Temples

Siva Temple, Thalikkotta (2 km from Kottayam): The place of worship of the erstwhile Thekkumkoor royal family. Annual festival - ten day utsavam (April-May), Sivarathri (January-February)

Mahadevar Temple, Ettumanoor (12 km north of Kottayam town): This temple is famous for its murals, especially the painting of Nataraja in the gopuram and ezharaponnana (the 7 1/2 elephants finished in gold) Festival:Ezharaponnana ezhunallathu (10 days in February/March)

Shiva Temple, Vaikom (40 km from Kottayam town): Associated with the legendary Parasurama, this temple is a typical example of the Kerala style of temple architecture. More popular as the Kasi of the South, this temple is famous for its elephant pageants and traditional art performances. Annual festival - Vaikathashtami (November/December)

Thirunakkara Mahadevar Temple: In the heart of Kottayam town is this 500 year old temple built by the Thekkumkoor Maharajah. This temple built in the Kerala style of architecture has colourful murals on its walls which are worth exploring. The Koothambalam, the special building in the temple premises used for cultural purposes, is one of the best in Kerala.

Saraswathi Temple, Panachikkad: This temple, also known as the Mookambika Temple of the South, holds the Saraswathi (goddess of learning and the arts) pooja every year in October/November. Children are initiated into the world of letters at the Vidhyarambham ceremony held here.

Surya Temple, Adityapuram: The only temple in Kerala dedicated to Aditya, the sun god. The first and last Sundays of the zodiacs Scorpio ( November- December) and Aries (April - May) are considered auspicious.

Bhagavathy Temple, Ambalakkadavu: The Arattu ritual of the Thirunakkara Mahadevar Temple takes place here. Festival: Vishu (April/May)

Pallipurathukavu: Festival: Patham udaya mahotsavam. Famous ritual offering: Nadel Thiyattu performance.

Bhagavathy Temple, Manarcad: Centuries old temple dedicated to goddess Bhadrakali. Main events: Kalamezhuthupattu, Kumbha bharani, Meena bharani, Patham udayam, Mandalam chirappu.

Kavil Bhagavathy Temple, Changanacherry(18 km from Kottayam): Built by one of the Thekkumkoor Maharajas. Festival: Kavil chirappu (December - January)
Sree Subramanya Swami Temple, Perunna(20 km from Kottayam): Festival: Pallimetta utsavam (November - December)

Siva Temple, Vazhappalli, Changanacherry ( 17 km from Kottayam): Famous for its sculptures.

Kalkulathukavu Temple, Vazhappalli: This temple is famous for its Mudiyeduppu utsavam (festival) celebrated once in 12 years and the rare art forms connected with it. The procession carrying madhu (honey), kulavazha (plantain tree with the fruit), bhairavi purapadu and darika vadha purappadu etc. is a grand affair.


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