Kerala is a state in southern India that is renowned for its natural beauty, rich culture, and religious heritage. The state is home to numerous ancient temples that attract millions of devotees and tourists from across the world. In this article, we will explore the 10 most famous temples in Kerala that are a must-visit for anyone interested in exploring the state’s cultural and religious heritage.
1. Sabarimala Temple
The Sabarimala Temple is one of the most famous temples in Kerala and is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. The temple is located on a hilltop and is only accessible by foot, which adds to the temple’s unique charm. The temple attracts millions of devotees every year, especially during the annual pilgrimage season that begins in November.
2. Guruvayoor Temple
The Guruvayoor Temple is one of the most famous temples in Kerala and is dedicated to Lord Krishna. The temple is located in Thrissur district and is known for its unique architecture and beautiful murals. The temple is also famous for its elephant sanctuary, where visitors can interact with elephants and even offer them food.
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3. Padmanabhaswamy Temple
The Padmanabhaswamy Temple is located in Thiruvananthapuram and is one of the most famous temples in Kerala. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is known for its intricate carvings and beautiful architecture. The temple is also famous for its massive treasure trove, which was discovered in 2011 and is believed to be worth billions of dollars.
4. Ambalapuzha Temple
The Ambalapuzha Temple is located in Alappuzha and is one of the most famous temples in Kerala. The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and is known for its delicious prasadam, which is a sweet pudding made of rice and milk. The temple is also famous for its beautiful mural paintings that depict the life of Lord Krishna.
5. Chottanikkara Temple
The Chottanikkara Temple is located in Ernakulam district and is dedicated to Goddess Bhagavathy. The temple is known for its unique architecture and is believed to have healing powers. The temple attracts millions of devotees every year, especially during the annual festival season.
6. Vadakkunnathan Temple
The Vadakkunnathan Temple is located in Thrissur and is one of the most famous temples in Kerala. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its beautiful murals and unique architecture. The temple is also famous for its annual Thrissur Pooram festival, which is one of the most famous festivals in Kerala.
7. Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple
The Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple is located in Kottayam and is one of the most famous temples in Kerala. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its beautiful mural paintings and unique architecture. The temple is also famous for its annual festival, which attracts thousands of devotees every year.
8. Thiruvanchikulam Mahadeva Temple
The Thiruvanchikulam Mahadeva Temple is located in Ernakulam district and is one of the most famous temples in Kerala. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its beautiful carvings and unique architecture. The temple is also famous for its annual festival, which attracts thousands of devotees every year.
9. Mannarasala Temple
The Mannarasala Temple is located in Alappuzha and is one of the most famous temples in Kerala. The temple is dedicated to the serpent gods and is known for its unique rituals and traditions. The temple is believed to have the power to cure diseases and ailments, and devotees from across the world come to seek blessings.
10. Sree Krishna Temple, Ambalappuzha
The Sree Krishna Temple in Ambalappuzha is one of the most famous temples in Kerala and is dedicated to Lord Krishna. The temple is known for its delicious prasadam, which is a sweet pudding made of rice and milk. The temple is also famous for its beautiful mural paintings that depict the life of Lord Krishna.
In conclusion, Kerala is a land of temples and is known for its rich cultural and religious heritage. The temples mentioned in this article are a must-visit for anyone interested in exploring the state’s unique and diverse culture. Each temple has its own unique charm and significance, and visiting them will surely leave a lasting impression.
FAQs
- What is the best time to visit these temples in Kerala? Ans: The best time to visit these temples is during the annual festival season, which usually falls between October and February.
- Is there any dress code for visiting these temples? Ans: Yes, visitors are required to dress modestly and cover their shoulders and legs while visiting these temples.
- Can non-Hindus visit these temples? Ans: Yes, non-Hindus are allowed to visit most of these temples, but they are required to follow the rules and regulations.
- Are photography and videography allowed inside these temples? Ans: No, photography and videography are strictly prohibited inside most of these temples.
- How can I reach these temples? Ans: These temples are well-connected by road and rail, and most of them are easily accessible by public transport.