This state is also referred to as the God`s Own Country. Previously worship in Kerala revolved around Nature, a natural respect for one`s ancestors and a strong attraction towards the concept of a Mother Goddess. Gradually the religious beliefs flowed into the mainstream of Hindu philosophy, so that now the most evolved and austere of Hindu ritual flourishes alongside an ancient and darker Dravidian style of worship. The religious beliefs in this state may vary from the concept of a formless, fathomless God to a divine snake, a tree or a stone.
Kerala`s divine attractions are tucked away in the Cardamom Hills and along the Malabar Coast. Places, such as, Thiruvanthapuram or Trivandrum is also a popular pilgrimage center.
The temple of Sri Padmanabhaswamy was built to honour Lord Vishnu. Even today the temple building physically dominates the bustling city. The crowds and the bazaars of the new, and growing, urban India can also be seen in the busy sprawling towns of Cochin, Quilon, Trichur, Calicut and Cannanore.
The temple of Chottanikkara, near Cochin, attracts a large number of faithful pilgrims or patients who seek release from evil spirits. It is widely believed that exorcism is successfully performed here.
Other temples in Kerala include:-
•Attukal Bhagavathi Temple
•Chettikulangara Devi Temple
•Guruvayoor Sree Krishna Temple
•Mannarsala Temple, Harippad
•Thrichambaram Sree Krishna Temple
•Janardhanaswamy Temple, Varkala
•Sree Vallabha Temple, Thiruvalla
•Bhagavathi Temple, Kodungallor
•Koodalmaanickam Temple, Iringaalakkuda
•Ayyappa Temple, Sabarimala
•Krishna Temple, Aranmula
•Darmasastha Temple, Erumely
•Vadakkunathan Temple, Thrissur
•Thirumandhamkunnu Temple, Angadippuram
Christians, Muslims and Jews are accepted with an open arm in Kerala as were the early Phoenician, Greek and Roman traders.
