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Attukal
Attukal is a Hindu pilgrim center in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India. The Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, one of the ancient temples of South India, is popularly described as Sabarimala of the Women.
Attukal is about 2km South east to Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple at Kizhakkekotta (East Fort) in Thiruvananthapuram City. Attukal Pongala is the main festival of this temple. Millions of ladies gather every year in February/March (Month Kumbham in Malayalam Calender [Kumbham-Pooram Star]) around this temple and prepare "Pongala" (Rice cooked with ingredients Jaggery, Ghee, and Coconut etc.) in open places in small pots to please the GODDESS KANNAKI. At the time of festival nearly five kilometers around the temple becomes covered with smoke from the temporary 'Aduppu' (temporary hearth made of 3 to 9 bricks).. Tourists from other countries also participate in "Attukal Pongala". The festival which found place in the Guinness Book of World Records is celebrated by Malayalees.
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Padmanabhaswamy Temple
Padmanabhaswamy temple is a famous Hindu temple of Lord Vishnu, located inside the Fort in city of Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India. The temple is one of the 108 divya desam, the holiest abodes of Lord Vishnu and the main deity, Padmanabhaswamy is a form of Vishnu in Anananthasayanam posture (in eternal sleep of yognidra). This is an ancient temple and the city of Thiruvananthapuram derives its name from the name of the presiding deity enshrined in the temple.
The majestic 18-feet-long idol of the principal deity at the sprawling Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple is found to have been covered in gold and invaluable precious stones, spurring an unprecedented swell in the flow of devotees to the centuries-old shrine here.
The temple, situated in the heart of the city at East Fort, is still under the direct control of the erstwhile Travancore Royal Family, whose head visits the temple every morning for a special darshan, when others are not permitted inside.
A 56-day-long `Murajapam', which is performed once in six years, is now underway. Since this is the first Murajapam of this century, a lot of significance is attached to the ritual this time.
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St. Mary's Church, Niranam
One of the most ancient churches in the world which was founded by St. Thomas and also contains the mortal remains of St. Thomas. One of the Seven and half churches founded by St. Thomas in Kerala.
St. Mary's Orthodox Syrian Church, Niranam, popularly known as Niranam Valiyapally, is a parish under the Niranam diocese of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. This church was founded by St. Thomas (Mar Thoma), the Apostle of Jesus Christ, in AD 54. The present building, supposedly the fourth, was constructed in 1912 and was reinforced during the year 2000. Among the attractions at the church are a huge Cross made of granite, relics of St. Thomas, remnants of the old church, the golden cross etc
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Jewish Synagogue, Mattanchery
When in Kerala, plan a visit to few of these places – as the Jewish Synagogue in Kochi – and see how they have blended tradition with architecture with loopholes from where the rich culture of India can seep in.
Among all the common wealth countries of the world, the Jewish Synagogue, Kochi is the oldest existing synagogue. The prosperous Jewish trading community built it in 1568 AD. It was partially destroyed in the 1962 war. Later it was rebuilt by the Dutch. This speaks for the historical importance of the monument.
As far as the architecture of the Jewish Synagogue in Kochi is concerned, it is wrapped with painted Chinese tiles. None of these tiles resemble the other. In the mid 18th century, the clock tower was attached to the main building of the synagogue. The interior of the Jewish Synagogue at Kochi is adorned with Belgian chandeliers and grand lightings.
The monument of Jewish Synagogue of Kochi is rich enough for alluring tourists. But it has some more important attractive collections. The synagogue still has rolls of Old Testament, old copper plates that have souvenirs and records of the privileges bestowed upon the Rajahs of Kochi. These souvenirs also include beautifully carved silver and golden crowns.
The Jewish Synagogue, Kochi is one of the exemplary sightseeing spots in Kerala. For public viewing, the synagogue remains open from 10 am to 12 noon and again from 3 pm to 5 pm every day except Saturdays and Jewish holidays. Being centrally located in Mattancherry, the synagogue is easily accessible. The nearest airport to the Jewish Synagogue, Kochi is the Cochin International Airport. Ernakulam Junction is the nearest railway station 10 km away and Mattancherry is well connected with metaled roads with the nearby towns and cities.
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St. Francis church, Fort, Kochi
St. Francis Church, originally dedicated to Santo Antonio, the patron Saint of Portugal, is the first European Church in India. Situated at Parade Road, 2 Km west of Mattancherry in Fort Cochin, this church is a living historical monument and one of the main tourist attractions in Fort Kochi.
Being a modest unpretentious structure, The St. Francis Church has no particular architectural merit, but it stands as a landmark of history and church architecture of India. It is interesting to note that numerous churches have been built in India keeping the St. Francis church as the model. It has been raised on a plan similar to the earlier types prevalent in Kerala, though in elevation this Church has discarded the idea of dominating tower over the chance. The interior of the church offer little apart from the tombs set into the walls and the floor.
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Beemapalli
The holy shrine of Beema Beevi, more popularly known as Beemappalli, which is held sacred by Muslims as well as others, is situated about five kilometers southwest of the Trivandrum Central Railway Station, on the beach road leading to Poonthura via Valiyathura. Beemappalli is a shrine dedicated to the hallowed memory of Beema Beevi, a pious and devoted muslim lady gifted with divine powers. It is one of the most distinguished mosques in Kerala, which draws large gatherings. Pilgrims of all ages from all communities can be seen heading towards the shrine all along the routes during this festival.
Of the festivals celebrated here, the Chandanakuda Mahotsavam is, by far, the most important. The festival is in commemoration of the death anniversary of Beema Beevi. Celebrated with much pomp and gaiety is begins on the first of Jamadul Akhar (March-April) of the Hijra year and lasts for ten years. On all days during the festival pilgrims throne the shrine to pay homage to Beema Beevi. The largest influx of pilgrims, however, takes place on the last day of the festival ie. on the tenth of Jamadul Akhar when the entire locality turns into a veritable ocean of humanity.
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Ochira
Location : 34 km north of Kollam town
Nearest Railway station : Ochira, a few minutes drive from the temple.
Nearest airport : Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, 105 km
This is a unique place of worship, which has neither a structure to house and idol to worship. The Universal Consciousness is the presiding deity here.
Ochira Kali, the annual festival at the Parabrahma temple highlights the martial skills of the participants. The historical background of the festival is linked with the erstwhile rulers of the princely states of Kayamkulam and Ambalappuzha. These rulers are said to have fought a battle at this place, and the festival is conducted to commemorate the historical event. On the festive days, martial displays are presented in the morning, turning the Padanilam (battle field) into an arena of action-packed artistry. Men, irrespective of age, engage in mock duels, wielding wooden sticks in their hands on a vast ground filled with water up to the knee level.
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Niranam
Location : 7 km from Thiruvalla.
Nearest Railway station : Thiruvalla, 7 km.
Nearest airport : Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, 119 km.
Seven km from Thiruvalla, the famous Niranam church is believed to be among one of the seven-and–a-half churches originally established by St. Thomas in Kerala. This church displays a marked influence of ancient temple architecture and is a renowned centre of worship for the Christian community.
This is also the birth place of poets and social reformers popularly known as the Karnassa Kavikal. The St. Thomas Art Gallery here has been built by an Ecumenical body known as Niranam Thomathu Kadavu Smaraka Trust.
Sabarimala
Location : 72 km from Pathanamthitta; 191 km from
Thiruvananthapuram; 210 km from Kochi.
Nearest Railway station : Thiruvalla, 102 km.
Nearest airport : Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, 190
km; Kochi International Airport, 220 km.
Sabarimala is one of India’s most renowned pilgrim centres, perched a top the ragged hills of the Western Ghats. This holy shrine is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. The sanctorum is 914 metres above sea level, amidst the virgin wilderness. The hill is named after Sabari who did severe penance in order to meet Lord Rama.
Sabarimala Sri Dharmasastha temple is the most venerated and prominent among all Sastha temples. It is believed that Parasurama Maharshi who uplifted Kerala from the sea by throwing his axe and installed the idol of Ayyappa at Sabarimala.
The pilgrimage season begins in the month of November and ends in January. The temple attracts devotees not only from the southern states of India, but also from other parts of the country and abroad.
The unique feature of Sabarimala is that it is open to people of all faiths and many non-Hindus undertake pilgrimage to this temple. Its secular aspect is best exemplified by the existence of the 'Vavar Nada', in honour of a Muslim saint in close proximity to the main temple, by the side of Holy Pathinettampady (18 steps). Pilgrims also worship at this shrine. Devotees on their pilgrimage to Sabarimala visit the Erumeli Sree Dharma Sastha temple and perform Petta Thullal. They also worship at the mosque at Erumeli as part of their pilgrimage.
The Ayyappa cult upholds secularism and communal harmony, and has turned out to be a model for the whole world. Another significant aspect of the temple is that all pilgrims, whether rich or poor, learned or illiterate, holding high-office or not, master or servant, are all equal before Lord Ayyappa. Devotees address each others as Ayyappa.
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Kodungallur Bhagavathi Temple
Location : 35 km from Kochi and Thrissur.
Nearest Railway station : Kochi 35 km; Thrissur 35 km.
Nearest airport : Kochi International Airport, 45 km.
The small country-town of Kodungallur is situated on the west coast, 35 km from Thrissur and Kochi. It was once a great port of the Chera rulers of Tamilnadu. Known to the ancient Greeks as Muziris, the town is immersed in rich history. Kodungallur is wedged between backwaters and the Arabian Sea.
St. Thomas, apostle of Christ, is believed to have landed in Kodungallur in 52 AD. He is portrayed in the gospels as a courageous and challenging personality. He had preached the gospels from Ethiopia to China. Many a church in West Asia considers him as the father of Christian faith. At Kodungallur, he establishes the first Christian church in India and is the architect behind other churches in Kerala: Kottakkavu, Palayur, Kollam, Kokkamangalam, Niranam and Nilackal.
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Cheraman Juma Masjid
This mosque in Kodungallur resembles a Hindu temple in appearance. It was earlier made of wood. Built in 629 AD AD, this is first mosque in India where Juma prayers were started. Recently, changes have been made, and it now has concrete minarets. The interiors remain wooden, with a traditional Kerala oil lamp right at the centre. This lamp is of great significance to people of all religions. Some of them bring oil for the lamp on auspicious occasions of major family events.
Kalady
Location : 10 km from Angamally.
Nearest Railway station : Angamally, 10 km; Aluva 23 km.
Nearest airport : Kochi International Airport, 6 km
Adi Sankara, the first Sankara in his lineage, reverentially called Bhagavatpada Acharya (the ‘teacher at the feet of the Lord’), was born at kalady. He was the most famous Advaita Philosopher of the 8th century, who had a profound influence on the growth of Hinduism through his non-dualistic philosophy. He advocated the greatness and importance of the important Hindu scriptures, the Vedas (most particularly on the Upanishads), spoke of a spirituality founded on reason and without dogma or ritualism. Adi Sankara gave a vibrant new life to Hinduism at a time when Buddhism and Jainism were gaining popularity. He is considered the founder of the Dasanami Sannyasin.
There is a shrine dedicated to adi Sankara in the name of Dakshimurthy, and a temple of goddess Sharada. An ancient Sree Krishna temple is located close by, which was the family temple of Adi Sankara, known as the ‘International Temple’, dedicated to Sree Ramakrishna. There is also called the Crocodile Ghat, where this great philosopher took his vows of renunciation.
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Malayattoor Church
Location : 52 km from Kochi; 10 km from Kalady. Accessible
by road from all parts of Kerala
Nearest Railway station : Angamally, 17 km
Nearest airport : Kochi International Airport, 15 km
Located 52 km from Kochi, the Malayattoor church is perched atop the 609-metre-high Kurishumudi, on Malayattoor Hills on the Western Ghat, grilled partially by the river Periyar. The church is dedicated to St. Thomas, who is believed to have prayed here. One of the most important Christian pilgrim centres in Kerala, this holy shrine attracts devotees in very large numbers, not only from Kerala but also from the neighbouring states. The church has a life-size status of St. Thomas and the imprint of the apostle on a rock. This shrine has now been accorded the status of an international pilgrim centre.
Guruvayoor
Location : 29 km west of Thrissur Well-connected to
neighbouring places by good motorable roads
Nearest Railway station : Guruvayoor, 2 km; Thrissur 18 km.
Nearest airport : Kochi International Airport, 87 km
Located 29 km north-west of Thrissur, Guruvayoor is one of the most important pilgrimage centres of South India. Guruvayoor is also hailed as 'Bhoolokavaikunta' (Heaven on Earth) and 'Dwaraka of the South'.
The idol of the Sree Krishna temple is said to have been left this earth for his heavenly abode, and the holy city of Dwaraka was to be submerged, Guru (the Preceptor of the Gods) and Vayu (the Lord of the Winds), were entrusted with the task of finding an equally holy spot for the idol. At the end of a quest for an appropriate site, they entered Kerala and met Parasurama, the legendary creator of Kerala. He led them to a beautiful lake full of lotuses, (the present temple tank, Rudratirtha), beside which Shiva and Parvati waited to welcome them. The idol was fully installed at this spot and lovingly called Guruvayoorappan, or Lord of Guruvayur.
The temple is renowned for its healing powers. Several offerings are made to the deity - from the simple Archana (offering of flowers) to the expensive and elaborate Udayastamana Pooja and Thulabharam, where a devotee is weighed against bananas, sugar, jaggery or coconuts or other articles.
Guruvayoor is popular venue for weddings and annaprasanam, the ritual first feeding ceremony of a child. The temple is said to host more weddings and infant feeding ceremonies than any other shrine in Kerala.
Right in front of the temple, there is a huge 24-feet high tower of light. It has 13c discs including the basement. Inside the temple, there are four Deepasthambhams made of brass. The eastern tower is 33 feet and the western tower 27 feet in height.
In the outer enclosure (Chuttambalam) is a 33.5-metre-high gold-plated Dwajasthambham (flag post). There is also a 7-metre-tall deepastambham (pillar of lamps), with 13 circular receptacles providing a gorgeous spectacle when lit. Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple.
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Parassinikkadavu Muthappan Temple
Location : 20 km form Kannur
Nearest Railway station : Kannur, 20 km
Nearest airport : Mangalore, 120 km from kannur town; Karipur
International Airport at Kozhikode 93 km from
Kannur town.
This centre of worship and faith has in store many unique practices and rituals, and the temple architecture itself stands testimony to this aspect. Located 20 km away from Kannur, a northern district of Kerala, the Parassinikkadavu Muthappan (Siva) Temple on the banks of the Valapattanam river attracts people from all sections of the society; irrespective of religion, caste and promotes the essence of Vasudaiva Kutumbakam (‘the whole world is one family’).
The temple is also a popular destination for travelers and pilgrims to savour the charm of Theyyam, a ritual that is performed here on a daily basis. Men adorning masks and costumes with a riot of colours perform this temple art form and it represents conflict between good and evil, with good ultimately emerging victorious.
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