Temples in Kerala

Vaikom Sree Mahadeva Temple. Kottayam, Kerala



Vaikom in Kottayam district of the southern state of India, Kerala, is one of the main pilgrim centres of the south. Famous for the Vaikkath Asthami celebrations in November/December, it is one of the few temples which is held in reverence by both Shaivaites and the Vaishnavaites. Vaikkom’s Shiva is fondly called Vaikkathappan. The Shiva Linga here is believed to be from the ‘Treta yuga’ and considered as one of the oldest temples in Kerala where pooja has not been broken since inception.

Erumely Sree Dharma Sastha Temple, Erumeli, Kottayam



Erumely Sree Dharma Sastha Temple main centre of pilgrims to Sabarimala. Traditional foot track is from here. Pilgrims gather here pay homage to vavar at muslim mosque and petta thullal is performed. The hindu muslim unity is at its best and good to imitate to rest of our country. The temple situates in Erumeli of Kottayam district. In Kottayam-Kumali route 12 kms away from 26th mile stop. The presiding deity is Sasthavu, facing the cast. Thanthram is Thazhamon. The sub-deity is Bhagavathy.

Thirunelli Temple, Thirunelli, Wayanad



Thirunelli Temple (also Tirunelli) is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu on the side of Brahmagiri hill in Kerala. The Temple is located at an altitude of about 900m in north Wayanad in a valley surrounded by mountains and beautiful forests. It is situated 32 km away from Manathavady. Thirunelli temple is located in the Brahmagiri hills and encircled by the river Papanasini. It is a holy mountain spring in which people perform the last ancestral rites. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple building is an ideal example of temple architecture with 30 granite pieces supporting the shrine and the floor paved with huge square granite blocks.

Thirunelli Temple, Wayanad, Kerala

Thirunelli Temple (also Tirunelli and Thirunelly) is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu on the side of Brahmagiri hill in Kerala. The Temple is located at an altitude of about 900m in north Wayanad in a valley surrounded by mountains and beautiful forests. It is situated 32 km away from Manathavady.

The temple building is an ideal example of temple architecture with 30 granite pieces supporting the shrine and the floor paved with huge square granite blocks.

Thirunelli temple is popularly known as “Kashi of South” or “Thekkan Kashi”. The main festival celebrations in the temple are Chuttuvilakku, Puthari, Sivarthri, Sreekrishnajayanti and Navarathri.

According to popular legend, the Thirunelli Temple in Wayanad, Kerala, South India was constructed by the creator, Lord Brahma himself and dedicated to the worship of Lord Vishnu. Famous incarnation of Lord Vishnu Parasurama is reputed to have visited Thirunelli and performed last rites at the death of his father sage Jamadagni. He also took immersion in the Papanasini to wipe away sins committed in killing Kshatriyas.














Water is transported from a perennial mountain stream deep in the valley via impressive stone aqueducts right into the priests room.



Panchatheertham is the holy temple pond. One notable feature of the temple is the lack of a temple well in the premises.









Thirunelli is famous as the destination to perform last rites of the deceased at the rock close to Papa nasini stream. Parts of the temple including sanctum sanctorium is being renovated. Renovation activities can be seen on one side of the temple where sculpted stones and beautiful wood carvings are under preparation.

Papanasini Emanating from the heart of Brahmagiri flowing through roots, leaves and flowers of ancient trees and medicinal herbs, Papanasini is a holy mountain stream accessible around 1 km North west of the temple premises. One dip in the cold Papanasini waters in reputed to wash away all sins committed in a life time. It is further believed that Papanasini is the confluence of river Ganga and Saraswathy.