Kerala, the visitors’ paradise, has soul-cleansing Centers too. Pilgrim Centers of all religions abound this tiny state. Thousands throng such Centers with agitated minds and return cool, calm and collected. Hindus, Christians, Muslims and even microscopic minorities such as Jains have their own pilgrim Centers where devotees genuflect to bare their mental trauma.
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Hindu Pilgrim Centers
Attukal Bhagavathi Temple:
Attukal Bhagavathy temple (Mudippura), knows as the Sabarimala of women, is in Thiruvananthapuram. Attukal Ponkala, the annual festival commences on Bharani day in Kumbhom (February – March) and continues for nine days.
Chettikulangara Devi Temple:
One of the renowned Devi temples in Kerala is Chettikulangara temple, Kayamkulam in Alappuzha. Highlights of Bharani festival, celebrated in February-March, are Kuthiyottam and Kettukazhcha. Of these , the former is performed as an offering to Bhagavathy.
Guruvayoor Sree Krishna Temple:
A big pilgrim draw, Guruvayoor is known as Kasi of South. Round the year devotees throng to worship Guruvayoorappan, little Krishna, the reigning deity. Click for Dharshan Timings
Mannarsala Temple, Harippad:
Mannarasala temple at Harippad is the seat of God of Serpents. Built in a grove, the temple is reputed for having 30,000 images of snake-gods and this is the largest of its kind in the state.
Thrichambaram Sree Krishna Temple:
The temple dedicated to Sree Krishna is at Thrichambaram, Kannur, 14-kms from Pappinisserry railway station. The fortnight festival begins on 22nd Kumbham (February – March).
Thrikkuratti Mahadeva Temple:
Located at Mannar,an an upcoming business town mid way between Mavelikara and Tiruvalla, in Alappuzha District of Kerala state, India, on State highway no. 6. It is situated on the banks of the Pamba River. It is one of the famous 108 Sivalayas built by Lord Parasurama. It is believed that the mammoth temple compound wall was built by a troup of Bhoothas of Lord Paramasiva in one night. The unique festivities of Thrikkuratti temple (Sahasra kalasam, Maikatti puja and Sivarathri Nritham) attracts lot of pilgrims.
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Muslim Pilgrim Centers
Cheraman Juma Masjid, Kodungallor:
The first mosque in India. Situated in Methala, Kodungalloor, hardly 20 kilometer from the Irinjalakuda railway station.Legend says King Cheraman Perumal of Kodungallor left for Mecca, embraced Islam, accepted the name Thajudee, married the sister of the then King of Jeddah.
Ottapalam Juma Masjid:
Mortal remains of Uthman Auliya, a revered man in Muslim Community here, is entombed here. Prayers are held in this mosque on Fridays. Annual festival is held in January-February.
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The Jama-at mosque, Malappuram:
The Jama-at mosque is important for Kerala’s Muslims. The annual Nercha festival of the mosque is celebrated for four days in April. Adjoining the mosque is a mausoleum of …..
Pazhayangadi Mosque, Kondotti:
On the way to Malappuram, 18 km east of Manjeri, is Kondotti a prominent pilgrim centre for Muslims. |
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CHRISTIAN PILGRIM CENTERS:
Blessed Alphonsa, Bharananganam:
The church is one of the important pilgrim Centers of the Christians in Kerala. The mortal remains of Sr. Alphonsa.
Manjinikkara Church:
Manjinikkara church derives its importance from the holy tomb of late Ignatius Elias III, the Holy Patriarch of Antioch. Members of the Jacobite Syrian Church believe that the Holy Father was a Saint.
St. Francis Church, Fort Kochi:
The first European church in India, which later became the model for building churches in elsewhere the country. Vasco da Gama, who died in Kochi during his second visit to Kerala.
St. George Church, Edappally, Kochi:
St. George Church, Edappally, Kochi has a past that touches 593 AD. This is one of the major pilgrim Centers in Kerala where even non-Christians crowd for veneration. Even during the week- days devotees throng the church to genuflect before the statue of St. George to express their gratitude for favours received through the saint.
St. Thomas Cathedral, Pala:
St. Thomas Church at Pala in Kottayam district is known for Rakkuli festival commemorating the Epiphany feast celebrated on January 6. The festival has become an occasion for trade related exhibitions.
St. Dominic Church – Aluva:
The feast of St. Dominic’s Church at Aluva falls on the third Sunday after the Easter. The statue of the saint is taken out in procession on the day |
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