distributed to devotees.

The best time to visit this shrine is during its yearly festival called Ambalapuzha, where the deity is brought out of the temple in an enormous procession before receiving a ceremonial bath in the temple's pond. You can see people soaking in the divine energy of the Lord as they dance through the procession and recite songs for their beloved Krishna.

7. Thirunelli Temple: Wayanad

Several temples in Kerala are dedicated to Lord Vishnu, but this is one shrine where he is worshipped as Lord Thirunelli Perumal. However, this holy spot is more than just a pilgrimage destination, it is nestled within the thick forests of Brahamagiri Hills in the attractive Wayanad Valley inviting trekkers and visitors of all seasons to soak in its immense beauty.

Coming to the temple structure- it is a remarkable blend of traditional Kerala and Dravidian styles, demonstrated by its detailed carvings and magnificent sculptures.

The temple is known as the Kashi of Kerala or the Maha Vishnu Temple. This peaceful destination of devotion is described in the Puranas, which says Lord Brahma himself has created this masterpiece. The temple's main attraction is the holy Papanasini River, which is said to cleanse the sins of those who bathe in it.

8. Sivagiri Temple: Varkala

The Sivagiri Temple is not just one of Kerala's famous temples, but it is also visually stunning!

The temple is beautifully situated on a hilltop in Varkala and gives incredible views of the Arabian Sea. This sacred monument was built by Sree Narayana Guru. It is an octagonal structure that serves as the headquarters of the Sree Narayana Dharma Sangham as well as an important pilgrimage site for Hindu worshippers.

This temple is unique as it encourages devotees to pray in their manner and follows the principle of 'One Caste, One Religion, and One God'.

The temple welcomes devotees of all castes and encourages variety in devotion. Unlike other temples, the temple refrains from offering Naivedyam (food offerings to the god) or Abhishekam (pouring oil, ghee, and other items on the idol). Devotees worship the deity by reciting hymns. Saraswati's idol is seated on a white lotus, denoting knowledge sprouting from whiteness or purity.

9. Chottanikkara Temple: Chottanikkara

The Chottanikkara Devi Temple is one of the most popular temples in Kerala, it is dedicated to the Mother Goddess Bhagavati Lasksmi and she is believed to be residing in Chottanikkara along with her husband Maha Vishnu. The temple is located in Chottanikkara, a southern community of the city of Kochi in the Ernakulam district.

According to the legend, the main deity here is considered as Lakshmi Narayana.

The temple is classified as 108 Abhimana Kshethrams of the Vaishnavite tradition. The Chottanikkara Devi is worshiped in the temple in three different forms such as Mahasaraswati in the morning hours draped in white, Mahalakshmi in the noon draped in red, and Mahakali in the evening, dressed with shades of blue.

People suffering from mental illnesses frequently visit the temple, because Chottanikkara Devi is said to heal her followers. Guruthi pooja is a ritual performed in the late evening to invoke the Goddess Mahakali.

10. Ettumanoor Mahadev Temple: Kottayam

The Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple is one of most famous temples in Kerala, it is an outstanding array of mural paintings that illustrate the excellent workmanship of ancient South Indian architecture. It is located in the Kaduthuruthy town of Kottayam. Lord Shiva, the temple's main deity, sits gracefully in the sanctuary, offering a stunning combination of spirituality, artistry, and rich cultural history.

The painting of a dancing Shiva on the shrine's walls has been considered the most complex work of art in all of South India.

One of the fascinating aspects of this temple is that Adi Shankaracharya wrote Soundarya Lahiri while residing there, which stimulated the curiosity of historians, philosophy enthusiasts, and spiritual followers. The Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple is one of the top Shiva Temples in India and is splendorous throughout the year, but to witness the beauty to the maximum, visit Ettumanoor during the Arattu festival in February and March.

Conclusion

Exploring these 10 most famous temples in Kerala promises an unforgettable journey through the state’s rich spiritual and architectural heritage. Each temple showcases unique traditions, intricate designs, and peaceful atmospheres, offering visitors a deep connection to Kerala’s divine past. A visit to these temples is an enriching experience, blending culture and devotion in God's Own Country.