Religious/ Spiritual

Quiet close to the temple is the St Mary's Knanaya Church, also known as the Valiapally, or the big church. The church is located atop a hill and is dedicated to St Mary. It was constructed in 1550 AD by the successors of Syrian Knanaya Christians who came to India in 345 AD. The land on which the church stands today was donated by Hindu chieftain. Inside the church, there are two granite Persian crosses, each sculpted out of a single piece of stone and bearing an inscription Pahlavi language (the erstwhile official language of Sassanian dynasty of Persia).

The Mosque at Erumeli about 60 Km north-east of Kottayam town is dedicated to Vavar, a contemporary and companion of Lord Ayyappa, a Hindu deity. Every year the unique sight of multitudes of Hindu pilgrims worshipping at this mosque before their trek to Sabarimala to worship Lord Ayyappa is truly soul stirring.

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Kottayam town is the gateway to pilgrim centres of Sabarimala, Mannanam, Kuruvilangad, Vaikom, Ettumanoor, Bharananganam,Erumeli, Manarcadu, Aruvithura and Athirampuzha. The famous Vaikom Siva Temple, associated with the legendary Parasurama, is just 40 Km. north of Kottayam town and is a typical example of Kerala Temple Architecture. So also are the Temples of Perunna , Vazhappally and Thrikkodithanam near Changanachery. There is a school imparting training in Temple art forms like PaNchavadyam, (orchestra of five musical instruments)

Pattazi is the seat of an ancient temple, dedicated to Bhagavathy. The Mudi is the major festival of this temple.

Situated about 73 kms east of Kollam is one of the important pilgrim centers of the district. From very early days, it was an important trade route for merchants from either sides of Western Ghats. The chief attraction of Aryankavu is the shrine dedication of Lord Sastha. The temple has some fine sculptures and mural paintings. Thousands of pilgrim’s flocks of this temple during the Mandala Pooja in December. All trains towards Shencottah have a stop at Aryankavu. About 5 kms away from Aryankavu there is a big waterfall known as Palaravi.

Thriprayar Sri Ram Temple is placed in an enchanting location overlooking Thriprayar River. The deity is Sri Rama and it is believed that the idol was located from the sea shore by one of the local chieftains. The idol is worshipped as Trimurthy as the devotees believe that the idol has elements of Brahma, Vishnu and Maheswara (Shiva).

Thiruvanchikulam Mahadeva Temple, an ancient temple dating back to 2000 years, is a renowned temple in Kodungallur. The temple is renowned for the various representations of Lord Shiva. It is believed that Sundaramurthy Nayanar, a saint poet during the Cheraman perusal’s rule, sang at this temple and the sound of Nataraja dance was heard from the Srikovil.

Sringapuram Shiva Temple is a famous Hindu religious place in the close proximity of Kodungallur. The Shiva idol in this temple was believed to be installed by Sage Rishyashringa and hence the name Sringapuram (land of Sringa). This is one of the temples wherein Shiva is placed alone without Goddess Parvati.

Mar Thoma Shrine: Marthoma Shrine, a historical church in Kodungallur, is located at Azhikode, the place at which Saint Thomas, one of the disciples of Jesus, landed first time in India to propagate Christianity. Mar Thoma Pontifical Shrine is a renowned religious destination in Thrissur district of Kerala. The shrine is built in Indo Persian style. The altar depicts the holy relics of Marthoma Sleha (St Thomas). Daily masses and Novena are conducted in this church. The shrine offers a short video showing the life of St Thomas to the visitors.

Karumbakavu temple is dedicated to warrior goddess Bhagavathy. The idol of Bhagavathy has eight arms equipped with weapons. The severed head of Daruka, bells, an anklet and the vessel of blood are adorning the image of Goddess. There are many legendary stories behind this temple. One story coincides with the Kannagi Charithm and Daruka Nigraham.