The beautiful state of Kerala, popularly known as "God's Own Country," is renowned all over the world for its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and spiritual heritage. Among its many treasures, the temples of Kerala stand out as remarkable symbols of tradition, devotion, and architectural brilliance. These sacred sites not only offer a glimpse into the state's deep-rooted spirituality but also attract visitors with their serene ambiance and historical legends. Whether you're a devotee or a seasoned traveler, these temples the unique charm and legends of the top 10 temples in Kerala are sure to leave you spellbound in amazement. Join us as we take you on a journey through the intricacies of the most beautiful and the best temples in Kerala for an unforgettable experience.
Get additional cashback on online shopping with Hyyzo.
Key Takeaway
2) Conclusion
3) Frequently Asked Questions
A Tour Of The Top 10 Famous Temples In Kerala
According to a recent research report, the coastal state of Kerala has well over 3000 temples spread across its expansive landscape. While each one of these centers of faith has its own story to tell, talking about every temple in Kerla would be an overwhelming as well as exhausting task. Thus, for your convenience, we have conducted diligent research on the most famous temples in Kerala to devise a list of the best of them. Continue reading through the upcoming sections to savor the charm of the top 10 famous temples in Kerala ranked according to their popularity.
1. Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple
Thiruvananthapuram
Situated in the laid-back city of Thiruvananthapuram, Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple stands among one of the oldest temples of Lord Vishnu in the world. The temple’s perimeter houses a unique and grand idol of the temple’s deity, Lord Vishnu, reclining peacefully on a cosmic serpent. It is one of the very few remaining temples that are still managed by families of royal descendants. With its stunning Dravidian architecture and a spree of unanswered mysteries, the Padmanabhaswamy Temple of Thiruvananthapuram tops the list of the top 10 famous temples in Kerala. According to myths and legends, any attempt to open the last vault of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple may anger divine beings forcing them to unleash catastrophic forces in the area.
2. Sabarimala Sastha Temple
Pathanamthitta
Devoted to the Hindu God of truth and righteousness, Lord Ayyappa, the humble temple of Sabrimala sits in the center of the lush-green tropical forests of Kerala. Upon entering the temple premises, the faithful devotees of Lord Ayyappa are required to ascend 18 golden stairs, each one of which bears its own spiritual or material meaning, illustrating the successive steps in the journey of enlightenment. Blanketed with an air of serenity and soothing surroundings, the Sabrimala Sastha Temple witnesses massive crowds during the yearly celebrations of Mandala-Makaravilakku. The temple's hard-to-reach location and difficult terrain fall short of the faith of millions who pay their visits regularly and follow strict guidelines such as fasting for 41 days to completely cleanse the physical body.
3. Guruvayoor Sri Krishna Temple
Guruvayoor
Popularly acclaimed as the “Dwarka Of The South”, the Guruvayoor Sri Krishna Temple is one of the most famous temples in Kerala with its history tracing back centuries. The main deity of the temple depicts the form of Lord Shri Krishna as revealed to his birth parents, Vasudeva and Devaki at the time of Krishna’s birth in Mathura. Embodying the four-armed form of Vishnu, with each hand bearing Vishnu’s iconic relics, namely the Panchajanya conch shell, the Sudarshana Chakra, the Kaumodaki mace and a lotus flower, the central idol never fails to captivate the eyes of devotees who cat their faithful gaze upon it.
4. Attukal Bhagavathy Temple
Thiruvananthapuram
Adorned with vibrant colors and stunning idols, the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple is popularly known as the Sabarimala of women. It is dedicated to the prominent Hindu goddess, Devi Bhagavathy, and attracts millions of women devotees each day, especially on the annual festival of Pongala which is widely revered as one of the most auspicious days in South India. In 2009, the Guinness Book of World Records awarded the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple the world record for the largest women's gathering ever recorded in history. The temple’s premises are a tasteful blend of both traditional Kerala and Dravidian architectural styles
5. Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple
Ambalapuzha
The second Krishna temple to be among the most famous temples in Kerala, the Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple is located by the side of a peaceful lake with a serene ambiance. Dating back to the 15th century, the temple has consistently served its signature Palpayasam, a relishing sweet dish prepared with milk and rice to its devotees and visitors for centuries. The Ambalapuzha Arattu festival is one of the most recognizable events to be held at the Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple. The deity of worship at this temple is in the form of Parthasarathy, the charioteer of Arjuna in the epic battle of Mahabharata.
6. Chottanikkara Temple
Chottanikkara
Next on the list of the best temples in Kerala is Goddess Bhagavathy’s Chottanikkara Temple. This temple has been prominently known to possess divine healing powers and is often referred to as “Kerala’s Temple Of Ghosts”. Alongside its frequent association with activities of exorcism and mental healing, the Chottanikkara Temple is widely popular for its annual celebration, Makam Thozhal, a festival that attracts thousands of devotees each year to seek blessings of the Goddess Mother. Surrounding by a natural landscape, the temple premises provide a sense of solace and spiritual calmness to all those who step foot in its courtyards.
7. Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple
Kottayam
The ancient temple of the Hindu God, Shiva, the destroyer is famed for its artwork and decorative paintings, the most iconic one of them being the statue of Nataraja, standing majestically atop the entrance of the temple. Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple’s annual procession of elephants called Ezhunallathu is a sight to behold for visitors from places far and near. According to age-old legends, the Pandavas, the mighty warriors of Mahabharata visited the Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple to perform rituals and offerings in the name of Shiva.
8. Vadakkunnathan Temple
Thrissur
One of the oldest and best temples in Kerala, the Vadakkunnathan Temple is an architectural marvel that was built in the 7th century. The entire structure of this monument is built out of stone and wood with the bond between these two materials holding strong against the test of time. UNESCO has bestowed upon the temple the prestigious 'Award Of Excellence’ for its grandeur of cultural heritage. The temple is dressed in exquisite artwork and paintings that portray tales and events from the Mahabharata. The awe-inspiring beauty and the simple construction techniques used make it a must-visit for architecture enthusiasts.
9. Thirunelli Temple
Wayanad
Nestled between the tranquil hills of Brahmagiri, the Thirunelli Temple is said to have been built by the Hindu God of Creation, Brahma himself. According to another legend, the water and land surrounding the temple are blessed with the power to purify the sins of living beings. With no recorded history of the temple's origin, historians and veterans estimate the Thirunelli Temple to be at least a thousand years old. The vivid legends and the picturesque location of Wayanad attract millions of tourists and devotees. The surge of visitors is at its peak during the annual Puthari festival.
10. Tali Temple
Kozhikode
Last but not least among the top 10 famous temples in Kerala is Lord Shiva’s Tali Temple in Kozhikode. Built by the Zamorin rulers in the 14th century. The intricately detailed architecture and the mesmerizing surroundings offer an atmosphere of unmatched peace and tranquility. According to frequent visitors and devotees, the core of the temple is said to be bustling with spiritual energy and one can feel its effect with a surrendered mindset. To preserve the austerity of the Tali Temple, the temple’s administration requires devotees to follow strict guidelines like mandatory ‘Mundu’ dresses for men and restrictions on photography and filming.
Conclusion
The top 10 famous temples in Kerala are more than just places of worship; they are vibrant testimonies to the state's rich cultural tapestry and architectural grandeur. Not only do these temples offer a place of spiritual and religious significance and purity, but they also showcase the incredible heritage, awe-inspiring architecture, and vibrant culture of God’s own country, Kerala. Each temple, from the mysterious Sree Padmanabhaswamy to the serene Tali Temple, tells a unique story that blends history, spirituality, and tradition. Visiting these temples offers not just a spiritual journey but also a deep dive into the heart of Kerala’s vibrant heritage. Whether you seek divine inspiration, cultural insights, or simply a peaceful retreat, the best temples in Kerala promise an enriching and unforgettable experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Which temple is the most popular in Kerala?
Ans. The Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Temple is famously known as the most popular temple in Kerala.
Q2. Which is the richest temple in Kerala?
Ans. The Shree Padmanabha Swami Temple in Thiruvananthapuram is the richest in Kerala.
Q3. Which temple is the richest in the world?
Ans. With an estimated net worth of $20 billion, Kerala’s Sree Padmanabha Swami Temple is regarded as the richest temple in the world by the Guinness Book Of World Records.