Religious history

In the ancient days, the people followed an independent religious philosophy related with Dravidian practices. Around 3rd Century B.C., Jainism and Buddhism came into the district. It was the Jainism that set foot in the region. For more than 700 years, Buddhism flourished in the southern region of Kerala. Idols of Sri Buddha recovered from Karumady, Maruthukulangara, Mavelikkara, Bharanikkavu, Kunnathur, Pallikkal etc show that influence of Buddhism was more in Kollam and Alappuzha districts than any other regions of Kerala.  The Kavus (sacred groves) existed throughout these districts were once the Buddhist shrines. These sacred groves were not mere worship places but also educational institutions and martial training centres known as Kalari. Some of the shrines were hospitals also. The special oil given for rheumatic patients from Sastha Temple at Thakazhy, Special prasadam given from the Mahadeva Temple at Thiruvizha that cures some type of mental disorders, special offering of cooked rice with thal (tender stem of yam) from Dhanwanthari Temple at Maruthorvattom for stomach ailments are few examples to cite. Now almost all these sacred groves have been converted into temples of Goddess Durga or Lord Sastha. Revival of Hinduism by Brahmin scholars in 800-1000 AD gradually wiped out Buddhism from Kerala. Some argue that Buddha continued to be worshipped as Sastha or Ayyappa in Kerala and the recital of Swami Sharanam has been derived from Budham Sharanam. Efforts of Sri Sankaracharya and Bhakthi movement donated much for the promotion of Hinduism. However, a stratified society formed in Kerala causing divisions based on caste and social evils like untouchability. People belonging to lower castes were not allowed to enter temples. Chattambi Swamikal and Sree Narayana Guru, two renowned saints played significant roles for uplifting the down-trodden and against the evil practices in the society. Agitations like Vaikom Sathyagraha, Guruvayur Sathyagraha for temple entry and revolutionary movements that took place in the early 20th century paved path to Temple Entry Proclamation of 1936 by the Maharajah of erstwhile Travancore. Thereby the temples of erstwhile Travancore were opened to all Hindu believers irrespective of caste. 

Christianity came to Kerala in 52 A.D. One of the seven and half churches that Apostle Thomas established in Kerala is at Niranam in the district. Islam religion spread in the district after 7th Century A.D.  Muslims constitute a considerable portion in the population of the district. Communal harmony and religious tolerance are the remarkable characteristics of the people of the district.

Antiquity and deities

Antiquity of the temples of district cannot be determined in terms of age of the idol or structures of the temple. The antiquity of each temple may, therefore, be decided based on legend or history. The deities of the district are mainly Goddess Bhadrakali or Bhagavathy, Lord Vishnu, Lord Siva, Lord Ganapathy, Lord Subramanya, Lord Sastha etc based on various kalpa or sankalpa (concept). According to the available data, Durga temples and Vishnu temples constitute largest number in the district. Majority of temples in the district is dedicated to Goddes Durga/Bhagavathy/Bhadrakali (43 per cent). 21 per cent temples are dedicated to Lord Vishnu and 14 per cent of the temples dedicated to Lord Siva. Temples of Sastha Kalpa constitute 10 per cent. Temples of Subramanya Kalpa, Ganapathy Kalpa, combined Kalpa etc. constitute 12 per cent.

Administration

Important Temples

SRI KRISHNA TEMPLE, AMBALAPUZHA

Location: Ambalapuzha is situated about 13 km south of Alappuzha.
Panchayat: Ambalapuzha
Village: Ambalapuzha
Nearest Railway Station: Ambalapuzha (in the Kayamkulam-Alappuzha-Ernakulam route)
Nearest Airport: Cochin (Nedumbassery) International Airport (117 km) 

Legend/History: Ambalapuzha was under the territory of Chempakasseri Raja. Historical evidences show that King Deva Narayanan, ruler of the erstwhile kingdom of Chembakasserry, built the Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple in AD 790. Legend says that the king of Chembakassery while travelling along with Sage Vilwamangalm Swamiyar heard a melodious sound of flute. Sage Villwamangalam found that the flute player was Lord Sri Krishna. He showed Lord to the king also. Both the king and sage praised the Lord and Vilwamangalm requested the king to build a suitable temple for Sri Krishna where they had seen the Lord. According to his request the King built the temple and the sage consecrated the idol of Lord Sri Krishna. The place where the temple is situated was a marshy place owned by an Ezhava farmer known as Ambanattu Panicker. The king bought the land and filled the land before constructing the temple. The idol of the deity was brought from a nearby village in a boat on the Moolam asterism day of the month Midhunam (June-July). The Chambakulam Boat Race is to commemorate the first procession of the deity to Ambalapuzha. King Deva Narayana dedicated his kingdom to Lord Sri Krishna of Ambalapuzha. In 1789, the idol of Sri Krishna from the Guruvayoor Temple was brought to Ambalappuzha foreseeing the threat from the Tippu Sultan. When Tippu lost to the Zamorin the idol was taken back to Guruvayur in 1792. The temple is famous both historically and culturally. Melpathur Narayana Bhattathiri wrote Prakriya Sarvaswam while he stayed at Ambalapuzha temple. It is believed that Thunchath Ramanujan Ezhuthachan wrote Adhyatma Ramayanam while he resided here. It was here that Kalakkaththu Kunchan Nambiar, great poet-satirist, staged the Thullal art form for the first time. Marthanda Varma, ruler of erstwhile Travancore conquered Chempakasseri in 1746 A.D and thereafter the temple was under the control of Travancore. The Dhwaja Sthambaha (flag mast) was erected by Sri Mulam Thirunal Maharaja (1885-1924) of Travancore. Now the temple is under the control of the Travancore Devaswom Board.

Special features of temple: Ambalappuzha Palpayasam, a sweet broth made of rice and milk that is served to devotees as prasadam (temple offering) is unique and acclaimed world fame. What make the Palpayasam unique and incomparable is its flavour and sweetness. In fact Ambalapuzha Palpayasam has become a synonym of sweetness.
Deity: Sri Krishna is the presiding deity worshipped as Parthasarathy (chariot driver and friend of Arjuna). Lord Siva and Goddess Parvathy are minor deities.

Festivals: The 10 day festival in Meenam (March/April) is the most important festival of temple.  During the festival there will be a grand feast known as Natakasala Sadya.  It is believed that the Lord Sri Krishna Himself present in disguise for the feast. Kalabham (smearing of sandal paste) festival from the 1st of Makaram (January / February) and Pallippana, which is held once in 12 years, are the other festivals. Velakali a kind of martial dance is an important ritualistic art form performed in front of the shrine during festival.

SUBRAMANYA TEMPLE, HARIPPAD

Location: Harippad is located 35 km south of Alappuzha.
Panchayat: Harippad
Village: Harippad
Nearest Railway Station: Harippad (in the Kayamkulam-Alappuzha-Ernakulam route)
Nearest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (122 km)

Legend/History: Among three famous Subramanya temples, Harippad stands first. (The other two Subramanya Temples are at Kidangoor and Payyannur). It is believed that the temple was constructed 3500 years ago. Till recently, the name of place was known as Arippad [means place of rice (paddy) fields]. Some are of opinion that Harippad is the corrupted form of Harigeethapuram. Legend says that the idol of the presiding deity was the one worshipped by Lord Parasurama. Some natives had a dream that the image worshipped by Lord Parasurama was immersed in the nearby Kayamkulam Lake. They found the idol and brought it to Harippad ceremoniously by water accompanied by several boats. Payippad boat race is celebrated to commemorate the ceremonious procession of the idol to Harippad. The temple has been mentioned in the works of Swathi Thirunal and Kerala Varma Valiya Koi Thampuran’s Mayura Sandesom. Kerala Varma Valiya Koi Thampuran had written the Mayura Sandesam while he was imprisoned at Harippad palace. Many historical evidences had been lost irrecoverably in a major fire accident occurred during 1921. The renovation of the temple was completed in 1926.  The only inscription in the temple in which the date has been recorded revealed that the Koothambalam (temple theatre) was constructed in 1769 A.D. The temple was under the control of Odanad (Kayamkulam) royal family till Kayamkulam was merged with Travancore in 1734. Now the temple is under the Travancore Devaswom Board.

Deity: Lord Subramanya is the presiding deity. The concept of Lord here is Skanda, the leader of divine military organization. Lord Ganapathy, Dakshinamurthy, Lord Sri Krishna (Gosala Krishnan) are the minor deities. 

Festivals: Major festivals of the temple are celebrated in the month of Chingom (August/September), Dhanu (December/January) and Medom (April/May) dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Lord Siva and Lord Subramonia respectively. Thrikarthika is also celebrated in Vrichikom (November/December) and Pooyam asterism star in the month of Makaram (January/February).

MAHA VISHNU TEMPLE, THRICHITTATT

Location: Thrichittattu is located just two kilometers from Chengannur.
Municipality: Chengannur
Village: Chengannur
Nearest Railway Station: Chengannur (02 km)
Nerest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (126 km)/Cochin (Nedumbassery) International Airport (125 km) 

Legend/History: Legend says that Yudhishtira, the eldest among the Pandava princes, established the temple. Yudhishtira is said to have established this temple as atonement for the lie told by him that Aswadhama was killed during the Kurukshethra war. Another story tells that Yudhishtira left the country after ruling 36 years along with his brothers after handing over the throne to his successor. They reached the hilly regions of Kerala. Attracted by the scenic beauty and moderate climate of the region they had decided to settle there. They had also decided to consecrate the idols of Lord Maha Vishnu that they worship daily at various places of the region. Accordingly, Yudhishtira installed his idol at Thrichittatt. His younger brothers consecrated their idols at Thripuliyur (by Bhima, second of Pandavas), Thiru Aranmula (by Arjuna, third of Pandavas), Thiruvanvandoor (by Nakula, fourth of Pandavas) and at Thrikkodithanam (by Sahadeva, fifth of Pandavas). All these temples are located within a short circle of Thrichittatt and known as Pancha Pandava Kshethra (Temples of five Pandava Brothers).  The Temple is an ancient one and considered as one of the 13 Thirupathies of Kerala that included in 108 Vishnavite temples of India. [13 Thirupathies of Kerala are: Thiruvattar, Thiruppathysaram (now in Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu), Thiruvananthapuram, Thrichittatt, Thiruvaranmula, Thrippuliyur, Thiruvanvandur, Thiruvalla, Thrikkodithanam, Thrikkakkara, Thirumoozhikkulam, Thirumittakkode and Thirunavaya]. It is believed that worshipping here would get relief of the sins. The temple once belonged to the Vanjippuzha royal family. The council for the conduct of Smarthavicharam (excommunication of Namboodiri ladies from the community) used to meet in the bathing ghat of the temple. It is believed that family of the Amrithannur Bhattathiri (judge of Smarthavicharam) and Vanchippuzha Chief became extinct due to the curse of the unfortunate victims. In 1996 the idol was damaged in an attempt of robbery and a new idol consecrated in 1997. The temple is under the Travancore Devaswom Board.

Deity: The principal deity is Lord Mahavishnu. Unlike other Vishnu idols, here the idol is holding the Sankh the right hand. Lord Sastha and Lord Sri Krishna (Goshala Krishna) are the other two deities consecrated in the temple.

Festivals:  Ashtami Rohini and annual festival for 10 days celebrated during the Malayalam month of Medom (April/May) are important festivals.

MAHA VISHNU TEMPLE, THRIPPULIYUR

Location: Thruppuliyur is located 6 km north-west of Chengannur.
Panchayat: Puliyur
Village: Puliyur
Nearest Railway Station: Chengannur (6 km)
Nearest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (130 km) / Cochin (Nedumbassery) International Airport (125 km) 

Legend/History: It is believed that the temple was established by Bhima, the second of Pandavas and the idol was the one worshipped by Bhima. Legend says that Yudhishtira left the country after ruling 36 years along with his brothers after handing over the throne to his successor. They reached the hilly regions of Kerala. Attracted by the scenic beauty and moderate climate of the region they had decided to settle there. They had also decided to consecrate the idols of Lord Maha Vishnu that they worship daily at various places of the region. Accordingly, Bhima installed his idol at Thrippuliyur. His brothers consecrated their idols at Thrichittatu (by Yudhistira, eldest of Pandavas), Thiru Aranmula (by Arjuna, third of Pandavas), Thiruvanvandoor (by Nakula, fourth of Pandavas) and at Thrikkodithanam (by Sahadeva, fifth of Pandavas). All these temples are located within a short circle of Thrichittatt and known as Pancha Pandava Kshethra (Temples of five Pandava Brothers). The temple at Thrippuliyur is known as Bhiman Kovil (Temple of Bhima) in Tamil Nadu. Bhima’s enmity with his cousin Duryodhana is famous and hence the people of Thruppuliyur do not worship at the temple of Duryodhana at Malanada in Kollam District. The Temple is an ancient one and considered as one of the 13 Thirupathies of Kerala that included in 108 Vishnavite temples of India. [13 Thirupathies of Kerala are: Thiruvattar, Thiruppathysaram (now in Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu), Thiruvananthapuram, Thrichittatt, Thiruvaranmula, Thrippuliyur, Thiruvanvandur, Thiruvalla, Thrikkodithanam, Thrikkakkara, Thirumoozhikkulam, Thirumittakkode and Thirunavaya]. The region includes the present Puliyur village was once a dense forest where large number of Puli (leopards) and hence the place came to be known as Thripuliyur.  Historical evidences such as caves and relics also show that Thruppuliyur was colonized by the Stone Age people. It is believed that the temple was closed for several years consequent on the dispute between the Nairs and Namboodiris (Brahmins) over the temple administration and one of the Brahmins was killed within the sanctum sanctorum. Years later the temple was re-opened by Naduvil Madam Swamiyar of Thrissura after taking remedial ritualistic measures. In olden days the temple was owned by Idappally Swaroopam (royal family) and the temple manager was Varayannakudy Nair. Later the ownership was transferred to 27 Brahmin families. Now the temple is under the Travancore Devaswom Board.

Deity: The principal deity is Lord Maha Vishnu. Lord Ganapathy and Lord Sastha are the other deities.

Festivals: Annual festival that long for 10 days is celebrated in Makaram (January /February).

MAHA VISHNU TEMPLE, THIRUVANVANDOOR

Location: Thiruvanvandoor is located 7 km from Chengannur
Panchayat: Thiruvanvandoor
Village: Thiruvanvandoor
Nearest Railway Station: Chengannur (7 km)
Nearest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (131 km)/ Cochin (Nedumbassery) International Airport (125 km) 

 
Legend/History: The temple is the fourth among the sacred Pancha Pandava temples with the idol worshipped by Nakula, the fourth Pandava Prince.  Legend says that Yudhishtira left the country after ruling 36 years along with his brothers after handing over the throne to his successor. They reached the hilly regions of Kerala. Attracted by the scenic beauty and moderate climate of the region they had decided to settle there. They had also decided to consecrate the idols of Lord Maha Vishnu that they worship daily at various places of the region. Accordingly, Nakula installed his idol at Thiruvanvandoor. His brothers consecrated their idols at Thrichittatu (by Yudhistira, eldest of Pandavas), Thrupuiliyur (by Bhima, second of Pandavas), Thiru Aranmula (by Arjuna, third of Pandavas), and at Thrikkodithanam (by Sahadeva, fifth of Pandavas). All these temples are located within a short circle of Thrichittatt and known as Pancha Pandava Kshethra (Temples of five Pandava Brothers). The Temple is an ancient one and considered as one of the 13 Thirupathies of Kerala that included in 108 Vishnavite temples of India. [13 Thirupathies of Kerala are: Thiruvattar, Thiruppathysaram (now in Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu), Thiruvananthapuram, Thrichittatt, Thiruvaranmula, Thrippuliyur, Thiruvanvandur, Thiruvalla, Thrikkodithanam, Thrikkakkara, Thirumoozhikkulam, Thirumittakkode and Thirunavaya]. People believe that it was here that Panchali (Droupadi), propitiated the God Sun and obtained the famous Akshaya Pathra (vessel that could supply desired quantity of food). Free feeding is still continuing in this temple as a mark of remembrance of Akshaya Pathra. Another version is that the name Thiruvanvandoor is the abbreviation of Thiru Pandva Ooru (the land of Pandavas). Mention can be found about this temple in the Puranas (mythical story). It is believed that Sage Narada performed penance here and Naradeeya Purana, one of the eighteen Puranas is believed to have written at Thiruvanvandoor. An inscription at the temple which has reference about one Koindu Kotha Varma, predecessor of Bhaskara Ravi Varma (who ruled Kerala 962-1019), shows the antiquity of the temple. The temple has been renovated in the year 1914. Now the temple is under the control of Travancore Devaswom Board.

Deity: Lord Maha Vishnu is the presiding deity. The deity is also known as Kamanathan and Pampanaiyyappan. Lord Ganapathy and Lord Dakshinamoorthy are the other two deities consecrated in the temple.

Festival: The annual festival of the temple is celebrated in the month of Kumbhom (February/March) that lasts for 10 days.

MAHADEVA TEMPLE, KANDIYUR

Location: Kandiyur is located just 01 km west of Mavelikkara.
Panchayat: Mavelikkara
Village: Mavelikkara
Nearest Railway Station: Mavelikkara / Chengannur (12 km)
Nearest Airport: Cochin (Nedumbassery) International Airport (125 km) /Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (122 km)

Legend/History: This is one of ancient temples of Kerala and one of the108 Shivite temples. Kandiyoor is one among the 64 Gramams (villages) established by Lord Parasurama and Mahadeva temple is the grama kshetram (village temple). The temple is also known as Dakshina Kashi (Kasi or Varanasi of South). One of the inscriptions of the temple indicates that the temple was constructed in 823 A.D. Historical evidence shows that the temple was renovated in 1217 A.D. by Iraman Kotha Varma. Mentions about the temple are there in the ancient literary works such as Unnuneeli Charitham, Unniyadi Charitham and Siva Vilasom. Kandiyur was the capital of Odanadu kingdom (Onattukara or Kayamkulam) till it was shifted to Kayamkulam.

Remnants of budha shrine

Historians are of opinion that Kandiyur was a Buddhist centre. Remnants of Budhism can be seen in the region. The Buddha idol at Mavelikkakra town is the one belonged to ancient Buddhist shrine. The legend behind the origin of the temple is related to Sage Mrigandu otherwise known as Kausika. Sage Mrigandu brought the idol from the Holy River Ganges and consecrated at Kandiyur with the permission of the King of Odanadu. It is believed that the temple has the presence of 108 deities. A committee of Nair chieftains was appointed by the King of Odanadu to look after the temple administration till 1806 A.D. It was in the year 1955 a new Dhwaja Sthamba (flag mast) was erected as the old become deteriorated. The temple is under the Travancore Devaswom Board.

Deity: Lord Siva is the presiding deity. There are 12 sub-shrines which is unusual even in major temples dedicated to the Lords Maha Vishnu, Pradosha Sivan, Sastha, Vadkkumnathan, Gosala Krishna, Sankaran, Sreekandan, Ganapathi, Mrithunjayan, Subrahmania, Annapurneswari and Naga Raja.

Festivals: Annual festival is celebrated for 10 days in the month of Dhanu (December-January). Thiruvathira and Sivarathry are also very important festivals.

BUDHA (KARUMADIKUTTAN) TEMPLE, KARUMADY

Location: Karumady is located 3 km east of Ambalapuzha.
Panchayat: Ambalapuzha south
Village: Ambalapuzha
Nearest Railway Station: Ambalapuzha (in the Kayamkulam-Alappuzha-Ernakulam route)
Nearest Airport: Cochin (Nedumbassery) International Airport (120 km) 

History: Karumady was once a stronghold of Bhuddhism. The idol of Budha was found from the nearby stream which was in a neglected condition. Mr. A.H. Baston, former Chief Engineer of erstwhile Travancore happened to see the idol and it was he who installed it there. The stone sculpture of Buddha is believed to have been engraved during 9th century. The temple is situated in a small campus of 10 cents. It has been built following the style of Buddhist shrines. The temple has been declared as a protected monument by the
Government of Kerala in April 1965. Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibet visited the temple and worshipped in October 1965. Daily worship is not offered in this temple.

Deity: Sri Buddha is the deity. The idol has been damaged partially.

MAHADEVA TEMPLE, CHENGANNUR

Location: Mahadeva Temple is located right on the heart of the Chengannur town.
Municipality: Chengannur
Village: Chengannur
Nearest Railway Station: Chengannur
Nearest Airport: Cochin (Nedumbassery) International Airport (125 km) / Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (122 km)

Legend/History: Antiquity of the temple can be traced back to centuries as evidenced from the historical record of 924 A.D., wherein it is mentioned about the donation of wealth owned by one Umayamma to the temple. Legend about the origin of the temple says that when all the gods and goddesses went to Alakapuri to participate in the marriage ceremony of Lord Siva and Goddess Parvathy, the planet earth slanted towards northwards. In order to balance the position correctly, Sage Agasthya was sent to Shonadri (Sanskrit version of Chengannur) at the southern part of the planet. Though Sage Agathya was reluctant to go over Shonadri since he could not witness the holy marriage, he went on assurance that he could see the ceremonies if he looked towards north from Shonadri and the newly married couple would visit him at Shonadri. Sage Agasthya reached Shonadri and straightened the position of earth. As promised, Lord Siva with His spouce visited Chengannur and gave darshan to Sage Agasthya.  It is believed that Chengannur is one of the 64 Gramas (villages) established by Lord Parasurama and the Mahadeva Temple is the Grama Kshethra (village temple). Though the temple is dedicated to Lord Siva, it is famous as the temple of Goddess Parvathy. The temple was owned by Vanjippuzha Chief in olden days. The general belief is that Perumthachan, the master carpenter of folklores was the architect of the temple. On completion of the construction and consecration of idols, Perumthachan gave another idol of Goddess to the Vanjippuzha Chief with a request to keep the idol in the river Pampa so as to substitute if the existing idol is damaged due to any calamity. As predicted by Perumthachan the temple and idol was damaged due to a major fire outbreak and the idol kept in the river Pampa was taken out and consecrated. When Vanjippuzha royal family extinct, the region was annexed to the Travancore kingdom and government took over the temple administration. Since the old Dhwaja Sthambha (Flag Staff) was damaged a new one was installed in the year 1929. The temple is now under the Travancore Devaswom Board.

Deity: Lord Siva with His spouse Goddess Parvathy is the presiding deity. Lord Ganapathy, Lord Maha Vishnu, Lord Sastha, Lord Chandikeswara, Sapthamathakkal (Seven holy mothers – Brahmini, Maheswari, Kaumari, yshnavi, Varahi, Indrani, and Chamunda) are the minor deities

Festival: 28 day long festival that starts in Dhanu (December-January) and ends in Makaram (January-Februvary) is the important festival of the temple. Sivarathri and Chithra Pournami are also important festivals.

 DEVI TEMPLE, CHETTIKULANGARA

Location: Chettikulangara is located 4 km west of Mavelikkara.
Municipality: Mavelikkara
Village: Mavelikkara.
Nearest Railway Station: Mavelikkara (4 km) / Chengannur (12 km)
Nearest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (122 Km)

Legend/History: This ancient temple of Central Travancore is one of the 108 Durga temples established by Lord Parasurama. The temple was a major temple of the erstwhile Odanadu kingdom (later known as Kayamkulam). It is said that the temple was established in the year 823 A.D. by Padmapadacharya, disciple of Srimad Sankaracharya. It took 21 days to complete the rituals of consecration ceremony. According to one story, the temple premise was a sacred grove owned by Kumbalath family. The Karnavar (eldest member of the family) accepted Buddhism and the grove became a Buddhist shrine. Consequent on the insurgence of Aryans, a temple was built after clearing wood of the sacred grove and consecrated Goddess Durga. Another legend says that a group of pilgrims from Chettikulangara went for Kodungallur to participate in the Bharani festival. The leader of the team had a dream in which Goddess of Kodungallur appeared and told that She would visit Chettikulangara soon. Some days later, the Goddess appeared in a local house disguised as an old woman and accepted lunch. Soon after lunch the old lady vanished mysteriously. When consulted, astrologers confirmed the presence of Goddess of Kodungallur and a temple was built and Goddess installed.

Deity: Goddess Durga is the presiding deity. The Goddess appeared in three different Bhavas (concepts) in a day – i.e., Goddess Saraswathy in the morning, Goddess Lekshmi at noon and Goddess Durga at dusk.  Lord Ganapathy, Lord Nagaraja, Naga Yakshi, Muhurthi, Rakshas are the minor deities.

Festivals: Major festival of the temple is Bharani in the month of Kumbha (February-March).  Kettukazhcha and Kuthiyottam are the special features of the festival. Annual festival (Ethirelpu Ulsavam) in the month of Kumbham (February-March) itself and Parayeduppu (taking deity out in procession to the village) that starts in the month of Makaram (January-February) are the important festivals.

BHAGAVATHY TEMPLE, MULLAKKAL

Location: Mullakkal is right on the heart of the Alappuzha town.
Municipality: Alappuzha
Village: Mullakkal
Nearest Railway Station: Alappuzha (02 km)
Nearest Airport: Cochin (Nedumbassery) International Airport (90 km)

Legend/History: Legend says that once a group of Brahmins from Pilathara near Payyannur sought asylum at Alappuzha located within the territory of erstwhile Chembakassery kingdom. An aged Brahmin of the group had brought his tutelary deity also. He sought permission to install the idol somewhere near they camped. Chembakassery Raja permitted him to consecrate the idol in front of his palace near a Mulla (jasmine –Jasminum sambac) plant. Later a temple was constructed there by the Raja and it is the present Mullakkal temple. Another legend says that the Brahmins while fleeing from Pilathara reached the place near the present temple is located and they placed their ritual umbrella, in which the divine spirit of Goddess was invoked, on a Mullathara (an elevated platform where jasmine plants were reared). But they could not take back the umbrella when they started to continue their journey. Thus, they were forced to install the goddess there. Since the installation of Goddess was done near a Mulla (jasmine) plant, the temple and place came to be known as Mullakkal. The temple was renovated as it is seen at present, by Raja Kesava Das (1745-1799), the Dewan of Travancore.

Deity: Goddess Bhagavathy (concept as Vana Durga) is the principal deity. Lord Sri Krishna, Lord Hanuman, Nagaraja, Navagrahas are the minor deities.

Festival: Month long annual festival known as Chirappu is celebrated in the month of Vrichika (November-December). Navarathri is another important festival.

NAGARAJA TEMPLE, MANNARASALA

 Location: Nagaraja Temple of Mannarasala is located 3 Km away from the Haripad town.
Panchayat: Harippad
Village: Harippad
Nearest Railway Station: Harippad (03 km)
Nearest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (120 KM) / Cochin International Airport, Nedumbasseri (130 KM). 

Legend/History: According to the legend, Lord Parasurama threw his axe into the sea and created Kerala. When Lord Parasurama found that the land was full of saline and hence unsuitable for habitat, He propitiated Lord Shiva to find a solution. Lord Siva suggested that the solution is to spurt snake poison throughout the region for which he had to seek assistance of Nagaraja (king of snakes). In order to get the assistance of Nagaraja, Parasurama started penance in a specially constructed shala (a thatched shed). At the end of penance, Nagaraja appeared before Lord Parasurama and eradicated salinity of the soil with his divine venom. Lord Parasurama had then requested the Nagaraja to reside Kerala for protection of the land and Nagaraja accepted his request. The “Shala” where Nagaraja was consecrated was full of Mandara (Bauhinia) trees and hence came to be known as Mandarasala, which later changed as Mannarasala. Another story is that when a wild fire broke out in a serpent grove near to the house of a Namboodiri. The Namboodiri family provided asylum to all those serpents and treated the burnt serpents with herbal medicines. When the fire was mitigated and earth cooled down, the serpents were allowed to reside permanently there. The place later known as Mannarasala derived from the combination of words Mannu (soil) + Aariya (cooled) + Shala (shed). Even now, treatment for snake poison and skin diseases are made available to the public from the temple. Naga pooja (serpent worship) in Kerala is common. There were Sarpakavus (snake groves) attached to almost all old Tharavads (houses).  The Nagaraja temple of Mannarasala is a typical example showing how our ancestors protected the nature. Some believe that the antiquity of the temple can be traced back to 6000 years ago. In support of their argument they point out that the Sarppam Pattu, a ritual held at the temple once in 41 years, had conducted 174 times. This is the only temple in Kerala where puja (worship) is performed by a Brahmin woman, known as Valiyamma.  The temple is owned by the Mannarasala Temple Trust.

Deity: The principal deity is Nagaraja. The idol of Nagaraja is made of granite encircled by serpents on three sides. Sarpayakshy or Nagayakshy, companion of Nagaraja, is consecrated near to the sanctum of Nagaraja. Dharmasastha and Bhadrakali are two other deities. The temple has more than 30,000 idols of snakes, which is considered as the largest in the state.

Festival: Mannarasala Ayilyam is the major festival that in the months of Kanni (September-October) and Thulam (October-November). Sivarathri is also important.

DHANWANTHARI TEMPLE, MARUTHORVATTOM

Location: Maruthorvattom is located 3 km from Cherthala.
Municipality: Cherthala
Village: Thanneermukkom North
Nearest Railway Station: Cherthala (05 km)
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (Nemdumbasseri) (78 km)

Legend/History: Lord Dhanwanthari is the God of Ayurveda, the Indian system of medicine. Ayurveda physicians used to worship Lord Dhanwanthari. Lord Dhanwanthari is also considered as an incarnation of Lord Maha Vishnu. According to legend, Lord Dhanwanthari emerged from Palazhy while Gods and Demons were churning the Palazhi with Amruth (a medicine for immortal life). In Kerala temples dedicated to Lord Dhanwanthari are rare. The name of Maruthorvattom derived from the combination of Malayalam words Marunnu (medicine) Oruvattom (one time), which means a single dose of medicine. It is said that the idol of the temple was the one worshipped by the family of Vellod Moose, one of Ashtavaidyas (a physician who practice eight branches of medicine) about 600 years ago.  Cheerattamon Moose, another Ashtavaidya of Angadippuram of Malabar was migrated to Maruthorvattom when Tippu Sultan invaded Thrissur. When he saw the idol, he suggested that a temple should be constructed and the idol consecrated. Accordingly, the temple was established jointly by these two families. Later Cheerattamon Moose shifted his residence to Kottayam and Vellod Moose joined his relatives at Thrissur. Before their departure, the temple was handed over to the Nair Service Society (NSS). Now the temple is administered and managed by the Dhanwanthari Vilasam Karayogam of NSS.

Deity: Lord Dhanwanthari is the presiding deity. Lord Ganapati, Lord Sastha, Goddess Bhagavathi,  Nagaraja are the minor deities.

Special Offering: Cooked rice with thal (tender stem of yam) distributed from the temple is believed to have medicinal properties for curing stomach ailments.

Festival: Annual festival for 8 days is held in the month of Medam (April-May). Navarathry, Astami Rohini, Mandalapooja are also important festivals.

NARASIMHA TEMPLE, THURAVUR

Location: Thuravur is located 5 km south of Cherthala and 46 km south of Ernakulam.
Panchayat: Thurvaur
Village: Thurvaur
Nearest Railway Station: Cherthala (05 km)
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (78 km)

Legend/History: According to legend, the temple was constructed by Raval Naickan, a business man belong to Gowda Saraswatha Brahmin community and an ardent devotee of Lord Narasimha. He used to visit the Narasimhamoorthy (Vadakkanappan) temple at Thuravur and worship the deity from outside of the temple as Gowda  Sarawatha Brahmins were not allowed to enter Hindu temples in those days. One day, he was refused prasadam (remnants of offering to the deity) by the temple priest. He felt disappointed and prayed the Lord. Then he heard a voice directing him to go westward where he could find two sculptors. Accordingly he went westwards and met the sculptors who asked him to wait outside of a shed. Since he could not see them again even after waiting for a long time, he went inside the shed and to his amazement he could find two idols – one Ugra Narasimha and one Lakshmi Narasimha. He then understood that the sculptors were none other than the Vadakkanappan and Thekkanappan of Thuravur temple where he used to worship daily from outside. He took the idols and constructed a small temple near his house. When Raval Naickan became old, he handed over the ownership of the temple to Thirumala Devasom in 1704 A.D.

Deity: Venkitachalapathy Vishnu padakam Ugra Narasimha and Lakshmi Narasimha are the principal deities. Ganapathy and Hanuman are the minor deities. There is a small shrine dedicated to Raval Naikal, the founder of the temple.

MAHADEVA TEMPLE (THRIKKURUTTI), MANNAR

Location: Mannar is located 11 km west of Chengannur and 12 km south of Thiruvalla on Thiruvalla-Mavelikkara route.
Panchayat: Mannar
Village: Mannar
Nearest Railway Station: Chengannur (11 km)
Nearest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (120 km)

Legend/History: The temple is one of 108 Sivaite temples of Kerala established by Lord Parasurama. Mannar was known after Mandhathav King who ruled Kerala in Kritha Yuga. The Mandhathavapuram was later shortened as Mannar. King Mandhathav held 100 Yagas (sacrificial ritual) at various places and one of them was held at Mannar. He also brought a Sivalinga from the Kailasa Mountain. At the end of Yaga, Lord Siva Himself appeared before them and permitted to consecrate His idol there. Accordingly a temple was constructed by the king and Lord Mahadeva consecrated. The temple administration was managed by Pathillam Potties (Brahmins). Now the temple is governed by the Travancore Devaswom Board.

Deity: Lord Siva is the presiding deity. Lord Sastha and Lord Maha Vishnu, Lord Ganapathy, Dakshinamoorthy and Goddess Parvathy are the minor deities.

Festivals: Annual festival is held for 11 days, the last day falls on Sivarathri in the month of Kumbham (February-March). Navarathri and Thiruvathira in the month of Dhanu (December-January) are other important festivals.

KARTHYANI TEMPLE, CHERTHALA

Location: Cherthala is located 41 km south of Eranakulam.
Municipality: Cherthala
Village: Cherthala
Nearest Railway Station: Cherthala / Ernakulam Junction (41 km)
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (78 km)

Legend/History: It is believed that Sage Villwamangalam established the temple. Legend says that Villwamangalam on his pilgrimage happened to see a girl swinging in a bushy garden. He realized that it was none other than the Goddess Durga and he tried to catch the Goddess with an intention to consecrate the Goddess at an appropriate place. Having understood the aim of the sage, Goddess jumped into a nearby pond. The sage also jumped into the pool, but the Goddess continued to jump from one pond to other. Altogether the Goddess jumped into seven ponds. (They are known as Kalikulam, Poorakulam, Pallikulam, Pullamkulam Karuppukulam, Cherakulam and Kelankulam). At last the sage could catch the Goddess at the 7th pond. By that time, the sage became tired and got furious. He dropped the Goddess to the mud of the pond uttering few obscene words. The entire body except the head of Goddess sank in the mud. The mud pond where the head of Goddess was seen came to be known as Cherthala (cher in Malayalam means mud or clay and thala means head). Whatever be the story, the idol of Goddess at the temple is seen below the floor level. Devotees have to get down through steps to see and worship the idol. During heavy rains water enter into the shrine. Some believe that the temple is one of 108 Durga temples established by Lord Parasurama. It is also believed that Lord Parasurama had performed penance here. 

Deity: Goddess Bhagavathy is the principal deity. Lord Siva, Lord Maha Vishnu, Lord Sastha, Lord Ganapathy, Nagaraja are the other deities.

Festival: Pooram in the month of Meenom (March-April) is the important festival. Since the idol was consecrated by SageVillwamangalam uttering obscene words, singing Poorappat (obscene songs) was a ritual connected with the festival. In the year 1927 singing of Poorappat was prohibited by a royal proclamation. Thrikkarthika in Vrichikam (November-December) is also an important festival.