Temples

Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple
The Siva temple at Thirunakkara is located in the heart of Kottayam town at a distance of 1.5km on the Ernakulam- Thiruvananthapuram railway line. The 500year old temple was constructed by Thekkumkoor Maharaja in the Kerala architectural style. The walls of the temple are decorated with colourful paintings and the sanctum santorium with pictures from Hindu epics . Dhara and Chathu-satha are the main offerings here. The temple is opened from 5am to 12 noon in the morning and from 5pm to 8 pm in the evening. 

A cultural center 'Koothambalam', located within the temple compound, is considered as the best in Kerala. Three festivals are celebrated in the Thirunakkara Mahadeva temple in the month of Thulam (Oct-Nov), Mithunam (June-July) and Meenam (March-April) of which the last one is the most important. There are also subsidiary shrines dedicated to Lord Ganesha.

Thalikotta Shiva Temple
The ancient Shiva temple at Thalikotta is located 2 km from Kottayam. The temple was believed to be the main place of worship of Thekkumkoor royal family. The annual festival is celebrated during April-May for ten days. Shivaratri (January/ February) is also celebrated with much pomp. During the festive season, large number of devotees throng to the temple. 

Dharmasastha Temple, Pakkil
Dharma Sastha Temple, devoted to Lord Ayyappa, is situated in Pakkil about 3 km from Kottayam. This is one of the eight temples established by Parasurama, the legendary founder of Kerala. An annual fair of household articles known as Sankranti Vanibhyam, held during the month of June/ July draw huge throng.

Thiruvarpu Sri Krishna Temple
Devoted to Lord Krishna, Sri Krishna Temple is located in the scenic village of Thiruvarpu which is at a distance of 6kms from Kottayam. The rituals at the temple rituals starts early in the morning at 3 o' clock and usha payasam is the main offering. The annual temple festival is celebrated for ten days in the month of April. The highlight of the festival is the Vilakkeduppu i.e carrying lighted lamps by the virgin girls. 

Kumaranalloor Bhagavathy Temple
The Bhagavathy Temple at Kumaranalloor also known as Karthiyayani Devi Temple is situated 6 km from Kottayam. The temple has been identified by Sree Adi Sankaracharya as one of the five important centres in India for Durga Ardhana. Legend says that this temple was originally built to house a shrine to Subramanya. Renowned for its gopurams, i.e the temple tower constructed in Tamil Nadu architectural style, the temple structure is round in shape with attractive mural paintings and wood carvings. The idol of the Goddess Bhagavathy is in standing position and is about 3 feet high. The annual Trikarthika festival is celebrated in the  month of Vrischikam (November-December). The major highlight of this nine day long festival is the Karthika Vilakku.
Contact : 
Kumaranalloor Oomma Devaswom
Kumaranalloor P.O:, Kottayam - 16
Ph: 0481 - 2312737

Pallipurathukavu Bhagavathy Temple
Pallipurathukavu Devi Kshetram, situated in the south of Kottayam town, is devoted to Goddess Bhagavathy. Patham udaya mahotsavam also known as Kumbhakuta mahotsavam is the main festival held on 10th day of the Malayalam month Medam (May/June). Valiya Thiyattu and Garuda Thukkam, the main rituals performed during the festival, attracts large crowd. 

Bhagavathy Temple, Ambalakkadavu
Ambalakkadavu Bhagavathy Temple also known as Bhagavathyamman Temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhagavathy. The arattu ritual of the Thirunakkara Mahadevar Temple takes place here. Vishu is the main festival celebrated during the month of April/ May.

Manarcad Sree Bhagavathy Temple
The ancient Manarcad Sree Bhagavathy Temple, where the main deity is Goddess Bhadrakali is at a distance of about 10 km east of Kottayam. The Kumbha Bharani alias Kumbhamkudam (dancing with pots on heads) festival of the temple, attracts thousands of devotees. Other main events celebrated here are  Kalamezbuthupattu, Meena bharani, Pathm udayam and Mandalam chirappu. Pathinonnu Garudan, Kalamkarikkal, Nadaguruthi, Chuttuvilakku, Thulabharam etc are some among the major offerings in the temple.
Contact : 
Secretary,
Manarcad Sri Bhagavathy Temple
Manarcad P.O, Kottayam – 686019
Ph: +91 481 2370418
E-mail : Contact Now

Palli Bhagavathy Temple, Neelamperoor
Neelamperoor Palli Bhagavathy Temple dedicated to Goddess Durga is located at a distance of 16kms south of Kottayam. Also known as Bhagavathikkavu, the temple has a history of about 1000 years and is noted for the annual Padayani festival. The idol of Mahavishnu here resembles that of Sree Budha.

The Mahadeva Temple, Ettumanoor
Mahadeva Temple located at Ettumanoor is about 17 kms away from Kottayam town. This ancient Siva temple in Kerala style of architectural was constructed in the 16the century (1542). The temple is famous for its mural paintings and carvings, especially the painting of Nataraja in the gopuram. The walls of the temples are adorn with scenes from Ramayana, Bhagawatam and other Hindu ethics. The main attraction of the temple is the Ezharaponnanan, i.e the seven large and one small elephants made of nearly 13 K grams of gold. These elephants were offered with devotion to the Lord by Karthikathirunal Maharaja of Travancore.

The temple is opened to the devotees from 4 to 12.30 in the morning and 5 to 8 in the evening. Non-Hindus are not allowed to get inside the temple. The temple celebrates its annual Arattu festival on Thiruvathira in Kumbham (February - March). This magnificent 10 day long festival draws thousands of pilgrims. The major rituals performed during the festival is Ezharaponnana Ezhunallathu and Kedavilakku. A Mural Art Center is located nearby the temple which was under the authority of State Archaeological Department.  

Shiva Temple, Vazhappalli
This temple is situated 17 km from Kottayam at Vazhapally in Changanacherry. The temple is adorned with exquisite woodcarvings and sculptural works. Though the presiding deity is Lord Shiva, the worship of Ganapati is more popular among the devotees.

Kavil Bhagavathy Temple, Changanacherry
The ancient shrine of Kavil Bhagavathy is situated at Changanacherry  near the Munsif Court, 18 km from Kottayam. Also known as Kavil Ambalam and Sree Bhagavathi Temple, the temple is believed to be constructed by one of the Thekkumkoor Maharajas. The unique annual temple festival, Kavil chirappu is celebrated during December - January. The temple participates in the procession of the Puthenpalli Chandanakudam celebration, which commences from an old Muslim mosque at Puthoor.

Saraswathi Temple, Panachikkad
Saraswathi temple, dedicated to Saraswathi (goddess of knowledge and learning) is located 18 kms away from Kottayam town on the way to Changanasseri. Also known as Dakshina Mookambika Temple, it is famous for the Saraswathi pooja held every year in the month of Thulam (September/ October). The annual festival of the temple is also held during this time and the last three days, Durgashtami, Mahanavami and Vijayadashami are considered to be the most sacred for worship. Children are initiated into the world of letters at the Vidhyarambham ceremony held on Vijayadashami day. 

Devi Saraswathi does not have a temple structure here in this temple. The idol of the Goddess is beneath a Pond, completely covered over with a green creeper. The creeper never withers. Though devoted to Saraswathi, the main deity in the temple is Lord Mahavishnu. Devotees worship Mahavishnu before worshipping Goddess Saraswathi. Ganapathy, Shiva, Sasthavu and Yakshi are worshipped as sub deities.

Kalkulathukavu Temple, Vazhappalli
Kalkulathukavu Temple, situated at Vazhapally in Changanacherry, about 18kms from Kottayam, is a highly revered shrine in the district. The temple is famous for its Mudiyeduppu utsavam celebrated once in 12 years and the rare art forms connected with it. The procession carrying madhu (honey), kulavazha (plantain tree with the fruit), bhairavi purapadu and darika vadha purappadu etc. is a major event associated with the festival and thousand of devotees take part in this.

Sree Subramanya Swami Temple, Perunna
The Subramanya Swami Temple at Perunna, Changanacherry is at a distance of 20 km from Kottayam. This ancient temple, built in 753 A.D, is under the administration of 'Urazhma' Devaswam Board. It was among the first temples to open its doors to all groups of people. The idol of the presiding deity Lord Subramanian is almost six feet in height and the 'Vel' hold by the lord is pointed downwards. The annual 10 day long festival, 'Pallimetta Utsav' is celebrated during November - December (Dhanu). Chakiarkooth is the main ritual performed during the festival.  Puthenpalli Chandanakudam festival, of the nearby mosque is welcomed by the temple.

Thrikodithanam Temple
Devoted to Lord Vishnu, Thrikodithanam Mahavishnu Kshetram alias Adbhuta Narayanan Temple, is one of the five Pancha-Pandava temples in Kerala and among the 108 Vishnu temples in India. This 9th century temple is  located at Thrikodithanam in Changanacherry, 25kms from Kottayam. Adbhuta Narayanan is the chief deity and his idol along with consort Karpagavalli, in standing posture, is made of an unusual black stone called Aanjana-kallu. The temple also houses the idols of Lord Shiva, Lord Krishna, Ganapathi, Narasimha, Nagadevas, and Kshetrapala. 

The temple structure is an architectural excellence adorned with beautiful mural paintings. The temple sanctum (sreekovil) is a double-storied structure built on a circular plan. The base of the sanctum is made of three ft high rounded granite stones and centuries old inscriptions can be seen here. The temple complex has two entrance. i.e on the east and west. There is a beautiful and sacred pond near the main entrance, i.e eastern gate. Between the pond and the entrance there a strange granite statue called 'Kazhivetti kallu'.

The annual festival which lasts for 10 days is celebrated during the lunar month of Vrishchigom (November-December). The major highlight of the festival commences after dusk on the 9th day and carries on until the early hours of 10th day morning. It is a huge display of 1001 flares made of cloth bundles dipped in oil which are placed on a pyramidal structure.

Surya Deva Temple, Adityapuram
Adityapuram Surya Deva Temple is the only temple in Kerala dedicated to Aditya, the sun god. Believed to have been raised by Marangat Mana, a Brahmin family, this temple is located near Iravimangalam. The idol of the sun god is made of particular type of stone that absorbs oil. It faces the west and said to be in the meditative form. The main ritual performed here is the Abhishekam (bathing of the idol) by oil, followed by water. Rakthachandanam (medicinal sandalwood) is the main prasadam given to the devotees. The first and last Sundays of the Vrischikam (October- November) and Medam (May-June) are considered auspicious and special ceremonies and rituals performed.
Contact : 
Adityapuram Surya Deva Temple, 
Iravimangalam P.O Muttuchira, Kaduthuruthi - 686 613, Kottayam, 
Ph: 04829- 283I12, 282570, 282572

Sri Vallabha Temple, Thiruvalla 
Sri Vallabha Temple at Thiruvalla in Pathanamthitta district which is 35 km south of Kottayam,  is one among the one hundred and eight vaishnava thirupathis in India, hence it is also one of the important pilgrim centers of the Vaishnavites (worshippers of Vishnu) all over the country. Incidentally, the temple finds mention in many of the Bhajans sung by the Alwars who are staunch Vaishnavites.

The temple complex enclosed in a large area in picturesque surroundings, holds the main sanctum dedicated to Lord Vishnu as well as smaller shrines dedicated to five other deities including Garudaswamy, Sathrusamharamoorthy, Ganapathy, Ayyappan and Kurayappaswamy. The sanctum sanctorum of the main shrine houses a six feet tall idol of Maha Vishnu. The temple built in typical Kerala style architecture has fine carvings and murals and the main shrine is surrounded by ‘Anakottils’ on all four sides.

The main feature of the temple is its 50 feet tall flag post carved out from a single rock, with a massive idol of Garuda (the eagle vehicle of Lord Vishnu) on top, believed to be created by the ‘Perumthachan’, an ancient legendary master craftsman from Kerala. The bottom of the flag post is believed to be deep enough to touch the underground water level. The large tank enclosed in a one storied structure near the temple is believed to be formed naturally from a spring.

Another peculiar feature of the temple is that women are not allowed near main sanctum sanctorum except on the Vishu and Thiruvathira days, and it is perhaps the only temple in Kerala where Kathakali is performed as a ritual offering everyday by the devotees after the evening Pooja..The festivities of the temple arise twice a year, in February - March and in March – April. The temple is under the administration of the Travancore Devaswom Board.

Erumeli Sastha Temple
Erumeli located at a distance of 38 km from Kottayam is a place, which is revered by both Hindus and Muslims. Erumeli Sastha Temple, where the presiding deity is Lord Ayyapa, is an important meeting place in the pilgrimage trip to Sabarimala. It is sometimes known as Kochambalam. There is a mosque- Vavar Palli, located close to the temple. The ceremony of Petta Thullal during the annual pilgrimage is a unique feature of this place. Pilgrimage to Sabarimala without Pettathullal and worshiping at Sastha temple and Vavarpalli is against the traditional dogmas.

Vaikom Mahadevar Temple
Situated about 40 Km from Kottayam town, Vaikom is famous for the Siva temple named Vaikom Mahadevar Temple. The temple, situated within the premise of 8 acres of land, was believed to be built by Parasurama - founder of Kerala. Built in typical Kerala style of temple architecture, current structure of the temple dates back to the sixteenth century. The temple sanctum is covered with a copper plated roof crowned with a golden dome. The wooden panels and murals in the temple depict Shiva, Parvati, Ganesha and Vishnu, and numerous other figures. A unique attraction for the Shiva Temple is the Kathakali performance that takes place each evening as a ritual offering. 

Popularly known as Thekkan Kashi (Southern varanasi), Vaikom Mahadevar temple is famous for its Vaikathashtami festival. Here, two Ashtami festivals are held annually, one is in Kumbham (February-March) and the other is in Vrischikam (November-December) of which the latter is more popular. The temple is opened in the morning from 4 to 12 and in the evening from 5 to 8. The deity, Lord Shiva manifests himself as Dakshinamurthy in the 'pantheeradi' puja in the morning. He is worshipped as Kirata Murthy during the 'Ucha puja' at noon and as 'Satchitananda' in the evening. Prathal is the main offering. Here there is a school named Kshethrakalapeedhom meant for teaching temple arts.