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The temples of Kerala are dedicated to various gods and
goddesses from the Hindu mythology. An architectural
delights, these temples are carved in the traditional style.
Some of the significant temples in Kerala include the
Padmanabhaswamy temple, Vadukkumnathan Temple, Vaikom
Temple, Chottanikkara Temple, Mannarshala Temple,
Ananthapura Lake Temple and the Ambalapuzha Temple. These
temples reflects the religious fervor of people of Kerala.
Kerala temples find expression in a mixed medium of stone,
brick, laterite and wood this unique approach to temple
building resulted in a distinctive form of architecture,
laying stress on sanctity, simplicity and a prevailing
naturalism which marked the worship in temples. The earlier
temples of Kerala were primarily for Shiva and Vishnu or
their manifestations (Krishna, Parasurama, Rama, Vamana).
Swayampradhana shrines to Ganesha, Kartikeya are of later
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OACHIRA TEMPLE |
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Oachira is unique place of worship with neither a structure to house
an idol nor an idol around which temples are usually built.
The presiding deity at this sanctum-sanctorum is the abstract
principle of the 'Parabrahmam' or the 'Divine Omnipresence' or
'Universal Conciousness'.
The main events at the temple, 'Oachirakkali' festival falls in
mid-June, while the 'Panthranduvilakku' or the twelve-day festival
of lights gets underway in November/ December.
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THALI
TEMPLE |
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Thali Temple, located downtown is an important temple of the
erstwhile Zamorin Kingdom of Kozhikode.
The temple is famous for the 'Revathi Pattathanam', an annual
competition of pedagogic skills.
A square sanctorum with a 'Mukhamandapam', very high laterite walls
and an expansive temple pond are some of the specialities of this
Siva temple.
The annual festival falls in April/ May. The eight-day festival
concludes with 'Arattu' or the holy bath ritual.
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THIRUVANAYA NAVAMUKUNDA TEMPLE |
Thiruvanaya Navamukunda Temple, near Ponnani in Malappuram district
is situated on the banks of the river Bharathapuzha.
Holding immense historical importance, this is the place where '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 AD.
Today, Thirunavaya temple is also a famous pilgrim centre.
The ten-day annual festival at the Thirunavaya Navamukunda Temple,
dedicated to Navamukunda (Lord Vishnu), begins with Kodiyettam and
concludes with Arattu.
The last three days are the most auspicious.
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CHURCHES |
St. Mary's Church, Cheriapalli (2 km of Kottayam town): Built in
1579 by Thekkumkoor Maharajah, this church displays outstanding
architecture which is a blend of Kerala and Portuguese styles.
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THIRUVALLA TEMPLE |
Thiruvalla Temple is one of the largest temples of Kerala and a fine
specimen of its traditional style of temple architecture.
The temple has many shrines though it is mainly dedicated to Lord
Vishnu.
The 50- feet high flag post is of granite. An idol of garuda,
vehicle of Lord Vishnu, is fixed atop the flag post.
A unique attraction of this temple is the Kathakali performance
staged every evening, as ritual offering.
It is believed that Vishnu, the principal deity, watches the
performance from his abode.
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VAIKOM TEMPLE |
Parasurama, the mythical founder of Kerala, is said to have built a
temple here dedicated to Lord Shiva.
The twelve-day festival of the temple falls in November -December,
and is celebrated with classical dance and music performances.
Also famous is the 'Kshetra Kalapeedhom', a school devoted to temple
arts.
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