Kerala, the visitors' paradise, has soul-cleansing centres too. Pilgrim centres
of all religions abound this tiny state. Thousands throng such centres with
agitated minds and return cool, calm and collected.
Hindus, Christians, Muslims and even microscopic minorities such as Jains have
their own pilgrim centres where devotees genuflect to bare their mental trauma.
Hindu Pilgrim Centres
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.
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).
Muslim Pilgrim Centres
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.
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.
Christian Pilgrim Centres
Blessed Alphonsa, Bharananganam
The church is one of the important pilgrim centres 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 centres 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.
