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Pathanamthitta
Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Temple
Sabarimala temple - lord ayyappan - kerala south india, a well-known pilgrim centre, Sabarimala is situated amidst dense forests in the rugged terrains of the Western Ghats. The temple is situated 5 km away from Pamba and can be reached only by trekking. The main festival is during December/January this period is called as 'Mandalakalam'.
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The pilgrims will take fenance which is called as "Mandalavritham". It is one of the most famous pilgrim centres in India, Sabarimala is situated on the mountain ranges of the Western Ghats at an altitude of 914 m above sea level and is accessible only by foot from Pamba (4 Km). November to mid January is the season which is called as "Mandalakalam". |
Mandalapooja & Makara Vilakku are the two main events of eighteen steps Sabarimala temple - lord ayyappan - kerala south india the pilgrim season. The temple stays closed during the rest of the year except for the first five days of every Malayalam month and during Vishu (April). Chengannur, about 28 kms from Pathanamthitta.
People of all castes and creeds are permitted into the temple. However entry is not allowed to women between 10 and 50 years of age. Pilgrims will go with their "Erimudikettu" which contains ghee filled coconuts. "Neyyabhishekam" is the main offering.
The Pilgrimage
Devotees undergo rigorous penance and austere living before starting on the pilgrimage. Regardless of caste, creed and colour they wear black dhoties and carry on their heads, bundles containing traditional offerings like coconuts filled with ghee, camphor and rice.
The temple dome is covered with gold and the devotees break the coconuts before climbing the steps.
Among the pilgrims, there are a few who are undertaking the pilgrimage for the first time while ther are a few who have been doing so for the past many years. The first timers are known as 'Kanni Swamis' and the leader of the group is known as 'Guru Swami' or the lead person of a team who is incharge of all the rituals.
Devotees take a ritual bath while climbing up the hill in the holy river Pamba, which absolves one's sins. En route at Erumeli, in a supreme instance of communal harmony, they pay obeisance at the shrine of Vavar, a Muslim deity believed to be a close ally of Lord Ayyappa.
To ease the ardour of the long trek through the forests to the temple at the peak of the Sabari Hills, devotees constantly chant the name of the holy one. No women in the fertility age group are allowed into the precincts of the shrine of the Lord who is considered to be an Eternal Bachelor.
Makar Villaku
One very important ceremony of Makara Villaku is the bringing of deity's jewellery, Thirivabharanam from the Pandalam Palace, three days prior to Makara Sankranthi. The sacred jewelry is kept in a box and is brought in a royal procession. Thousands of devotees line up on either side of the route for a glimpse of the box, which is carried by a priest, or oracle on his head. The oracle moves hysterically oblivious of the presence of thousands of people. He dances, but the box remains on his head as if it gets glued on his head. Procession halts at a few temples en route and reaches Sabaripettam in the evening of Makara Sankranthi. It then moves towards Sannidhanam amidst music, dazzling lights and lot of revelry. A strange phenomenon occurs at this time. A kite appears all of a sudden and starts hovering around the box. The incidence is well received by the devotees who get filled with joy.
Kottayam
Vaikom Mahadeva Temple Kerala india
Vaikom is located on the bank of the Vembanadu lake. This temple is famous for its Siva temple, which is one of the oldest Siva Temple in the world. During the Sabarimala season pilgrims alight here to worship the 'Annadanaprabhu (Load Siva)'. Vaikom gained prominence during the Indian freedom struggle, as it was the venue of the famous Satyagraha staged in 1925 for the admission of Harijans into this temple. Vaikom is situated about 40kms from Kottayam town. Two Ashtami festivals are held annually, one in Kumbam (February - March) and the other in Vrichikom (November - December) of which the latter is more famous. The celebrations last for 12 days and end with an 'Aarattu' at the Subrahmanya Swami Temple at Udayanapuram, on the day after Ashtami. Prathal (feast) is the main Vazhipadu here. There is a school teaching temple arts, known as Kshethrakalapeedhom, attached to the temple.
St. Mary's Church
This church contains exquisite murals and paintings of Biblical and non-Biblical thems.
Thirunakkara Temple
Thirunakkara Siva Temple built in the indigenous style of architecture, this temple has many interesting paintings on its walls. The sanctum-sanctorum is covered with pictures from the epics. Three festivals are celebrated here in Thulam (October - November) Mithunam (June - Jully) and Meenam (March - April) of which the last one is the most important. The 'Aarattu', conducted on the last day of the festival, is the festival, is the festival of Kottayam, irrespective of the caste and creeds. The main festival Phalguna Utsavam is celebrated during March.
Thazhangady Mosque
Thisis one of the ancient mosques in India. This mosque made in the old Kerala style. It is believed that malik Dinar had built this mosque about 1000 years ago. Nowadays it is an important pilgrim centre at Kottayam. The artistic value of this mosque is of special interest to the tourists.
Goodshepherd Church
Goodshepherd Church situated behind the civil station at Kottayam, this is the first church of Diocese of Vijayapuram. The construction of this church, which is completed in Italian style, was completed in 1882 and was renovated in 1964. The feast at St. Sebastian is on 20th January and that of Good Shepherd, is from 10th to 12th April.
Vimalagiri Palli
Vimalagiri Palli (Angathattu Palli) is the cathedral of the Dioceses of Vijayapuram. This church constructed in Gothic style. The main steeple has a height of 172 ft., which is considered as the highest church steeple in the state. Vimalambika is the deity here. The main feast is in December. This church is situated near Kottayam railway station. The chief ecclesiastical dignity of the Orthodox Syrian Church, the Catholics of the East, has his head quarters in Devalokam Aramana at Muttambalam Catholic Church, Latin Catholic Church and the Church of South India have their Head quarters in Kottayam. The Arch Bishop of Changanassery who follows the Syro-malabar rite, has his Head Quarters in Changanassery. The Bishops of Knanaya Jacobite and the Church Mission Society have their headquarters at Chingavanam and Kurichy respectively.
Ettumannoor Siva Temple
Ettumanoor Siva Temple is situaated in Ettumanoor, which built in 16 AD, is a good specimen of the indigenous Kerala Style of temple architecture. The shrine contains exquisite mural paintings and sculptures depicting scenes from Hindu mythology. Nearby is a mural art centre, preserved by the state Archaeological Department. The annual festival of the temple is celebrated for ten days during February/March.
Erumeli
Located on the bank of Manimala river, Erumeli is an important pilgrim centre for Hindus and Muslims. Pilgrims going to Sabarimala alight here at the Sastha temple to worship the deity. These pilgrims also offer prayers at an ancient mosque here.
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Bharananganam
The church here, containing the mortal remains of Sister Alphonsa is one of the important pilgrim centres of the Christian in Kerala. Bharananganam is located near Palai in Kottayam district. |
Blessed Alphonsa
During her life she was just an ordinary nun who led an obscure and eventless life in the quiet cloisters of the Clarist convent at Bharananganam, Kerala Ill-health rendered her inactive and she remained bed-ridden for long intervals of time. Blessed Alphonsa’s life does not appear to be anything extraordinary or even remarkable. She had no great achievements to her credit, nor was she a person of exceptional talents or of any high intellectual acquisitions.But she is venerated today as the humble suffering handmaid of Jesus.
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Alphonsa was born on August 19, 1910 at Muttathupadath family of Kudamaloor, in the Archdiocese of Changanacherry. She lost her mother at an early age. She joined the Franciscan Clarist Congregation, Bharananganam in 1927 and received religious habit on May 19, 1930. She took perpetual vows on August 12, 1936. |
Her life was full of sufferings and sickness. She got miraculous cure through the intercession of Blessed Kuriakose Elias Chavara in December 1936. She fell ill with double pneumonia in June 1939 and was again seriously ill in 1940. She was administered the sacrament of the sick on September 29, 1941, but recovered. She started vomiting in July 1945 and died of that sickness on July 28,1946.
Diocesan Tribunal for the beatification of Sister Alphonsa was inaugurated on December 2, 1953. She was declared Venerable on July 9, 1985 and declared Blessed by Pope John Paul II on February 8, 1986 at Kottayam, Kerala. Her feast is celebrated on July 28.
Mannanam
Housing the famous St. Joseph's Monastery, Mannanam is an important Syrian Christian centre. The town is assosiated with the name of Father Kuriakose Elias of Chavara (1805 - 1871), one of the saintly figures of the Syrian Catholic Church of Kerala. Established in 1844, St. Joseph's Press is one of the oldest printing presses in India, where one of the oldest of Kerala's newspapers was printed.
Blessed Kuriakose Elias Chavara
Kuriakose Elias Chavara was born on Feb. 10, 1805 at Kainakary, Alappuzha in the Archdiocese of Changanacherry in Kerala. From the age 5 to 10, he attended the village school (Kalari) to study languages, different dialects, and elementary sciences under the guidance of a Hindu teacher (Asan). Inspired by the desire to become a priest, he began the studies under the parish priest of the church of St. Joseph. At the age of 13 in 1818 he entered the seminary at Pallipuram where Malpan Thomas Palackal was the Rector.
He was ordained priest on 29th November, 1829 at Arthunkal and celebrated his First Holy Mass at Chennankari Church. Blessed Kuriakose Elias Chavara is one of the founding fathers and the first Superior General of C.M.I. (Carmelites of Mary Immaculate) congregation of the Catholic Church. |
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Blessed Chavara was a great educationist and social reformer. He was appointed official teacher (Malpan) of the Syro-Malabar seminarians on February 16, 1844 by the Archbishop of Verapoly.
He died on January 3rd, 1871 in the odor of sanctity leaving behind him the high reputation of a very holy monk. His cause of canonization was taken up in 1953. He was declared Blessed by Pope John Paul II at Kottayam on Feb. 8, 1986. His feast is celebrated on January 3.
Alappuzha
The Sree Krishna Temple
This temple built in the typical Kerala architectural style, is famous all over Kerala for "Palpayasam", the daily offering of deliciously sweet milk porridge, which tastes like rice pudding. It is also in this temple that pallipana is performed by Velans (sorcerers) one in twelve years Human sacrifice was conducted in ancient times. However cocks have now replaced humans on the sacrificial altar.
Mannarasala
Mannarasala situated near Harippad, is is a serpent shrine under the patronage of a Brahmin family, headed by a priestess. Legend has it that the first priestess of Mannarasala gave birth to a five headed snake, which is believed to reside in the ancestral houses to safeguard the family. At Mannarasala barren women are believed to be blessed with children, and a special turmeric paste available at the shrine is credited with powers to cure even leprosy.
Arthunkal
In 1579 when the Muthedathu, Elayidathu ruler gave permission to build churches, The Marthoma (Chaldaic Christians) at Arthunkal built a Thatched chapel facing north in the name of St. Thomas. There they kept the Holy cross and the statue of St. Thomas and began worship. (This St.Thomas Statue is kept in the south alter, in the new church). In 1579 when the Muthedathu, Elayidathu ruler gave permission to build churches, The Marthoma (Chaldaic Christians) at Arthunkal built a Thatched chapel facing north in the name of St. Thomas. There they kept the Holy cross and the statue of St. Thomas and began worship. (This St.Thomas Statue is kept in the south alter, in the new church).In 1647 the statue of St.Sebastion was brought from Milan and placed here.In 18th.century.
Arthunkal St. Sebastian's Church here is an important Christian pilgrim centre. Annual festival Arthunkal Perunnal - the feast of the patron saint (January).
Cochin
The St. Francis Church
This is one of the oldest church built by an European power in India. This Protestant church was built by the British, and Vasco Da Gamma was initially buried here. The church is located at Kamalakada near Fortkochi beach. The Santacruz Basilica nearby, has some very beautiful paintings on the ceiling.
Aluva
The annual Sivarathri Festival is celebrated on the banks of the Periyar during March/April. Aluva is also an important industrial centre.
Chottanikkara Devi Temple
Temple among the 393 shrines spread over 3 Districts of Kerala and coming under the administration of Cochin Devaswom Board. The Divine Mother known as Rajarajeswari (Adiparasakthi) is worshipped here in three forms Saraswathy in the morning, Lakshmi at noon and Durga in the evening. Devi temple of Chottanikkara is well known throughout this part of the country for the healing powers, particularly relating to mental illness and disorders. There is an Idol of Mahavishnu on the same pedestal and so the Deity is called Ammenarayana, Devinarayana, Lakshminarayana and Bhadrenarayana also. Along with Lakshmi & Narayana there are idols of Brahma, Siva, Ganapathi (Ganesh), Subramanya and Sastha on the same pedestal.
Kodungallur Devi Temple
The Bhagawati temple at Kodungallur is of great renown throughout the state of Kerala. It is quite interesting to learn that this temple of Kali was dedicated to Lord Siva in the beginning, and later a majestic six foot high wooden image of Kali facing the north was installed. Now both are adored in separate shrines. According to belief this imposing idol was made out of the trunk of a single jack fruit tree. It has eight arms and is holding different kinds of potent weapons. The Kirita adorning her head resembles that of kathakali type and is heightening the grandeur of her awe-some beauty. She is covered with golden raiment all over accepting hands. The dazzling diamond decked necklaces and chains, sparkling by the rays of oil lamps hung up around, enhance her beauty and wring veneration at first sight.
Malayattor Church
Malayattoor was blessed by the missionary work of St. Thomas the apostle of Jesus Christ. After receiving wholeheartedly the mandate to evalgelize the world, St. Thoams set out on an arduous journey which saw him land in the land of spices. He set foot at Kodungalloor, the famous port of yester years, in AD 52. The burning zeal within him to spread the good news carried him across the length and breadth of the land and founded the seven churches in Kodungalloor, Quilon, Niranam, nilakkal, Kokkamangalam, Kottakavu and Paalayoor.
His journeys missionary expeditions took him far and wide and while traversing through the famous Caravan route St. Thomas came to Malayattoor. A hostile reception was in store and his life was in danger. He was forced to flee to the top of the mountain and he spend days together in prayer. According to the Ramban paattu, St. Thomas emulated his Lord and deliberately went up the mountain to converse with the Lord. Tradition has this story that, in deep anguish and agony, St. Thomas prayed to the Lord and upon touching the rock blood sprang forth from it. The Mother Of Our Lord, Blessed Mary appeared to console and strengthen Him. He descended from the presence of the Lord and baptized many. His zeal for the Lord took him to Mylappoor and later died a martyr's death in AD72.
The Rock Cut Cave Temple
The Rock Cut Siva temple, is of great archeological significance. Dating back to the 8th century AD, this temple bears close resemblance to the Pallava style of architecture. The stone engravings here are among the earliest specimens of stone sculpture in Kerala.
Maramon
Maramon situated near Kozhencherry, Maramon is the venue of a mammoth religious convention of Christians from all over the world. It is attended by people from all communities. The convention which is usually held in February is addressed by religious thinkers and Christian scholars from all over the world. This is perhaps the largest Christian convention in Asia.
Thrissur
Vadakkunathan Temple
One of the most ancient temples in the state, the Vadakkunathan temple contains many decorative wall paintings and historically important pieces of art. The temple itself, with its thick mansonry walls and lofty gopurams is a classic example of the Kerala style of architecture. Exquisite wooden carvings can also be seen in the central shrines. The Pooram Festival here, is celebrated in April- May, on a grand scale.
Koratty Muthy Church
Second week of October in every year, celebrate a feast dedicated to Virgin Mary, (locally known as Koratty Muthy). This feast is a most important event at the St. Mary's Church, Korattyin Thrissur district is attended by thousands of devotees apart from the world. There is an awe-inspiring pageantry as part of the feast.
How to Reach:
By Railway
Nearest Railway Station is Chalakkudy, about 7 km away.
By Air
Nearest Airport is Cochin International Airport, about 24 km away
Guruvayoor Temple
Guruvayoor Temple is around 29 kms away from Trichur. Guruvayoor, where the famous Sree Krishna Temple is situated, is one of the most important pilgrimage centers of South India. Guruvayur is also called the Bhoolokavaikunta - the heaven on Earth!
The walls of the sanctum sanctorum are inlaid with exquisite mural paintings and carvings. In Kerala, this is probably the only temple that hosts the maximum number of marriages and rice feeding ceremonies (the ritual first meal for infants).
It was also the hub of the 'Guruvayoor Sathyagraha', a historic movement demanding temple entry rights for the 'so called' lower castes. The historic temple is shrouded in mystery. According to local belief, the temple was created by 'Guru', the 'preceptor of the gods' and 'Vayu', the 'god of winds'. The eastern 'nada' is the main entrance to the shrine.
The square 'Sreekovil' is the sacred sanctum sanctorum of the temple, housing the main deity. Within the temple, there are also the images of Ganapathy, Sree Ayyappa and Edathedathy Kavil Bhagavathy. Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple.
In front of the temple there is a huge tower of light, it has thirteen discs including basement and is 24 feet in height. There are four Deepasthambams made of brass, inside the temple. One at northern wing was smashed by the Gajarajan Kesavan . The eastern tower, Kizhakke Gopuram (eastern tower) is 33 feet and Patinjhare Gopuram (western tower) is 27 feet in height.
Punnathoorkotta, which is at a distance of 2 kms from Guruvayoor is home of 50 temple elephants, offers unusual spectacles of the gentle pachyderm.
Kannur
Kottiyoor
The famous Siva Temple here, on the banks of the Bavail river. Lakhs of devotees attend the annual 27 day long festival during May - June.
Sree Ramaswami Temple
Sree Ramaswami Temple is siteuated in Thiruvangadi. The temple dedicated to Sree Rama is one of the most prominent temples in Malabar. The exquisite carvings in the temple are said to have been done nearly 400 years ago.
Parassini Kadavu Temple & Snake Park
Sri. Muthappan Temple stands on the banks of the Valapattanam River. This pilgrim centre is famous for the Muthappan Theyyam performed every morning and evening. The DTPC provides pleasure boating on the river near the temple. Accommodation is available nearby. The Snake Park is the only one of its kind in the state and perhaps, in the whole of India. There are three snakes pits, fifteen glass cases for snakes and two large glass houses for King Cobras in the park. Snake demonstrations conducted every hour draw large number of visitors.
Kollam
Ochira
The unique feature of this famous pilgrim centre is that there is no deity or idol at the famous Para Brahma temple dedicated to universal consciousness. Ochira Kali in mid June and the twelve day 'Panthrandu Vilakku' in November/December are the two main annual festivals. Ochira Kali is a mock fight enacted between groups of men dressed as warriors an the padanilam (fighting spot). They perform a martial dance standing in knee-deep water, brandishing swords and shields, and splashing water every direction. There are frequent buses from Kollam and Alappuzha.
Matha Amrithanandamayi Ashram
Amrithanandamayi Ashram is situated at Amrithapuri near Vallikkavu. The Ashram is accessible both by road and boat. The ashram which houses more than 2,500 disciples and householders as full-time residents is located at the site of the birth place and childhood home of Mata Amrithanandamayi or Amma or Ammichi as she is popularly known. Thousands of people around the world come to experience her unique 'darshan', in which she holds each devotee in her arms like a mother embracing a child.
Kozhikode
Tali Temple
Built in the 14th century by Swami Thirumulpad, the Zamorian, within his palace complex, this temple was the venue of Revathy Pattathanam the annual culture and intellectual event at eh Zamorin's court.
Malappuram
Thirunavaya
Situated on the banks of the Bharathapuzha, this is a place of great historical importance. The Bharathapuzha, this is a place of great historical importance. The Mamangam, a grand assembly of the rulers of Kerala was held here once every 12 years in olden times. This extravagant festival was held for the last time in 1755. Today Thirunavaya temple is also a famous pilgrim centre.
Thali Temple, Perinthalmanna
The temple, is located about 3 Km west of Angadipuram, is dedicated to Goddess Durga, this is an important pilgrim centre in Malappuram. The annual Pooram festival celebrated in March/April attracts large gatherings of devotees.
The Jama-at Mosque
This is an important pilgrim centre of the Muslims of Kerala. The four day annual festival at the mosque (nercha) is celebrated in April. Adjoining the mosque is the mausoleum of the Malappuram Shaheeds (martyrs) whose brave exploits have been immortalised in the Mappila ballads.
Pazhayangadi Mosque
Pazhayangadi Mosque is situated at Kondotti. The three day long Valia Nercha feast at this 500 years old Muslim pilgrim centre, celebrated in February/March, is more of a local cultural event with people from all communities participating.
Pallakad
Jain Temple of Jaininedu
This temple is situated on the western suburbs of Palakkad town, not far from the railway station this historic 32 feet long 20 feet wide granite temple display images of the Jain Thirthankareas and Yakshinis. The region around the temple is known as Jainmedu, is one of the few places in Kerala where the vestiges of Jainism have survived. It is at a Jain house here that poet Kumaran Asan wrote his monumental poem Veenapoovu (the Fallen Flower).
Wayanad
Thirunelly Temple
This temple is surrounded by Kambamala. Karimala and Varadiga, the Thirunelly temple is a marvel of temple architecture. The shrine is shielded with 30 granite. The crystal clear waters of the Papanasini river running downhill adds to the enchantment of the place.
Thiruvananthapuram
Ananthapadmanabhaswamy Temple
Sree Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple, the temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is an awe-inspiring structure that has a 100 feet high 'gopuram', built in Dravidian style. Lord Vishnu, the presiding deity, reclines in the posture of 'Ananthashayanam' on the coiled serpent 'Anantha'.
The temple, known for the Mural paintings and stone carvings is one among the 108 temples dedicated to Vishnu in India. Its 7 stored gopuram built in the 16th Century is one of the finest specimens of traditional South Indian temple architecture which reflects the Kerala influence. The temple corridors are lined with 368 sculpted stone pillars.
Renovated in 1733 AD by the then ruler of Travancore, Raja Marthanda Varma, this holy shrine attracts thousands of Hindu devotees. There are innumerable pillars, intricate carvings and Mural paintings.
Outside the temple courtyard, there is a medley of shops that sell souvenirs, handicrafts, woodcarvings and handiwork of sandal. One can witness the craftsmen do their work right from carving the wood to polishing.
In the October/November months of every year, there is held the Navarathri Festival of musical concerts at the Navarathri Mandapam, adjacent to the main building of the temple. Only Hindus are allowed inside and dress regulations are strictly followed.
Vettukadu Church
The Madre De Teus Church, popularly known as Vettukadu church.
This church is situated around 7 kms from Thiruvananthapuram. The 'Madre De Deus' Church popularly known as the Vettukad Church attracts thousands of devotees from all religions. The annual celebration here is called the 'Feast Of Christ, The King'. |
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Beema Palli
Beema Palli is a shrine An important Muslim pilgrim centre, on Beach Road, 5 km south west of the Railway station. The Shrine is dedicated to Beema Beevi, a Muslim women believed to have divine powers and the festival is held in her memory. The 10 day festival begins on the 1st of the Hijra month of Jamadul -Akbar (March -April) and comes to a climax on the 10th day.
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