Kerala Tours, Temples in Kerala,Kerala Temples

Kerala:

The ancient history of Kerala is shrouded in the mists of tradition. krishna The most popular legend would have it that the land crust that forms the State was raised from the depths of the ocean. Parasurama, the Brahmin avatar (incarnation) of Lord Vishnu, had waged an epic series of vengeful wars on the Kshatriyas. Came a moment when Parasurama was struck by remorse at the wanton annihilation he had wrought. He offered severe penance atop the mountain heights. In a mood of profound atonement, the sage heaved his mighty axes into the midst of the distant ocean. The waves foamed and frothed as a prawn-shaped land extending from Gokarnam to Kanyakumari surfaced from the depths of the sea to form the state and hence the sobriquet."god's own country".

Chottanikara Temple:
Chottanikkara temple,one of the temples in kerala located near Ernakulam enshrines Bhagawati - the mother Goddess,is one of the most popular deities

in Kerala temples. On way is the Poornatrayesa temple at Tripunittura. The goddess is worshipped along with Lord Vishnu. People who have mental illness seek refuge in the divine mother, who graciously cures all her devotees. Goddess Rajarajeswari is the presiding deity. This deity is worshipped in three different forms - as Saraswati in the morning - draped in white, as Bhadrakali at noon draped in crimson, and as Durga in the evening decked in blue. The image in the shrine is not fixed to the ground and is mounted on loose sand. Water offered during ablution ceremonies percolates underground.

Ambalapuzha Temple:
The Ambalapuzha one of the Temples in kerala is a typical Kerala style built temple, dedicated to Sree Krishna. Ambalapuzha temple is famous for its temple architecture and the milk porridge- Paalpaayasam. Chembakasseri Pooradam built this temple in 800 AD. One of the legends in kerala temples connected with the origin of this temple is related to the sage Vilwamangalam Swaamiyaar. Devanarayana Raja surrendered his kingdom to Sreekrishnan after the consecration of Ambalapuzha temple and assumed the name Devanarayanan. The idol at Ambalapuzha is likened to Parthasaarathhi with a whip in the right hand and a Shankhu

(sacred conch) in the left. It is also in this temple that 'Pallipana' dance is performed by 'Velans' (sorcerers) once in twelve years. Human sacrifice was conducted in ancient times.

Guruvayoor Temple:
Guruvayoor Temple of Thrissur is a very important and famous pilgrimage. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is worshipped as Lord Krishna, an avatar of Lord Vishnu. The town where this temple is located is known by the name of Thrissur Guruvayoor.The idol of Lord Vishnu is shown having four arms, carrying a conch, a discus (Sudharshana Chakra), a mace and a lotus and is decked with a Tulasi (basil leaves) and rose garlands and pearl necklaces. The walls of the main temple shrine are decorated with splendid paintings that depict stories from the life of Lord Krishna.Other than the main idol of Lord Vishnu, one can also find idols of Lord Ganesha, Lord Ayyappa and Goddess Durga. The temple holds the maximum number of weddings and "Annaprasanam",which means feeding rice to a child for the first time.

Sri Mangaladevi Temple:
The place name Mangalapura ( now Mangalore) ijn kerala tours owes its origin to the temple of Mangaladevi. Situated in Bolar about 3 kms from Hampankatta ( the heart of the city), the temple has its roots into the ninth century. The ardent devotees even today believe that the worship of Mangaldevi brings them prosperity and happiness.In Tulunadu, Kundavarma, the most famous king of Ahepa dynasty was ruling. At that time there came two holy saints of the natha cult named Machendranatha and Gorakanatha from Nepal. They reached Mangalapura, crossing the river Nethravathi. The place were they crossed the river came to be known as 'Gorakdandi'.

Oachira Temple:
vishnu Oachira is sole place in kerala tours of worship with neither a structure to house an idol nor an idol around which temples are usually built.The presiding deity at this sanctum-sanctorum is the abstract principle of the 'Parabrahmam' or the 'Divine Omnipresence' or 'Universal Conciousness'.The main events at the temple, 'Oachirakkali' festival falls in mid-June, while the 'Panthranduvilakku' or the twelve-day fair of lights gets underway in November/ December.'Ochirakkali' is a mock fight enacted among groups of men dressed as warriors in the 'padanilam' (fighting arena).They perform a martial dance standing in knee-deep water, brandishing swords and shields, and splash water every direction.

Thali Temple:
Thali temple, situated downtown is a significant temple of the former Zamorin Kingdom of Kozhikode. The temple is well-known for the 'Revathi Pattathanam', an annual competition of pedagogic skills.A square sanctorum with a 'Mukhamandapam', very high laterite walls and an expansive temple pond are some of the specialities of this Siva temple.The annual festival falls in April/ May. The eight-day festival concludes with 'Arattu' or the sanctified bath ritual.

Thirunavaya Navamukunda Temple:
An ancient temple dedicated to Nava Mukunda, a form of Lord Vishnu is located at Thirunavaya, on the shores of Bharathapuzha. It is believed that the idol installed in this temple is the ninth idol installed by famous saints known as Navayogis. Legends tell that first eight idols disappeared as soon as they are placed and the ninth one sunk up to knee by which time it was forcibly stopped.This place in Thirunavaya is full of soft sands and was the location for the great festival known as Mamankam the warrior fights held once in 12 years. Mamankam was the assembly of royal family members and was for 28 days.Devotees come to this pristine sandy beach to offer last rites to the loved ones. There are other temples with deities as Shiva and Brahma in Thirunavaya.

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Temples in Kerala|Kerala Temples