| Pilgrim Centers |
Kerala with its mosaic history has been associated with many major religions in the world and they have all helped shape the outlook of the Keralite. Starting with the worship of snake gods, Hinduism evolved. Christianity reached the shore via St.Thomas – Christ's disciple. Islam also came with the Arab traders. Keralites also had a period of Buddhism and Jainism and also Judaism. This shows how pluralistic a society Kerala was from the early days and it is perhaps this influence that makes an average Keralite very secular in his approach. What stands out is an average Keralite's attitude – he has strong beliefs and is religious but is not intolerant to others and is open to discourse on topics like atheism too. Kerala's spiritual awakening came along with the social reform process. The caste system was made irrelevant and it is this equality of lower castes and homogeneity of religion that is a hallmark of the Kerala society today.
It is a general trend in Kerala that for all big festivals whether it is from a temple, church or mosque people from all religious communities work together to make it a memorable event. Some temples like Sabarimala, Chakkulathukavu and Mookambika temple are open to people from all religions. Some other like Guruvayoor and Padmanabhaswami temple are more traditional which means they have a dress code and do not permit non-hindus inside the temple premises. Kerala also has famed itself as a prime Indian spiritual center with legendary worship centers and spiritual leaders like Narayana Guru and Amma. Given below is a small write-up on a few important Pilgrim centers in Kerala:
 Guruvayoor Temple
Guruvayoor is one of the greatest Krishna shrines famous with its sobriquet 'Dwaraka of the South.' As the story goes the idol was saved from the sea at the Dwaraka flooding and installed in the south with the help of Parasurama. Numerous miraculous stories like that of Janamejaya who was cured of leprosy and Melpathur Narayana Namboothipad who was stricken by paralysis but was eventually restored to health by lords grace hail the power of the Lord. Every day is a festive day at Guruvayoor, with the idol taken on procession every day and night escorted by procession of elephants to the Panchavadyam sounds to the Krishnanattam performance and dance and music performed everyday at the temple premises. The architecture, grandeur and aura of the temple are simply magnificent. The temple runs a mural art institute (temple art) and an elephant sala near the temple (Punnathur Kotta) and it is a must see.
 Vadakumnathan Temple
It is one of the most revered Shiva temples in Kerala (called 'Dakshin Kailas') and is a magnificent example of Kerala style architecture with its stone walls, profusion of woodwork, low roofs and four imposing gopurams. The koothambalam (temple theatre) of this temple is also a majestic structure worth visiting. This temple surrounded by sacred herbs and trees is also the venue of the famous Thrissur Pooram. According to the legend this temple was built by Lord Parasurama himself and also Adi Sankaracharya spent his final days here. It is said that the ghee poured on the Shiva linga during abhishekam miraculously does not melt and stays solid. This temple is a must visit in Kerala.
 Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple
This is a famed and unique temple in Kerala which attracts close to 40 million pilgrims a year. This temple is open for only a few specific days in a calendar year. Pilgrims coming to Sabarimala have to live a life of austerity in complete devotion to the lord for 41 days before coming to the temple. Pilgrims take a dip in the holy Pampa River and take a difficult 5 km trek through the jungle to reach the abode of lord Ayyappa. They carry an irumudikkettu- a two bags containing ghee filled coconut, agarbathi and rice on their head while climbing the uphill path. The pilgrims generally wear black clothes. The divine darshan is the lord being covered in ghee taken to the temple by the devotees (neyabhishekam). The season is from Nov to Jan called Mandala kalam when the temple is open. Makara Vilakku on the occasion of Makara Sankaranthi is an important day in Sabarimala when magically the divine Makara Star appears on the horizon
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 Mookambika Temple
Though geographically this temple is situated in Karnataka, this temple is of great relevance for Keralites as it was part of old Kerala and established by Adi Sankaracharya some 1200 years ago. Situated on the banks of the Souparnika River and base of the Kudajadri hills this temple attracts millions of pilgrims every year. The deity is said to acquire the forms of Shakti, Sarasvati and Mahalakshmi and is one of the most important temples in South India. The Navarathri function and Vidyarambha function is celebrated with great vigour over here. The goddess is believed to bless children with talent and knowledge
 Bharananganam St Mary's Church
Located near Pala in Kottayam district, Bharananganam is now an important Pilgrim Center in South India. The place catapulted to world fame once St. Alphonsa whose mortal remains were cremated in this church was canonized by the Pope of Vatican. The St. Mary church which is also called Anakallu Church because of its unique stone based architecture was built in 1004 AD. Bharananganam is a place of religious and historical importance cutting across all social distinctions. The Sri Krishna temple here is said to be established by the Pandavas themselves. Archeologist also unearthed coins belonging to Buddha era here. It is also believed that a part of the cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified is kept here. The place is a symbol of religious harmony with the ornamental lamp held in procession during the festivals here being donated by the aforementioned temple. St Alphonsa day (July 28) is a very important day when all locals across all religious sects join to celebrate with millions of other devotees.
 Malayatoor St.Thomas Church
Located near Kochi, this famed Catholic church is said to be founded by St Thomas- one of the apostles of Jesus Christ. Blessed with boundless natural beauty at a height of 610 mts above sea level this place has the perfect environs for seeking spiritual bliss. The architecture of this hill shrine is also interesting with the altar designed in Greek style while the front is designed in traditional Roman style. The paintings and carvings behind the altar are also attractions. Pilgrims come here carrying a cross as an offering. The festival on the Sunday after easter attracts millions of devotees.
 Beemapalli
Beemapalli Dargah Shareef is one of the many religious and spiritual wonders that Kerala is proud of. It is dedicated to Bee Umma (believed to a member of the family of Prophet Mohammad), a pious Muslim lady who had great spiritual powers. She is believed to have come here from Arabia, centuries ago to preach Islam religion. Thousands of pilgrims travel to Thiruvananthapuram to take part in the Uroos festival held every year.
Sri Padmanabha Swamy Temple
The incredible fact of this temple is that it is built in 'one single huge stone' with beautiful architecture in it, which is truly unbelievable. It has all the qualities to become one among the Seven Wonders of the World. Being the capital of the state, it is the centre of power with the secretariat and government offices situated in the centre of the city. At the same time, the temple of Lord Padmanabha Swamy lends a distinct spiritual and royal air to the city as it is the presiding deity of the royal family. The temple has a grand structure which made the devotees believe that it guarded the city from all ill-omens. Words fail to describe the marvel of the idol of Lord Shri Padmanabha Swamy. The temple has witnessed the history, the rise and fall of monarchs, the great Thrippati Danam deed, and houses the largest collection of palm leaf manuscripts and still stands proudly shielded safely with the strong faith of countless devotees.
 Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple
Very few temples have the good fortune of possessing idols that are made by God. In Kerala, it is believed that there are three such god-made idols of Krishna- at Guruvayoor, Thripunithura and Ambalapuzha. At this legendry temple at Ambalapuzha, Krishna is worshipped in the infant avatar. Portraiture of the 10 avatars of Lord Vishnu adorns the inner walls of the chuttambalam (temple). Once in every 12 years, sorcerers perform the pallipana ritual. The temple is very famous for its 'Palpayasam' (a delicious milk porridge) given to devotees after offering it to the God. Ottan Thullal, the satirical art form created by poet Kunjan Nambiar was first performed here at Ambalapuzha temple.
 Mannarshala Temple (Snake Temple)
Mannarshala Sree Nagaraja Temple is a unique temple which has snakes as God and Goddesses. It has a number of snakes living in the compound. It has over 30,000 images of snake God in and around the temple. Children and couples visit this place to seek the blessings of the snake god. There are also many auspicious rituals for making offerings to snake god. These temples can only be found in Kerala. Festival at Mannarshala is the Ayilyam of Thulam [Thulam is the third month of the Malayalam calendar between mid – October and mid – November.]
Chakkulathukavu Bhagavati Temple
Chakkulathukavu Devi temple is popularly known as the "Sabarimala of Women" as the Goddess Vanadurga, who is the presiding deity, has a special empathy for women and children and the temple is always crowded with women devotees. This historic temple is situated on the border of Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha, the famous rivers Pamba and Manimala flow on the either side of the temple. Naaripooja is the main event in the annual 'Pandrandu noyambhu' (12 days fasting) festival. Every year hundreds of devotees witness the ritual of washing the feet of a women which upholds the verses of Manusmiriti (holy book) that tells 'wherever women are being worshipped, there will be glory and prosperity'.
 Ernakulam Shiva Temple
This majestic temple facing the Rajendra Maidan associated with the birth of the name of the city (Ernakulam) and is popularly known as Ernakulathappan temple. The deity here faces west towards the sea which is rare for Shiva temples. The temple also has the Shiva and Parvati idols in Kiratha forms. It is learned that the idol was self created or Swayamboo. The temple festival conducted here every January is a cultural fiesta worth experiencing.
 Chottanikkara Temple
This 10th century temple enshrines Goddess Bhagavati (Chottanikkara Amma) and till date remains a popular Hindu pilgrim center where devotees flock to seek liberation from mental torment and illness. Chottanikkara Amma is believed to take 3 forms- As Sarasvati (the goddess of learning) draped in white in the morning; Bhadrakali (fierce and destructive) at noon, dressed in red; and Durga (divine mother) in the evening draped up in blue.
 Chettikulangara Bhagavati Temple
Chettikulangara Devi temple is yet another grand and renowned temple of Kerala. The presiding deity here is an incarnation of Bhadrakali who is supposed to have great powers and there are many miraculous stories relating to the deep feeling bestowed by the deity on her devotees. We can see in front of the sanctum – sanctorum an 11 feet high and 13- tier stone lamp that is capable of holding a thousand wicks. It is said to be the largest and most elaborate lamp in India. The main annual festival is the Bharani festival which is marked with special rituals like Kudiyattom.
 Cheraman Juma Masjid
This Masjid situated in Kodungallor is considered to be the first mosque in India. The masjid was designed according to the then prominent style in Hindu temple architecture. People cutting across the divide of religion and sect visit this legendary mosque. There is a large oil lamp where all people offer oil on auspicious occasions. The present renovation to the building has changed the traditional look.
 Kodungallor Bhagavati
This temple has the idol of Bhagavati with 8 hands with each of them having a different item. One hand has a sword, the other the head of a demon, the other a chilanbu and so on. It is a very old temple situated in about 10 acres of land surrounded by banyan and peepal trees. The Bharani and Thalapoli festivals are of great importance over here. It was Sage Parasurama who built this temple according to legend.
 Thriprayar Temple
This is a 1000 year old Rama temple set in beautiful surroundings in the banks of a river. The Ekadasi time (Nov-Dec) is a very important festival with elephant processions and percussionists. The temple is also great importance during the Ramayana month and Sabarimala season.
 Janardanaswami Temple
It is a very important Vaishnavite shrine attracts thousands of pilgrims. Facing the temple is the Papasnanam beach where devotees take a bath in the belief that the sacred waters will wash away their sins. A large bell washed up from the wreck of a Dutch merchant vessel is kept on display at the temple.
 Sringeri Mutt
Adi Sankaracharya is the great Indian philosopher who talked about Advaita and rescued Hinduism from the superstitious and ritualistic state it had deteriorated into. 45km from Kochi at Kalady is a pilgrim center constructed in his remembrance. There are 3 shrines here – one dedicated to Sankaracharya, one to goddess Sharada and one to Ganapathi. The Samadhi of Sankaracharya's mother is also located in the premises. There is also the Adi Sankara Keerthi Stambam located here
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 Sivagiri Mutt
Sivagiri Mutt is a famous ashram in Varkala, founded by the philosopher and social reformer Sree Narayana Guru, whose mausoleum is also located on the hill-top. Other spiritual centres in the adjacent hills are the East-West University of Brahmavidya and Sree Narayana Gurukulam, both founded by Nataraja Guru, a disciple of Sree Narayana Guru.
 Kaduvayil Thangal Dargah
It is another place of pilgrimage that houses the shrine of a famous local Muslim saint. It is on National Highway 47 and attracts people from all religions, who seek the saint's blessings
 Mata Amrithanandamayi Mutt
Revered as "Amma" – meaning mother by devotees all over the globe, Sri Mata Amrithanandamayi is a symbol of love, compassion and selflessness. Born in a fishing family in Vallikavu (in Kollam district) as Sudhamani, Amma showed signs of divinity since her childhood. She was seen constantly singing songs in praise of Krishna and dancing on the beach. She was very disturbed by the suffering in the world and decided she would help people in distress. Soon, people came coming to her seeking spiritual guidance. She swept away tears and emotional distress of all people who visited her with a loving embrace. Now, Amma's ashram has facilities for yoga, meditation, philosophy and Sanskrit learning. Her social service and human welfare activities are countless. Amma is now recognized by international forums like United Nations as a treasure trove of practical spiritual wisdom.
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