Pilgrim Tour Destinations
Guruvayoor Temple | Thriprayar Temple | Kodungaloor Bhavathy temple | Chottanikkara Temple | Kalady-Adi Sanakarachrya | Vadakkumnathan Temple | Attukal Bhagavathi Temple | Varkala | Sabarimala Temple | Padmanabhaswamy Temple | Palani Murugan temple | Madurai Temple | Ramanatha swamy| Kanyakumari |St .Thomas Chruch Malayatoor |Cheraman Juma Masjid | Bheemappalli
Guruvayoor Temple
Guruvayoor, is one of the most sacred and important pilgrim centers of kerala.The historic temple is shrouded in mystery. According to local belief, the temple was created by 'Guru', the 'preceptor of the gods' and 'Vayu', the 'god of winds'. The square 'Sreekovil' is the sacred sanctum sanctorum of the temple, housing the main deity. Within the temple, there are also the images of Ganapathy, Sri Ayyappa and Edathedathy Kavil Bhagavathy. Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple. Guruvayoor has emerged as one of the most important places of worship in Southern India.
Thriprayar Sreerama Temple
Thriprayar Temple, located south of Thrissur is one of the important temples dedicated to Lord Rama. The exquisite wood carvings, sculptures and Mural Paintings are an interesting sight. The namaskara mandapam which faces the circular sanctum (srikovil) has 24 panels of wood carvings and several ancient murals. The circular sanctum has several sculptural representations of scenes from the Ramayana.
Kodungaloor Bhavathy temple
The Bhagawati temple at Kodungallur is of great renown throughout the state of Kerala. The Bharani festival at the Kodungallur Bhagawati temple is one of the grandest in Kerala
Chottanikkara Temple
Chottanikkara temple, located near Ernakulam enshrines Bhagawati - the mother Goddess, is one of the most popular deities in Kerala. On the 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 till7:00 - draped in white, as Bhadrakali at noon draped in crimson, and as Durga in the evening decked in blue.
Kalady-Adi Sanakarachrya
Is the birth place of one of India's foremost philosopher's Adi Sankaracharya who preached advaita or monotheism. The temple also encloses the samadhi of Sankaracharya's mother Aryamba. The location on the bank of the river where the young Sankara was held by a crocodile can be seen nearby.
Vadakkumnathan Temple
It is one of the largest temples in Kerala and has excellent carved woodwork.It has three main shrines. One is dedicated to Vadakkunnathan (Lord Siva) and another to Sankara Narayana (Vishnu). South of these two shrines is a shrine dedicated to Lord Rama. Vadakkunnathan (Ten-Kailasanath) is a Maha-linga that is covered with offerings of hundreds-of-years-old ghee . This temple is in the park, right in the center of the city.On the walls there are excellent murals of the Mahabharata and of Lord Vishnu reclining on Ananta.The famous kuttambalam, or theater hall, is on the left of the entrance. Non-Hindus are not permitted in the temple except during the Pooram festival, when the restrictions are lifted.
Attukal Bhagavathi Temple
This temple is famous for Attukal Ponkala, the annual festival that commences on Bharani day in Kumbhom (February - March)Known as the Sabarimala of women,.
Varkala
Sivagiri Mutt: This Mutt is a religious site, founded by Sree Narayana Guru (1856 – 1952), the famous philosopher and social reformer of modern Kerala.Sivagiri is the headquarters of the Sree Narayana Dharma Sangham Trust.This mutt is situated at an elavation, 3 km. east of the Janardhana temple. The ashram is devoted to Sree Narayana Guru (1855-1928), whose followers are the Ezhavas. Guru preached the doctrine, 'one caste, one religion, one god for humanity' and attracted a large following among the lower castes.
Sree Janardhana Swamy Temple:
Sree Janardhana Swamy temple is a pilgrim centre for Hindus who visit this temple in huge numbers. This temple is built on a hill top that has become a sobriquet for the region. Non-Hindus, however, are not permitted entrance in the inner sanctum but can hang around in the temple.
Sabarimala Temple
This holy shrine, dedicated to Lord Ayyappa is a renowned pilgrim centre atop the rugged hills of the Western Ghats. The sanctum sanctorum nestles 914 m above sea level, amidst the virgin forest wilderness of the Western Ghats.The main pilgrimage is undertaken between November and January. Regardless of caste, creed, colour, they wear black dhotis and carry on their heads, bundles containing traditional offerings like coconut filled with ghee, camphor and rice.
Padmanabhaswamy Temple
This temple, a sprawling complex with a magnificent seven storied tower houses the idol of Lord Vishnu in the form of Ananthapadmanaoha (the Lord who upheld creation on a lotus which sprang forth from His navel). The 6 m image, partly covered with gold and embellished with precious stones is viewed in three sections through three doors. Historical records show that in 1750, the Maharaja of Travancore on being victorious in a battle laid down his sword and, offered himself to this temple's deity. Since then, all his successors have ruled the land as Padmanabhadadasas (servants of Padmanabha). Arattu is an important festival here
Palani Murugan temple
A well known pilgrim centre and one of the six abodes of Lord Subramanya or Muruga. The shrine stands on top of the Palani Hills consisting of 660 steps. There are rope ways too, to take pilgrims to the top. The main deity is called Dandayudapaani.
Madurai Meenakshi Temple
The Madurai Temple is dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi, the lovely consort of Lord Shiva. The original temple was built by Kulasekara Pandya, but the entire credit for making the temple as splendid as it is today goes to the Nayaks.
Ramanatha swamy
The Ramanatha swamy Temple at Rameswaram was built by different rulers at different times after 12th century onwards. It is one of the best examples of Dravidian architecture. The corridor of this temple is the largest in India
Kanyakumari
This small temple is dedicated to Kanyakumari, or the youthful form of the primeval energy Shakti (Mother Goddess). It is located on the seashore, in the town known by the same name at the southern tip of India. It is a place at the confluence of the Indian ocean, The Bay of Bengal and the Arabian sea. The Vivekananda Rock is another attraction of this place.
St .Thomas Chruch Malayatoor
From Kochi and 8 Kms. From Kalady is the Malayattoor Church. This is a Christian pilgrim centre and is believed to have been blessed by the Apostle of Christ, St. Thomas and the Church atop the hill was established in AD 900. Malayattoor is accessible by road up to the foot hills of Kurishumudy. The church at the top of the hill, about 2 Kms. can be reached only by foot. Situated beside the Periyar river and a small lake called Manappattuchira, Malayatoor is also a place of scenic beauty
St .Thomas Chruch Kodungaloor
St.Thomas Church: Christs apostle St Thomas is believed to have landed in Kodungalloor (formerly called Muziris) in 52 AD. The St.Thomas Church established by him houses ancient relics.The schematic map of the region around Kodungallur gives only a faint suggestion of the landscapes of the area, which is hardly above sea level and abounding in canals and lagoons and prone to flooding in the rainy season.
Cheraman Juma Masjid
The Cheraman Juma Masjid is believed to be the first mosque in India, built around 629 AD. The mosque is unique because it was baseed on traditional Hindu art and architecture and resembles a temple.
Bheemappalli
This mosque is famous for the Chandanakkudam Festival which is said to be the death anniversary of Bheema Beevi, a devout pilgrim who came to Kerala from Mecca. Festivities include devotees going round the mosque carrying earthen pots (kudam) smeared with sandal wood paste.
http://www.morningkerala.com/Keralapilgrimtour.htm
Guruvayoor, is one of the most sacred and important pilgrim centers of kerala.The historic temple is shrouded in mystery. According to local belief, the temple was created by 'Guru', the 'preceptor of the gods' and 'Vayu', the 'god of winds'. The square 'Sreekovil' is the sacred sanctum sanctorum of the temple, housing the main deity. Within the temple, there are also the images of Ganapathy, Sri Ayyappa and Edathedathy Kavil Bhagavathy. Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple. Guruvayoor has emerged as one of the most important places of worship in Southern India.
Thriprayar Sreerama Temple
Thriprayar Temple, located south of Thrissur is one of the important temples dedicated to Lord Rama. The exquisite wood carvings, sculptures and Mural Paintings are an interesting sight. The namaskara mandapam which faces the circular sanctum (srikovil) has 24 panels of wood carvings and several ancient murals. The circular sanctum has several sculptural representations of scenes from the Ramayana.
Kodungaloor Bhavathy temple
The Bhagawati temple at Kodungallur is of great renown throughout the state of Kerala. The Bharani festival at the Kodungallur Bhagawati temple is one of the grandest in Kerala
Chottanikkara Temple
Chottanikkara temple, located near Ernakulam enshrines Bhagawati - the mother Goddess, is one of the most popular deities in Kerala. On the 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 till7:00 - draped in white, as Bhadrakali at noon draped in crimson, and as Durga in the evening decked in blue.
Kalady-Adi Sanakarachrya
Is the birth place of one of India's foremost philosopher's Adi Sankaracharya who preached advaita or monotheism. The temple also encloses the samadhi of Sankaracharya's mother Aryamba. The location on the bank of the river where the young Sankara was held by a crocodile can be seen nearby.
Vadakkumnathan Temple
It is one of the largest temples in Kerala and has excellent carved woodwork.It has three main shrines. One is dedicated to Vadakkunnathan (Lord Siva) and another to Sankara Narayana (Vishnu). South of these two shrines is a shrine dedicated to Lord Rama. Vadakkunnathan (Ten-Kailasanath) is a Maha-linga that is covered with offerings of hundreds-of-years-old ghee . This temple is in the park, right in the center of the city.On the walls there are excellent murals of the Mahabharata and of Lord Vishnu reclining on Ananta.The famous kuttambalam, or theater hall, is on the left of the entrance. Non-Hindus are not permitted in the temple except during the Pooram festival, when the restrictions are lifted.
Attukal Bhagavathi Temple
This temple is famous for Attukal Ponkala, the annual festival that commences on Bharani day in Kumbhom (February - March)Known as the Sabarimala of women,.
Varkala
Sivagiri Mutt: This Mutt is a religious site, founded by Sree Narayana Guru (1856 – 1952), the famous philosopher and social reformer of modern Kerala.Sivagiri is the headquarters of the Sree Narayana Dharma Sangham Trust.This mutt is situated at an elavation, 3 km. east of the Janardhana temple. The ashram is devoted to Sree Narayana Guru (1855-1928), whose followers are the Ezhavas. Guru preached the doctrine, 'one caste, one religion, one god for humanity' and attracted a large following among the lower castes.
Sree Janardhana Swamy Temple:
Sree Janardhana Swamy temple is a pilgrim centre for Hindus who visit this temple in huge numbers. This temple is built on a hill top that has become a sobriquet for the region. Non-Hindus, however, are not permitted entrance in the inner sanctum but can hang around in the temple.
Sabarimala Temple
This holy shrine, dedicated to Lord Ayyappa is a renowned pilgrim centre atop the rugged hills of the Western Ghats. The sanctum sanctorum nestles 914 m above sea level, amidst the virgin forest wilderness of the Western Ghats.The main pilgrimage is undertaken between November and January. Regardless of caste, creed, colour, they wear black dhotis and carry on their heads, bundles containing traditional offerings like coconut filled with ghee, camphor and rice.
Padmanabhaswamy Temple
This temple, a sprawling complex with a magnificent seven storied tower houses the idol of Lord Vishnu in the form of Ananthapadmanaoha (the Lord who upheld creation on a lotus which sprang forth from His navel). The 6 m image, partly covered with gold and embellished with precious stones is viewed in three sections through three doors. Historical records show that in 1750, the Maharaja of Travancore on being victorious in a battle laid down his sword and, offered himself to this temple's deity. Since then, all his successors have ruled the land as Padmanabhadadasas (servants of Padmanabha). Arattu is an important festival here
Palani Murugan temple
A well known pilgrim centre and one of the six abodes of Lord Subramanya or Muruga. The shrine stands on top of the Palani Hills consisting of 660 steps. There are rope ways too, to take pilgrims to the top. The main deity is called Dandayudapaani.
Madurai Meenakshi Temple
The Madurai Temple is dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi, the lovely consort of Lord Shiva. The original temple was built by Kulasekara Pandya, but the entire credit for making the temple as splendid as it is today goes to the Nayaks.
Ramanatha swamy
The Ramanatha swamy Temple at Rameswaram was built by different rulers at different times after 12th century onwards. It is one of the best examples of Dravidian architecture. The corridor of this temple is the largest in India
Kanyakumari
This small temple is dedicated to Kanyakumari, or the youthful form of the primeval energy Shakti (Mother Goddess). It is located on the seashore, in the town known by the same name at the southern tip of India. It is a place at the confluence of the Indian ocean, The Bay of Bengal and the Arabian sea. The Vivekananda Rock is another attraction of this place.
St .Thomas Chruch Malayatoor
From Kochi and 8 Kms. From Kalady is the Malayattoor Church. This is a Christian pilgrim centre and is believed to have been blessed by the Apostle of Christ, St. Thomas and the Church atop the hill was established in AD 900. Malayattoor is accessible by road up to the foot hills of Kurishumudy. The church at the top of the hill, about 2 Kms. can be reached only by foot. Situated beside the Periyar river and a small lake called Manappattuchira, Malayatoor is also a place of scenic beauty
St .Thomas Chruch Kodungaloor
St.Thomas Church: Christs apostle St Thomas is believed to have landed in Kodungalloor (formerly called Muziris) in 52 AD. The St.Thomas Church established by him houses ancient relics.The schematic map of the region around Kodungallur gives only a faint suggestion of the landscapes of the area, which is hardly above sea level and abounding in canals and lagoons and prone to flooding in the rainy season.
Cheraman Juma Masjid
The Cheraman Juma Masjid is believed to be the first mosque in India, built around 629 AD. The mosque is unique because it was baseed on traditional Hindu art and architecture and resembles a temple.
Bheemappalli
This mosque is famous for the Chandanakkudam Festival which is said to be the death anniversary of Bheema Beevi, a devout pilgrim who came to Kerala from Mecca. Festivities include devotees going round the mosque carrying earthen pots (kudam) smeared with sandal wood paste.
http://www.morningkerala.com/Keralapilgrimtour.htm
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