Temples In Kerala: Most Famous Kerala Temples for Pilgrims
Best Temples in Kerala
Here is the list of 24 Temples In Kerala: Most Famous Kerala Temples for Pilgrims
1. Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Temple
Known For : Ayyappa Temple Makaravilakku Malikkappuram Devi Temple
Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Temple, nestled amidst the Western Ghats in Kerala, is a revered pilgrimage site attracting millions of devotees annually, especially during the Makaravilakku season. The temple is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa and stands out for its unique tradition where devotees, irrespective of religion or caste, undertake a rigorous 41-day Vratham (penance) before the pilgrimage.
Location: Pathanamthitta District, Kerala.
Timings: 3:00 am–1:00 pm, 3:00–11:00 pm
Best Time: September to Apr
2. Padmanabhaswamy Temple
Padmanabhaswamy Temple, situated in Thiruvananthapuram, is a magnificent architectural marvel dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This historic temple is renowned for its intricate sculptures, Dravidian style of architecture, and the mysterious vaults containing immense treasures. The deity, Lord Vishnu, is enshrined in the "Anantha Shayanam" posture, a yogic sleep posture on the serpent Adisheshan.
Location: West Fort, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
Timings: Morning - 3:30 AM to 4:45 AM, 6:30 AM to 7:00 AM, 8:20 AM to 10:00 AM; Evening - 5:00 PM to 6:15 PM, 6:45 PM to 7:20 PM.
3. Vadakkunnathan Temple
Vadakkunnathan Temple, located in Thrissur, Kerala, is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Renowned for its classic Kerala architecture with monumental towers, intricate wooden carvings, and sprawling lawns, the temple is also the main venue for the famous Thrissur Pooram festival. The temple's interiors house murals depicting various episodes from the Mahabharata, and it is a classic example of the architectural style of Kerala.
Location: Swaraj Round N, Kuruppam, Thekkinkadu Maidan, Thrissur, Kerala.
Timings: Morning - 3:00 AM to 10:30 AM; Evening - 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM.
4. Ananthapura Lake Temple
Ananthapura Lake Temple, situated in Kasaragod, Kerala, is a unique and ancient Hindu temple built in the middle of a lake. Believed to be the original seat (moolasthanam) of Ananthapadmanabha Swami (Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram), the temple is also famous for its guardian crocodile named Babia. The sanctum sanctorum of the temple holds a fascinating legend associated with Lord Vishnu and his devotee Vilvamangalam Swamiyar.
Location: Ananthapura, Kumbla, Kasaragod, Kerala.
Timings: 5:30 AM to 12:30 PM; 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM.
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5. Guruvayur Temple
Known For : Guruvayur Temple Punnathurkotta Elephant Palace Mammiyoor Shiva Temple
Guruvayur Temple, located in the Thrissur district of Kerala, is one of the most famous and revered Krishna temples in India. Dedicated to Guruvayurappan, a form of Lord Krishna, the temple is often referred to as "Dwarka of the South" and attracts countless devotees each year. Apart from its religious significance, the temple is also renowned for its stunning architecture and intricate carvings.
Location: Guruvayur, Thrissur, Kerala.
Timings: 3:00 AM to 12:30 PM; 4:30 PM to 9:15 PM.
Best Time: October to February
6. Ambalapuzha Sri Krishna Temple
Ambalapuzha Sri Krishna Temple, situated in the Alappuzha district of Kerala, is renowned for its unique architectural style and the legendary Ambalapuzha Palpayasam - a sweet milk porridge offered to the deity. The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and holds historical significance, with legends linking it to Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple. Celebrations during the annual temple festival and the classical art performance of Ottamthullal are major attractions for devotees and tourists alike.
Location: Ambalapuzha, Alappuzha, Kerala.
Timings: 4:00 AM to 12:30 PM; 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
7. Chottanikara Devi Temple
Chottanikara Devi Temple, situated near Kochi in Kerala, is a renowned shrine dedicated to the Goddess Bhagavathi. It is especially famous for its "Makom Thozhal" ritual believed to cure mental ailments and for the grandeur during the annual festival. The temple complex, with its golden-hued architecture and tranquil surroundings, offers a spiritually uplifting atmosphere for devotees and visitors.
Location: Chottanikkara, Ernakulam District, Kerala.
Timings: 4:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
8. Lokanarkavu Temple
Lokanarkavu Temple, located in Kozhikode, Kerala, is a historic temple complex dedicated to Goddess Durga. Famed for its intricate carvings and annual festivals, it holds a significant place in the legends and folklore of Northern Kerala, particularly in the ballads of the medieval hero Thacholi Othenan. The temple is also unique for its twin shrines dedicated to Vishnu and Shiva.
Location: Lokanarkavu, near Vatakara, Kozhikode District, Kerala.
Timings: 5:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
9. Mannarasala Temple
Mannarasala Temple, nestled amidst dense forests in Kerala, is a revered serpent shrine dedicated to Nagaraja, the serpent god. The temple is distinguished for its rituals and traditions aimed at appeasing the serpent gods and is also known for having a priestess as its chief priest. With intricate carvings and thousands of snake idols, the temple offers a unique spiritual experience.
Location: Mannarasala, near Haripad, Alappuzha District, Kerala.
Timings: 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
10. Thiruvanchikulam Temple
Thiruvanchikulam Temple, located in Kerala, is one of the oldest Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consort, Goddess Parvati. Steeped in history, the temple's architecture showcases intricate designs, and it holds a significant place in the cultural heritage of the region. Festivals celebrated here, especially the Maha Shivaratri, draw devotees and tourists from across the country.
Location: Thiruvanchikulam, Thrissur District, Kerala.
Timings: 5:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
11. Sree Parassinikadavu Muthappan Temple
Sree Parassinikadavu Muthappan Temple, situated on the banks of the Valapattanam River in Kerala, is a unique shrine dedicated to Lord Muthappan, a manifestation of Lord Shiva. The temple is renowned for its distinctive ritualistic art form called "Muthappan Theyyam", which attracts devotees and cultural enthusiasts alike. Unlike many Hindu temples, it welcomes people irrespective of their religion or caste, embodying a spirit of inclusiveness.
Location: Parassinikadavu, Kannur District, Kerala.
Timings: 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM
12. Attukal Bhagavathy Temple
Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, is revered as the abode of the Goddess Attukalamma, a form of the Divine Mother. The temple is famously known for hosting the Attukal Pongala festival, which holds a Guinness World Record for being the largest annual gathering of women globally. The architecture of the temple and its tranquil surroundings offer spiritual solace to its visitors.
Location: Attukal, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
Timings: 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM
13. Tali Temple
Tali Temple, situated in Kozhikode, Kerala, is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Esteemed for its intricate architecture and wooden carvings, the temple is a testimony to the city's cultural and historical significance. Every year, the temple witnesses numerous devotees, especially during the 'Revathi Pattathanam', an annual competition of pedagogic skills.
Location: Tali, Kozhikode, Kerala.
Timings: 5:30 AM to 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM
14. Thirunelly Temple
Thirunelly Temple, located in Wayanad, Kerala, is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Nestled amidst the Brahmagiri Hills, the temple is often referred to as the "Kashi of the South" and is renowned for its serene ambiance and architectural splendor. Pilgrims flock to this temple not only for its spiritual significance but also for the Papanasini, a holy stream that's believed to cleanse one's sins.
Location: Thirunelly, Wayanad, Kerala.
Timings: 5:30 AM to 12:00 PM and 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM
15. Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple
Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple, situated on the banks of the River Pampa in Kerala, is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Krishna as Parthasarathy. The temple, renowned for its architectural grandeur and traditional mural paintings, plays a significant role in the famous Aranmula Boat Race, celebrated during the Onam festival. Devotees visit this temple to pay homage to Krishna, who is revered here as the charioteer of Arjuna in the Mahabharata.
Location: Aranmula, Pathanamthitta, Kerala.
Timings: 4:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
16. Shivagiri Temple
Sivagiri Temple, located in Kerala, is not only a place of religious significance but also a pilgrimage center promoting secular ideals and spiritual enlightenment as propagated by Sri Narayana Guru. This revered temple attracts thousands of devotees annually, especially during the Sivagiri Pilgrimage days, celebrated between 30th December and 1st January. The Mutt complex atop the Sivagiri hill houses the Samadhi of the Guru, making it a significant attraction for followers and tourists alike.
Location: Sivagiri, Varkala, Kerala.
Timings: 5:30 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM
17. Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple
Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple, situated in Kerala, is an ancient Hindu sanctuary dedicated to Lord Shiva. Renowned for its intricate Dravidian architecture, mural paintings, and seven-and-a-half elephant copper lamp, the temple attracts devotees and tourists alike, especially during the annual Ettumanoor Festival. The legendary 'Ezhara Ponnana' procession during the festival is a grand spectacle, making it one of the must-visit religious events in the region.
Location: Ettumanoor, Kottayam, Kerala.
Timings: 4:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
18. Kaviyoor Mahadeva Temple, Pathanamthitta
Kaviyoor Mahadeva Temple in Pathanamthitta is a revered Hindu sanctuary, primarily dedicated to Lord Shiva. Esteemed for its architectural grandeur, it is built in the traditional Kerala style and boasts exquisite wood carvings and mural art. The temple, with its serene ambiance and spiritual significance, is a prominent pilgrimage site and a testimony to Kerala's rich cultural heritage.
Location: Kaviyoor, Pathanamthitta, Kerala.
Timings: 5:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
19. Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Temple
Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Temple, situated in Thiruvananthapuram, is a renowned shrine dedicated to Lord Ganesha. The temple is known for its unique deity, which has the form of Lord Ganesha with a right-turned trunk and is revered for granting wishes. Its tranquil ambiance combined with its spiritual significance makes it a sought-after pilgrimage spot in the region.
Location: Pazhavangadi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
Timings: 4:30 AM to 10:45 AM and 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM
20. Kottarakkara Sree Mahaganapathi Kshethram
Kottarakkara Sree Mahaganapathi Kshethram, located in Kottarakkara, Kerala, is a historically significant temple primarily dedicated to Lord Shiva but famously known for its subsidiary shrine of Lord Ganesha. It's believed that the offering of "Kottarakkara Unniappam" to Lord Ganesha originated from this temple. The temple holds immense cultural and religious significance, attracting devotees and tourists alike.
Location: Kottarakkara, Kollam District, Kerala.
Timings: 4:00 AM to 11:30 AM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
21. Srimad Anantheswara Vinayaka Temple, Madhur
Srimad Anantheswara Vinayaka Temple, commonly known as Madhur Temple, is a historic temple located in Madhur, Kerala. Primarily dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Ganesha, it is renowned for its unique three-tiered dome, copper-plated roofing, and a cloistered court that rises majestically against the backdrop of the river. The temple complex, with its intricate woodwork and elaborate carvings, stands as a testimony to Kerala's rich architectural heritage.
Location: Madhur, Kasaragod District, Kerala.
Timings: 5:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
22. Vaikom Temple, Kottayam
Vaikom Temple, officially known as Vaikom Mahadeva Temple, is one of the oldest and most revered temples in Kerala, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Located in Kottayam, the temple is renowned for its architectural grandeur and is deeply associated with the legendary Parasurama. Known for its annual Vaikom Ashtami festival, the temple attracts thousands of devotees and is significant for its role in the Vaikom Satyagraha against untouchability.
Location: Vaikom, Kottayam District, Kerala.
Timings: 4:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
23. Thiruvallam Parasurama Temple, Kovalam
Thiruvallam Parasurama Temple, located near Kovalam, is one of the ancient temples of Kerala dedicated to the mythological figure, Parasurama, believed to be an avatar of Lord Vishnu. The temple, set on the picturesque banks of the Karamana river, is renowned for its annual rituals and traditional ceremonies. It holds a significant place in the local culture, especially during the Balitharpanam ritual, where devotees pay homage to their ancestors.
Location: Thiruvallam, near Kovalam, Thiruvananthapuram District, Kerala.
Timings: 5:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
24. Malayalapuzha Devi Temple, Pathanamthitta
Malayalapuzha Devi Temple, situated in Pathanamthitta, is a revered shrine dedicated to Goddess Bhagavathy. The temple is famed for its intricate mural paintings and sculptures, showcasing the zenith of South Indian artistry. Thousands of devotees flock to the temple seeking the blessings of the deity, especially for fulfilling their vows and wishes.
Location: Malayalapuzha, Pathanamthitta District, Kerala.
Timings: 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
There are hundreds of other temples in Kerala, each with its own story. So, plan your next trip to Kerala soon and witness the grand festivities and diversity yourself.