Introduction

Munnar, a town and hill station in the Idukki district of Kerala, is home to many ancient temples. These temples celebrate various festivals that are participated by a large number of people. Some of these temples and their festivals are described below:

Sree Krishna Temple

This temple of Munnar is dedicated to Lord Krishna. It is located at Peermade, 42 km from Kurnili. The annual festival here is celebrated for ten days. It starts with the hoisting of the temple flag (Kodiyettam). The last two evenings of the festival are marked by lively performances of Ottanthullal and Kavadiyattam. On the last night, the ‘Thidampu’ is taken out for the ‘Arattu’ i.e. holy bath. It is a colourful procession with the Thidampu. It is ceremoniously carried on a caparisoned elephant along with the temple music, ‘Panchavadyam’, indicates the conclusion of the festival.

Sree Dharmasastha Temple

This temple of Munnar is dedicated to Lord Dharmasastha. The deity is Ayyappa, who was born of Hari (Lord Vishnu) and Hara (Lord Shiva), with Hari assuming the form of a female (Mohini). This festival of Dharmasastha temple is celebrated with lots of pomp and gaiety. During the festivals, ‘Ammankudam’ and ‘Thalappow’, ‘Garudanvaravu’, the folk rituals are performed, which represent the celestial bird, Garuda.

Subramanya Temple

Sri Subramanya Temple is a Hindu temple located in Munnar in the Idukki district of Kerala, where Lord Muruga is worshipped as the principal deity. Situated on a small hill, the temple was worshipped by the Muthuvan tribal community in the past. Earlier, the Nambudiris held the tantric rights of the temple, while at present these rights are held by local Tamil Brahmins. Three poojas are conducted daily, including the Usha pooja in the morning, the Ucha pooja at noon, and the Attazha pooja in the evening. The annual festival, Thrikarthika, is celebrated in the Malayalam month of Vrischikam (November to December). The day of the Uthram asterism in the month of Meenam (March to April) is also observed as an important festival of the temple.

Mariamman Kovil

Mariamman Kovil, also known as Sree Poomariyamman Temple, is located in the heart of the Munnar town. Goddess Mariamman, the deity enshrined in the temple, is worshipped as the Goddess of rain and fertility. The colourful temple serves as a central place of worship for the local Tamil community and hosts one of the most important annual events on the cultural calendar. During the festival, colours, music, and traditional rituals create a festive atmosphere that attracts both devotees and tourists.

Sri Ganesha Temple

Sri Ganesha Temple in Munnar is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha, located in the Kannan Devan Hills. The temple is famous for the massive 38-foot-tall Ganesha statue, regarded as the largest in South India. The temple enjoys considerable recognition among devotees, who believe that Lord Ganesha fulfills their wishes and removes the difficult problems faced by them.

Munnar Vanapathrakaliamman Temple

Munnar Vanapathrakaliamman Temple is located at Periyavarai Estate in the Puthukadu Division of Kannan Devan Hills. It is a Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Amba, a form of Goddess Durga. It is believed that worshipping Goddess Amba leads to the fulfillment of all wishes.

Sree Murugan Kovil

This temple is dedicated to Lord Subramanya. This deity is also known as Sree Muruga, son of Lord Siva. Here, ‘Thrikkarthika Utsavam’ festival is celebrated with lots of fun.

Santhigiri Sree Maheswari Temple

Santhigiri Sree Maheswari Temple is located in Adimali near Munnar and is a shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. Nestled amid the lush greenery of the Western Ghats, the temple is known for its tranquil ambiance and spiritual significance. It hosts an annual five-day festival that culminates on Maha Shivaratri, considered the most auspicious day for worship. The temple’s traditional architecture and its setting in the heart of Adimali town make it an important destination for visitors exploring temples in the Munnar region.

Sree Ayyappa Temple

This temple is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. It is situated at Anachal 15 km from Munnar. The six-day annual festival of the temple starts with the ceremonial hoisting of the temple flag (Kodiyettam).

Sree Parthasarathy Temple

This temple is situated at Mundakkayam, around 65 km from Thekkady. It is dedicated to Lord Parthasarathy. The six-day annual festival of the temple begins with the ceremonial hoisting of the temple flag (Kodiyettam).

Parvathi Amman Temple

Parvathi Amman Temple is located on Top Station Road in Munnar. It is a shrine dedicated to Goddess Parvathi. Surrounded by the lush greenery of tea plantations, the temple offers a tranquil ambiance for devotees and visitors. Its traditional architecture reflects the cultural heritage of the region, making it a significant spiritual and cultural landmark. The temple is visited by those exploring Munnar, offering a peaceful retreat and an opportunity to connect with the divine amid the picturesque landscapes of the Western Ghats.

Shri Kaliyamman Temple

Shri Kaliamman Temple is situated in Vaguvarai Tea Estate against the backdrop of lush green eucalyptus plantations. Also known as the Kalikaparamesvari Temple, it is dedicated to Goddess Kali. The deity is worshipped as the Kulatheivam or Kaval Daivam of the Vaguvarai Estate. Access to Vaguvarai is provided through the 9th Mile Udumalpet Road and the Munnar Top Station Road. The surrounding region is rich in flora and fauna, with rare rhododendrons found in parts of Vaguvarai and Gundumallay, along with the much sought-after kurinji flowers in Vaguvarai.

Sree Krishnaswamy Temple

This temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna. It is located at the heart of Thodupuzha town. Every year, a ten-day festival is celebrated in this temple. "Kathakali" performances are also held on 5th and 6th days of the festival.

Thus, the festivals of Munnar are the occasions of mirth and excitement. All the above mentioned temples and their festivals attract pilgrims from various corners of India.