Kerala Destinations - Beach, Hillstation, Backwater Holidays

SABARIMALA

It is a pilgrimage centre in Kerala in the western ghat mountain ranges of India and this temple is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. The temple is situated amidst the 18 hills. The temple is situated on the hilltop at an elevation of 1260 mts, above sea level. The temple is surrounded by mountains and dense forests. Sabarimala is believed to be the place where Ayyappan meditated soon after killing the powerful demon, Mahishi.

The pilgrimage to Sabarimala is a singular example of one where pilgrims, without consideration of caste, creed, position or social status, go with one mind and one `mantra'. Vehicles can go up to Pampa – the holy river. Thereafter, pilgrims have to follow a path approximately four kms up a steep hill. There is a place near the temple (east of Sannidhanam), dedicated to the Vavar, a Musilim who was the associate of Ayyappan, called "Vavarunada".

The temple is open for worship only during the days of Mandalapooja( November 15 to December 26) Makaravilakku (January 15) and Vishu (April 14), and the beginning of every month in the Malayalam Calender. However, women - unless they are younger than six or older than sixty - are not allowed to come to Sabarimala. It is said that during the pilgrimage periods no tigers are found along the forest trails leading to Sabarimala. Sabarimala is the most famous piligrimage centre in Kerala.

PARTHASARATHI TEMPLE

This temple attracts huge number of devotees. The Parthasarathi Temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna as the charioteer of Arjuna. This temple is located on the banks of river Pamba. The annual commemoration of the installation of the deity falls on the last day of the Onam festival. The boat race is known as the aranmula boat race, it is conducted at river Pamba. This boat race is considered to be one of the famous snake boat races.

RAJARAJESWARA TEMPLE

The Rajarajeswara temple is located at Taliparamba near Kannanur in northern Kerala. It is believed that Rama during his victorious return from Ayodhya, stopped here to worship Lord Shiva. The Shiva linga here is believed to be thousands of years old. One can find the temples of Lord Shiva and Lord Krishna here. Taliparamba is regarded as one of the ancient Shakti Peethams. This temple is regarded as one of the 108 ancient Shiva temples of Kerala.

Ghee is being offered in small pots to the presiding deity Shiva. Vishu – Malayalam New Year and Shivaratri are celebrated in this temple.The temple has a prominent place in South India . The temple has no flagstaff (known as kodi maram in Malayalam) as opposed to other temples in Kerala.

PADMANABHASWAMY TEMPLE

This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the main attraction of this temple is the 100 feet high gopuram which is built in the Dravidian Style. This building is an example of the blend of Kerala and Dravidian style of architecture. The temple is one among the 108 temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu in India . It is known for the mural painting and stone carvings.

A magnificent array of gods, goddesses, nymphs, sprites and demons adorn the seven-storey 'gopuram' that forms the temple tower. Lord Vishnu, the presiding deity, reclines in the posture of 'Ananthashayanam' on the coiled serpent 'Anantha'.

Outside the temple courtyard One can witness the craftsmen do their work right from carving the wood to polishing. Only Hindus are allowed inside and dress regulations are strictly followed. The innumerable pillars, intricate carvings and Mural paintings attracts a lot of devotees. This is an ancient temple and the city of Thiruvananthapuram derives its name from the name of the presiding deity enshrined in the temple.

KOZHIKODE TALI TEMPLE

The Kozhikkode Tali temple is an ancient one, dating back to the days of the Zamorin rule. The term Tali refers to a Shiva temple; however, the temple complex also houses a shrine to Krishna .This temple suffered destruction in the hands of Tippu Sultan and Hyder Ali and was later renovated in the 18th century. The two storied sanctum has works of art in terms of stone sculptures and wood work with scenes from the puranas.

In front of the sanctum is a chamber with intricate woodwork. In the north east segment of the temple complex is the Krishna shrine with its own set of mandapams and a flag staff.