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Highlight :
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.
OACHIRA TEMPLE
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.
THALI TEMPLE
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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