Kerala has a
fairly rich mythological heritage and there are temples of several gods and
goddesses almost throughout the state. All these temples are not only
significant from their religious importance but are also great
architectural set ups. Some are huge and richly decorated while others are
small with simple decor, but invariably all speak volumes about the highly
religious temperament of the people.
Temple architecture in Kerala is
different from that of other regions in India. Largely dictated by the
geography of the region that abounds in forests blessed with the bounties
of the monsoons, the structure of the temples in Kerala is distinctive. The
roofs are steep and pointed, and covered with copper sheets. The Kerala
roof resembles those found in the Himalayan regions and those in East Asia.
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Padmanabha Swamy Temple Trivandrum
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Padmanabha Swamy Temple This temple has been sung by the Vaishnavite Alwar
Saints. This is the largest temple in Kerala and it exhibits several
Dravidian architectural features, particularly the massive Gopuram.
Vishnu is worshipped in a reclining pose and is seen through three doors.
Much of the structure today is a result of renovations of the 18th
century. The mandapams and the corridors have fine works of sculpture and
the outtside of the sanctum is decorated with murals. This temple has
been sung by the Tamil Alwar Saints and is revered as one of the 108
shrines held sacred in the Sree Vaishnavite tradition. This temple has
been patronized by the Travancore royal family and the rulers of
Travancore have traditionally ruled over their province, only as
subordinates to the Deity Padmanabha. The Royal Composer and King Swati
Tirunal has composed several kritis (songs) in praise of this deity.
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Parthasarthy temple, dedicated to Parthasarathi or Lord Krishna
is said to date back to the days of the Mahabharata. The Vaishnavite
Alwar Saints have sung its glory.
A famous pilgrim place for Hindus, the temple is in Chengannor on the
Thiruvananthapuram - Kottayam route. This temple is also associated with
water sports involving snake boats.
A major attraction is the snake boat races held as part of the festival
in August/September. Aranmula is famed for its hand-made mirrors of
polished metal called the "Aranmula Kannadi".
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Guruvayoor, where the famous
Sree Krishna Temple is situated, is one of the most sacred and important
pilgrim centers of kerala. This is probably the only temple in the state that
hosts the maximum number of marriages and rice feeding ceremonies (the
ritual first meal for infants).
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Guruvayoor Krishnan Temple
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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'. In the 'Chuttambalam' (outer
enclosure) is a 33.5-m tall gold-plated 'Dwajastambham' (flagpost).
There is also a 7 m high 'Deepastambham' (pillar of lamps), whose
thirteen circular receptacles provide a truly brillant spectacle, when
lit.
Air : Kochi
international airport (Nedumbassery) is 80 kms from Guruvayur and the
Calicos (Kozhikode) airport is 100 kms away. All major international
flight services are operated from these airports.
Rail : Guruvayur has got
a railway station towards the east of the temple which is connected to
the Madras-Mangalore main line at Thrissur. Tourists coming from the Madras/ Trivandrum area
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can get down at Thrissur, just 29 km away, around
one to one and a half hour drive from Guruvayur, and tourists from
Mangalore side can get down at the Kuttippram station. Regular bus
services are available from these places to Guruvayur.
Road : Guruvayur is well connected
with the other parts of the country by road. KSRTC bus stand is 500metres
to the west of the temple and the private bus stand towards the east. The
National highway is passing through Kunnamkulam which is just 8 kms away
from Guruvayur. Several state owned and private buses, as well as taxis
and other vehicles regularly ply between Trichur and Guruvayur. Bus
connections are also available with all important towns of Kerala as well
as neighbouring Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu via Trichur.
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Chottanikkara Bhagavathy
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Chottanikkara
Bhagavathy Temple is one of the most celebrated Hindu
shrines of Kerala. The temple is located in Chottanikkara town, 17kms
away from Ernakulam. Rajarajeswari (Adiparasakthi) alias Durga
Bhagavathy - the mother Goddess, is the presiding deity of the temple.
It is said that this deity was brought from Mookambika Temple in
Kollur, Karnataka and therefore there is a presence of Mookambika
(Saraswathy) Devi till 7am in the morning.
The
'Devi' in the temple is known for the healing powers, particularly
relating to mental illness and disorders. The temple situated in a
hilly region, is surrounded on all sides by green farms. The entry is
through the west and the spiritual atmosphere in the temple gives
mental peace and harmony to devotees.
Place: Chottanikkara,
Ernakulam, Kerala
Significance :The Mental Illness of People are said to be cured by
worshipping the deity here
Timings : Open 4:00 am- 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm -
8:00 pm.
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Mata
Amritanandamayi
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Mata
Amritanandamayi Math, is situated at Amritapuri in Vallickavu,
a small fishing village near Quilon (Kollam), South Kerala. 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
Mata Amrithanadamayi's
principal teaching is not her words, but the experience of being with
her. She has a special earthy aura a sense of peace about her, a
special healing touch, experienced by people who come to see her or
receive her 'darshan'. Amma gives darshan on Wednesdays, Thursdays and
Saturdays.
Place : Quilon, Kerala
Significance : Birth Place of
Amrithanandamayi
Best time to visit : Throughout the year
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Sabarimala
Temple
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Sabarimala is a renowned pilgrim centre atop the
rugged hills of the Western Ghats. This holy shrine is dedicated to
Lord Ayyappa. The sanctum sanctoram nestles 914 m above sea level,
amidst the virgin forest wilderness of the Western Ghats.
The Village of Sabarimala is named after Shabari who did severe penance
in order to meet Rama who granted her wish for her devotion and faith
during her penance.
The main pilgrimage is undertaken between November and January.
Regardless of caste, creed, colour, they wear black dhotis and carry on
their heads, bundles containing traditional offerings like coconut
filled with ghee, camphor and rice.
Transportation is available upto Pamba, from where one has to
travel a distance of 5 kms on foot. Devotees undertake rigorous
penance, ritualistic vows and fasts before they visit the temple.
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