Home > Indian History > Temples of India > Temples of Kottayam District
Temples of Kottayam District
Kottayam District of Kerala state is famous for its number of temples.

Share this Article:

Temples of Kottayam DistrictErumeli:
This temple is situated about 60 km away from Kottayam town. This is also the biggest pilgrim centre in the district. There is an ancient temple where `Sridharma Sastha` is the presiding deity. There is also an ancient mosque dedicated to Vavar who is considered to be the friend of Lord Ayyappa.

During the Mandala and Makaravilakku seasons lakhs of pilgrims arrive here on their way to Sabarimalai. Erumeli is also famous for Pettathullal. Before the devotees start Pettathullal they offer Prayers at the mosque of Vavar. Thus Erumeli displays a very colourful picture of Hindu-Muslim religious harmony and co-operation, which is a very rare example of unity in diversity.

Vaikom Temple:
It is situated at the distance of 40 km away from Kottayam Town. This place is famous for its Shiva Temple. Here two Ashtami festivals are held annually, one in Kumbham celebrated during February-March and the other one in Vrischikom during November-December. Out of these two the second one is more famous. The celebrations lasts for 12 days. At the end of the celebration `Arat` is organized at the Subrahmanya temple at Udayanapuram on the day after Ashtami. The `Panchavadyam` is an attractive item of the festival.

`Prathal` is the main `Vazhipadu` here. At Vaikom temple there is a school, which teaches temple arts. This is popularlu known as `Kshethrakalapeedhom`.

Thirunakkara:
Siva temple at Thirunakkara is situated in the heart of the Kottayam town. The sanctum sanctorum is covered with pictures from the epics. Three festivals are celebrated here which are named as Thulam celebrated during the month of October-November, Mithunam celebrated during June-July and Meenam during March-April. Out of these three festivals the last one is the most important. The `Arattu` is usually celebrated in the last day of the festival and this is regarded as the important one as all the people irrespective of their caste and creed enjoy the festival with full joy and greet.

Ettumannoor:
Ettumannoor is famous for the `Mahadeva` temple which is placed at 12 Km. away from Kottayam town. The golden elephants that are 7 in number in case of large ones and one in case of small one are present here, which are well known to all. Though actually 8 in number these are only considered as seven and half. Karthikathirunal Maharaja of Travancore presented these to the Lord.

The festival that is celebrated at this place is in Kumbham during February-March. On the 8th day of the festival the golden elephants are taken out which attracts thousands of devotees of the lord.

Kumaranelloor:
This temple is situated at 6 kilometers away from Kottayam. Kumaranelloor is famous for the Karthyayani Devi temple. Here `Trikarthika` day is important which is celebrated in the month of Vrischikam during November-December. The display of lights in the evening or Karthika Vilakku is the highlight of this celebration.

Pallippurathu Kavu:
This place is situated in the southern part of the Kottayam town. This temple is devoted to Devi. The `Kumbhakuta Mahotasva` that is organized here attracts a large crowd every year. It is held on the day of Pathamudaya, which is basically the Tenth day of the month of Medam. The `Garudan Thukkam` at night is also famous at this place.

Saraswathy Temple-Panachikkad:
This is situated at 18 km away from Kottayam town. This temple is famous for Saraswathi Pooja in the month of Thulam i.e. during September-October. Saraswathi is worshipped as the goddess of learning. On the day of Durgashtami the `Pooja Veppu` if performed when books are arranged in a decorated room and all sorts of study and work are given up. The Mahanavami day is devoted to worship of Saraswathi.

The Vijayadasami day is observed as the day for the break up of the Pooja or Pooja Eduppu. On that day thousands of people arrive at this temple to initiate learning to their children as because the day is regarded as the auspicious one.

Thiruvarpu:
This is situated at 6 km. away from Kottayam town. This temple is devoted to Lord Krishna. In the morning at 3 o`clock the offerings starts here at this temple. One festival is there which is celebrated here in the month of April and lasts for ten days. The `Wakkeduppu` i.e., carrying lighted lamps by virgin girls during the festival here is famous. Thiruvarpu is also famous for `Usha` or Payasam, which is the main `Vazhipadu`.

Kidangoor:
This is situated in the direction of 25 km. northeast of Kottayam. On the day of Shashti, the subramonia swamy temple here attracts a large crowd of worshippers every month. In Kumbham a ten days long festival during February-March is celebrated every here. The specialty lies in the Chakiarkooth festival, which is performed here every year.

Perunnai (Changanacherry):
This is placed at about 20 km south to Kottayam town. This is also one of the famous Subrahmonya Temples. The festival is in Dhanu, which lasts for 10 days. Hundreds of worshippers especially ladies attend the `Shashti` festival here at this place. Temples at some places as for example Ramapuram, Kadappattur, Vazhappallil, Udayanapuram, etc., are also famous at its place.


Share this Article: