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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 origin.
AMBALAPUZHA TEMPLE
The ancient Sree Krishna Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna
is situated 8 miles south of Alappuzha.
This temple is famous throughout Kerala for the milk
porridge, 'Palpayasam' served here.
At Karumadi, near by, is an image of the Buddha, a relic
of the times when Buddhism flourished in the State.
It is also in this temple that 'Pallipana' is performed by
'Velans' (sorcerers) once in twelve years. Human sacrifice
was conducted in ancient times.
However, cocks have now replaced humans on the sacrificial
altar.
Neighbouring Alleppey, with its beautiful backwaters and
canals has a water carnival and Regatta conducted every
year as part of the Independence Day celebrations.
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CHOTTANIKKARA TEMPLE
Chottanikkara temple, located near Ernakulam
enshrines Bhagawati - the mother Goddess, one of the most
popular deities in Kerala. Enroute is the Poornatrayesa
temple at Tripunittura.
The Devi is worshipped along with Lord Vishnu. Together,
they are known as Lakshminarayana. People who have mental
illness seek refuge in the divine mother, who graciously
cures all her devotees.
Goddess Rajarajeswari is the presiding deity. This deity
is worshipped in three different forms - as Saraswati in
the morning - draped in white, as Bhadrakali at noon
draped in crimson, and as Durga in the evening decked in
blue.
GURUVAYOOR TEMPLE
Guruvayoor, where the famous Sree Krishna Temple is
situated, is one of the most sacred and important pilgrim
centres of kerala. The walls of the sanctum sanctorum are
inlaid with exquisite mural paintings and carvings.
In Kerala, this is probably the only temple that hosts the
maximum number of marriages and rice feeding ceremonies.
It was also the hub of the 'Guruvayoor Sathyagraha' , a
historic movement demanding temple entry rights for the
'so called' lower castes. 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'.
The eastern 'nada' is the main entrance to the shrine. 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. The square 'Sreekovil'
is the sacred sanctum sanctorum of the temple, housing the
main deity.
Within the temple, there are also the images of Ganapathy,
Sree Ayyappa and Edathedathy Kavil Bhagavathy. Only Hindus
are allowed inside the temple. Punnathoorkotta, which is
at a distance of 2 kms from Guruvayoor is home of 50
temple elephants, offers unusual spectacles of the gentle
pachyderm.
Timings
The temple is open 03:00 am to 01:00 pm & 04:30pm to 08:30
pm.
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KALPATHY TEMPLE
The Vishwanatha Swamy shrine, the oldest Shiva temple
is situated 3 kms from Palakkad. The annual chariot temple
is a gala event.
The annual 'Ratholsavam' or Chariot Festival at Sree
Viswanantha Swamy temple lasts for seven days. On the last
three days, beautifully decorated temple chariots are
ceremoniously drawn through the streets by thousands of
devotees whose soul stirring chants rent the air.
The festival is dominated by three magnificent chariots,
bedecked with flowers and flags, each sanctified by the
presence of the lord.
Teeming crowds of people and millions of hands try to
reach out to be one of the privileged to have the honour
of pulling the chariots, as they proceed in stately
grandeur.
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MANGLA DEVI TEMPLE
Mangala devi temple, the ancient temple is located 15
kms from Thekkady.
It lies hidden in the dense woods at the top of a peak
1337 m above sea level. The temple is built in the
traditional Kerala style of architecture.
Visitors are allowed here only on the Chithra Pournami
festival day. The peak commands a panoramic view of the
eastern slopes of the ghats and some hill villages of
Tamil Nadu.
Permission to visit the area can be obtained from the
Wildlife Warden, Thekkady.
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