Kerala, often called “God’s Own Country,” is not just a haven of lush greenery and serene backwaters but also a land of spirituality and devotion. Dotted with ancient and culturally rich temples, the state showcases a fusion of Dravidian architecture, Vedic traditions, and strong community participation in rituals. In this post, we’ll take you on a spiritual tour through the top 30 most famous temples in Kerala in 2025—each holding its unique legends, festivals, and divine energy.
Table of Contents
1. Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram
This 16th-century temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is one of the richest religious institutions in the world.
Highlight: Vaults of gold, Dravidian architecture, strict dress code
2. Guruvayur Temple, Thrissur
Dedicated to Lord Krishna, this temple is one of the most visited pilgrim centers in South India.
Highlight: Annadanam, elephant sanctuary, weddings & choroonu rituals
3. Sabarimala Temple, Pathanamthitta
One of the largest annual pilgrimages in the world, dedicated to Lord Ayyappa.
Highlight: 41-day vratham, trekking through forests, Makara Jyothi
4. Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram
Famous for the Attukal Pongala festival, which holds the Guinness Record for the largest women’s gathering.
Highlight: Goddess Kannaki worship, Pongala fire ritual
5. Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple, Ernakulam
Famous for curing mental illness and spiritual afflictions.
Highlight: Goddess Rajarajeswari worship, evening rituals with lamps
6. Vaikom Mahadeva Temple, Kottayam
One of the oldest Shiva temples in South India, part of the powerful 108 Shiva temples.
Highlight: Vaikathashtami festival, heritage corridor
7. Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple, Kottayam
Dedicated to Lord Shiva and renowned for its frescoes and golden flag mast.
Highlight: The “Ezhara Ponnana” (seven and a half golden elephants) ritual
8. Thirunelli Temple, Wayanad
Also known as the “Kashi of the South,” dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Highlight: Located in Brahmagiri hills, rituals for ancestors
9. Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple, Thrissur
A powerful Kali temple known for the Bharani festival.
Highlight: Oracles (Velichappadu), sacred swords, bloodless rituals
10. Tali Shiva Temple, Kozhikode
Ancient temple built in the 14th century, showcasing Kerala-style architecture.
Highlight: Tranquility, Namboothiri heritage, Shivaratri rituals
11–30: Other Iconic Temples in Kerala
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Parassinikadavu Muthappan Temple, Kannur – Only temple where Theyyam is performed daily
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Thriprayar Sree Rama Temple, Thrissur – Part of Nalambalam pilgrimage
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Lokanarkavu Temple, Vadakara – Associated with martial hero Thacholi Othenan
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Ananthapura Lake Temple, Kasaragod – Only lake temple in Kerala
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Kaviyoor Mahadeva Temple, Pathanamthitta – 10th-century Shiva temple
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Thiruvanchikulam Mahadeva Temple, Kodungallur – Believed to be the oldest Shiva temple
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Mannarasala Nagaraja Temple, Haripad – Renowned serpent worship temple
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Panachikkadu Temple (Dakshina Mookambika), Kottayam – Dedicated to Saraswati Devi
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Chettikulangara Devi Temple, Alappuzha – Known for Kettukazhcha festival
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Sree Vallabha Temple, Thiruvalla – One of the Divya Desams
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Koodalmanikyam Temple, Irinjalakuda – Only temple dedicated to Bharata (Ram’s brother)
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Thirumandhamkunnu Bhagavathy Temple, Malappuram – Stronghold of Devi worship
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Aruvikkara Bhagavathy Temple, Trivandrum – Set beside a waterfall
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Kanjirangad Vaidyanatha Temple, Wayanad – Shiva temple with medicinal springs
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Kumaranalloor Devi Temple, Kottayam – Renowned for mural paintings
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Payyannur Subrahmanya Temple, Kannur – Famous for rare musical instruments
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Oachira Parabrahma Temple, Kollam – Unique temple without sanctum
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Aluva Siva Temple, Ernakulam – Located on the banks of Periyar River
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Sree Krishna Temple, Ambalapuzha – Known for the sacred Ambalapuzha Palpayasam
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Mulankunnathukavu Temple, Thrissur – Temple of the regional goddess
What Makes Kerala Temples Unique?
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Kerala-style architecture with sloping roofs, brass lamps, and intricate murals
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Strict customs and rituals led by Brahmin priests
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Elephant processions, oil lamps, and percussion music (chenda melam) during festivals
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Devotee-led rituals, where community participation is central
Best Festivals to Experience in 2025
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Sabarimala Makaravilakku (Jan)
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Attukal Pongala (March)
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Thrissur Pooram (April–May)
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Vaikathashtami (Dec)
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Navaratri at Chottanikkara and other Devi temples
Temple Visiting Tips
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Most temples require traditional attire (Mundu for men; Saree or Salwar for women)
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Non-Hindus are restricted in some temples (e.g., Sabarimala, Guruvayur)
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Avoid photography unless permitted
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Respect queue systems and local customs
Planning a Temple Tour in Kerala
If you plan to cover several temples in one trip:
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Start in Trivandrum (Padmanabhaswamy, Attukal)
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Move north to Thrissur and Guruvayur
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Explore Wayanad, Kozhikode, and Kasaragod for peaceful, forest-enshrined temples
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Conclude with Sabarimala pilgrimage during season
Final Thoughts
Kerala’s temples are not just religious places—they are spiritual sanctuaries, cultural symbols, and architectural wonders. Visiting these temples in 2025 will not only bring blessings but also a sense of peace and connection with centuries of devotion.
From Sree Padmanabhaswamy’s opulence to Sabarimala’s simplicity, each temple tells a story of faith that continues to thrive in the modern world.