Kerala, the so-called Gods own country is not only about serene backwaters and greenery. It also houses some of the renowned temples in India. These temples are not merely places of worship, they are works of art of Kerala temple architecture carrying centuries of worship, art and culture.
Through this guide, I will show you the popular temples in Kerala, their history, cultural importance, special practices and my experiences in visiting some of them. It will be your ideal traveling companion in case you are fond of heritage and spirituality.
Introduction to Famous Kerala Temples
When I hear Kerala, the first image which comes to my mind is the grand temples with the coconuts, chanting of hymns, and the divine smell of sandalwood. The temples of Kerala are not held exclusively as centers of religion but as living museums of the temple history, architecture and culture of Kerala.
These Kerala temples are traditional with elaborate carvings made of wood, sloppy tiled roofs, and old mural paintings which as well narrate the stories of Hindu mythology. Going there is like going to another time.
History of Kerala Temples
History of Kerala temples The Keralite temples have a history that dates back to the thousands of years ago and that is strongly related to the Chera, Pandya and Chola dynasties. Religion, education and culture were based in these temples which were patronized by these rulers.
Kerala has some of the ancient temples dating back to more than 2000 years. They have seen wars in dynasties, cultural revolutions and architectural changes.
Expert Quote
The temples in Kerala are living monuments which have a rich history. The shrines are each a story of piety and art, and cultural development. The artwork vividly conveys the intensity of passion in the artist's love life.
The painting has expressed the emotion of passion in the love life of the architect very clearly.
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Unique Kerala Temple Architecture
The Kerala temple architecture is one of the things that have always attracted my attention. Compared to the towering North Indian temples, the temples in Kerala are slanted to the roof to avoid the heavy monsoon rains and their wooden structures are decorated with elaborate carvings.
Key architectural features:
This exceptional style symbolizes the existence of architecture and
- Tiled roofs at slant to keep the rain at bay.
- Carvings of wood, showing mythological tales.
- Halls of Nalukettu type with open courtyard.
- Sacred ponds for rituals
- Mural paintings that are based on Hindu epics.
- climate in Kerala.
- Kerala Temple Customs.
The temples of Kerala are entrenched in Kerala temple culture.
Cultural Traditions of Kerala Temples
They are not worship only places, but places of festivals, classics arts and community meetings.
For example:
- Kathakali and Ottamthullal shows can be frequent at temple festivals.
- Temples are very strict with dress code and timings.
- Payasam and similar offerings (prasadam) are considered an important aspect of spiritual experience.
When I went to the Guruvayur Temple, I was spell-bound by the procession of the elephants and beats of the chenda melam. You have to have it at least once in your life.
List of Famous Kerala Temples You Must Visit
1. The Thiruvananthapuram is a temple dedicated to Vishnu (Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple)
Known to be the richest temple in the world.
It is iconic in its Dravidian-style architecture and its treasure vaults that shrouds it in mystery.
2. Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple.
The Dwarka of the South.
Gives a very spiritual atmosphere and has great festivals.
3. Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple
Annually attracts millions of pilgrims.
It is a godly experience to hike through the Western Ghats to this temple.
4. The temple of vadakkunnathan (Thrissur)
A world heritage site which has classic Kerala temple architecture.
5. Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple.
Well known and spiritual healing rituals.
Ancient Temples of Kerala & Their Significance
There are ancient temples in Kerala that are of Sangam period and they have historical value:
- Thirunelli Temple- thought to be 3000 years old.
- Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple - The temple is famous in terms of its old-fashioned murals.
- Thiruvanchikulam Mahadeva Temple -Shows the influence of Cheraman Perumal.
These temples are alive representations of Kerala spiritual heritage.
Festivals Celebrated in Kerala Temples
Kerala temple festivals are a festival of culture. The most famous include:
- Thrissur Pooram - A great festival of elephants and fireworks.
- Attukal Pongala Women are offered a chance to prepare food in honor of the goddess.
- Vishu & Onam- Honored with rites, feasts and processions.
These festivals display the Kerala temple culture in its colorful best.
Travel Tips for Visiting Kerala Temples
Wear simply and traditionally -Traditional is welcome.
- Strict observation of temple time.
- Honor rites and customs.
- Photography is forbidden at places.
- Arrange festivals to observe magnificence.
Kerala Temple Experts Opinions.
The temples of Kerala are powerhouse. Their architecture, traditions and the festivals are centuries of peaceful coexistence.
It is the duty of a cultural anthropologist or researcher to determine the authentic origin of a given culture or tradition, and to refuse attributing that origin to an outside influence or another culture. - Prof. R. S. Pillai, Cultural Anthropologist.
To gain the spiritual flavour of India, put temples of Kerala first. Each trip is a time travelling. — Anjali Menon, Travel Blogger
Conclusion
The visit to the famous Kerala temples is an experience of a journey through time on spiritual planes. Each temple has its legend, since ancient cults and constructions are not the only significant cultural festivals and traditions. Kerala temples will be at the top of your travel list in case you are fond of history, spirituality and culture.
Kerala temples Frequently asked questions.
1. What is the most known temple in Kerala?
Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple has topped the list as it is very wealthy, architecturally large and historical.
2. What is distinct about Kerala temple architecture?
The carvings on wood, the sloping roofs and the mural paintings distinguish the Kerala temple design with the other Indian designs.
3. Do Kerala temples accept everybody?
Hindus can visit most temples, although some temples such as Padmanabhaswamy Temple have special entry provisions.
4. What is the greatest festival of Kerala temples?
The most glamorous temple festival is Thrissur Pooram which has worldwide fame.
