There are numerous temples located in Kerala which are devoted to different Gods and Goddesses of Hindu Mythology. Vadukkumnathan Temple,Padmanabhaswamy temple, Vaikom Temple,Mannarshala Temple,Ananthapura Lake Temple, the Chottanikkara Temple and the Ambalapuzha Temple are the most famous temples of the state which have been built in an exquisite traditional style. The temples of Kerala shows an exclusive form of architecture constructed with amalgamation of bricks, stone, wood, laterite etc. The main stress is laid upon expressing naturalism through a unique form of architecture. These temples reflectinviolability and modesty.  The earlier shrines constructed in Kerala were dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu, and their manifestations like Rama, Krishna, Vamana, Parasurama etc. Later the shrines dedicated to Katikeya and Ganesha were also established.

The history of Kerala is very primitive, related to the Cheras of the 3rd century B.C. During fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, few works regarding temple architecture were scripted in Kerala.  Tamil Alwar saints and Nayanmar Saints also gave the reference of the temple architecture of Kerala.

Most Famous Temples

Padmanabhaswami Temple at Tiruvananthapuram

The Padmanabhaswami Temple at Tiruvananthapuram dates back to many centuries. This temple is famous for a grand idol of the main deity which is a state of arts work. This idol is eighteen feet high and is embellished with gold and other precious stones. Numerous devotees come to this historic shrine to see this majestic idol. The idol is unique one as it is made up of Kudasarkara that is a mixture made by using various expensive ingredients like several Ayurvedic herbs.  It is engraved with Salagramam and because usually Kudusarkara idols are not decorated with Salagramam, this adds to the exclusiveness of this idol.

Attukal Bhagavathy Temple - Women's Sabarimala

This temple is known as the Sabarimala of the Women as it is mostly visited by the female devotees. It is an ancient temple devoted to the Goddess Attukal. Goddess is considered to be the Supreme Mother. The people coming to visit the Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple compulsorily visit the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, to take the blessings of the Goddess, who is the mighty creator of the all living beings and the powerful destroyer and savior of all the living beings. Bhagavathi is an incarnation of Vishnumaya that aims to obliterate the evil and guard the existence of good in the present Kalyug.

Ayyappan Temple at Sabarimala

One of the most popular pilgrimage places of Kerala is the Ayyappan Temple located at the Sabarimala. It is located in the Sahyadri Mountains in the Western Ghats. There is a legend behind this temple that the idol of Ayyappa at this place was installed by a saint named Parasurama Maharshi who saved Kerala from the sea by flinging his axe. At this place the pilgrims start coming in the month of November till January. Ayyappan temple is not only visited by the devotees from South India but many pilgrims from all over the country and different parts of the world come here.

Chettikulangara Temple at Puthupalli

Chettikulangara Sree Bhagavathy Templeis located at Chettikulangara in the Alappuzha district of Kerala. This temple is famous for the celebration of the Chettikulangara Festival. This festival is celebrated as a dedication to Goddess Bhadrakali. This colorful festival occurs in the Kumbham month of the Malayalam Calendar. Large numbers of devotees rush here during this month to celebrate this festival on Bharani asterism.

Chotanikara Bhagawati Temple at Chotanikara

Another famous pilgrimage center for the Hindus in Kerala, the land of temples is the Chotanikara Bhagawati Temple.This temple has a prominent status among the devotees because it is believed that worshipping in this temple continuously for a long time can cure various illnesses. The towered Sanctuary of the temple known as the Vimana is decorated with many beautiful oil paintings. The celebrations done here on the occasion of the Navaratri festival are very jovial and cheerful. Many devotees visit to see the splendor of Navratri at Chotanikara.

The other important festival of the temple is the Makom Thozal or the worship on the day of Makom, which is celebrated in the Malayam month of Kumbham that falls in the months of February or March. The belief has it that the Goddess Bhagavathy gave Darsan to Vilwamangalam Swamiyar      on the day of Makom in her full attire. And also gave her darsan to her devotees in special appearances each year on this day. Bajanam are conducted at the temple to get rid of the evil.

Ettumanoor Mahadevar Temple at Ettumanoor

This temple is located at a distance of thirteen kilometers fromKottayam, an important town in Kerala state. This temple is popular for its 'Ezharaponnana' and 'Kedavilakku'. There are certain myths that Pandavas as well as Vyasa worshipped in this temple centuries ago.This temple is considered to be the richest Devaswom of the entire state as it has various priceless possessions.  During the Kumbham month of the Malayam Calender i.e in the months of February or March, on the Thiruvathira day, Arattu festival is celebrated here with great fervor.  Majority of the devotees throng the temple on the eighth and the tenth day of this festival because on these days seven and half elephants which are made from thirteen kilograms of gold are exhibited to the public.

Parassinikkadavu Temple

The Shri Muthappan Temple at Parassinikkadavuis located at the picturesque beauty on the banks of the river Valapattanam. It is located eighteen kilometers away from Kannur. The beauty of the natural surroundings of this temples spell bounds the viewers. As per the legends it is a sanctified site. The uniqueness of this place is also because Theyyam is performed here throughout the year which is open to all. It is a sought after site for the tourists as the experience of the boat ride in the broad river that opens up in the blue sea is very delightful. The snake park lies on the way to the temple. In this park snakes are demonstrated every hour.