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. Buddhism did not make much impact in the district unlike other southern districts of the state. Both Jainism and Buddhism declined consequent on the insurgence of Aryans and by the revival of Hinduism. Efforts of Srimad Sankaracharya and Bhakthi movement donated much for the promotion of Hinduism. Contributions of Thunchath Ramanujan Ezhuthachan, Melpathur Narayana Bhattathirippad and Poonthanam Namboodiri accelerated the Bhakthi movement initially in the central region of Kerala and later to the whole state. Kunchan Nambiar, the great poet and frounder of Thullal art form resided at Kidangur in the distict. Ramapurath Warrier (1703-53), one of the celebrated names in Malayalam literature was born in the district. Unnuneeli Sandesam, a literary work of 14th century that gives many historical evidences has been written on the background of the district. The district has also played a vital role in social renaissance of Kerala. The Malayali Memorial, which was presented to the Maharaja of Travancore (1891), was drafted at a public meeting held in the Kottayam Public Library. The famous Vaikom Sathyagraha (1924-25), a historic struggle for eradication of untouchability and ultimately paved way to Temple Entry Proclamation which enables access to the temples to all people irrespective of caste and creed, took place in the district.

Christianity and Islam came to Kerala through the Thrissur district. The arrival of foreigners created a favourable atmosphere for Christianity. The headquarters of all Churches of Kerala is located in the district. Orthodox Syrian Churc, Knanaya Catholic Church, Latin Catholic Church and the Church of South India have their headquarters in Kottayam. Arch Bishop of Changanassery who follows the Syro-Malabar rites has his headquarters at Changanassry. The Bishop of Knanaya Jacobite and the Church Mission Society have their headquarters at Chingavanom and Kurichy respectively. The message of Islam too reached in the district during 7th Century A.D. Communal harmony and religious tolerance are the significant characteristics of the people of the district.

Antiquity and deities

Antiquity of the temples of Kottayam 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. According to the available data, the district has 657 temples out of which about 50 temples are very ancient having more than two thousand years of age. 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). Combination of sankalpa such as Sankara-Narayana, Lakshmy-Narayana, Siva-Vishnu, Siva-Parvathy, Siva-Subramaya etc are also there. Number of temples based on various sankalpa is given below:

Administration:

In ancient periods, King or local chieftains are owned and administered temples. Some of the temples were owned by madams, tharawads or individuals. The present Kottayamdistrict was under the erstwhile princely state of Travancore. The area spreading from Kanyakumari at south to Angamali at north was under the regency of Maharaja of Travancore. During the regime of Regent Rani Gouri Lekshmi Bai (1810-1815), foreign supremacy was at its peak and Col. Munro, the British Resident brought all the 1471 temples of Travancore under the control of Government. In 1904, Travancore Religious & Endowment Regulation established control over the temples. In 1922 a separate department was formed exclusively to look after the matters of temples. After independence the Government of Travancore–Cochin formed Travancore Devaswom Board and Cochin Devaswom Board and administrative control of all temples have been transferred to the Devaswom Boards. Travancore Devaswom Board controls 156 temples of the district. Remaining temples are governed by Trusts, committees of local people, spiritual organizations, individuals etc.

Important temples of the district

Sl.No.	Name of Temple	Location	Taluk	Concept
1	Ambika Temple	Perunna	Changanassery	Durga
2	Annapoorneswari Temple	Vazhappally	Changanassery	Durga
3	Bhadrakali Temple	Urulikunnam	Kanjirappally	Durga
4	Bhadrakali Temple	Vakathanam	Changanassery	Durga
5	Bhagavathy Temple	Aanikkad	Kottayam	Durga
6	Bhagavathy Temple	Anakulangara	Meenachil	Durga
7	Bhagavathy Temple	Arppookkara	Kottayam	Durga
8	Bhagavathy Temple	Changanassery	Changanassery	Durga
9	Bhagavathy Temple	Chennadu	Meenachil	Durga
10	Bhagavathy Temple	Ettumanoor	Kottayam	Durga
11	Bhagavathy Temple	Kadanadu	Meenachil	Durga
12	Bhagavathy Temple	Kadappoor	Kottayam	Durga
13	Bhagavathy Temple	Kezhuvamkulam	Meenachil	Durga
14	Bhagavathy Temple	Kodimatha	Kottayam	Durga
15	Bhagavathy Temple	Kumaranalloor	Kottayam	Durga
16	Bhagavathy Temple	Kummanor	Meenachil	Durga
17	Bhagavathy Temple	Kuravilangad	Meenachil	Durga
18	Bhagavathy Temple	Kurumulloor	Kottayam	Durga
19	Bhagavathy Temple	Manarkad	Kottayam	Durga
20	Bhagavathy Temple	Mannanam	Kottayam	Durga
21	Bhagavathy Temple	Marangattupally	Meenachil	Durga
22	Bhagavathy Temple	Monippally	Meenachil	Durga
23	Bhagavathy Temple	Moozhikulangara	Kottayam	Durga
24	Bhagavathy Temple	Nechippuzhoor	Menachal	Durga
25	Bhagavathy Temple	Nechippuzhoor	Meenachil	Durga
26	Bhagavathy Temple	Neelamperoor	Changanasery	Durga
27	Bhagavathy Temple	Neendoor	Kottayam	Durga
28	Bhagavathy Temple	Pala	Meenachil	Durga
29	Bhagavathy Temple	Panamattam	Kanjirappally	Durga
30	Bhagavathy Temple	Peroor	Kottayam	Durga
31	Bhagavathy Temple	Poonjar	Meenachil	Durga
32	Bhagavathy Temple	Talanadu	Meenachil	Durga
33	Bhagavathy Temple	Tidanadu	Kanjirappally	Durga
34	Bhagavathy Temple	Ullala	Vaikom	Durga
35	Bhagavathy Temple	Vaikom	Vaikom	Durga
36	Bhagavathy Temple	Vazhappalli	Changanassery	Durga
37	Bhagavathy Temple	Vazhappally	Changanassery	Durga
38	Bhagavathy Temple	Karoor	Meenachil	Durga
39	Bhagavathy Temple	Kidangoor	Meenachil	Durga
40	Bhagavathy Temple	Pravithanam	Meenachil	Durga
41	Bhagavathy Temple (Kunnel)	Bharananganam	Meenachil	Durga
42	Bhagavathy Temple (Thattarakathu)	Pala	Meenachil	Durga
43	BhagavathyTemple Kizhaparayar	Bharananganam	Meenachil	Durga
44	Chamundeswary Temple	Paika	Meenachil	Durga
45	Devi Temple	Iyerkulangara	Vaikom	Durga
46	Devi Temple	Amanakara	Meenachil	Durga
47	Devi Temple	Ambalapurathu	Meenachil	Durga
48	Devi Temple	Brahmapuram	Vaikom	Durga
49	Devi Temple	Erattupetta	Meenachil	Durga

50	Devi Temple	Ezhachery	Meenachil	Durga
51	Devi Temple	Ithithanam	Changanassery	Durga
52	Devi Temple	Kezhuvamkulam	Meenachil	Durga
53	Devi Temple	Kothala	Kottayam	Durga
54	Devi Temple	Kothanelloor	Kottayam	Durga
55	Devi Temple	Kumarakom	Kottayam	Durga
56	Devi Temple	Kurichithanam	Meenachil	Durga
57	Devi Temple	Manimala	Kanjirappally	Durga
58	Devi Temple	Pambady	Kottayam	Durga
59	Devi Temple	Ponkunnam	Meenachil	Durga
60	Devi Temple	Thirunakkara	Kottayam	Durga
61	Devi Temple	Thiruvanchur	Kottayam	Durga
62	Devi Temple	Vadayar	Vaikom	Durga
63	Devi Temple	Vaikom	Vaikom	Durga
64	Devi Temple	Vallichira	Meenachil	Durga
65	Devi Temple	Vellavur	Changanassery	Durga
66	Devi Temple (Morkulangara)	Changanassery	Changanassery	Durga
67	Devi Temple (Mullakkal)	Kottayam	Kottayam	Durga
68	Durga Temple	Vayala	Kottayam	Durga
69	Ganapathy Temple	Changanassery	Changanassery	Ganapathy
70	Ganapathy Temple	Kidangoor	Meenachil	Ganapathy
71	Ganapathy Temple	Mannakkanadu	Meenachil	Ganapathy
72	Ganapathy Temple	Nattassery	Kottayam	Ganapathy
73	Ganapathy Temple	Pala	Meenachil	Ganapathy
74	Ganapathy Temple	Parippu	Kottayam	Ganapathy
75	Ganapathy Temple	Thuruthy	Changanassery	Ganapathy
76	Ganapathy Temple	Kudamaloor	Kottayam	Ganapathy
77	Ganapathy Temple (Malliyur)	Kuruppunthara	Vaikom	Ganapathy
78	Karthyani Temple	Ramapuram	Meenachil	Durga
79	Karthyani Temple	Thalayolaparambu	Vaikom	Durga
80	Madhura Meenakshi Temple	Poonjar	Meenachil	Durga
81	Maha Vishnu Temple	Kudakkachira	Meenachil	Vishnu
82	Maha Vishnu Temple	Kurichithanam	Meenachil	Vishnu
83	Maha Vishnu Temple	Panachikkadu	Kottayam	Vishnu
84	Maha Vishnu Temple	Peroor	Kottayam	Vishnu
85	Maha Vishnu Temple	Thirunakkara	Kottayam	Vishnu
86	Maha Vishnu Temple	Thrikkodithanam	Changanassery	Vishnu
87	Maha Vishnu Temple	Tidanadu	Kanjirappally	Vishnu
88	Maha Vishnu Temple	Udayanapuram	Vaikom	Vishnu

89	Maha Vishnu Temple	Vazhappally	Changanassery	Vishnu
90	Maha Vishnu Temple	Vakathanam	Changanassery	Vishnu
91	Mahadeva Temple	Amayannoor	Kottayam	Siva
92	Mahadeva Temple	Andoor	Meenachil	Siva
93	Mahadeva Temple	Anikkadu	Kottayan	Siva
94	Mahadeva Temple	Areepparamb	Kottayam	Siva
95	Mahadeva Temple	Ayamkudy	Vaikom	Siva
96	Mahadeva Temple	Cherppunkal	Meenachil	Siva
97	Mahadeva Temple	Chethimattom	Meenachil	Siva
98	Mahadeva Temple	Chirakkadavu	Kottayam	Siva
99	Mahadeva Temple	Chotty	Kanjirappally	Siva
100	Mahadeva Temple	Ettumanoor	Kottayam	Siva
101	Mahadeva Temple	Edamattam	Meenachil	Siva
102	Mahadeva Temple	Irumbayam	Vaikom	Siva
103	Mahadeva Temple	Ithithanam	Changanassery	Siva
104	Mahadeva Temple	Kadappattoor	Meenachil	Siva
105	Mahadeva Temple	Kaduthuruthy	Vaikom	Siva
106	Mahadeva Temple	Kangazha	Changanassery	Siva
107	Mahadeva Temple	Kidangoor	Meenachil	Siva
108	Mahadeva Temple	Kudamaloor	Kottayam	Siva
109	Mahadeva Temple	Kuravilangad	Meenachil	Siva
110	Mahadeva Temple	Lalam	Meenachil	Siva
111	Mahadeva Temple	Manganam	Kottayam	Siva
112	Mahadeva Temple	Nagampadam	Kottayam	Siva
113	Mahadeva Temple	Parampuzha	Kottayam	Siva
114	Mahadeva Temple	Parippu	Kottayam	Siva
115	Mahadeva Temple	Payippadu	Changanassery	Siva
116	Mahadeva Temple	Peringalam	Meenachil	Siva
117	Mahadeva Temple	Pirayar	Changanassery	Siva
118	Mahadeva Temple	Poovarany	Meenachil	Siva
119	Mahadeva Temple	Puliyannoor	Meenachil	Siva
120	Mahadeva Temple	Puthuppally	Kottayam	Siva
121	Mahadeva Temple	Puthuveli	Meenachil	Siva
122	Mahadeva Temple	Talanadu	Meenachil	Siva
123	Mahadeva Temple	Thambalakkadu	Kanjirappally	Siva
124	Mahadeva Temple	Thengana	Changanassery	Siva
125	Mahadeva Temple	Thirunakkara	Kottayam	Siva
126	Mahadeva Temple	Truppakkudam	Vaikom	Siva
127	Mahadeva Temple	Uzhavoor	Meenachil	Siva

128	Mahadeva Temple	Vaikom	Vaikom	Siva
129	Mahadeva Temple	Valavoor	Changanassery	Siva
130	Mahadeva Temple	Vallakam	Vaikom	Siva
131	Mahadeva Temple	Vayppoor	Changanassery	Siva
132	Mahadeva Temple	Vazhappally	Changanassery	Siva
133	Mahadeva Temple	Veliyannoor	Meenachil	Siva
134	Mahadeva Temple	Velloor	Vaikom	Siva
135	Mahadeva Temple	Veshanganam	Meenachil	Siva
136	Mahadeva Temple	Madappally	Changanassery	Siva
137	Mahadevi Temple	Karukachal	Changanssery	Durga
138	Mamkopum Kavu	Poonjar	Meenachil	Durga
139	Mariyamman Temple	Ettumanoor	Kottayam	Durga
140	Nagaraja Temple	Alanadu	Meenachil	Others
141	Nagaraja Temple	Idavattom	Vaikom	Others
142	Nagaraja Temple	Kumaranallur	Kottayam	Others
143	Nagaraja Temple	Poonjar	Meenachil	Others
144	Ponkunnathu Kavu (Durga Temple)	Nattakam	Kottayam	Durga
145	Rektheswari Temple	Panamattam	Kanjirappally	Durga
146	Sankaranarayana Temple	Anikkadu	Kottayam	Combined
147	Sankaranarayana Temple	Kayyoor	Meenachil	Combined
148	Sankaranarayana Temple	Thrikkodithanam	Changanassery	Siva
149	Saraswathy Temple	Panachikkad	Kottayam	Durga
150	Saraswathy Temple	Perunna	Changanassery	Durga
151	Sastha  Temple (Rappuzha)	Vakathanam	Changanassery	Sastha
152	Sastha Temple	Amanakara	Meenachil	Sastha
153	Sastha Temple	Aymanam	Kottayam	Sastha
154	Sastha Temple	Edamattam	Meenachil	Sastha
155	Sastha Temple	Erumeli	Kanjirappally	Sastha
156	Sastha Temple	Ettumanoor	Kottayam	Sastha
157	Sastha Temple	Kadanadu	Meenachil	Sastha
158	Sastha Temple	Karukachal	Changanassery	Sastha
159	Sastha Temple	Kezhuvankulam	Meenachil	Sastha
160	Sastha Temple	Kidangoor	Meenachil	Sastha
161	Sastha Temple	Kodimatha	Kottayam	Sastha
162	Sastha Temple	Kooroppada	Kottayam	Sastha
163	Sastha Temple	Kozha	Kottayam	Sastha
164	Sastha Temple	Kurichithanam	Meenachil	Sastha
165	Sastha Temple	Meenachil	Meenachil	Sastha
166	Sastha Temple	Melampara	Meenachil	Sastha

167	Sastha Temple	Melukavu	Meenachil	Sastha
168	Sastha Temple	Nattasseri	Kottayam	Sastha
169	Sastha Temple	Pakkil	Kottayam	Sastha
170	Sastha Temple	Panamattam	Kanjirappally	Sastha
171	Sastha Temple	Panamattam	Kanjirappally	Sastha
172	Sastha Temple	Poonjar	Meenachil	Sastha
173	Sastha Temple	Talanadu	Meenachil	Sastha
174	Sastha Temple	Ullanadu	Meenachil	Sastha
175	Sastha Temple	Uzhavoor	Menachal	Sastha
176	Sastha Temple	Vaikom	Vaikom	Sastha
177	Sastha Temple	Vakkayil	Kottayam	Sastha
178	Sastha Temple	Vayala	Kottayam	Sastha
179	Sastha Temple	Vazhoor	Changanassery	Sastha
180	Sastha Temple	Vennimala	Kottayam	Sastha
181	Sastha Temple	Vakathanam	Changanassery	Sastha
182	Sastha Temple	Erumeli	Kanjirappally	Sastha
183	Sastha Temple	Pettah	Changanassery	Sastha
184	Shasthamkotta Sastha Temple	Kidangoor	Meenachil	Sastha
185	Siva Temple	Nattakam	Kottayam	Siva
186	Siva Temple	Payippadu	Changanassery	Siva
187	Siva Temple	Kurichi	Changanassery	Siva
188	Sri Krishna Temple	Alanadu	Meenachil	Vishnu
189	Sri Krishna Temple	Ayarkkunnam	Kottayam	Vishnu
190	Sri Krishna Temple	Bharananganam	Meenachil	Vishnu
191	Sri Krishna Temple	Elavannattu	Kottayam	Vishnu
192	Sri Krishna Temple	Ettumanoor	Kottayam	Vishnu
193	Sri Krishna Temple	Kanakkari	Meenachil	Vishnu
194	Sri Krishna Temple	Kidangoor	Meenachil	Vishnu
195	Sri Krishna Temple	Kondoor	Meenachil	Vishnu
196	Sri Krishna Temple	Kudamaloor	Kottayam	Vishnu
197	Sri Krishna Temple	Kummannoor	Kottayam	Vishnu
198	Sri Krishna Temple	Njeezhoor	Vaikom	Vishnu
199	Sri Krishna Temple	Onamturuthu	Kottayam	Vishnu
200	Sri Krishna Temple	Pariyaram	Kottayam	Vishnu
201	Sri Krishna Temple	Perunna	Changanassery	Vishnu
202	Sri Krishna Temple	Pizhaku	Meenachil	Vishnu
203	Sri Krishna Temple	Poonjar	Meenachil	Vishnu
204	Sri Krishna Temple	Talappalam	Meenachil	Vishnu
205	Sri Krishna Temple	Talayolapparambu	Vaikom	Vishnu

206	Sri Krishna Temple	Thirumani	Vaikom	Vishnu
207	Sri Krishna Temple	Thirunakkara	Kottayam	Vishnu
208	Sri Krishna Temple	Thiruvarppu	Kottayam	Vishnu
209	Sri Krishna Temple	Vadavathoor	Kottayam	Vishnu
210	Sri Krishna Temple	Vakathanam	Changanassery	Vishnu
211	Sri Rama Temple	Kurichi	Changanassery	Vishnu
212	Subramanya Temple	Areekkara	Meenachil	Subramanya
213	Subramanya Temple	Arppookkara	Kottayam	Subramanya
214	Subramanya Temple	Iravimangalam	Vaikom	Subramanya
215	Subramanya Temple	Kidangoor	Meenachil	Subramanya
216	Subramanya Temple	Kumarakom	Kottayam	Subramanya
217	Subramanya Temple	Oorasala	Meenachil	Subramanya
218	Subramanya Temple	Pallam	Kottayam	Subramanya
219	Subramanya Temple	Perunna	Changanassery	Subramanya
220	Subramanya Temple	Thiruvanchur	Kottayam	Subramanya
221	Subramanya Temple	Udayanapuram	Vaikom	Subramanya
222	Subramanya Temple	Vayala	Kottayam	Subramanya
223	Subramanya Temple	Velloor	Vaikom	Subramanya
224	Surya Temple	Adithyapuram	Vaikom	Others
225	Vana Durga Temple	Meenachil	Meenachil	Durga
226	Vettakorumakan Temple	Kozha	Kottyama	Sastha
227	Vettakorumakan Temple	Olassa	Kottayam	Sastha

SASTHA TEMPLE, ERUMELI

 

Location: Erumeli is situated 49 km south-east of Kottayam.
Panchayat: Erumeli
Village: Erumeli
Nearest Railway Station: Kottayam (49 km)
Nearest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (179 km)

Legend/History: According to legend it was here that Lord Ayyappa (Sastha) killed Mashishi, a demon. Mahishi is the Sanskrit form of buffalo. Buffalo is known as Eruma in Malayalam. Hence the place where Eruuma was killed by the Lord is known as Erumeli. Mahishi was a demon who used to torture the people and hence Lord Ayyappa was deputed to find a solution to the torments caused by Mahishi. Ayyappa had gone to the area and assassinated the Mahishi. Next day people celebrate the killing of Mahishi and Erumeli Petta Thullal is performed to commemorate this incident. Petta Thullal is an important ritual of Sabarimala pilgrimage. In fact, Sabarimala pilgrimage starts from Erumeli. The temple was owned by Ranni Kartha, who ruled over the region. Now it is under the Travancore Devaswom Board.

Deity: Lord Sastha (Lord Ayyappa) is the presiding deity. Malikappurathamma is the minor deity.

Time of worship: Three poojas –  Usha Pooja, Ucha Pooja and Athazha pooja – are  held daily.

Festival: Annual festival for 10 days is celebrated in the month of Kumbham (February-March) in addition to Mandala pooja period (November-January).

MAHA VISHNU TEMPLE, THRIKKODITHANAM

 

Location: Thrikkodithanam is very close to Changanassery town
Municipality: Changanassery
Village: Changanassery
Nearest Railway Station: Changanassery (05 Km)
Nearest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (140 km)

Legend: The temple is the fifth among the sacred Pancha Pandava temples with the idol worshipped by Sahadeva, the fifth 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, Sahadeva installed his idol atThrikkodithanam. 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 Thiruvanvandoor (by Nakula, fourth of Pandavas). All these temples are 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]. Legend says that Sahadeva, the youngest of Pancha Pandava, could not find an impressive idol for his worship. The disappointed Sahadeva decided to commit suicide by jumping himself into flames. As the fire was being prepared, the idol manifested itself. Therefore, the idol is praised as Athbhutha Narayanan (astonishing Vishnu). The outer wall (3 ¾ M height and 1 ¾ M width) is believed to have been built overnight by supernatural powers without the aid of lime or any other materials to join the stones. Many inscriptions within the temple show the antiquity of the temple. Among them the inscriptions of Bhaskara Ravi Varma, who ruled ancient Kerala in 10th century, is important. Another inscription of 992 A.D. narrates the donations made by Govardhana Marthandan.  Unnuneeli Sandesam, believed to have been written in 14th century, has reference about the temple. The temple was owned by Thekkumkoor royal family before 1750. When Marthanda Varma conquered and annexed the region, the control of the temple also vested with Travancore. Now Travancore Devaswom Board looks after the temple. 

Deity: Lord Maha Vishnu is the presiding deity. Lord Shiva and Lord Ganapathy are the other deities Narasimha Moorthy is also consecrated in a separate sanctum.

Time of worship: Five poojas poojas – Usha Pooja, Ethrth pooja, Pantheeradi Pooja, Ucha Pooja and Athazha pooja – are held daily.

Festival: The ten day long festival of the temple takes place in Vrichikom (November / December). Deepam (lights that lit in small vessels), is the most spectacular event of festival. Ashtami  Rohini is also important festival of the temple.

MAHADEVA TEMPLE, ETTUMANUR

Location: Ettumanur is located 10 Km northeast of Kottayam town. 
Panchayat: Ettumanur
Village: Ettumanur
Nearest Railway Station: Kottayam (10 km)
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (Nedumbassery)  (65 km)

Legendary History: Legend says that Khara (a sage among demons) worshipped God Shiva and obtained three Shiva-linga idols.  When Khara reached Vaikom he became tired due to the weight of the idols and hence he consecrated one and the other at Kaduthuruthy. The third one was installed at Ettumanur. Yet another story is that the land where the temple was constructed belonged to Brahmins of Ettu (eight) Mana (families) and hence the place and temple is known as Ettumanoor.  This temple is believed to be one of the 108 Shiva temples of the state. The Unnuneeli Sandesam, written in 14th century and Mayoora Sandesam written in 15th century have reference about the temple. It is believed that the King Poonjar had renovated the temple in 1542 A.D. According to the available records, the existing structure of the temple was constructed in 1550 A.D. The temple was owned by Ettumana Moosads. In1754, Marthanda Varma conquered and annexed the region to Travancore and thereafter the temple was also transferred under the control of Travancore Government. The temple has some amazing properties such as Gold Yam, Gold bunch of Areca-nut, Diamond affixed Conch and Ezhara Ponnanna (7 ½ golden  elephants – Sculptures of seven elephants having height of 2 feet and one with height of 1 foot. Though the number of golden elephants is eight, it is considered as seven and a half).  All these valuable offerings were made by Karthika Thirunal Maharaja of Travancore (1758-1798) in lieu of damages caused to the region during the conquest of his predecessor, Marthanda Varma Maharaja.  In 1962 Government of India borrowed 8000 sovereigns from the temple to meet the expenses of war with China and later repaid the value of sovereigns in cash @ Rs.150/- per sovereign.

Ezharaponnana

Dieties: Lord Shiva in the form Shivalinga is the presiding deity. Lord Sastha, Lord Ganapathy and Dakshinamurthy are the minor deities.

Time of worship: Five poojas poojas – Usha Pooja, Ethrth pooja, Pantheeradi Pooja, Ucha Pooja and Athazha pooja – are held daily.

Festival: The annual festival lasts for 10 days in Kumbhom ((February-March) is the important festival of the temple.  On the eighth day, the image of deity is taken to the north east corner of the temple along with Ezhara Ponnana (seven and a half elephants made of gold). Thiruvathira and Sivarathri are also important.

MAHADEVA TEMPLE, KADUTHURUTHY

Location: Kaduthuruthy is located 30 km north-east of Kottayam.
Panchayat: Kaduthuruthy
Village: Kaduthuruthy
Nearest Railway Station: Kottayam (30 km)
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (Nedumbassery) (72 km)

Legend/History: Legend says that Khara (a sage among demons) worshipped God Shiva and obtained three Shiva-linga idols.  When Khara reached Vaikom he became tired due to the weight of the idols and hence he consecrated one and the other at Kaduthuruthy. The third one was installed at Ettumanur. The temple is very ancient one and considered as one of the 18 Thali temples. Unnuneeli Sandesam, a literary work of 14th century, has reference about the temple. The ancestral home of Unnuneeli, the heroine of Unnuneeli Sandesam was at the eastern side of the temple. The deity of the temple was the tutelary deity of Vadakkumkoor royal family, who ruled over the region. When Marthanda Varma conquered and annexed the region with Travancore in 1754, the ownership of the temple was also transferred to Travancore. Sree Moolam Thirunal Maharaja of Travancore (1885-1924) had renovated the temple. Now the temple is under the administrative control of Travancore Devaswom Board.

Deity: Lord Siva in the form of Sila-linga is the presiding deity. Lord Ganapathy, Lord Sastha, Yakshi, Vana Durga are minor deities.

Time of worship: Five poojas poojas – Usha Pooja, Ethrth pooja, Pantheeradi Pooja, Ucha Pooja and Athazha pooja – are held daily.

Festivals: In ancient days the festival was celebrated for 28 days. Now it is celebrated for 10 days in the month of Dhanu (December-January).

MAHADEVEA TEMPLE, VAIKOM

 

Location: Vaikom is 40 km west to Kottayam.
Municipality: Vaikom
Village: Vaikom
Narest Railway Station: Ernakulam (29 km)
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (Nedumbassery) (55 km)

Legend/History: Legend says that Khara (a sage among demons) worshipped God Shiva and obtained three Shiva-linga idols.  When Khara reached Vaikom he became tired due to the weight of the idols and hence he consecrated one at Vaikom and the other two idols at Kaduthuruthy and Ettumanur. Another legend says that Vyaghrapada Maharshi got Siva darsana here, so the place was known as Vyaghrapadapuram, which later corrupted as Vaikom. Bhargava Purana and Sanalkumara Samhita have mentioned about the temple and Vaikom as Vaiyaghra Geham and Vaiyaghra Puram. Mahadeva temple at Vaikom is one of the most revered Shiva shrines of South India.  The temple is one among the famous 108 Saiva temples in India.  It is also known as Southern Kashi. Some believe that Lord Parasurama who visited Vaikom had seenthe powerful and divine light around the Sivalinga, he constructed a temple and directed the rites to be followed in the temple and arranged celebrations of Ashtami festival. The directions of Lord Parasurama are still followed there. The temple is a typical example of Kerala’s architecture style. The prasada (homaged and blessed ritualism material given to the devotees) of Vaikom temple is Vibhoothi (holy ashes). It is believed that Vibhoothi is a remedy for poison, wounds etc. Vaikom was ruled by the Vadakkumkoor royal dynasty before it was annexed to Travancore by Marthanda Varma in 1754. Vadakkumkoor Rajah entrusted the administration of the temple to 108 Namboodiri families. However, Vishakom Thirunal Maharaja (1880-1885) took over the administration from them. The historic Vaikom Sathyagraha (1924-25) for eradication of untouchability was held at Vaikom. The sathyagraha attracted nationwide attention. Mahatma Gandhi interfered in the struggle and met Maharani Sethu Leksmi Bai, the then ruler of Travancore. Consequentially, Maharani ordered to open all the roads to the temple for all Hindus including the lower caste people. It was this struggle that ultimately paved way to famous Temple Entry Proclamation of 1936. Now the temple is governed by the Travancore Devaswom Board. The Board has established a school viz., Kshethra Kala Peedom at the temple to teach temple arts.

Deity: Lord Mahadeva in the form of sila-linga is the presiding deity. Panachikkal Bhagavathi, Sthambha Vinayaka (Ganapathy), Nagas (Snake Gods) are the minor deities.

Time of worship: Five poojas poojas – Usha Pooja, Ethrth pooja, Pantheeradi Pooja, Ucha Pooja and Athazha pooja – are held daily.

Festival: Ashtami festival that celebrated for twelve days during the Vrischikam, (November-December) is the main festival. In the month of Kumbham (February-March) another Astami is also celebrated, but it is less important. Thiruvathira, Vishu and Sivarathri are also important festivals.

BHAGAVATHY TEMPLE, KUMARANALLUR

Location: Kumaranallur is located 6 km north-west of Kottayam town.
Panchayat: Kumaranallur
Nearest Railway Station: Kottayam (06 km)
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (Nedumbassery) (80 km)

Legend/History: Kumaranalloor Devi temple is one of the important Devi temples among the 108 Durga temples in Kerala. Historical evidences show that the temple is more than 1000 years old. It is believed that Cheraman Perumal, the ruler of ancient Kerala had constructed the temple.Cheraman perumal decided to construct two temples at Udayanapuram to install the idol of Goddess Durga and another temple at the place now known as Kumaranalloor to install the idol of Lord Kumara or Lord Subramania. At that time, the nose ring of Goddess Madurai Meenakshi was stolen. The King ordered to kill the priest of the temple after 41 days unless he could find the stolen ring as he believed that he was the culprit. In fact, the priest was innocent and he sought refuge at the Goddess. On the night of the 40th day, while he slept at the doorsteps of temple he had a dream in which, Goddess Durga appeared and ordered to follow the divine light. The divine light led him to Kumaranalloor, where the temple was under construction to be dedicated to Lord Subramanian or Kumara. When the holy light entered sanctum sanctorum an asareeri (an incorporeal voice) was heard saying kumaran alla ooril which means that this is not the place for Kumara. Hence the place got the name Kumaranallur. Hearing the news the King was disappointed and he ordered to consecrate the idol of Kumara (Lord Subramanya) at Udayanapuram. He bought an idol of Goddess from Vedagiri, which was worshipped by Lord Parasurama earlier and consecrated at Kumaranallur. The priest followed the divine light from Madurai became the first priest of Kumaranallur temple. Shrimad Sankaracharya had described Kumaranalloor Devi temple as one of the five main temples in India. He had also prescribed the rites to be followed in the temple. The temple eas originally entrusted to twenty-eight Namboothiri families (known as Ooralars or owners) by Cheraman Perumal. Now there exist only nine families and the male head members of these families are looking after the administration of the temple

Deity: Goddess Bhagavathy is the presiding deity. Lord Siva and Goddess Bhadrakali are the minor deities.

Time of worship: Five poojas poojas – Usha Pooja, Ethrth pooja, Pantheeradi Pooja, Ucha Pooja and Athazha pooja – are held daily.

Festival: Thrikkarthika celebrated in the month of Vrichikam (November–December) is the important festival. Navarathry, Meena Pooram are also celebrated.

SARASWATHI TEMPLE, PANACHIKKAD

Location: Panachikkad is located 18 km south of Kottayam town.
Panchayat: Panachikkad
Village: Panachikkad
Nearest Railway Station: Kottayam (18 km)
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (Nedumbassery) (98 km)

Legend/History: Saraswathi temple at Panachikkad is known as Dakshina Mookambika. Though the temple is known as Saraswathi temple, the main deity is Lord Maha Vishnu. The devotees worship Lord Vishnu first before worshipping Goddess Saraswathi. Legend says that a Namboodiri of Kuzhipuram Illam near Panachikkad Vishnu temple went to Kollur Mookambika temple seeking blessings of Goddess for a male child. He spent a long period worshipping the Goddess and one day he had a dream that the Goddess appeared and told him that it is impossible to have a child for him and it would be better for him to go back to his place and adopt a child from nearby Karunattu family. Accordingly he returned to his home and on reaching Panachikad temple he placed his Olakuda (umbrella made of palm-leaf) on the bank of temple pond and took bath. After the bath when he tried to take the umbrella he found that it is fixed firm on the ground.  Astrolegers, when consulted, found that the divine spirit of Goddess Mookambika was invoked in the umbrella and they suggested transferring the spirit from the umbrella to an idol. They also found a suitable idol in the nearby forest. They installed the idol where Namboodiri had put his umbrella. Thereafter the temple came to be known as Panachikkad Saraswathy Temple. There is no temple structure for Goddess Saraswathi. The idol of the Goddess Saraswathi is beneath a small pond on the southern side of the Vishnu shrine, covered by creepers and shrubs known as Saraswathi leaves. Saraswatha Ghrutham is an important prasadam (homaged and blessed ritualism material given to the devotees) offered to the devotees. General belief is that intake of this Prasadam will boost the memory power. It is believed that A.R.Raja Raja Varma, a great literature was dumb and the penance at this temple enabled him to speak. The administration of the temple is vested with a Trust formed from among the members of Kuzhipuram Karunad and Kaimukku Namboodiri Illams (families).

Deity: Lord Maha Vishnu and Goddess Saraswathi, the goddess of learning, are the main deities. Ganapathy, Shiva, Sastha and Yakshi are the minor deities.

Time of Worship: Only One pooja – Ucha Pooja – is held.

Festival: Saraswathy Pooja during Navarathri is the major festival. Vidyarambhom (formal initiation to the letters of alphabet for children) is held on the Vijayadashami (last day of Navaratri) day when lakhs of pilgrims congregate here to initiate learning to their children. There is no festival for Lord Maha Vishnu.

SRI KRISHNA TEMPLE, THIRUVARPU

 

Location: Thiruvarpu is located just 6 km from Kottayam town on the banks of Rival Meenachil.
Panchayat: Thiruvarpu
Village: Thiruvarpu
Nearest Railway Station: Kottayam (06 km)
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (Nedumbassery) (80 km)

Legend/History: The temple is one of the famous Vaishnava temples in Kerala. The origin of the temple can be traced back to 1500 years. An inscription at the temple shows that the temple was constructed in 850 A.D. There are several legends about the origin of the temple.  All of them have mentioned that the idol of Lord Sri Krishna was recovered from water and kept in a Vaarpu (large vessel made of bell metal). One of the stories tells that while Sage Villwamangalam was sailing in a boat, his oar struck on a rock like substance and he found it was a beautiful idol of Lord Sri Krishna. He decided to consecrate the idol at a suitable location. As it was not appropriate to keep the idol on floor he kept the idol in a Vaarpu (large vessel made of bell metal). Some days later a temple was constructed in the land donated by Kunnan kari Menon, a Nair noble of the locality, and Sage Villwamangalam consecrated the idol. As the idol was kept in a Vaarpu (large vessel made of bell metal), the place came to be known as Thiruvarpu (holy large vessel of bell metal). Another story tells that Lord Krishna gave them his idol for their daily worship and when they completed their Ajnatha Vasam (secret living), the idol was given to the people of Cherthala. This idol was worshipped by them for a long period. The temple was destroyed in flood havoc and the idol washed off to the nearby lake. Years later, Sage Villwamangalam was travelling by a boat in the lake. At a spot the boat lost its forward movement and stood still. When searched to find out the reason, they were able to recover an idol. Though Sage Villwamangalam was travelling westwards, the boat sailed to east and reach Kunnam and Pallikkara region. Due to rough climate, he could not proceed and he got down there and kept the idol in a Vaarpu (large vessel made of bell metal) that found near a tank and when climate became favourable, he continued his journey. When he returned he found that the idol had fixed to the Vaarpu (large vessel made of bell metal). The Vaarpu (large vessel made of bell metal) belonged to Kunnan Kari Menon and when he heard the news, he contributed land to construct the temple and installed the idol. The temple has many peculiarities. This is the only temple in Kerala that opens at 2.00 A.M. It remains open up to 13.00 hrs and again opens between 17.00 hrs and 19.30 hrs. Unlike other temples, Deeparadhana (worship with lamps) is done after Athazha Pooja. Similarly when all the temples close during eclipse, this temple is not closed. Usually, Pithru Tharpana (libation to satisfy dead ancestors) ritual is not performed in temples. But here this ritual is done and it is known Pullattu Pooja. The story is that a rich Nair noble without children of the Pullattu house wanted to donate all his wealth to the temple on condition that his death rites should be performed by the temple. When astrologers consulted, the Lord gave His consent. One day Pullattu Nair came inside the temple, submit all his wealth including keys and documents before the Lord. Then he prostrated before the Lord and it is said that he died instantaneously. Thereafter special poojas are done in his name on the day of his death. The temple belonged to the Thekkumkoor Royal family. When Marthanda Varma (1729-1758) conquered and annexed Thekkumkoor into Travancore, the temple also transferred to the control of Travancore.

Deity: Lord Krishna the principal deity. Lord Siva, Goddess Bhagavathy, Lord Subramanya, Lord Ganapathy, Yakshi are the minor deities.

Time of worship: Five poojas poojas – Usha Pooja, Ethrth pooja, Pantheeradi Pooja, Ucha Pooja and Athazha pooja – are held daily.

Festivals: Annual festival for ten days is celebrated in the month of Medam (April-May). During the festival girl children who are less than ten years of age dress themselves like Lord Sri Krishna and offer lamps to the Lord. This ritual is known as Vilakkeduppu. In olden days only girls belonging to Nair community only permitted to observe the ritual. Now all are allowed to participate in the ritual. Thiruvonam and Ashtami Rohini are also important.

SASTHA TEMPLE, POONJAR

Location: Poonjar is located 42 km from Kottayam.
Panchayat: Poonjar
Village: Poonjar
Nearest Railway Station: Kottayam (42 km)
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (Nedumbasery) (88 km)

Legend/History: The temple was owned by the Poonjar Koyikkal Swaroopam (Poonjar Royal family). Poonjar dynasty was a branch of Pandya kings of Madurai in Tamil Nadu. Manavikraman, a king of Poonjar dynasty was an ardent devotee of Lord Ayyappa. He was helped by Lord Ayyappa in suppressing a dacoit. Lord Ayyappa is believed to be the incarnation of Lord Sastha. Hence he decided to construct a temple dedicated to Lord Sastha. Historical evidences show that the temple was constructed in 1165 A.D.  Sabarimala pilgrims visit this temple and many start their pilgrimage to Sabarimala from here. The ownership of temple is still with Poonjar Royal family, though lost its past glory.

Deity: Lord Sastha is the principal deity.

Time of worship: Five poojas poojas – Usha Pooja, Ethrth pooja, Pantheeradi Pooja, Ucha Pooja and Athazha pooja – are held daily.

Festival: Annual festival is celebrated for 8 days in the month of Makaram (January-Febrary). Mandala period is also important.

SURYA TEMPLE, ADITHYAPURAM

 

Location: Adithyapuram is located 25 km north-west of Kottayam town.
Panchayat: Kaduthuruthy
Village: Kaduthuruthy
Nearest Railway Station: Kottayam (25 km)
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (Nedumbasery) (71 km)

Legend/History: This is the only Surya temple (Sun Temple) in Kerala. Though Lord Surya is worshipped as a minor deity in some temples, there are no other temples dedicated to Lord Surya. The temple is believed to have been raised by Manangat Mana (Namboodithiri family). Legend says that some Namboodiris conducted a Yaga (Vedic sacrifice) was conducted in olden days, but no rain occurred at the culmination. The disappointed Namboodiris prayed Lord Chandra (moon) and as a result heavy rain occurred. So they established a temple dedicated to Lord Chandra. However, the torrential rains caused heavy damages to the region and hence they consecrated Lord Surya also near to the idol of Lord Chandra.  Last Sunday of Vrischikam (October-November) and Medam (April-May) when glory of the Sun is at the peak are considered more auspicious and special ceremonies and rituals performed on those days. Raktha Chandanam (Red Sandalwood paste) is the prasada (homaged and blessed ritualism material given to the devotees), which is believed to have medicinal effect to incurable diseases. A mixture of black dust of the lamp burning inside sanctum sanctorum and ghee is also given to devotees as prasada for curing eye sore.

Deity: Lord Surya is the presiding deity. Lord Sastha, Goddess Durga and Yakshi are the minor deities.

Time of worship: Three poojas –  Usha Pooja, Ucha Pooja and Athazha pooja – are  held daily.