Kerala is one of the most popular travel destinations in India because of the temples, beaches and famous backwaters. There are so many stories and legends regarding the origination of Kerala and the temples of Kerala. One even says that Lord Varuna fetched Kerala from the sea on the requests of Lord Parashurama. Similarly, there are many interesting myths and realities about the temples in Kerala. In fact, all of them are worth knowing before you plan your next trip to Kerala. Along with these myths and legends, below we have curated a list of
The top 10 greatest temples in Kerala
1. Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple
Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple is located in the capital Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala. Statistically, it is the richest temple in the world. People worship Lord Vishnu or Ananta in this temple. The name ‘Thiruvananthapuram’ of the capital comes from the Lord Ananta of this temple. The temple holds a special place in the hearts of Hindus who follow Vaishnavism. The architecture of this temple is of the Chera Style, and the temple itself dates back to the 6th Century.
Location: West Nada, Fort, East Fort, Pazhavangadi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695023
Timing: 3:30am–12pm, 5–8:30pm
History of the temple
Ancient inscription Brahmanda Puranam talks in detail about Kerala and this temple. It says that Parsurama himself purified and established the idol of Sree Padmanabhaswamy (Lord Vishnu). Over the years, the treasures of the temple have also become matters of interest and curiosity to people.
2. Vadakkunathan Temple
This beautiful and magnificent temple based in the Thrissur district of Kerala is so perfectly symmetrical that it is pleasant to your eyes. The design of the temple classifies the architectural style of Kerala. Lord Shiva and Goddess Durga or Shakti are worshipped in this temple. On the walls, there are mural paintings depicting scenes and stills from the Mahabharata.
Location: Swaraj Round N, Kuruppam, Thekkinkadu Maidan, Thrissur, Kerala 680001
Timing: 5–11am, 5–6:25pm
History of the temple
The temple originates from the time of Permthachan, an architecture/craftsman from the ancient folklores of Kerala. However, Perumthachan was also alive during the second century. This means that the temple might be older than what the other legends say. It might be almost 1600 years old.
3. Vaikom Mahadeva Temple
Vaikom Mahadeva Temple is situated in Vaikom, Kerala. As the name suggests, Mahadeva or Lord Shiva is worshipped in this temple. The temple was built in 1594 and is popular for its oldest worshipped Shiva Linga.
Location: Vazhamana Rd, Vaikom, Kerala 686141
Timing: 4am–12pm, 5–8pm
History of the temple
All the rituals and the customs of this temple were planned by Lord Parashurama himself. Saint Vyaghpadapuram once saw Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati at the location of this temple once, so he placed a Shiva Linga there, to worship. Lord Parashurama came across this Shiva Linga and was inspired by it. So, he constructed the Temple around the Shiva Linga.
4. Ambalapuzha Srikrishna Temple
Ambalapuzha Srikrishna Temple is one of the 7 famous Vaishnava Temples in Kerala. Tourists and pilgrims from all over the country come here to worship Lord Krishna. The idol in this temple is very unique since it depicts Krishna from Mahabharata when he was Arjuna’s Parthasarthi (Driver of the rath, ancient war vehicle). The temple is also popular for the Payasam (Holy food made from rice) offered to the deity.
Location: SH 12, Ambalapuzha, Kerala 688561
Timing: 6am–11:30pm
History of the temple
The story of this temple is an interesting one. Once, Lord Krishna took the form of a sage and appeared in the court of the regional king. He challenged him in a game of chess. The only condition was, that the king has to give the sage grains of rice that were calculated through the chessboard. Meaning, one grain on one block, twice and much on second, thrice as much of third and so on. The king lost the game and realized the number of rice grains would go over tons of rice. Therefore, in devotion to Krishna’s wit and intelligence, the Payasam is served in this temple.
5. Chottanikkara Devi Temple
Chottanikkara Temple or Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple is a shrine to Goddess Bhagavathy. The temple is based in the town of Chottanikkara in Kochi, Kerala. Hindus refer to Goddess Bhagavathy as ‘Amma’, or mother, which is why the deity is called ‘Bhagavathy Amma’. People also believe the Goddess of this temple cures mental illness and provides inner peace.
Location: Chottanikkara, Kochi, Kerala 682312
Timing: 3:30–11:30am, 4–7:30pm
History of the temple
Once Shankaracharya, the spiritual leader was lost in thoughts and realized that there is not a single temple of Goddess Saraswati in Kerala. So, he decided to go all the way to Kashmir and meditate for the Goddess to appear in front of him. After many days, finally, the Goddess appeared and agreed to come with him to Kerala in the form of Bhagavathy.
6. Attukal Temple
Attukal Bhagavathy Temple is a shrine to Goddess Bhadrakali. The temple is located in the town of Attukal in Kerala. ‘Bhadra’ translates to ‘Good’ and ‘Kali’ is the Goddess of time. According to Hindu beliefs, visiting this temple brings prosperity and salvation to your life.
Location: P.O, Attukal – Chiramukku Rd, C Block, Attukal, Manacaud, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695009
Timing: 5am–12:30pm, 5–8:30pm
History of the temple
Once Goddess Kannaki (Bhadrakali) was passing through Attukal in the form of a little girl and encountered an old man sitting beside the stream. She asked the old man to help her cross the river. He looked at the little girl with concern and decided to take her home. On the way, she disappeared and came back to the old man in his dream. She told him to build a temple at a spot in the woods where he’ll see 3 golden lines. The man built the temple for the Goddess who people now call Attukalamma of Attukal Temple.
7. Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple
Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple is an ancient shrine for the devotees of Serpent Gods. It is situated in the town of Haripad, in the Alappuzha district of Kerala. The deity in this temple blesses the worshippers with fertility, wealth, prosperity health and long life.
Location: Mannarasala P.O, Haripad, Kerala 690514
Timing: 7–10:30am, 6–7:30pm
History of the temple
The legend has it that Parsurama while getting Kerala from lord Varuna, found a piece of infertile land taken over by 100s of snakes. This provoked the God Nagaraja and he became furious with Parsurama. To calm the Nagaraja down, Parsurama moved the snakes and the god to the Mannarasala Temple.
8. Guruvayoor Temple
Guruvayoor Temple stands tall in the town of Guruvayur in Kerala. People worship Lord Guruvayurappan (Four-Armed Vishnu/Krishna) in the temple as the deity. The beautiful statue of Lord Krishna and the simplistic architecture of the temple attracts many tourists and pilgrims.
Location: Guruvayur Devaswom, East Nada, Guruvayur, Kerala 680101
Timing: 3:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 4:30 PM – 9:15 PM
History of the temple
According to folklore, when king Janamejaya was suffering from leprosy as a curse, a sage named Atreya advised him to worship Lord Vishnu in Guruvayoor. For this, he built a temple that people now know as the Guruvayoor Temple.
FAQs
Which is the most famous temple in Kerala?
Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple is the most famous temple in Kerala. Most of the pilgrims that come to Kerala intend to visit this temple. It is also the richest temple in the world.
How many temples are there in Kerala?
Statistically, there are 104 temples in Kerala (approx). Most of these temples are for the Shaivas or Vaishnavs.
