Most Famous Temples in Kerala



Kerala is one of the states associated with natural beauty. The state is home to stunning tea plantations, hills, waterfalls beaches and backwaters. Kerala also has some of the most beautiful shrines in India. The spiritual history of this state is largely based on its neighboring state of Tamil Nadu. During the 3rd century, Kerala was under the influence of Tamil culture, which is reflected in the architecture of ancient temples in Kerala. From the 16th century onwards, Kerala temples were written in Malayalam language and had their architectural style. Kerala temples are generally simple structures unlike Tamil temples. This article examines some of the famous shrines in Kerala.







Most Famous Temples in Kerala


1. Ayyappa Temple Kerala:

Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple is believed to be famous all over the world. It is one of the most famous shrines with an annual flow of 50 million people visiting the temple. It is located in the Periyar Tiger Reserve, an area rich in forest. The main part of this temple is located at the top of the hill. It is believed to be the meditation place of Prince Ayyappa. It is famous for Makaravilakku in January.



2. Guruvayur Temple:

Guruvayur Temple is dedicated to the worship of Lord Krishna. This temple is located in Guruvayur city and is known as Bhuloka Vaikuntha by devotees. According to legend, the idol enshrined here is five thousand years old. It also houses a temple known as Rudratirtha. There is an official dress code for temple visitors and no exceptions are allowed.

Address: Guruvayur Devaswom, East Nada, Guruvayur, Kerala 680101.

Temple Timings: 3:00 AM to 12:30 PM, 4:30 PM to 9:15 PM.



3. Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram:

Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram is built in Dravidian style. It is the richest Hindu temple in the world. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The Lord is worshiped in the position of Ananta Shayanam or eternal yogic rest on Adisesha, the serpent. The temple is restricted to Hindu persons only and the dress code is strictly adhered to. The most important festivals of the temple can be seen in Alpashi as well as Panguni.

Address: West Nada, East Fort, Pazhavangadi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695023.

Temple Timings: 3:30 AM to 12:00 PM, 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM.



4. Patyanadu Sribhadrakali Temple in Mullassery:

Patiyanadu Sri Bhadrakali Temple is located near Thiruvananthapuram at Mullassery near Thiruvananthapuram. It is a Hindu shrine dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali. It is home to the shrine of Goddess Bhadrakali, the presiding deity of the temple, the child of Lord Shiva. The temple also has idols of Goddess Kali.

Many festivals like Swayamvara Parvati Puja, Grahalakshmi Puja, Grahadosha Revenge Puja, Balituval, Sarppabali, Kalankavaal, Dikkubali, Paranettu, Nilathilporu, Aarattu and Pongal are celebrated in the temple.

Address: Mullassery, Vajaila - Kallayam Road, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695564.

Temple Timings: 4:00 AM to 12:30 PM, 4:00 PM to 7:30 PM.



5. Attukal Bhagwati Temple in Attukal:

It is located at Attukal Bhagwati Temple in Attukal, dedicated to Goddess Kannaki who represents Parvati, the patron goddess of the temple. The temple is famous worldwide because of the regular Attukal Pongal festival in which thousands of women participate. The festival lasts for 10 days. This is an extreme case. Other festivals celebrated include Mandala Vratam, Pooja Vyapu and Shivratri, Vinayaka Chaturthi and many more.

Address: Attukal, Attukal - Chiramukku Road, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695009.

Temple Timings: 5:00 AM to 12:30 PM, 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM.



6. Indore Kandan Sri Dharma Shasta Temple in Neyyattinkara:

The Indore Kandan Sri Shasta Temple is located at Neyyattinkara, southeast of Thiruvananthapuram. The main deity of this temple is Kandan Sri Dharma Shasta God. There are many other deities like Ganapati, Durga Bhagavathy, Iswara Kala Bhutanan Nagaraja, and Nagayakshi and an elephant statue at the entrance. The most important festival celebrated annually in the temple premises can be described as Makaravilakku Mahotsavam.

Address: Tholadi, Karakoram, Parasala Vellarada Road, Thiruvananthapuram - 695504.

Temple Timings: 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM.



7. Edava Palakkavu Bhagwati Temple at Edava:

Edava Palakkavu Bhagavathy Temple is believed to exist at Edava in Thiruvananthapuram district. It is dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali, the main deity in the temple. There are many sub deities like Annapurna Devi, Ganesha, Navagraham, Aditya, Hanuman, Brahmarakka, Yogeswaran and Nagarakau. Karthika Tirunal Mahatsovam is held during the Malayalam month of Kumbh, the main festival of the year, which focuses the entire city on the temple.

Address: Varkala Edava Kappil Road, Vettakkada, Edava, Kerala, 695311.

Temple Timings: 5:30 AM to 10:30 AM, 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM.



8. Karikkakom Sri Chamundi Devi Temple in Thiruvananthapuram:

Sri Chamundi Devi Temple at Karikkakom in Thiruvananthapuram is an ancient Hindu temple that is more than 600 years old. It is dedicated to Goddess Chamundi. A Panchaloha idol of Goddess Karikkakatamma, a type of chamundi, is housed in the temple.Goddess Chamundi is worshiped in the temple in three different forms namely Maha Chamundi, Rakta Chamundi and Bala Chamundi. There are Ganapati, Shasta, Bhubaneswari and many more shrines here. Pongal is the most popular festival of the year at the shrine.
Address: Karikkakom, Karikkam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 685007.

Temple Timings: 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM.



9. Pajavangadi Ganapati Temple in Thiruvananthapuram:

The Pajavangadi Ganapati Kerala Temple located at the East Fort in Thiruvananthapuram city is dedicated to Sri Maha Ganapati or Lord Ganesha, the temple deity. Other deities are also worshiped in the temple including Dharmashasta as well as Durga and Nagaraja along with sculptures depicting 32 forms of Ganesha. Vinayaka Chaturthi Ganesh Jayanti Virad Chaturthi and many other festivals are important in this temple.

Address: Padmavilasam Road, Pazhavangadi, Padma Nagar, Pazhavangadi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695023.

Temple Timings: 5:00 AM to 11:30 AM, 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.



10. Sarkara Devi Temple in Chirayinkeeju Taluk:

Sarkara Devi Temple is situated in Chiraynkeeju taluka in north western part of Thiruvananthapuram district. Bhadrakali, the presiding deity of the temple, is also the presiding deity of the region. Kaliyut Utsav is a festival held in this temple. This is not to be confused with the Meena Bharani festival, which takes second place and the temple is filled with devotees.

Address: Pandakasala Sarkara Road, Sarkara, Chiraynkeeju, Kerala 695304.

Temple Timings: 4:30 AM to 11:30 AM, 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.



11. Thirupalkadal Srikrishna Swamy Temple in Keezperur:

Tirupalkadal Srikrishna Swamy Temple in Keezperur village is one of the oldest Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Krishna, a different form of Lord Vishnu, the presiding deity of the temple. This temple is built in Dravidian style of architecture. The temple has a garbhagraha with Brahma and Shiva on the outer walls. It was built between the 6th and 9th centuries and is thought to be the 108th of the major Divya Nashas or holy places of worship in Vaishnavism.

Address: Ponganadu Puthusserimukku Road, Perur Post, Kilimanoor, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695601.

Temple Timings: 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM, 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.



12. Thali Temple:

Tali Temple is the oldest temple in Kerala. Tali Temple is the oldest in Kerala and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple was built around 14th century Calicut period Zamorin Swami Tirumalpad. This temple was built in 14th century in Kozhikode. This Linga is believed to have been built by Parasurama in the middle of the Dwapara Yuga. Lord Shiva is worshiped in this temple as Umamaheswara.

Address: Thali Road, Near Zamorin's School, Markajudava, Palayam, Kozhikode, Kerala 673002.

Temple Timings: 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM.



13. Ettumanoor Temple:

Ettumanoor Temple is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva and is located in Kottayam. AD It is one of the temples of Kerala which was rebuilt in 1542. According to legend, the Pandavas, along with Sage Vyasa, worshiped Lord Shiva in the temple. The name derives from the word "manor" meaning the place of a deer. Ejara Ponnana can be described as the most awaited and celebrated festival in the temple.

Address: Ettumanoor Temple Rd, Ettumanoor, Kerala 686631.

Temple Timings: 4:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.



14. Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple:

Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple is believed to be located in Alappuzha district of Kerala. The temple is believed to have been built by a local ruler between the 15th and 17th centuries. The idol of Krishna is revered as Parthasarathi with an ax in his right hand and a conch shell in the other. This temple is famous for its Payasam Prada which consists of milk and rice.

Address: SH 12, Ambalapuja, Kerala 688561.

Temple Timings: 6:00 AM to 11:30 PM.




15. Tirunelli Temple:

Tirunelli Temple Tirunelli Temple is believed to be the holy abode of Sri Maha Vishnu and is situated on the peak of Brahmagiri hill, which is at an altitude of 900 meters. Legend has it that the place is named after the word Nelli, which means amla tree. According to legend, Lord Brahma found Vishnu under an amla tree and hence the name. There is also a legend that Lord Brahma used to praise Lord Vishnu in the temple.

Address: Tirunelli, Mananthavadi, Kerala 670646.

Temple Timings: 5:30 AM to 12:30 PM, 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM.



16. Vadakkunathan Temple:

Another temple from the past is located in Kerala and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located near the city of Thrissur and exhibits traditional Kerala style architecture. It is famous for its many murals depicting various scenes from the Mahabharata and is therefore recognized as a national landmark. Legend has it that it was built by Parasurama. Non-Hindus are not allowed inside the temple.

Address: Swaraj Round N, Kuruppam, Tekkinkadu Maidan, Thrissur, Kerala 680001.

Temple Timings: 5:00 AM to 11:00 AM, 5:00 PM to 6:25 PM.



17. Chottanikkara Temple:

Chottanikkara Temple is believed to be the most popular temple in Kerala, dedicated to the worship of Mahalakshmi, the goddess of love. This temple is located at Chottanikkara in Kochi. It is one of the most beautiful temples in Kerala with a wood carving design style similar to the Sabarimala temple. It is believed that those suffering from mental illness will recover if they visit the temple.


Address: Chottanikkara, Kochi, Kerala 682312.

Temple Timings: 3:30 AM to 11:30 AM, 4:00 PM to 7:30 PM.

District Wise List of Top 5 Temples in Kerala:



1. Thiruvananthapuram:

Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Pajawangadi Ganapati Temple

Attukal Bhagwati Temple

Old Srikantheswara Temple

Major Vellayani Devi Temple




2. Kollam:

Kottarakkulam Sri Mahaganapati Temple

Valiya Koonambaikulam Temple

Sri Putiyakavu Bhagwati Temple

Sri Umamaheswara Swamy Temple

Ashram Sri Krishna Swamy Temple




3. Alappuzha:

Kidangamparambu Sri Bhuvaneshwari Temple

Venkatachalapati Temples (Mullakkal)

Sri Krishna Swamy Temple, Ambalapuja

Chakkalatukavu Devi Temple

Chettikulangara Bhagwati Temple




4. Pathanamthitta:

Malayalapooja Devi Temple

Tajur Bhagwati Temple

Sri Koduntara Subrahmanya Swamy Temple

Small Sri Raktakanthaswamy Temple

Pandalam Mahadev temple




5. Kottayam:

Tirunakkara Mahadeva Temple

Taliyil Mahadeva Temple

Kumaranallur Kartyayani Devi Temple

Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple

Pallipuratukavu Devi Temple




6. Idukki:

Mangala Devi Kannaki Temple

Ulupuni Shri Arthanariswara Temple

Sri Krishna Swamy Temple

Kojikkanam Devi Temple

Vellappara Devi Temple




7. Ernakulam:

Ernakulam Shiva Temple

Sri Poornathrayisha Temple

Ameda Temple

Trikkakkara Vamana Murthy Temple

Mahadeva Temple




8. Thrissur:

Sri Vadakkumnathan Shiva Temple

Paramekkavu Bhagwati Temple Thrissur

Tiruvambadi Sri Krishna Temple

Punkunnam Shiva Temple

Urakathamma Tiruvadi Temple




9. Palakkad:

Bhagwati Temple

Sri Aemur Bhagwati Temple

Vishnu Temple

Exmoor Bhagwati Temple

Manapulli Bhagwati Temple




10. Malappuram:

Podiyattupara Mahadeva Temple

Sri Kadampula Bhagwati Temple

Tirunavaya Nava Mukunda Temple

Sri Tripurantaka Mahashiv Temple Malappuram

Sri Triprangodu Shiva Kshetra




11. Kozhikode:

Thali Temple Kozhikode

Namakkal Devi Temple

Sri Kantheswara Temple

Thiruvachira Sri Krishna Temple

Talikkunu Maha Shiva Temple




12. Wayanad:

Tirunelli Sri Maha Vishnu Temple

Sita Devi Temple

Valliyurkau Melekeku

Majuvannur Maha Shiva Temple

Sri Chingeri Bhagwati Temple




13. Kannur:

Sri Sundareswara Temple

Railway Muttappan Temple Kannur

Pillar Kovil

Kalarivatukkal Bhagwati Temple

Trichambaram Temple




14. Kasaragod:

Sri Varadaraja Venkataramana Temple

Mallikarjuna Temple

Sri Anantapadmanabha Swamy Temple

Trikkanad Tryambakeswara Temple

Nagarajakatte Temple, Kasargod


There are countless temples in Kerala. Kerala has at least two important temples in every district and is rich in heritage and architecture. Kerala is not only an attractive tourist destination but also a must visit place for Hindus. Unlike temples in other states, Kerala temples have strict guidelines that must be followed to preserve the sanctity of the sacred temples. Many temples are not open to non-Hindus and strict dress codes are enforced. It is essential to study the temple rules before visiting them.