15 Famous Temples (Mandir) in Kerala

May 09, 2025

Kerala temples are mainly known for their distinct architectural style, historical significance, and cultural importance. Kerala is considered one of India's most historical places, and it has a strong historical significance and a rich history. Many temples are dedicated to Vishnu and Shiva, with some honouring other deities. Kerala temples have a unique architectural style, often incorporating wood, stone, and metal. Examples are not just places of worship but also centres of culture, with festivals, performances, and traditions usually linked to the temples. To discover the famous temples in Kerala, focus on the information mentioned below, and grab the information accordingly.

15 Famous Temples (Mandir) in Kerala

1. Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple
2. Guruvayur Temple
3. Sabarimala Temple
4. Vadakkunnathan Temple
5. Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple
6. Chottanikkara Temple
7. Mannarsala Nagaraja Temple
8. Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple
9. Thirunelli Temple
10. Vaikom Mahadeva Temple
11. Attukal Bhagavathy Temple
12. Thali Mahadeva Temple
13. Parassinikkadavu Muthappan Temple
14. Ananthapura Lake Temple
15. Janardhana Swamy Temple

1. Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple:

The Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, is a significant Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is one of 108 Divya Desams, a list of holy Vishnu temples mentioned in the Divya Prabandha, a collection of hymns by Tamil saints. The idol of Vishnu is made of 12,008 salagramams (fossilised shells from Nepal).

2. Guruvayur Temple:

The Guruvayur Temple is one of the significant Hindu temples in Kerala and is dedicated to Lord Krishna. The temple is highlighted for its rich history and traditional Kerala temple-style architecture. It is also famous for its elephant sanctuary, home to numerous captive male Asian elephants. The temple is believed to be over 5,000 years old and is associated with legends of Guru (the preceptor of the gods) and Vayu (the wind god), hence the name "Guruvayur." Visitors are requested to dress modestly.

3. Sabarimala Temple:

Sabarimala Temple is a prominent Hindu temple in Kerala, dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. The temple is famous for its pilgrimage and out-of-this-world tradition. To visit, you must head to the location, as it's located within the Periyar Tiger Reserve, adding to its scenic beauty and ecological significance. There is a pilgrimage tradition where the temple is open only during specific periods, most notably the Mandala-Makaravilakku season, which typically begins in November and concludes in January.

4. Vadakkunnathan Temple:

Vadakkunnathan Temple is a prominent and beautiful Hindu temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the best places to visit in Kerala for cultural heritage conservation and a strong sense of serenity. The temple is sacred to the devotees of Lord Shiva and other deities enshrined within. Further, witness the unique and beautiful architecture and the beauty of the surroundings.

5. Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple:

Ambalappuzha is a notable temple dedicated to Sree Krishna Temple in Ambalappuzha, Alappuzha district, Kerala. It is a significant Hindu temple in honour of Lord Krishna. The temple is famous for offering Pal Payasam, a sweet and delicious milk porridge with a rich mythological connection. You must head to the temple during an annual festival, Ambalappuzha Arattu.

See also: Top 10 Famous Temples in Delhi

6. Chottanikkara Temple:

Chottanikkara Temple, dedicated to the deity Rajarajeswari, is a significant Hindu pilgrimage centre. It is a Famous Mandir in Kerala, to cure people with mental illness. The temple is very popular, especially in the evenings, and is believed to be where devotees find peace and solace. Legends says that the devotees feel a positive impact after visiting.

7. Mannarsala Nagaraja Temple:

Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple is a prominent Hindu temple primarily dedicated to Nagaraja, the serpent god. It also features the goddesses Sarpa Yakshi and Naga Yakshi. The temple is known for its fertility and well-being, as couples seeking blessings for fertility and family well-being visit it. The unique feature about the temples is that they boast an extensive collection of snake images, with over 100,000 along pathways and within the temple grounds.

8. Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple:

Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple, located in Kottayam, Kerala, is dedicated to Shiva. The temple was built in the 16th century and is considered one of the ancient temples in Kerala, which is famous for its architectural style of the Dravidians. Unlike many temples, the main idol of Lord Shiva here faces West. Witness the beauty and get blessed.

9. Thirunelli Temple:

The ancient Vishnu temple is situated on the side of the Brahmagiri hill, within the Sahyadri Mountain Ranges in Wayanad. The temple is known for its ancient history and traditional Kerala architecture. According to legend, Lord Brahma built the temple and installed the idol of Lord Vishnu under an Amla tree, which is why it is named "Thirunelly."The temple is considered very ancient and is a major pilgrimage centre for devotees. Take a drive to visit the temple, as the drive to the temple itself is scenic, passing through lush greenery and offering views of the Brahmagiri hills.

10. Vaikom Mahadeva Temple:

Vaikom Mahadeva Temple is a Shiva temple often called the "Kashi of the South." It is considered one of the oldest in Kerala, and the Shiva Linga may date back to the Treta Yuga. The temples have a strong historical significance, as their history is intertwined with social and political events in Kerala, making it a place of religious and historical importance.

11. Attukal Bhagavathy Temple:

The Attukal Bhagavathy Temple is a prominent Hindu temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. The temple's main deity is Goddess Bhagavathy, who is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Parvati. Another unique aspect of the temple is its architecture, which showcases a blend of traditional Tamil and Kerala architectural styles. The temple is famously called "Sabarimala of Women" because of its popularity among female devotees.

12. Thali Mahadeva Temple:

Thali Mahadeva Temple, also known as the Tali Shiva Temple, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the oldest and most revered temples in the region, with a history dating back to the 14th century, which makes it one of the Famous Temples in Kerala and a home to other deities. The temple showcases traditional Kerala architectural styles and has the idol of Shiva depicted as Umamaheswara, symbolising the divine union of Shiva and Parvati.

13. Parassinikkadavu Muthappan Temple:

Parassinikkadavu Muthappan Temple is a unique temple in Kerala and a must-visit temple. It is dedicated to Muthappan, who is believed to embody Thiruvappana (Lord Vishnu) and Vellatom (Lord Shiva). The unique part about the temples is that Dogs are considered sacred and treated with respect. The temple offers free meals and accommodation to all devotees and welcomes devotees of all castes and religions.

14. Ananthapura Lake Temple:

The Ananthapura Lake Temple is one of the best temples in Kerala. It is situated in the middle of a lake in Ananthapura, Kasaragod. The temple is believed to have been built in the 9th century. There is also the legendary crocodile, known as "Babia," which is said to have lived in the lake and was fed by temple priests. Head to the temple, which is situated in the village of Ananthapura, near Kumbla, Kasaragod District, Kerala, and is dedicated to Lord Padmanabha, who is seated on the serpent king Anantha.

15. Janardhana Swamy Temple:

The temple features paintings of Lord Hanuman and other deities in the sanctum entrance. The temple is a popular destination for conducting final rites and rituals for the departed, believed to bestow peace on their souls. The temple is considered to be around 2000 years old and is known for its architectural beauty and religious significance.

Conclusion

Henceforth, after reviewing the information mentioned above, you must be updated on Kerala's famous and historical temples (Mandir). Thus, each temple has its unique significance and values. Visit the temples according to your well-being and devotion, and there, further seek the blessings and get a positive response and a cure.

FAQs About Famous Temple in Kerala

Which is the most famous temple in Kerala?

All the temples are popular in Kerala, yet the most famous are the Guruvayur Temple in Thrissur and the Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram.

What are the top temples in Kerala that you should visit?

One of the top temples in Kerala you should visit is the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Guruvayoor Shrikrishna Temple, and Sabarimala Temple, which are known for their rich history and architecture.

What is special about the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple?

The special thing about the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is its immense wealth, unique architectural style, and the deity's iconic Anantha Shayanam posture.

Can non-Hindus enter temples in Kerala?

Though some exceptions and restrictions exist, many Hindu temples in Kerala are open to non-Hindus. A few temples are strictly prohibited for non-Hindus.

What is the best time to visit temples in Kerala?

The best time to visit Kerala is during the winter months, from September to March. The weather is pleasant, and the climate is comfortable with mild temperatures, making it easy to visit the temples.

Are there any ancient temples in Kerala?

Yes, Kerala has several ancient temples with a rich history and cultural significance. Thiruvanchikulam Mahadeva Temple, the Tali Shiva Temple in Kozhikode, and the Janardhana Swamy Temple in Varkala are the following.

Is there a dress code for visiting Kerala temples?

Yes, there is a dress code for visiting a Kerala temple that you must follow. For men, it is generally a dhoti or mundu; for women, it is a series of skirts with blouses.

Are temple festivals in Kerala open to tourists?

Yes, temple festivals in Kerala are generally open to tourists. Many festivals, like Thrissur Pooram, Arattupuzha Pooram, and Nenmara Vallanghy Vela, tend to attract a large number of visitors from around the world who come to experience the unique cultural and religious experience.

Which temples in Kerala are UNESCO heritage sites or have historical significance?

Most temples in Kerala are UNESCO heritage sites, and others have historical significance. The list includes Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Edakkal Caves, Kandrisnapuram Palace, and Bekal Fort.

How to reach Sabarimala Temple?

To visit Sabarimala, pilgrims typically start their journey by reaching Pamba, the trek's base camp. From there, they climb the mountain to the temple. You can also go by air, by train and by road.

What are some famous Shiva temples in Kerala?

Some famous Shiva temples in Kerala include Vaikom Mahadeva Temple, Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple, and Vadakkunnathan Temple. Thus, other significant temples dedicated to Shiva include Aluva Mahadeva Temple, Tali Mahakshetram, and Ernakulam Shiva Temple.

Are there Jain or Buddhist temples in Kerala?

Yes, there are both Jain and Buddhist temples in Kerala. While Buddhism's presence has declined, some Buddhist temples still exist, and several Jain temples exist, particularly in areas like Palakkad and Wayanad.

Can I attend temple rituals or aarti in Kerala?

You can usually attend aarti and temple rituals in Kerala, but there are some specific rules and guidelines to follow, as some may restrict entry into the sanctum sanctorum.

Is photography allowed inside temples in Kerala?

Yes, photography inside temples in Kerala, particularly within the sanctum sanctorum, is often prohibited. However, the use of mobile phones is sometimes restricted.

Do Kerala temples have online darshan or ticket booking options?

Yes, several Kerala temples offer online darshan and ticket booking options.. Getting the darshan through the official website further allows devotees to book darshan tickets and prasadam. Pilgrims can pre-book "aravana" and "appam" offerings by paying in advance.