5 Not To Miss Temples In Kerala

Said to be created by a warrior sage Parasurama, Kerala is indeed what they call it to be ‘The Land of Gods.’ This southernmost state is a land full of legends and tales, which also has some of the oldest temples that act as evidences of authenticity. Replete with a large number of temples that are as old as 2000 years and are mostly dedicated to state’s beloved Lord Ayyappa along with Lord Shiva and Vishnu, Kerala makes an incredible religious tourist destination in India. If you are seeking a tour in India that can greatly fill you with spiritualism and the feeling of divinity, then Kerala is the right destination to head to. Here are some of the most famous temples in Kerala that are absolutely worth paying a visit:

* Nilakkal Mahadeva Temple, Perunad

Nilakkal is a famous Temple that is situated on the way to Sabarimala Temple. The shrine is said to have been situated in the 18-hilled garden of Lord Ayyappa. The presiding deity her is Lord Shiva who is regareded as Ayyappa, a manifestation of Lord Muruga. Nilakkal temple is one of the halting places for the pilgrims of Sabarimala during the Thiruvabharana procession.

* Malayalappuzha Temple, Malayalapuzha

A 1000 year old Bhadrakali Temple, Malayalappuzha Temple is amongst famous pilgrims centre in Kerala. People come to this temple with a belief that their wishes will come true; therefore the temple remains swarmed by devotees that visit from all parts of the country. The architecture of the temple is also worth paying attention to, the shrine has some of the finest stone carving and wall paintings to cherish.

* Chengannur Mahadeva Temple, Chengannur

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Chengannur Mahadeva Temple is amongs the oldest and famous shrines in Kerala. It is a temple complex that has two presiding deities as Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Unlike other temples, there are two main shrines in this temple. In 18th century, the temple was suffered a major fire incident in which many of its murals and artwork were lost. The renovated temple has some fragments of the previous artistic work and the mukhamandapam in front of the temple and other mandapams in this temple gives a fair idea of the then exquisite woodwork.

* Pandalam Ayyappa Temple, Pandalam

An important Ayyappa Temple, Pandalam Ayyappa or Valiyakoikal Temple is situated close to the Pandalam fort. The legend has it that Lord Ayyappa had his human sojourn as the son of the king in Pandalam. So, when Lord Ayyappa departed to Sabarimala, the king Rajasekhara was overcome by grief. Having received instruction by the Lord, Rajasekhara built a small temple modeled on the Sabarimala Temple. Today, Pandalam is the place from where the famed Thiruvabharana procession starts that ends at Sabarimala Temple.

* Kottarakkara Ganapathy Temple, Kottarakkara

A Shiva temple interestingly named after Lord Ganesha, Kottarakkara Ganapathy Temple is yet another must visit temple in Kerala. According to a legend, legendary Uliyannor Perumthachan chiseled a sculpture of Ganapti outside a temple while listening to Mantras. When Uliyannor requested the priest of the temple to enshrine the Ganpati sculpture in the temple, he received refusal. Thus, Uliyannor went to another Shiva temple called Kizhakkekkara Siva temple and requested the priest to enshrine the Ganpati idol, to which the priest agreed. The idol was installed here and now is worshipped by many devotees who come here to worship the presiding deity of Lord Shiva.