04-09-2024

21 Famous Temples of Kerala: A Spiritual Journey

The state of Kerala, widely famous as “God’s Own Country,” is not only known for its natural beauty but also boasts a rich cultural heritage and spiritual significance. It has numerous temples within its state borders, which draw in both devout devotees and curious tourists. These temples, being a part with their age-old rituals and historic significance, speak volumes about the traditional religiosity of Kerala. In this blog, we would have a look at 21 famous temples in Kerala that no one should miss to get a taste of the spiritual essence of this land of enchantment. The list below will showcase some of the best temples in Kerala to visit during your trip to Kerala.

Name of 21 Famous Temples in Kerala

Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram

The Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is one of the most famous temples in Kerala, famous for its architectural glory and spiritual significance. This temple, being home to Lord Vishnu, is famous for its intricate carvings and Lord Vishnu lying down on the surface. This temple has all the reasons to be a sure-shot destination for the devotees and the history lovers equally because of the rich history that surrounds this temple and the hidden treasures discovered here.

Opening Hours: 3:30 AM – 12:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 7:20 PM

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Guruvayur Temple, Thrissur

Guruvayur Temple is also known as the “Dwarka of the South.” It is the most sacred of all Kerala temples. The temple is devoted to Lord Krishna and thus carries a lot of historical importance. It is also famous for its divinely beautiful idol of Lord Krishna as an infant. People from all over India come to Guruvayur in order to get the blessings of the Lord for getting married or having children. All the rituals and festivals of the temple attract thousands of devotees; hence, the most popular festival is that of Guruvayur Ekadasi.

Opening Hours: 3:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 4:30 PM – 9:15 PM

Sabarimala Temple, Pathanamthitta

Located in the Western Ghats, Sabarimala Temple is one of the most famous temples in Kerala and is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. The temple is famous for its stringent pilgrimage, where the devotees have to fast for a period of 41 days before making this difficult trek to the temple. During the time of annual pilgrimage season called Mandala Makaravilakku, millions of devotees visit the temple.

Opening Hours: Open during Mandala Pooja (Nov-Jan) and Makaravilakku (Jan), specific hours vary.

Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram

The Attukal Bhagavathy Temple is also known as the “Sabarimala of Women.” This temple is mainly offered to Goddess Bhagavathy. The main attraction of this famous temples in Kerala is the Attukal Pongala, one of the huge festivals in which millions of women gather to cook offerings for the goddess. With this huge assembly of ladies, the temple has secured a place in the Guinness World Record listings and as one of the popular temples in Kerala.

Opening Hours: 4:30 AM – 12:30 PM, 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Vaikom Mahadeva Temple, Kottayam

Besides being one of the oldest Kerala temples, the Vaikom Mahadeva Temple is part of the “Vaikom, Ettumanoor, and Kaduthuruthy” Shiva temple trio, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple hosts several festivals around the year, but the most famous of all is the annual “Vaikom Ashtami.” Devotees from all over the state come to participate in this grand event. For a spiritual and nature-friendly atmosphere, devotees of Lord Shiva should necessarily visit the temple.

Opening Hours: 4:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

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Chottanikkara Temple, Ernakulam

The Chottanikkara Temple is located near Kochi, and among all the temples in Kerala, this one stands as one of the most well-known. Dedicated to Goddess Bhagavathy, this temple has mainly come to achieve a name for its healing powers amongst those who are victimised by ill mental health. Believers say that this deity is way too strong for evil spirits, while the rituals performed here are highly effective for cleansing the mind and soul.

Opening Hours: 4:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM – 8:45 PM

Vadakkunnathan Temple, Thrissur

Vadakkunnathan Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the oldest, most revered temples in Kerala. This temple, being devoted to Lord Shiva, represents perfect classical Kerala architecture and most of all is known for the Thrissur Pooram festival. Its spiritual atmosphere, cultural, and historical value make it a major sightseeing destination for any person who wants to reveal the richness of Kerala heritage.

Opening Hours: 3:00 AM – 8:30 AM, 4:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple, Alappuzha

Famous for its Palpayasam (rice pudding) offered to Lord Krishna as naivedyam, Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple is a fine specimen of typical Kerala temples dedicated to Lord Krishna. The annual Ambalappuzha Arattu festival, in which the idol of Lord Krishna is taken out in a grand procession, is a major attraction.

Opening Hours: 3:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

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Thirunelli Temple, Wayanad

Thirunelli Temple, also known as “Kashi of the South,” is among the most famous temples in Kerala, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Situated among the lush forests of Wayanad, this temple is famous for its serene surroundings, coupled with the sacred stream Papanasini, where ancestral rites are performed by devotees. Being one of the most ancient architectural marvels and a place of great spiritual significance, it is a must-visit pilgrim destination.

Opening Hours: 5:30 AM – 12:00 PM, 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM

Mannarasala Nagaraja Temple, Alappuzha

Among all Kerala temples, Mannarasala Nagaraja Temple is unique and dedicated to the serpent gods or Nagas. The temple is amidst dense forestland, and the deity, Nagaraja, is said to bless devotees with fertility and safeguard them from sickness caused by snakes. The mystique of the temple and the rituals performed make people come here for blessings in the case of child delivery, as well as seeking protection from serpents.

Opening Hours: 5:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple, Kottayam

The Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple is one of the most famous temples in Kerala due to its series of beautiful murals and ornate wood carvings. The deity is taken through elaborately processed processions during the annual festival of Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple. The artistic and architectural beauty combined with spiritual voracity calls for a must-visit.

Opening Hours: 4:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

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Ananthapura Lake Temple, Kasaragod

The Ananthapura Lake Temple, situated in the northernmost district of Kerala, is the only temple in Kerala right in the middle of a lake. This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and has many beliefs that it was the original seat of the deity of the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram. The serene surroundings of this temple amidst a tranquil lake add to the charm and spirituality of the temple.

Opening Hours: 5:30 AM – 12:30 PM, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

Parassinikkadavu Muthappan Temple, Kannur

The Parassinikkadavu Muthappan Temple is a prominent temple in Kerala, mainly intended for Lord Muthappan, a god worshiped in the form of Theyyam, a traditional dancing form. The uniqueness of the temple lies in the fact that it is open to all people belonging to different castes and religions, which is quite apart from the usual Kerala temple culture. Its lively Theyyam performances and so liberal an outlook attract pilgrims in droves to this place.

Opening Hours: 5:00 AM – 8:00 AM, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM

Tali Temple, Kozhikode

In the heart of Kozhikode lies Tali Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. This is one of the famous temples in Kerala. It boasts of ancient architecture with an added attraction of a scholarly assembly, called the Revathi Pattathanam, held annually since centuries. Its rich historical and cultural heritage added to the spiritual aura turns this temple into a place to visit both for the devotee and the tourist.

Opening Hours: 5:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

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Sree Vallabha Temple, Thiruvalla

Sree Vallabha Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is among the oldest famous temples in Kerala and has a host of rich traditions and rituals associated with it. The Kathakali performances here, which take place on a regular basis, are an offering to the deity. Ancient customs blend along with the serenity of the temple to provide another spiritual experience for the visitor.

Opening Hours: 4:00 AM – 11:30 AM, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Chengannur Mahadeva Temple, Alappuzha

Chengannur Mahadeva Temple is one among the most famous temples in Kerala of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati situated in Kerala. The menstruation of the goddess is celebrated in the temple as part of a rare ritual called “Thriputharattu.” Hence, this temple has gained spiritual importance and relatedness to the rare tradition, making it a unique pilgrim destination in Kerala.

Opening Hours: 3:30 AM – 12:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple, Tripunithura

Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple, in Tripunithura, is the most famous temples in Kerala, where Lord Vishnu is worshipped as Santhana Gopala Murthy. The temple had earned a name through its pompous festivals, especially Vrischikolsavam, attracting a large number of devotees. Because of this temple’s connection with the Kochi royal family and celebration of festivals with pomp and vibrancy, this is one of the major temples in Kerala.

Opening Hours: 4:00 AM – 11:00 AM, 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM

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Kaviyoor Mahadeva Temple, Pathanamthitta

Kaviyoor Mahadeva Temple, enshrined by Lord Shiva, is amongst the oldest famous temples in Kerala. A fine example of typical Vastu Vidya architecture, it closely resembles the rock-cut temples of ancient times, which are to be found in south India. The temple represents historical importance and tranquility on the banks of the Manimala River, thus being a peaceful retreat for devotees and history lovers.

Opening Hours: 4:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Thrikkakara Temple, Ernakulam

The Thrikkakara Temple is within the ambit of the most famous temples in Kerala, concerning the Onam festival, divinely dedicated to Lord Vamana. This temple is said to be the place where Lord Vamana kept his foot over King Mahabali and sent him to the netherworld. Two major reasons make this temple prominent: its attachment with Onam and its pompous celebration during Onam. Therefore, Thrikkakara Temple in its own state has become a major cultural and religious landmark for the people of Kerala.

Opening Hours: 4:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Thiruvanchikulam Mahadeva Temple, Thrissur

Thiruvanchikulam Mahadeva Temple, also dedicated to Lord Shiva, is one of the oldest famous temples in Kerala and is believed to be over 2,000 years old. The temple is famous for its associations with the Tamil Shaiva saints and its unique rituals. Historical importance and spiritual importance combined make the temple a respected pilgrim destination in Kerala.

Opening Hours: 4:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Sree Parthasarathy Temple, Aranmula

Sree Parthasarathy Temple, on the banks of the Pampa River, is dedicated to Lord Krishna as Parthasarathy, charioteer of Arjuna. The temple finds fame for its annual event, the Aranmula Boat Race, which is a grand event attracting tourists and devotees in large numbers. Its cultural importance and pictorial surroundings rank among the must-visit temples in Kerala.

Opening Hours: 4:00 AM – 11:00 AM, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

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Seek Blessings from these Famous Temples in Kerala

These temples in Kerala are not only a place of worship but also stand as witness to the rich cultural heritage and spiritual legacy of the state. Each of these famous temples in Kerala offers a unique experience, whether through architectural beauty, ancient rituals, or the vibrant festivals they host. A visit to these Kerala temples is not just a spiritual journey but a deep dive into the history, culture, and traditions of this beautiful state.

Whether a devotee seeking blessings or a globetrotter interested in the spiritual faces of Kerala, these temples in Kerala leave one with an unforgettable experience. Take care to include the following famous temples in Kerala for your travel itinerary and feel the divinity of “God’s Own Country.”