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Pilgrimage
Padmanabhaswamy Temple :
The temple is located inside the East Fort. The temple is a blend of the Kerala and Dravidian styles of architecture. It is known for its mural paintings and stone carvings. This temple a sprawling complex with a magnificent seventeen storied tower houses the idol of Lord Vishnu in the form of Ananthapadmanabha (the lord who upheld creation on a lotus that sprang forth from His navel). The 6 m image of Vishnu reclining on Anantha the Serpent, partly covered with gold and embellished with precious stones is viewed in three sections through three doors. One among the 108 sacred Vishnu temples in India . Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple. Historical records show that in 1750, The Maharaja of Travancore on being
victorious in a battle, laid down his sword and offered himself to this temple's deity. Since then, all his successors have ruled the land as Padmanabhadasas (servants of Padmanabha).
Guruvayoor:
It is one of the most sacred and important pilgrim centers of Kerala. Its main attraction is the Sree Krishna Temple.This historic temple is shrouded in mystery. According to belief, the temple is the creation of Guru, the preceptor of the Devas and Vayu the Lord of the Winds.
The eastern nada is the main entrance to the shrine. In the chuttambalam (outer enclosure) is the tall 33.5 mt. high gold plated Dwajasthambam (flag post). There is also a 7 mt. high Deepasthambham (pillar of lamps), whose 13 circular receptacles provide a truly gorgeous spectacle when lit. The square Sreekovil is the sacred sanctum sanctorum of the temple which houses the main deity. Within the temple there are also images of Ganapathy, Sree Ayyappa and Edathedathu Kavil Bhagavathy
Vaikom :
This town, located on the bank of the Vembanadu lake, is famous for its Siva temple, which is one of the oldest Siva Temple in the world. During the Sabarimala season pilgrims alight here to worship the 'Annadanaprabhu (Load Siva)'. Vaikom gained prominence during the Indian freedom struggle, as it was the venue of the famous Satyagraha staged in 1925 for the admission of Harijans into this temple. Vaikom is situated about 40kms from Kottayam town. Two Ashtami festivals are held annually, one in Kumbam (Feb -Mar) and the other in Vrichikom (Nov-Dec) of which the latter is more famous. The celebrations last for 12 days and end with an 'Aarattu' at the Subrahmanya Swami Temple at Udayanapuram, on the day after Ashtami. Prathal (feast) is the main Vazhipadu here. There is a school teaching temple arts, known as Kshethrakalapeedhom, attached to the temple.
Mannarsala:
It is 32 kms from Alappuzha near Haripad and is famous for the ancient temple of Sree Nagaraja, the King of Serpents.
Ambalapuzha Temple:
Constructed in the typical Kerala architectural style, this temple is famous all over India, and is renowned for the Palpayasam, the daily offering of sweet milk porridge. This temple witnesses the performance of Pallipana by Velans (sorcerers) once every twelve years. Paintings of the Dasavatharam (the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu) are displayed on the inner walls of the temple.
Sri Ayyappa Temple, Sabarimala :
This is a well known pilgrim centre of Kerala situated in the reserve forest area in Perinad Village at Ranni taluk in Pathanamthitta District. The Holy shrinr dedicated to Lord Aiyyappa attracts crores of Ppilgrims from all over India. The devotees reach the shrine after 41 days of Vritham (Self imposed devotional penance). The pilgrimage season, involving Mandala Pooja and Makaravillakku comes between the Latter half of November and the former half of January every year. Ablution in the River Pampa is considered as Holy . Hindu and Muslim deities in the form of Lord Ayyappa, and his lieutenant Vavar makes this
esteemed pilgrim centre a model of communal harmony and casteless ness. Vehicular traffic cannot go beyond Pamba and the last 5 kms. to the Shrine can be reached only by trekking.
It is believed that Lord Parasurama consecrated the deity of the temple at the foot of Sabari hills to which reference has been made in Ramayana. The temple attracts pilgrims not only from the southern states of Kerala, Tamilnadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh but also from the other part of the country and abroad. The unique feature of the temple is that it is open for people of all faiths and many Non-Hindus conduct pilgrimage.
Attukal Bhagavathi Temple :
Attukal Bhagavathy temple (Mudippura), knows as the Sabarimala of women, is in Thiruvananthapuram. Attukal Ponkala, the annual festival commences on Bharani day in Kumbhom (February - March) and continues for nine days. Ponkala is an offering usually made in Bhagavathy temples, prepared in the form of payasam ( a liquid food in Kerala), ingredients are rice, jaggery, coconut kernel and plantain fruits.
Chettikulangara Bhagavathy Temple :
The deity in this temple is Bhadrakali and is supposed to possess miraculous powers. The main festivity associated with the annual festival of the temple, 'Kettukazhcha' is very famous and it is a procession of tall decorated structures in chariots in which effigies of horses, bullocks and epic heroes like the Pandavas and various scenes from the Puranas are displayed. This festival is celebrated during February/March every year.
Siva Temple, Ernakulam :
This temple is situated in the centre of the town close to the Cochin Cultural Centre, very near the Durbar Hall Ground. The presiding deity is Lord Siva and the annual festival in the temple is conducted for 8 days during the month of January
Varkala :
Located 40 km from Trivandrum in Varkala, Sivagiri Mutt in Varkala is the final resting place of the great social reformer, Sree Narayana Guru. The Papanasham (redemption from sins) beach here is the place where Narada is believed to have thrown his valkalam. The 2000 year old Sree Janardhana Swamy temple here is famous for the Arattu, the annual festival celebrated in March-April
Kalady
Kalady is the birth place of Adi Sankaracharaya the great Indian Philosopher who lived in the 8th century is 45 Kms from Cochin. It is situated on the banks of river Periyar and there are two shrines in memory of Sree Sankaracharaya. One dedicated to him as Dakshina Moorthi and the other to the Goddess Sharada. Adi Sankara's Shrined in Kalady are open to all pilgrims irrespective of Religion and caste.
Malappuram
Navamukunda Temple – Thirunavaya, Keraladeeshapuram Temple - Tanur, Garuda Temple – Triprangode, Sastha Temple – Chamravattom, Kadampuzha Bhagavathi Temple, Thirumandhamkunnu Bhagavathy Temple
Parassinikadavu :
Sri Muthappan Temple stands on the banks of the Valapattanam River. The pilgrim centre is famous for the Muthappan Theyyam performed every morning and evening. The DTPC provides pleasure boating on the river near the temple. Accommodation is available nearby.
kasargod
Ananthapuram temple :
This 9th century temple is the only lake temple in Kerala and is the Moolasthanam of Anandapadmanabha, the deity of Sree Padmanabha Swami Temple, Thiruvananthapuram.
Sree mahalingaeswara Temple:
Located in wooded surroundings on the southern banks of the River Payaswini, this is an ancient Shiva Temple.
Arthunkal Church :
This christian Pilgrim centre near Sherthalai is 22 km. north of alappuzha. The St. Andrews Church here was built by Portuguese missionaries. It is One of the most important pilgrim centres of the Christians in Kerala, popularly known as St. Sebastian Church, 22 kms. north of Alleppey.This church was established by Portuguese missionaries, which is near Sherthallai. The feast of St. Sebastian is held here every January. A well-known Christian pilgrim centre in Alappuzha coast . The 11-day festival of St.Sebastian is celebrated in the second week of January.
Blessed Alphonsa,Bharananganam :
The church is one of the important pilgrim centres of the Christians in Kerala. The mortal remains of Sr. Alphonsa, who was pronounced as blessed is kept in this church.The death of blessed Sr. Alphonsa which falls on the 20th of July is an important day.
Parumala Church, Thiruvalla :
Parumala Palli is located on the shores of river Pampa.
St. Francis Church, Fort Kochi :
The first European church in India, which later became the model for building churches in elsewhere the country. Vasco da Gama, who died in Kochi during his second visit to Kerala, was buried in the church in 1524. later his mortal remains were taken back to his native land, Portugal.
Jewish synagogue at matancherry….
St. Thomas Cathedral, Pala :
St. Thomas Church at Pala in Kottayam district is known for Rakkuli festival commemorating the Epiphany feast celebrated on January 6. The festival has become an occasion for trade related exhibitions. The festival symbolizes the Biblical account of the three Wiseman from East who left for Bethlehem to adore infant Jesus.
Kottayam
St. Mary's Church (Cheriya Pally) : There are paintings of Biblical and non Biblical themes. This church is situated near the Valiapally.
St. Mary's Church (Valiapally) : 5kms. north-west of the railway station, this church was built in 1515. It is famous for its Persian cross and Phalvi inscriptions.
Christ the King Church, Thiruvananthapuram : Festival of the Christ the King is on the last Sunday of October. High Mass, Vespers, a two-hour long Holy Eucharistic procession and benediction are the highlights of the festival. Nativity feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary is also celebrated with religious spirit.
St. Thomas Cathedral, Pala : St. Thomas Church at Pala in Kottayam district is known for Rakkuli festival commemorating the Epiphany feast celebrated on January 6. The festival has become an occasion for trade related exhibitions. The festival symbolizes the Biblical account of the three Wiseman from East who left for Bethlehem to adore infant Jesus.
Manarcad Church, Kottayam : St. Mary's Church, Manarcaud is one of the outstanding churches of the Syrian Jacobite Church of Kerala. The most important festival here is the eight-day fast in honour of St. Mary, starting on September 1. Holy Mass is offered on the feast days. On the concluding days, colourful processions are held.
Cheraman Juma Masjid, Kodungallore :
The first mosque in India. Situated in Methala, Kodungalloor, hardly 20 kilometer from the Irinjalakuda railway station.Legend says King Cheraman Perumal of Kodungallor left for Mecca, embraced Islam, accepted the name Thajudee, married the sister of the then King of Jeddah. Before his death Thajuddeen handed over to the King of Jeddah several letters addressed to Kerala Kings seeking their help to propagate Islam. The Jiddah king came to Kerala and met the then king of Kodungalloor who helped the former convert Arathali temple into a Juma Masjid. This mosque was designed and constructed based on Hindu art and architecture.he first mosque in India. It was built in 629 A.D. and resembles a temple in appearance. It is situated in Kodungaloor.
Ottapalam Juma Masjid :
Mortal remains of Uthman Auliya, a revered man in Muslim Community here, is entombed here. Prayers are held in this mosque on Fridays. Annual festival is held in January-February. During the festival a grand processions bringing ceremoniously various articles such as rice, coconut, etc to the mosque as offerings is held. Next day, a grand feast is held for the poor.
The Jama-at mosque,Malappuram :
The Jama-at mosque is important for Kerala’s Muslims. The annual Nercha festival of the mosque is celebrated for four days in April. Adjoining the mosque is a mausoleum of the Malappuram Shaheeds whose brave exploits have been immortalised in Mappilla Ballads.
Pazhayangadi Mosque, Kondotti: On the way to Malappuram, 18 km east of Manjeri, is Kondotti a prominent pilgrim centre for Muslims. The Valia Nercha festival at the 500 year old Pazhayangadi Mosque, celebrated for three days in February-march, draw large number of devotees.
Jewish synagogue at matancherry :
The Jewish Synagogue in the port city of Kochi is the oldest synagogue in all the Commonwealth of Nations. Thus, it comprises the topmost slot in the itinerary of the tourists visiting the city. Cochin Jewish community constructed this synagogue in 1568. It is also known by the name of Paradesi Synagogue and Mattancherry Synagogue. Paradesi is Hindi meaning "foreigners". In this case, the term was applied to a synagogue because it was once used by the "White Jews", a mixture of Jews from Cranganore, from the Middle East as well as the European exiles. There are many theories pertaining to the migration of Jews to the Cochin city of Kerala. As per one such belief, the people of
the Jewish community migrated to this port city in the first century after the second temple of Jerusalem was destroyed in the 72 AD. The Jewish community gradually settled in and around Mattancherry and Kochi. There's still a decent Jewish population in Cochin, which religiously observe their various Jewish festivals and customs till date. The Jewish Synagogue is located in what is today known as the Jew Town in the Kochi city of Kerala. The synagogue was built on a land gifted to the Malabari Yehuden community by Raja Varma, the then, Raja of Kochi and shares a common wall with the famous Mattancherry Palace temple.