pazhani temple

Manarcad Sri Bhagavathy Temple is a prominent place of worship in Kottayam District, Kerala. Pathinonnu Garudan is a prominent offering in the Temple.

The famous temple of Goddess Madurai Meenakshi at Kumaranalloor, Kottayam. There's an interesting tale connecting the origin of the temple and the name of the place, "Kumaranalloor".Kumaranalloor Devi temple is considered as one of the most important Devi temples among the 108 durgalayas (devi temples) in Kerala. It is said to be more than 2400 years old, as per historical and mythological evidences as well as other sources of information. The architecture of the temple is notable for the unique structure of the nalambalam and sreekovil both of which have been built in the sreechakra style (ring like object with a handle, which is placed in the right hand of the devi). This kind of architecture is rarely found in temple architecture.The festival (Utsavam) is celebrated for 10 days on Vrischika (malayalam calendar) and Thrikkarthika, the 9th day believes most important.Maha Navami (Navarathri) ,Uthrattathi OOruchuttu Vallamkali(conducted on 4th day after Thiruvonam), Meena Bharani (Kumbhakudom) are some of the other important occasions.

Kerala is a land of temples; perhaps the best known pilgrimage destination in Kerala is Sabarimala, high up in the Sahyadri Mountains (Western Ghats). Sabarimala Sri Dharmasastha Temple is the most famous and prominent among all the Sastha Temples. It is believed that "Parasurama Maharshi" who retrieved Kerala from the sea by throwing his axe, installed the idol of Ayyappa at Sabarimala to worship Lord Ayyappa. The pilgrimage begins in the month of November and ends in January. The temple attracts pilgrims not only from the southern states of India, but also from other parts of the country and abroad. The shrine gets thronged with devotees especially during the main pilgrim season from November to January.Mandalapooja(Nov.17th)and Makaravilakku(Jan.14th)are the two main events of the pilgrim season. The temple stays closed during the rest of the year except for the first five days of every Malayalam month and during Vishu (April). Certain customs are to be strictly observed if one has to undertake a pilgrimage to Sabarimala. A pilgrim attending the Mandalapooja should observe austerities for 41 days. During this period, the pilgrim should abstain himself from non- vegetarian habits and cardinal pleasures. Pilgrims set out in groups under a leader, and each carry a cloth bundle called Irumudi kettu containing traditional offerings. Unlike certain Hindu temples, Sabarimala temple has no restrictions of caste or creed. The temple is open to males of all age groups and to women who have either passed their fertility age and those before reaching the stage of puberty.The easiest route is via Chalakkayam, by which one can reach the banks of the river Pamba by vehicle. Pamba is the main halting point on the way to Sabarimala. From here one has to trek 4 to 5 kms to reach the temple.

Thiruvananthapuram's most Sacred Sri Padmanabha Swamy temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple is a blend of the Kerala and Dravidian style of architecture. It is a best example of South Indian architecture, with an impressive seven -story gopuram (tower). Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple and they have rules of clothing. Even the male Hindus, must enter the temple wearing only white dhoti.Sri Padmanabha Swamy temple, one of the 108 shrines sacred to Vaishnavas, is held in high veneration. There is a tradition that the God of the temple is believed to have been worshipped by Chandra and Indra. Nammalwar, has sung eleven verses in praise of this place and Lord Padmanabha.