Thiruvananthapuram Temples

Kerala is home to some of the best architecture in India and temple architecture is one of their forms. The Hindu temples in Kerala have been standing for hundreds of years, built by the kings who once ruled this part of India. Even today, they never fail to impress the visitors with their ornate facades and the deities they have inside are deeply revered. The construction of the temples, even all those years ago, was based on scientific engineering, which is why even after so many years, they happen to stand tall and strong. Visiting Thiruvananthapuram may not make you a religious person if you are an atheist, but it is sure to instill in you an appreciation for the immense love and respect the people have for their gods.

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1. Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Arguably the most impressive, and the main temple in the city, the temple is especially known because of the immense wealth it possesses. There are several vaults in the temple and all of them have been opened by the Government except Vault B. It is said that no one has dared to open Vault B until now because astrologers have predicted that whoever opens the vault will meet with disastrous consequences. The main deity of the temple is Lord Vishnu, who is found here in the Anantha Shayanam pose, meaning eternal yogic sleep. Two more shrines reside within the temple, one dedicated to Ugra Narsimha and the other to Lord Krishna, both of them later avatars of Vishnu. The Narsimha avatar has the lord with the body of a human and the torso of a lion. The Gopuram, which is the tower at the entrance of the temple is gold plated. Usually, one does not get to see Gopurams in the temples of Kerala, the Padmanabhaswamy Temple is a mix of Dravidian and Keralite architecture. Women are only allowed inside the temple if they are wearing a saree, a dhoti or a long skirt.

2. Attakul Bhagavathy Temple

The Attakul Temple, as this temple in otherwise known, is one of the most famous temples of the Trivandrum city. It was recently in the news because the temple had never wanted to grant entry to women aged nine to fifty inside the temple and the women were finally protesting against it. It is said that everyone who visits the temple goes back with a lot of positive energy and it is said that is because of the peaceful environment and the blessings of the Goddess Kannaki. The temple is located just about 2 km away from the Padmanabhaswamy Temple and it has entered the Guinness Book of World Records because 3 million women come to this temple every year during the festival of Pongal to offer their prayers to make preparations for the festival in the temple. In fact, visiting the temple during Pongal is one of the most stunning experiences you will have.

3. Pazhavangadi Ganapthy Temple

Dedicated to Lord Ganesh, who is the main deity to be worshipped here, there are other gods and goddesses as well who receive prayers and offerings like Dharmasasta,Goddess Durga and Nagaraja. The temple, like many other temples in Kerela has very strict dressing code and it is mandatory for the men to wear a Mundu or a Dhoti and go bare-chested. For the women, it has to be a saree. The main offering made to Lord Ganesh is a coconut which is broken outside the sanctum. One of the most striking features of the temple is that the inner walls are carved with sculptures depicting 32 different forms of Lord Ganesh, including Bal Ganpati or the child Ganesh, Vira Ganapati or the valiant one, and many others.

4. Aazhimala Siva Temple

This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and lies only 20 km from the main city of Trivandrum. It is located on the Poovar islands in Kovalam. The temple is not very large like the other temples but its position overlooking the Arabian Sea gives it a very dreamy appearance. The sound of the water that hits the rocks outside can be heard inside the temple and it creates a very soothing ambience which is very comforting to the devotees. Because of its wonderful location and the beautiful countryside where it is located, it is a recommended place of visit in Kerela even if one is not a devotee.

5. Karikkakom Chamundi Devi Temple

The temple architecture is purely Kerala style and so it is very striking. The temple is located in the outskirts of the Trivandrum city and there are three forms of the Goddess that are worshipped here of Chamundi Devi- Maha Chamundi, Bala Chamundi and Raktha Chamundi. The Goddess Chamunda is deeply revered and feared in the Hindu religion. There is an idol made of panch- loha or five kinds of irons, which is also considered very sacred. During the time of February to March, this temple attracts thousands of women from the nearby villages, who come here to make their offering of Pongal. A parade takes place outside the temple where the Goddess is carried on a gold chariot.

6. Vellayani Devi Temple

This temple is located about 10 km away from Trivandrum and is a temple dedicated to Goddess Durga. A very famous festival is held here once during three years- the Kaliyootu Mahorsavam. It is believed that the Goddess grants everyone’s wishes and those who want a child especially come here to worship.

7. Hanuman Swamy Temple

The temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman is located about 5 km from the East Fort, in Palayam in Trivandrum. It is a principal Hanuman Temple in all of Kerela. The temple is located on a parallel road to the Legislative Assembly. The devotees come here to worship for strength and integrity. Lord Hanuman is known as Sankatmochan and so it is believed that worshipping him will relieve one of all worries.

The temples in the city are also historical places in Thiruvananthapuram and aside from the deities, the temple’s sanctorum contains many important deeds and documents which are treasure trove of information when it comes to the history of the land in the past. The temples in Kerala are noted for their architecture and are still studied by those who want to learn about temple construction and traditional styles. Entry to all the temples is of course free, but be sure to ask whether photography is permitted or not. The temples have strict codes of decorum and visitors are not allowed entry till they are followed. Visiting the temples will offer a glimpse about how the people of the Kerala uphold their customs and traditions and it can be a truly learning experience.

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