Places of Pilgrimage in Kerala

Eastern mysticism, along with enchanting ‘nature’ makes Kerala one of the unique places for soul cleansing. Being secular, Kerala is a unique land where every religion is seen co-exiting in harmony and peace. Having deep religious roots, Kerala has some of the ancient structures of temples, Mosques and churches which are both rich in Arts and Architecture. Just visit these marvels and get closer to nature, get connected to ones own ‘self’; get to know God!

Padmanabhaswamy Temple a sprawling complex with a magnificent seventeen storied tower located in Trivandrum, known for its mural paintings and stone carvings is a blend of Kerala and Dravidian styles of architecture and one among 108 sacred Vishnu temples in India. Only Hindus are allowed inside this temple.

Guruvayoor one of the most sacred and important place of pilgrimage of Kerala is a historic temple shrouded in mystery known as 'Guruvayoor Ambalam'. It is believed that the temple is the creation of Guru, the preceptor of the Devas, and Vayu the Lord of Winds.

Vaikom Siva temple located on the banks of Vembanadu lake, is one of the oldest Siva Temples in the world. Vaikom was the venue of the famous Satyagraha staged in 1925 for the admission of Harijans into this temple during the Indian freedom struggle. Here there is also a school teaching temple arts, known as Kshethrakalapeedhom.

Attukal Bhagavathi Temple at Mudippura called the Sabarimala of women, located at Trivandrum celebrates Attukal Ponkala the annual festival during February - March that continues for nine days. Ponkala is an offering of a payasam (a sweet soup) prepared by the devotees themselves in the Bhagavathy temples.

Sabarimala Sri Ayyappa Temple is a well famous place of pilgrimage in the rugged terrains of the Western Ghats, attracting crores of pilgrims from across India. The devotees known as 'Ayyappas' negotiate Sabarimala surrounded by hazardous hills like Karimala and Neelimala to reach the Shrine after undergoing 41 days of ' Vrutham' (penance). The confluence of Hindu and Muslim deities in the form of Lord Ayyappa, and his lieutenant Vavar makes this esteemed pilgrim centre a model of communal harmony and castelessness. Vehicular traffic cannot go beyond Pamba and the last 5 kms. to the Shrine can be reached only by trek.

Sivagiri Mutt in Varkala, near Trivandrum is the final resting place of the great social reformer, Sree Narayana Guru. The Papanasham (redemption from sins) beach here is the place where Narada is believed to have thrown his valkalam. The 2000 year old Sree Janardhana Swamy temple here is famous for the Arattu, the annual festival celebrated in March-April.

Siva Temple, Ernakulam situated in the centre of the town close to the Cochin Cultural Centre, very near Durbar Hall Ground has the annual festival conducted for 8 days during the month of January.

Kalady the birth place of Adi Sankaracharaya the great Indian Philosopher is situated on the banks of river Periyar has two shrines in his memory. One dedicated to him as Dakshina Moorthi and the other to the Goddess Sharada. Adi Sankara's Shrine in Kalady is open to all pilgrims irrespective of Religion and caste. The spot were Adi Shankara's Mother was cremated is called Vrindavan. Nearby is an old Krishna Temple, the family temple of Sankaracharaya. Another Temple known as Sri Ramakrishna International Temple was built in 1976 with the hope that it would ultimately become a temple for all religions and an abode of peace.

St. Sebastian's Aruthunkal established by Portuguese missionaries is a well-known Christian pilgrimage center in Alappuzha coast. The feast of St. Sebastian an 11-day festival is held here every January. To decongest the festival days, a low profile festival, Ettamperunal, is also celebrated on the 8th day after the main festival. The festival has also chipped in for communal amity. On January 18, two days left for the main festival, thousands of Sabarimala pilgrims, while returning home, bathe from the church tank and pay homage to St. Sebastian.

Blessed Alphonsa, Bharananganam is where the mortal remains of Sr. Alphonsa, who was pronounced as blessed is kept. The death of blessed Sr. Alphonsa which falls on the 20th of July is an important day.

Manjinikkara Church is important for the holy tomb of late Ignatius Elias III, the Holy Patriarch of Antioch. Members of the Jacobite Syrian Church believe that the Holy Father was a Saint. The Church has now become one of the foremost places of pilgrimage. A large number of pilgrims visit the church to receive spiritual and physical healing and blessings.

St. Mary's Cheriya Pally situated near the Valiapally has paintings of Biblical and non Biblical themes.

St. Mary's Valiapally was built in 1515 and is famous for its Persian cross and Phalvi inscriptions.

St. Francis Church, Fort Kochi the first European church in India, a model for building churches elsewhere in the country was where Vasco da Gama was buried. Later his mortal remains were taken back to his native land, Portugal.

St. George Church, Edappally, Kochi has a past that touches 593 AD and is one of the major pilgrim centers in Kerala where even non-Christians crowd for veneration. Even during the week days devotees throng the church to genuflect before the statue of St. George to express their gratitude for favors received through the saint. The festival falls in April with solemn High Mass and Litany. With each passing day divine aura is added to the festival along with color and festivity.

St. Mary's Church,Vallarpadam, Kochi located in an enticing tiny islet encircled by picturesque Kochi backwaters was established in 1676 with the famous picture of the Blessed Virgin Mary brought and erected by Portuguese from their native land. The picture is believed to have miraculous powers. Being an islet, Vallarapadam had access only by water. "'Vallarapadath Amma", as the St Mary of Vallarpadam is called, is believed to have miraculously saved may lives from shipwreck and violent storms. The feast of Vallarapadath Amma happens during September. The week-long celebration is accompanied by a big fair with a difference the products traded being country boats, cars, pots and straw mats.

Christ the King Church, Thiruvananthapuram feast happening on the last Sunday of October has High Mass, Vespers, a two-hour long Holy Eucharistic procession and benediction. Nativity feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary is also celebrated with religious spirit.

Niranam St.Mary's Church is again one of the oldest churches in India, believed to be established by St. Thomas during his missionary days in the state during AD 53. The Apostle of Jesus is believed to have erected a crucifix and built a church there. Many local Hindus gradually embraced Christianity leading to the spread of the religion and later into the establishment of regional church. The main religious festival here is in August. The birthday of St. Mary is celebrated on 8th September. St. Thomas Day (July3) is also celebrated with great zeal.

St. Thomas Cathedral, Pala in Kottayam district is known for Rakkuli festival commemorating the Epiphany feast celebrated on January 6. The festival has become an occasion for trade related exhibitions. The festival symbolizes the Biblical account of the three Wiseman from East who left for Bethlehem to adore infant Jesus.

St. Dominic Church, Aluva feast falls on the third Sunday after the Easter. The statue of the saint is taken out in procession on the day. The feast of "Our Lady of the Holy Rosary" also consists of the spectacular procession on the Sunday after 8th of December. The procession route will be canopied with festoons, paper flowers, baskets and balloons.

St. Mary's Church, Manarcaud, Kottayam is one of the outstanding churches of the Syrian Jacobite Church of Kerala. The most important festival here is the eight-day fast in honor of St. Mary, starting on September 1. Holy Mass is offered on the feast days. On the concluding days, colorful processions are held.

Cheraman Juma Masjid, Kodungallore is the first mosque in India, situated in Kodungalloor, 20 kms from Irinjalakuda railway station.

Ottapalam Juma Masjid is famous for the mortal remains of Uthman Auliya, a revered man in Muslim Community here. Prayers are held in this mosque on Fridays. Annual festival is held in January-February. During the festival a grand procession ceremoniously bringing various articles such as rice, coconut, etc to the mosque as offerings is held. Next day, a grand feast is held for the poor.

The Jama-at mosque, Malappuram is important for Kerala Muslims. The annual Nercha festival of the mosque is celebrated for four days in April. Adjoining the mosque is a mausoleum of the Malappuram Shaheeds whose brave exploits have been immortalized in Mappilla Ballads.

Pazhayangadi Mosque, Kondotti is on the way to Malappuram. The Valia Nercha festival at the 500 year old Pazhayangadi Mosque, celebrated for three days in February-march, draw large number of devotees.

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