Top 15 Temples in Kerala | Religious Sites in Kerala
The house of the Lord is a religious place, where human emotion and feeling are attached to it. Kerala is famous for its rich culture, tradition, and religious diversity. Want to explore Kerala’s unique architectural style, history, and significance, Temples in Kerala are the ideal place for it. As you know, Kerala is also known as God’s Own Country, the reason behind, it was created by Gods as per mythology. Some temples here are more than 2,000 years old. These temples are devoted to Lord Vishu, Lord Shiva, and Lord Ayappa. Start your spiritual journey, by checking out famous temples in Kerala which you must visit places in Kerala during the Kerala Trip.
Most Famous Temples in Kerala
Here is a list of some most famous temples in Kerala which are incredible religious tourist destinations in India.
1. Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram
Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is located in Thiruvananthapuram. It is devoted to Lord Padmanabha ( Vishu ) of Hindu, It Is the largest temple in Kerala, with history attached to it from the 8th century. The blend of various architectural styles, it’s a perfect example of Dravidian architecture. With immense treasures of gold, jewels, and antique artifacts, It is the wealthiest temple in the world. This Temple sign of Hindu, because of its spiritual significance. One of the most attractive places due to its architectural beauty and historical significance.
2. Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram
Goddess Attukal Bhagavathy is the supreme mother of the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple. The main thing of the temple is the Attukal Pongala festival which is one of the largest religious gatherings of women in the world in this festival that’s why it’s got Guinness Book of World Records. Attukal Pongala festival is one of the famous festivals because millions of women gather around the temple to offer “Pongala” in earthen pots. It’s coming into the top 10 temples in Kerala by the reason of the Attukal Pongala festival.
3.Tali Temple, Kozhikode
One of the best temples to visit in Kerala, located in Kozhikode district, this Hindu temple also known as Tali Shiva Temple, is devoted to Lord Shiva. The unique architecture of this temple and its cultural significance make most ancient and significant temples in Kozhikode. it dates back to the 14th century CE and it was built by the Zamorin (Samoothiri) rulers of Kozhikode. The Tali Temple is also known for its famous annual festival “Revathi Pattathanam”.
4. Sivagiri Temple, Varkala
Sivagiri Temple is also known as Sivagiri Math. It is situated in Varkala district. The interesting thing about this temple is that it is dedicated to the memory of social reformer and philosopher Shri Narayana Guru. Sree Narayana Guru was a spiritual leader in Kerala, an ideologue of social equality, education, and eradication of caste discrimination. Spread over 200 acres of sacred land, this temple is the most sacred temple in Kerala. This temple hosts various cultural events, discussions, and lectures on spirituality and social reform. Sivagiri Temple is a must-visit place in Varkara during Kerala Trip.
5. Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple, Kottayam
Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple is devoted to Lord Shiva, one of the biggest temples in Kerala, which is known for its architectural beauty, religious significance, and annual festival celebrations. Situated in the town of Ettumanoor in the Kottayam district of Kerala. This Temple celebrated some annual festivals like Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple Utsavam and Arattu Festival. These Annual festivals give you a chance to explore cultural programs, traditional music, dance performances, and a procession of decorated elephants of Kerala.
6.Chottanikara Devi Temple, Ernakulum
The Chottanikkara Devi Temple is dedicated to goddess Bhagavathy, Who is considered a form of Goddess Shakti or Mother Goddess. This Temple is famous for its mysterious temple in Kerala, because of its healing power related to mental illness and disorders. “Guruthi Pooja,” is a unique ritual and practice, that you can’t miss. This temple is located 17 away from Ernakulam, district of Kerala. The most visited religious place in Kerala, which is not only for worship but also a cultural and spiritual center.
7.Mannarasala Nagaraja Temple, Mannarasala
The Mannarasala Nagaraja Temple is one of the best Hindu temples in Kerala, It is located in Mannarasala village in the Alappuzha district of Kerala. This Temple is dedicated to Nagaraja, the king of serpents and it’s the Dwelling place of thousands of snake gods and goddesses. As an internationally known center of pilgrimage, most of the tourists seek the blessings of these serpent deities. The Mannarasala Ayilyam festival is the major festival of the temple, which is celebrated in the Malayalam month Thulam (October–November).
8.Lokanarkavu Temple, Kozhikode
Considered a top temple in Kerala, Lokanarkavu Temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga. This Hindu Temple is located Kozhikode district of Kerala. With historical and cultural significance, known for Kerala’s unique rituals and festivals. This temple celebrates the annual festival, Lokanarakavu Utsavam, on Pooram Nakshatra in the Malayalam month (March–April). The temple showcases Kerala’s History and tradition, which is not only for worship, it’s also the cultural hub of Kerala.
9.Vadakkunnathan Temple, Thrissur
Vadakkunnathan Temple showcases Kerala’s architectural beauty, history, heritage, and culture. It’s one of the oldest temples in Kerala, approximately 1000 years old. As an award of excellence from UNESCO, it is located in the heart of Thrissur city in the state of Kerala. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Vadakkunnathan temple celebrates the annual Thrissur Pooram festival, one of the grandest festivals in Kerala, between the two temple rival groups Paramekkavu and Thiruvambady.
10. Sabarimala Sastha Temple, Pathanamthitta
Sabarimala Sastha Temple is located 72 km away from Pathanamthitta town. It is one of the most popular temples in Kerala and represents the convergence of diverse religions in India. It’s also known for its unique rituals, practices, and annual pilgrimage season. This temple is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, also known as Swami Ayyappan, who Symbolizes the forms of both Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva.
11.Ambalapuzha Srikrishna Temple, Ambalapuzha
The Ambalapuzha Sri Krishna Temple is devoted to Lord Krishna, this is one of the seven great Vaishnava temples in Kerala. Located in the town of Ambalapuzha in the Alappuzha district of Kerala, build was in the 15th – 17th CE by by the local ruler Chembakasserry Pooradam. This Temple offers you Kerala’s cultural, and historical treasures & architectural beauty which is not place of religious significance but also the cultural heritage of Kerala.
12. Ananthapura Lake Temple, Ananthapura
Ananthapura Lake Temple is Situated five kilometers away from Kumbala, near Kasaragod in the northern part of Kerala. This Temple is devoted to Lord Krishna, where you can feel a peaceful and serene environment for worship and meditation. The only Lake temple in Kerala, which is the most famous temple in Kerala for Kerala’s spiritual significance and tranquility.
13. Sree Parassinikadavu Muthappan Temple, Parassinikadavu
Sree Parassinikadavu Muthappan Temple is located about 10 km from Thaliparamba in the Kannur District in the northern part of Kerala. The Temple was devoted to Muthappan, who manifestation of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. The Theyyam performance of this temple, ritualistic dance, and worship, which is part of Kerala’s tradition as well as traditional art forms, music, and dance are various cultural events and performances, that show Kerala’s Cultural Significance.
14. Guruvayur Temple, Guruvayur
One of the most sacred Hindu temples in Kerala, devoted to Lord Krishna, with strong spiritual significance, traditional rituals, and vibrant festivals also known as “Dwarka of the South”. Guruvayur Temple famous for Kerala’s Architecture the sign of Vastu traditions. The main deity of this Temple is Lord Guruvayurappan, a form of Lord Krishna. At this temple, there are various festivals such as Guruvayur Ekadasi festival, Guruvayur Utsavam, and Ashtami Rohini. Guruvayur Ekadasi festival is the most important festival of this temple.
15. Chottanikkara Temple, Chottanikkara
Chottanikkara Temple is the most powerful temple in Kerala, The sign of Kerala’s spiritual significance, healing powers, and many festivals. It is devoted to Goddess Bhagawati, The goddess is affected for her ability to heal mental illnesses and spiritual disorders.”Makam Thozhal,” is the major festival of the Chottanikkara Temple, which shows colorful processions, traditional music, and dance performances.