Pilgrim Centres in Kerala

Kerala, the visitors' paradise, has soul-cleansing Centers too. Pilgrim Centers of all religions abound this tiny state. Thousands throng such Centers with agitated minds and return cool, calm and collected.

Hindus, Christians, Muslims and even microscopic minorities such as Jains have their own pilgrim Centers where devotees genuflect to bare their mental trauma.

Alappuzha

Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple

 Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple is located at 15 km south of Alappuzha, which was built, in the typical Kerala architectural style. It is also called the Dwaraka of the South. The oldest temple is famous all over India for the Palpayasam, - a sweet milk porridge offered to the diety. It is also in this temple that Pallipana is performed by Velans (sorcerers) once in every twelve years. Paintings of the Dashavatharam (the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu) are on display on the inner walls of the Chuttambalam. Ottanthullal, a satiric art form originated by the poet Kunchan Nambiar, was first performed on the premises of this temple, that in the 16th century. Its main festival is celebrated during March/April. 

Chavara Bhavan

Chavara Bhavan is the ancestral home of the blessed Kuriakose Elias Chavara, which is 6 km from Alappuzha, accessible only by boat. It is now a holy shrine and spiritual resort where thousands of devotees gather for prayer receive favours and feel ample gratified. Here, a 250-year-old historically important beacon of light is preserved intact in its original and primitive form.

Arthunkal

The Arthunkal St. Sebastian's Church is an important Christian pilgrim center, which is located 22 km north of Alappuzha. The famous “Arthunkal Perunal” the feast of the patron saint, is held in January every year.

Edathua Church

The famous South Indian Pilgrim center, Edathua 'St. George Church' is situated 24 km away from Alappuzha, on the Alappuzha - Thiruvalla Road. Established in 1810.  This church is dedicated to St. George, and the church is famous for healing of various mental disorders and other ailments. The annual feast is held from 5-7th May.

MANNARSALA

The famous Mannarassala temple devoted to the serpent deity is a rare phenomenon of worship. The Ayilyam festival held in November every year is very famous. This temple is situated near Harippad, 32 km south of Alappuzha.

Chettikulangara

Chettikulangara Bhagavathy temple is famous of the Kettukazhcha festival attracting large number of devotees. The colour full Festival held during Feb/March.

Ernakulam

Jewish synagogue, Mattancherry- The synagogue was built in 1568 A.D. scrolls of the Old Testament (Bible) and copper plates in which the grants of privilege to Jews from Kochi rulers were carved are preserved in this Synagogue. The exquisite hands painted blue Chinese tiles are another attraction in the Synagogue. The Jewish Synagogue in Kochi stands out as a testimony for the communal harmony in the state for centuries.

Visiting time: - 10 am to 12 am and 3 pm to 5 pm. Closed on Saturdays and Jewish holidays.

Location: 8km from Kochi. Bus, boat services are available.

St. Francis Church, Fort Kochi

The Portuguese built this church in 1503 A.D. This is the first European Church in India. Vasco-De-Gamma was buried here in 1524; later remains were exhumed out and taken to Lisbon, Portugal.

Location: 12 km from Ernakulam. Buse, ferry services are available here.

Kaladi: 45 km away from Kochi, Kalady is the birthplace of Adi Sankara the great Indian philosopher who lived in the 8th century. Kalady is situated on the banks of river Periyar. There are two shrines of Sri Adi Sankaracharya. One dedicated to him as Dakshinamurthy and the other to Goddess Sarada, maintained by the Sringeri Mutt. These shrines in Kalady are open to all pilgrims irrespective of religion or caste.

Malayatoor

Malayattoor St. Thomas church is the famous Catholic pilgrim center, situated on 53 Kms away from Kochi and 8 Kms. from Kalady.This pilgrim center is blessed by the Apostle of Christ St. Thomas, who had landed the Kerala coast in 52 AD.  The church at the top of the hill, about 2 Kms. can be reached only by foot. The annual festival Malayattur Perunnal is during the month of March/April.

Kasaragode

Ananthapura Temple 

This 9th century temple is the only lake temple in Kerala. Situated at Kumbala 12 Km North East of Kasargode. It is considered the moolsthanam(original abode) of Anandapadmanabha, the deity of Sree Padmanabha Swami Temple, Thiruvananthapuram. This shrine is constructed in the middle of a lake, is uniquely picturesque. The annual festival at this temple is in March/April.

Manjeswaram

A number of temples and fifteen mosques make this cashew-growing town a prominent pilgrim center. It is the birthplace of M. G, Govind Pai, a renowned writer of Kannada literature and poetry. The Srimad Anantheswar temple and Mahalingeshwar temple are situated here is an important shrine attracting pilgrims from all over the country.

Kottayam

St. Mary's Church, Bharananganam

It is an ancient church nearing the mortal remains of Sr. Alphonsa, now a famous pilgrim center. Thousands gather at this holy shrine during the annual festival: Feast of the Blessed Alphonsa (July). There have an attractive Grotto of Virgin Mary.

St. Mary's Church, Kuravilangad

The famous pilgrim center St.Mary’s church was built in 355 AD, situated at 25 km away from Kottayam. This church has an old bell, which bears a hitherto un-deciphered inscription.

Ettumanoor

‘Ettumanoor’: Siva Temple is12Km north of Kottayam built in 16 AD. This temple is famous for the exquisite samples of ancient murals and 'Ezharaponnana' or the 7 ½ elephants finished in gold. The annual temple festival is celebrated for 10 days during Feb. / Mar.

Erumeli

 The Mosque at Erumeli is about 60 Km northeast of Kottayam. This is an important pilgrim center for Hindus and Muslims. Sree Dharmasastha Temple, which is an ancient temple, dedicated to lord Ayyappa and there is also an ancient mosque dedicated to 'Vavar' who is considered to be the friend of lord Ayyappa. 'Petta Thullal' of Kanni Ayyappa is an important festival held in December or January. . It is a good example of the 'Unity in Diversity' policy in India.

Mannanam

This Christian pilgrim center is located at 8 km away from Kottayam. St.Joseph's monastery is located here,This is an old institution which associated with Fr. Kuriakose Elias of Chavara (1805-71), who has been recently pronounced, "blessed”. The St. Joseph's Press established in 1844 it is an oldest printing press in Kerala.

Vaikom

The famous temple dedicated to Lord Shiva here is believed to have constructed by Lord Parasurama, the mythical sage founder of Kerala. The 12 day festival ‘Ashtami’ celebrate in Nov. / Dec. is known for its elephant processions, religious discourses and traditional dances and music. The 'Panchavadyam' is an important musical performance. The Shiva temple is situated 40 km away from Kottayam.

Kozhikkode

Vadakara

The birthplace of Thacholi Othenan - the legendary hero of the Vadakkanpattu (ballads of North Malabar), Vadakara boasts a great martial tradition and was a flourishing trade and commerce center in ancient times. This historic place located 48km from Kozhikkode. The famous Lokanarkavu temple is located 5 km from Vadakara. The three rock cut caves in the temple premises are artfully engraved with beautiful carvings and fascinating murals. The main temple, according to legend, is more than 1500 years old. Vadakara is also the birthplace of Cherussery Namboodiripad, the great poet.

Malappuram

Angadippuram

The town located near Perinthalmanna, on the Chennai - Kozhikode route is an important religious center for both Hindus and Muslims. The Thirumandhankunnu temple, and other important shrine are in the town. The Thirumandhamkunnu Pooram offers enormous festivity days in March-April. The ancient temple is hitorically important.

Kadampuzha

The town is well known for the Kadampuzha Bhagvathi temple, located near Vettichira in Kozhikode-Thrissur highway. The temple is believed to have been consecrated by Jagatguru Sankaracharya.

The Jama-at Mosque

  It is one of the important mosques of Kerala. The four-day annual festival ‘nercha perunnal’ at the mosque is celebrated every year in the month of April.

Adjacent to the mosque is the mausoleum of the Malappuram Shaheeds (martyrs) whose brave exploits have been immortalised in the Mappila ballads.

Kondotti

 An important Muslim pilgrim is located 18km from Manjeri. This is known as Pazhayangadi Mosque having 500 years old, which is the venue for the annual festival Valia Nercha. The festival is celebrated for three days in the month of Feb-March.

Mamburam

This Muslim pilgrimage center situated 26km east of Tirur and is famous for the Makham, a shrine intended and used primarily as a receptacle for the dead bodies of the principal Thangals, the religious leaders of Malabar Muslims.

Tirur

It is the birthplace ofTunchath Ramanujan Ezhuthassan; the father of the Malayalam language, now called Thunchan Parambu, is in Tirur. Tunchan Parambu is highly venerated and its sand is believed to be sacred. The sand is used in Vidyarambham,especially on Vijaya Dashami day.

Pathanamthitta

Sabarimala

One of the most famous pilgrim centers 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). The holy shrine dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. The main Pilgrimage season is November to mid January. Mandalapooja and Makaravilakku are the two main events of 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). 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. The holy shrine is located at 191 km from Thiruvananthapuram and 210 km from Kochi.

Pamba
 This is the main halting point on the way to Sabarimala. It is also known as Thriveni Sangamam, the meeting point of three rivers. 

Parumala

The famous Christian pilgrim center, Parumala church located 10 km from Thiruvalla. The ormaperunnal (commemoration day) of Mar Gregorios Metropolitan, the declared saint of Malankara Orthodox Church, is celebrated on the 1st and 2nd of November. 

Maramon Convention

The annual Christian religious convention near Kozhencherry, The Maramon Convention, believed to the largest Christian gathering in Asia, is an assembly of Christians from all over India, who come here to listen to the gospels read and expounded by scholars of Christianity throughout India and abroad. Religious thinkers and Christian scholars from address the convention, which is usually held in February, across the world.

Cherukolpuzha Convention

This famous Hindu religious convention is attended by a large number of people and addressed by prominent religious scholars and cultural personalities. It is another important annual feature on the riverbed of Pamba.

Pandalam - Neareat railway station: Chengannur - 14 km.
 Pandalam is a holy town; Pandalam is perhaps second only to Sabarimala. Sree Ayyappa, the presiding deity of Sabarimala had his human sojourn here as the son of the Raja of Pandalam. The Valiyakoikal Temple near the palace on the banks of river Achenkovil has been modeled on the Sabarimala shrine. Pilgrims usually stop here to worship before proceeding to Sabarimala. Three days prior to the Makaravilaku festival, the sacred ornaments of Sree Ayyappa are taken in a procession from Pandalam to Sabarimala. 

Malayalapuzha
 
This temple, about 8 km from Pathanamthitta is dedicated to Goddess Bhagavathy. The shrine has beautiful mural paintings and artistic stone carvings are a visual feast.

Thrissur

Kodungalloor

It was a major port in century years ago, visited the Arabs, Jews and the Romans. It became a confluence of cultures as well. St. Thomas is believed to have landed in Kodungalloor (formerly called Muziris) in 52 AD. The St. Thomas Church established by the apostle houses holy relics from the olden days. It is a historic pilgrim center of the Indian Christians. The main feast of the church is celebrated on  21^st November every year.

Vadakkumnathan Temple

Temple is one of the oldest temples of Kerala and is supposed to have been founded by Parashurama. The Vadakkumnathan temple is also a classical example of the Kerala style of architecture and has many decorative murals and pieces of art. The term “Vadakku” does not represent north and it is the corruption of the word “Edvam” or 'Sacred Bull'. “Kunnu” is the Malayalam word for a hillock Edvakkunnathan thus became Vadakkunnathan. This shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Sankara Narayana, Lord Ganesha (God of Wisdom), Lord Ayyappa, Lord Krishna (eighth incarnation of Vishnu, the Preserver) and Lord Rama (hero of the ancient Hindu epic, Ramayana). One of the shrines is dedicated to the Jain Tirthankara (fordmaker), Vrishabha. The devotees offer a thread from their clothing as a symbol to cover the saint's nakedness.This is the venue of the world famous Pooram festival celebrated annually in April-May. It is a spectacular event, combining majestic elephant pageantry with the frenzied playing of drums and cymbals and rounded of with a fireworks extravaganza. Non-Hindus are not allowed entry into the temple. 

Koodalmanikyam Temple

The temple is located 21 Km from Thrissur and about 10 Km from Irinjalakuda Railway station. The only temple in India dedicated to Bharata, who, according to mythology, was the brother of Lord Rama. The festival is held annually for 11 days in Medom (April-May).

Arattupuzha

Arattupuzha Temple, situated 12km south of Thrissur town. The annual festival of Arattupuzha Pooram held in the month of Mar-Apr every year. The uniqueness of this festival is the ceremonial processions carrying the images of the deities of 41 neighboring temples to this village; this is amongst the most colorful festivals of Kerala.

Guruvayoor

Guruvayoor located 29 km from Thrissur city is the most sanctified and important pilgrim centers of Kerala. It is also known as the Dwaraka of the South. The temple is dedicated to Krishna known here as Guruvayurappan or the Lord of Guruvayur, and the idol is said to have been worshipped by Lord Brahma himself at Dwaraka. It is at this temple that Melpathur Narayana Bhattathiri composed his well-known Sanskrit devotional poem 'Narayaneeyam'. This historic temple is believed to have existed prior to 16th century AD. According to legends the temple is the creation of Guru, the preceptor of the Gods, and Vayu, the God of winds. The eastern nada is the main entrance to the shrine. In the Chuttambalam (outer enclosure) is the tall 33.5 m high gold plated Dwajasthambam (flag post). There is also a 7 m high Deepastambham (pillar of lamps), whose thirteen circular receptacles provide a truly gorgeous spectacle when lit. The square Sreekovil is the sacred sanctum sanctorum of the temple, housing the main deity.Several offerings are made by the devotees to the Lord, from the simple 'Archana' to more elaborate 'Udayastamana Pooja'. The festivals are Utsavam, Vishukani and the most important Ekadasi. Within the temple there are also the images of Ganapathy, Lord Ayyappa and Edathedattu Kavil Bhagavathy. Only Hindus are allowed to inside the temple.

Thiruvananthapuram

Padmanabha Swamy Temple

The temple is located inside the East Fort. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and this 16th century shrine blend of the Kerala and Dravidian styles of architecture. It is known for its Mural Paintings and Stone Carvings. One among the 108 sacred Vishnu Temples in India, the presiding deity in here is Lord Vishnu reclining on Anantha, the holy serpent. The temple is open only to Hindus and strict dress regulations are enforced.

Wayanad

Thirunelli Temple

Tirunelli is situated on 30 km northeast of Mananthavady. It is renowned for the temple often called the 'Kasi of the South'. And it is believed that Lord Brahma (The Creator) himself had installed the idol of Lord Vishnu the presiding deity of the temple. The shrine is shielded with 30 granite columns and the ground is paved with huge square pieces of granite.The adjoining mountain spring called “Papanasini” which means the destroyer of all sins, is a major center of pilgrimage.