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The Ultimate Source of Information on Indian Temples

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Temples of Kerala
Temples of Kerala

The Southern State of Kerala has much to offer in terms of its hoary temple tradition. Kerala temple architecture is unique, and it is in harmony with the natural resources and the climatic conditions of the region. Elephants are an integral part of several of the festivities. A colorful calendar of festivals and strict worship protocols are associated with the hundreds of temples that line the landscape of Kerala.

Kerala Temple Architecture: What is it that sets the temples of Kerala apart from those elsewhere in the Indian subcontinent? Study Keralite temple architecture.

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Kerala Temple History: Experience the old world charm of Kerala temples. Study the origin and evolution of the Keralite temple architecture.
Temples of Kerala associated with the Tamil Alwars - Eleven temples of Kerala are associated with the Tamil Alwar saints of the 1st millennium CE. The Pancha Pandavas and Kerala: Five temples of Kerala are believed to have been built by the Pandava Princes. Aranmula, known for its water carnival   is the best known of these. Tiruvanchikkalam and the Tamil Nayanmars: Tiruvanchikkalam has been revered by Sundaramoorthy Nayanar and Cheraman Perumaal of the 1st millennium CE.
The Padmanabhaswamy temple at Tiruvanandapuram is a serene center of worship and a veritable art gallery as well. trivndru.jpg (35078 bytes) Sabarimala - where millions converge: Shasta is enshrined in Sabarimala - pilgrimage to which shrine requires austerities.
At Mannaarsaala near Haripad near Trivandrum, a snake grove is held in regard as a place of worship. Tiruvinjikode near Thrissur has four images of Vishnu in a single shrine with the associated legend that they were installed by the Pandava princes. Chotranikkara - Bhagawati Temple: Bhagawati is one of the most worshipped deities in Kerala.   Visit this well known Bhagawati temple at Chottanikara.
Guruvayur : The Sree Krishna temple here attracts thousands of pilgrims throughout the year. Naraayaneeyam the acclaimed sanskrit classic extols this shrine. The Krishna temple at Trichambaram in Northern Kerala enshrines Krishna, has a rich tradition of festivals. The Ambalappuzha Krishna temple is one of the well known temples dedicated to Krishna in the state of Kerala.
The Krishna temple at Tripunitura near Ernakulam is associated through legend with the Pandava hero Arjuna. The Subramanya temple at Haripad enshrines an imposing image of Skanda. The Udayanapuram Subramanyar temple is closely associated with the Vaikom Mahadevar temple nearby.
The Vadakkunnathar temple at Thrissur enshrines Shiva, Sankaranarayana and Rama and is one of the largest temple complexes in Kerala. The Ettumaanoor Mahadevar temple is one of the triad of Shiva temples associated with the legends related to the demon Khara and is adorned with exquisite murals. The Vaikom Mahadevar temple is a vast temple rich in legend, architecture and festivals.
Shiva is worshipped as the divine physician at the Vaidyanatha temple in Taliparamba. The Rajarajeswara temple at Taliparamba has legends associated with the Ramayana. The Kottayam Tirunakkara Mahadeva temple has Vaikom to its north and Ettumaanur to its south.
The name Ernakulam is said to be derived from a legend related  a Shivalingam worshipped by Arjuna. The Kozhikkode Tali temple is an ancient one rich in legend. The Tiruvangad Rama temple is one of the well visited Rama temples in Kerala and is rich in legend and traditions.
The Triprayar Rama temple in the vicinity of Thrissur is an architecturally beautiful temple. The Vilvamala hill temple in Northern Kerala bears shrines dedicated to Rama and Lakshmana. The Sangameswara Koodalmanikyam temple at Irinjalakkuda in Kerala is a one of a kind temple dedicated to Bharata the brother of Rama.
Along with the Navamukunda temple at Tirunavai are located temples dedicated to Shiva and Bhrahma across the Bharatapuzha river. Tiruvalla near Kottayam houses an ancient temple dedicated to Vishnu - Valabbha and is rich in heritage and tradition. The Vamanamurthy temple at Trikakkara near Irinjalakkuda is associated with the Onam festival tradition of Kerala.
The Kumaranallur temple near Kottayam is home to a Bhagawati temple tied through legend with Madurai, Tamilnadu. The Chengannur Mahadeva - Bhagawati temple is a large temple complex rich in legend and tradition. The Bhagawati temple at Kodungallur enshrines Bhagawati - considered to be a manifestation of Kannagi of the Tamil epic Silappadikaaram.
The Lakshmana Perumal temple at Moozhikkalam is dedicated to Lakshmana, brother of Rama and has been venerated by the Tamil hymns of the Alwar saints.

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The Kerala Temple Index: Browse through this pointer to over one hundred temples of Kerala.