9 Most Famous Temples In Kerala

Kerala, also known as 'The Land of Gods,' is said to have been founded by a warrior sage named Parasurama.

This southernmost state is full of legends and stories, as well as some of the world's oldest temples that provide proof of legitimacy.

Kerala is an outstanding religious tourist destination in India, with a vast number of temples dating back over 2000 years and largely dedicated to the state's adored Lord Ayyappa, Lord Shiva, and Vishnu.

If you're looking for a journey in India that will fill you with spirituality and a sense of divinity, Kerala is the place to go.

Here are a few of Kerala's most well-known temples that are well worth a visit.

1. Military Vinayaka – Pazhzvangadi Ganapathy Temple

The Pazhzvangadi Ganapathy Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha. It is located in the Western Ghat mountain ranges at Kallissery, Moothakunnam, Ernakulam District, Kerala India. The temple is situated at a height of around 1,080 meters and is considered to be one of the most difficult to reach temples in Kerala.

It was established in the late 19th century by a family of Malayali Brahmin priests from Travancore. The temple is built in a typical Kerala style of architecture and its gopuram follows the traditional style of architecture prevalent in Kerala.

2. Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple

Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple is the most famous temple in Kerala. The word Ettumanoor is derived from the words ‘Ettu’ and ‘Manam’ which means “eight villages.”

The temple town is situated on the banks of the Meenachil River and it's believed to be one of the oldest temples in Kerala. Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple is one of the oldest temples in Kerala. Situated at the bottom of a hilly region surrounded by paddy fields, it is said to be over 2000 years old. The temple was built by "Kulashekhara Alvar" 2000 years ago and was renovated 8 times for various reasons over its history, although the current structure belongs to the 18th century.

The presiding deity of this temple is Lord Shiva and it has a huge Nandi on its entrance gate which makes it stand apart from other temples in Kerala. The legend has it that Parashurama spent some time here. Built-in AD 1225, the temple has a long list of legends and miracles associated with it.

3. Attukal Bhagavathy Temple

The Attukal Bhagavathy Temple is one of the most popular temples in Kerala. It is a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Bhadrakali and is situated on a small hillock at a distance of about three kilometers from the Vadakkanchery town.

4. Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple

The Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple is a Hindu temple in the Palakkad district of Kerala.

This Hindu temple is situated on the banks of the holy river Kaveri, at a distance of 20 km from Palakkad town. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Krishna, who is worshipped as Ambaalapuzha Bhagavathy, and hence the name 'Ambalapuzha'. Legend has it that this place was once a dense forest with wild animals such as elephants and bears roaming around until Parasurama threw his axe from nearby Thiruvanchikulam.

5. Sabarimala Swamy Ayappan Temple

Sabarimala Swamy Ayappan temple is one of the biggest Hindu temples in Kerala. It is located in the Western Ghat mountain ranges in Pathanamthitta District, Kerala, India. The temple is situated on the Western Ghats of the southern Indian state of Kerala.

This temple attracts visitors to come and stay for 41 days or more to take part in worshiping Lord Ayyappa.

The Sabarimala Temple has never been closed to females of menstruating age; however until recently women were not allowed into the innermost sanctum with Lord Ayyappa's idol. On September 28, 2018, two women were able to enter this area and receive darshan without any issue.

6. Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram

The Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, popularly known as the Sree Padmanabha Swami temple, is located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.

The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Vishnu who is depicted as Sree Padmanabha. The idol is made of a rare combination of metals-gold and silver. It stands on a pedestal that has two coiled serpents around it.

The deity was consecrated at the time of Keralolpathi (Keralam’s traditional epic) which was written by poet Poonthanam Namboodiri during the 15th century AD.

7. Mridanga Saileswari Temple, Kannur

The Mridanga Saileswari Temple is in the heart of Kannur town in Kerala dedicated to the Hindu deity, Rama. The temple was built in 1977. The temple is famous for the mural paintings done by the late artist M.P.Thamarakshanam which depicts various Hindu mythological scenes and stories.

It is situated near the sea coast and famous for its beautiful architecture. The deity worshiped here is Goddess Lakshmi and her consort Lord Vishnu. According to the people who worship there it is believed that this particular temple has been built by Ravana.

8. Chottanikkara Temple

Chottanikkara Temple is one of the most important temples in Kerala. It is located at Chottanikkara, which is around six kilometers from Palakkad town. The temple houses the deity of Lord Shiva that is seen in the form of a Bhadra-lingam.

It was built by King Rama Varma Kulashekhara (1299-1314 AD), who had migrated to Kerala with his queens and established his capital at what came to be known as “Thekkinkad” or “Old Conquests”, present-day Kodungallur. The royal family was great patron of art and culture, especially classical music and dance.

9. Tali Temple

Tali Temple is one of the most popular temples in Kerala. The origin of this temple is unknown, but it is believed to be one of the earliest temples in Kerala.

Tali Temple was well-known for its architectural brilliance and its beautiful sculptures. It was a small shrine made out of an old banyan tree and stone slabs, but now it has been renovated and expanded to accommodate more worshippers.