SABARIMALA TEMPLE
A wellknown pilgrim centre of South India. The holy shrine dedicated to Lord Ayyappa is situated 914 metre above sea-level. It is 191 km away from Thiruvanathapuram and 210 km from Kochi. Over 2 million pilgrims go to this Hindu shrine every year. The devotees going to the shrine have to wear only black robes.
The pilgrimage to Sabarimala has several distinct features as against any other pilgrimage. It is an experience indeed as unique as it is exiting . The pilgrim who goes up the hill is conscious of not only the presence of an effulgent spiritual power , but also the burden of his past which he carries with him . Rigorous austerities are to be observed unfailingly without which it becomes a futile exercise with no spiritual gain. It is virtually a penance lasting at least forty one days from the first day of the Malayalam month Vrischikam , the mid November . A pilgrim who takes his maiden trip to the hill is called "Kanni Ayyappan"
As the preliminary ritual of the .pilgrimage, the aspirant wears a beaded garland usually of Thulasi or Rudraksham as a symbol, the garland which he receives from Guruswami , the one who has been privileged to be the holy presence of the Lord repeatedly on several occasion. Ordinarily the ritual is conducted in the precincts of a temple or any other such sacred place. From the moment the garland falls around the neck , the aspirants reposes complete faith in Ayyappa and he identifies himself with the Lord . He surrenders his thoughts, words and deeds to the powerful deity.
PARTHASARATHY TEMPLE , ARANMULA
700 years old temple is believed to have been built by Pandavas. Parthasarathy is the charioteer Krishna who recited Bhagwad Geetha to Arjuna in the battlefield. The temple is on a platform in Pamba River. There are four entrances. The entrance on eastern side has 18 wide steps strong enough for elephants to climb. The temple has 8 tuskers which are housed in temple’s own anakottil, the stable of elephants.
The idol for installation was brought in a raft made of aru (six) mula (bamboo) and the place thereafter was known as Aramula which later on fashioned to Aranmula. The Aranmula Vallamkali (boat race) is conducted every year in Chingam (August/Septrember) to commemorate the arrival of the idol through water. Krishna’s birthday, Ashtamirohini, is also celebrated in gaiety as a 10-day festival during Makaram (January/February).Aranmula Sree Parthasarathy Temple is one of the most ancient temples of Kerala. The presiding deity is Lord Krishna. The temple is situated on the banks of River Pamba in Aranmula, Pathanamthitta district. It is here that the famous Aranmula boat race is conducted during the time of the Onam festival. The temple has a historic collection of murals by 18th century artists.
SREE VALLABHA TEMPLE
The temple is 400 years old and is situated along the banks of the river Manimala. This is one of the major Vaishnava temples in the country. The presiding deity here is Lord Mahavishnu. It is one of the 108 Vaishnava temples (Temples worshiping Lord Mahavishnu or his incarnations) in the country. It is believed that ‘Perumthachan’ (The carpenter son of Vararuchi and Parayi, a member in the ‘Parayi petta panthirukulam family) constructs the temple and the 'Dwajasthamba' (flag post) here, with a single piece of granite. It is believed that the lower end of the pillar touches the underwater level. The uniqueness of this temple is that, Kathakali is performed every day here as a ritual offering. The annual festival of the festival falls on ‘Kumbham’ (February-March) and is celebrated here with great enthusiasm. Another important festival here is ‘Uthraseeveli’ (Day festival on ‘Uthram’ day) falls on ‘Meenam’ (March-April). The temple is permitted to Hindus. Unlike other Vaishnava temples in the state, this temple not allows women near the sanctum sanctorum except on ‘Vishu’ and ‘Thiruvathira’ of ‘Dhanu’ (December-January) days. The reason behind this prohibition is unexplored. The temple is easily accessible. Thiruvalla is 8 kilometers away from Pathanamthitta town in Kerala and there are frequent buses to this destination. The nearest railway station is Pathanamthitta and through rail the place is connected to all major cities in the country. The temple opens from 5.00 am to 11.00 am and from 5.00 pm to 8.00 pm.
KAVIYOOR TEMPLE
The Kaviyoor Mahadeva Temple is situated here in Kaviyur. This is a 1000 year old temple which has a unique style of architecture and is one of the oldest of the Mahadeva temples in Kerala. The temple is commonly known as Thrikkaviyoor Mahadeva Temple.
The temple is believed to be constructed in the 10th century. Perfect round Sreekovil with Sandhara style and its peculiar basment are unique to the temple.There are two inscriptions on the basement of the main sanctum dated 950 & 951 AD.
The annual 10 day long temple festival is 'Thiruvutsavam' and this starts on Thiruvathira day in the Malayalam month of Dhanu (December-January). Utsavabali, seva, pallivetta are the main rituals performed during the festival. A Hanuman Temple is also located in the temple complex of Kaviyoor Temple. This is one of the famous major temples of Travancore Devaswam Board under Thiruvalla group of temples.
THEKKEKUDI CAVE TEMPLE, KAVIYOOR
Thekekudi Cave Temple in Kaviyoor panchayat is one among the rare breed of cave temples to be found around in Kerala. It is assumed that this temple is constructed in the Pallava architectural style and was built in the 8th century. Apart from Ganapathi, Maharshi, Dwarapalaka idols in the sreekovil which in inside the cave, there is also a Sivalinga which is about three feet in height .
MAHADEVA TEMLE, CHENGANNUR
In addition to the deity of Shiva, the deity of Parvathy, wife of Shiva is also installed here. Both are in same sanctum. The legend is that Parvathy had menstruated while visiting Chengannur and the goddess here is in her teenage with pavada (skirt) as attire. The devotees believe that touching her pavada fulfills the dreams. The devotees strain to touch the pavada during Tripoothe Arattu festival when the deity is taken out for arattu (bathing), the only occasion available to touch the pavada. Chengannur where this temple is situated is accredited with three temples out of five constructed by Pandavas. Chengannur is 5 km south of Thiruvalla
VALAMCHUZHY TEMPLE
Valamchuzy "Sree Bhuvaneswary" temple is one of the oldest temples in Pathanamthitta, also known popularly as the town of temples. Valamchuzy temple is in fact considered one of the most renowned temples in South India. The temple is situated at a distance of 4.5 kms from the city centre.
The temple is surrounded by the sacred river anchankovil that has its origin in the Achankovil mountain ranges. The very name " Valamchuzy" derived from the fact that the river circumvents the temple on three sides.The place, where the temple is situated, derived its name from the direction that the river Achankovil takes as it flows along.Valamchuzhy Temple is known to be one of the oldest Temples in Kerala and was built over 2000 years ago.Valamchuzy "Sree Bhuvaneswary" temple is one of the oldest temples in Pathanamthitta, also known popularly as the town of temples. Valamchuzy temple is in fact considered one of the most renowned temples in South India. The temple is situated at a distance of 4.5 kms from the city centre. The temple is surrounded by the sacred river anchankovil that has its origin in the Achankovil mountain ranges. The very name " Valamchuzy" derived from the fact that the river circumvents the temple on three sides. Due to the constant fury of the river over the past 3000 years large tracts belonging to the temple have been washed away. The temple presently is well protected from the ravages of floods. Formerly this area was under dense forests and its remnants can still be seen in the "Sarpakavu" that presently exists there. The sarpakavu is also home to a large variety of rare medicinal herbs. Constant threat due to illegal sand mining from the river is posing a danger to the Sarpakavu.
Meditation and prayers in this cool, quiet and serene surrounding will bring in abundant blessing to the devotees.The Kodungalloor temple and Valamchuzy temple are similar in several aspects. It is believed that the sword and the chilambu kept at this temple had been brought over from Kodungaloor. It is also believed that there existed in this temple at one time, both human and animal sacrifice.As elsewhere, the great floods of 1096 had its repercussions in Pathanamthitta and it caused severe damage to the temple.
KURAMBALA TEMPLE
Puthenkavil Devi temple at Kurampala is an ancient temple with its own variety ritualistic practices. Kurampala is about 4km south to Pandalam and the temple is situated half a kilometer west to the main road facing eastwards. There is ‘kavu’ around the temple, full of herbs, creepers and huge trees resembling miniature forest. Idol installed here is that of Bhadrakali in her fierceful mood. People belonging to various religions and communities worship here and believe that get immediate results for their prayerrs.
KADAMMANITTA TEMPLE
The Kadamanitta Devi Temple is famous for the ten day long Padayani performances held in connection with the annual festival in April/May. The temple is situated about 8km away from Pathanamthitta town.
PANDALAM TEMPLE
Pandalam is perhaps second only to Sabarimala in sanctity and is closely associated with the birth and early child hood days of Lord Ayappa. Lord Ayyappa, the presiding deity of Sabarimala had his humon sojourn as the son of the Raja of Pandalam. It is believed that the raja constructed a temple close to his palace on the banks of the river Achenkoil modelled on the Sabarimala shrine which is the present Valiyakoyikkal temple. Pilgrims usually offer worship here before proceeding to Sabarimala. .Three days prior to Makaravilakku , the sacred ornaments of Lord Ayappa are taken in procession from Pandalam to Sabarimala
OMALLUR TEMPLE
Omalloor is known to the outside world for the presence of the famous 'Rakthakantha swamy Temple' and the annual cattle fair known as Vayalvanibham, which is held in the Malayalam month of Meenam. A large number of People from very distant places and even from outside the state participate in this fair. Omalloor is five kms south of Pathanamthitta town.
NILAKKAL TEMPLE
It is five kms. away from Plappally on the Pamba-Pathanamthitta road. An old temple dedicated to Lord Siva is situated here.
TEMPLES IN ALAPUZHA
ARUVAKKAD DEVI TEMPLE
Aruvakkad is located 8-km south of the town. The deity is Devi. A fascinating story backs up the deity. The idol has different forms such as, Saraswathi, Parvathi, Laxmi. After killing evil-force Daruka, she washed her sword in the pond of this temple. According to the ancestors, she is the sister of the Devi of Kanachikulangara and Kodungallur. The deity here is also known as Aruvakkad Amma.
10-day festival in the month of Meenam (March/April) is a great event. Thiripidutham (holding of lighted wicks) is an important ritual during the festival. In this ritual thousands participate, resulting the entire region divine lighted. Deeparadhana (praying to light) is yet another ritual. Deeparadhana is on the Chuttambalam (four sides of the outer portion of main temple). The process is lighting of thousands of oil lamps on the Chuttambalam. This is on the last day of the festival. After witnessing and praying Deeparadhana the devotees go for a dip in the temple pond and come back with wet (including cloths) and again pray for the well-being. At this point of time the Poojari (priest) gives a lighted oil lamp with which the devotee circamambulate the temple to have the blessings of Devi.
Pongala is also performed as offering in Makaram (January/February). The women-alone Pongala is a great event of thousands attending.As in other temples here too have Upadevatas (sub-deities). Shiva, Subramanya, Gosala Krishna, Kodum Kali and Saraswathi bag sub-deity titles.
AMBALAPUZHA SREE KRISHNA TEMPLE
Ambalapuzha is 14 km south of Alappuzha town.Ambalapuzha’s fame is attributed to this temple. The 16th century-built temple is very famous in South Kerala and its prasadam (deity’s food given to devotees as a token of blessing), Palpayasam (milk kheer), more commonly known as Ambalapuzha Palpayasam is mouth-watering and very famous throughout Kerala. The deity of the temple situated on the banks of Ambalapuzha River is Sri Krishna. Ambalapuzha itself means the river of temple (ambala means temple and puzha means river). The birth of this temple is twined with fascinating stories. The Champakasseri King, Moolam Thirunal Devanarayanan, and his mentor Vilwamangalath Swamiyar while cruising in a boat in Ambalapuzha river heard music tune of a flute from the bank. They shored the boat and moved forward towards the music emanting point when they noticed a beautiful boy playing the flute sitting on a branch of a peepul tree. The religious stalwart Vishwamangalam concluded that this child is none other than divine Krishna. Both, the king and the mentor, prostrated before the child after circumambulating the tree. When they rose from the ground the child was not there. Vishwamangalm lost no time to advice the king to build a temple for Sri Krishna at the spot. A temple thus soon came up there.
There is a conflicting story behind the installed idol. The king ordered idol was not installed as the priests noticed some inaccuracies in the sculpting. Instead, an idol was borrowed from a temple and installed. This is one version. The other version is that the inaccuracies of the king orderd idol was corrected and installed the same. Let it be either way. The idol is of a smiling naughty boy. The idol was brought by a boat and the Chambakulam Boat Race in June/July is in commemoration of this. The 3 ft high idol is always seen covered in sandalwood paste.
King Devanarayanan placed his crown at the feet of Lord Krishna in this temple and dedicated his kingdom to the Lord. The last king of Devanarayanan’s dynasty placed the keys of his granary and treasury before the Lord after his defeat by Travancore.The walls around the sanctum sanctorum are beautiful with paintings of Dasavathra (ten incarnation of Vishnu).The main festival of the temple is the 10-day Arattu Utsavam in Meenam (March/April). Processions by several caparisoned tuskers accompanied by vadya-melams (percussion instrument musics) and performances of Velakali, a martial art form, are the main attractions. The procession ends with enchanting fireworks. During the festival devotees are offered a feast and the diners are treated with utmost honour. It is believed, Lord Krishna presents incognito to dine along with the devotees.
CHAKKULATHUKAVU BHAGAVATHY
Chakkulathukavu is 18 km from Ambalapuzha on the Thiruvalla Road. The temple is in Neerattupuram, near Chakkulathukavu. The deity is Devi. This temple has a peculiar ritual performed once in a year. On this day, the first Friday of Dhanu (December/January) the priests wash the feet of female devotees who have undergone 10-day fast. This system is stemmed from the belief the female devotee visiting on this particular day is the incarnation of Devi. After washing the feet flower is showered and camphor aarti is given. As a gimmick for popularity, recently the temple authorities have started inviting female VIPs on this day.All Fridays are important here. Every Friday the female devotees bring their relatives addicted with alcohol, drug or gambling. Once they swear, touching Devi’s sword, to renounce the habit, they automatically clutch the habit, the experienced confirm.The elder priests here do a peculiar astrology- pronouncement based on seven betel leaves and two arecanuts brought by the devotee. The devotees stun by the accurate predictions. The priests also prescribe remedy for the ill-effects daunting the devotees.The Pongala offering is supposedly prepared jointly by the devotees and Devi.The Pongala is prepared by females. It is prepared in earthen pots on temporary brick stoves and deadwood pieces are used as fuel. The Pongala food is prepared by unboiled rice – either as rice kheer or as rice preparation with coconut adding no sweet agents. There will be thousands and thousands of stoves stretching out to several kilometers around the temple. The stoves are positioned in lines on either side of the roads and pathways.The main festival is Pongala on Thrikarthika day in Vrichikam (November/December). The Ponkala literally means food offering to the deity. There is a great fascinating story behind the Ponkala. In the dense forest the temple was created by a Vedan (a tribal) and his family. They could not prepare their food in time as they were busy in temple work. Undeterred, they prayed before the Devi, and moved out to prepare the food. When they reached the spot of food preparation, they could not believe their eyes as they found the utensils full of prepared food. They realized, the food was prepared by the worldly powerful Devi. The amazed Vedan and the family prayed deeply to save them from all evils. At this moment an incognito voice pronouncing Makkale (children) the food is prepared by me, the Amma (mother), for you; I am extremely happy with your ardent devotion to me and am extremely happy; I shall always be there with my devotees.As a finale there is a ritual of burning of Karthika stambam (pillar). The stambam is made of dried leaves of coconut tree, banana, elanhi (a tree usually found in temple compounds) and old attires and crackers.The Pongala festival is attended by lacs and the arrangements are elaborate
CHETTIKULANGARA BHAGAVATHY
The temple built in Kerala architecture is said to have established by Parasurama. Another version is that it was established by Padmadar, a disciple of Adi Sankara. In popularity this temple ranks 3rd in Kerala, the first and second being Sabarimala Ayyappa temple and Guruvayur Sri Krishna temple. Its giant multi-tiered kalluvilaku (stone lamp) occupies number one position in India. This stone lamp can hold 1001 wicks.
The black granite idol in the sanctum sanctorum and a small idol at its base look smiling. In the outer courtyard there are several small shrines with different deities. A pampu-kavu (snake grove), a champakam tree and a black palm in the compound are also worshipped for different reasons. The devotees believe a Yakshi (female demon) dwells on the palm tree and other evil spirits on the champakam tree. The devotees, therefore, do not go to this area during noon time when, it is believed, devils are in striking mood. Temple tuskers are also not taken to this area for fear of haunting.
In Makaram (January-February) there is a 41-day festival. The main festival, however, is Kettukazhchas in Kumbam (February/March) during which there is a ritual called Kuthiyottam (a mock enactment of human sacrifice which was prevalent in ancient times). For both the festivals a sizeable crowd gathers.
AROOR KARTHYAYANI TEMPLE
Located on National Highway 47. The main deity is Karthiani. Shiva and Ganapathy are accommodated as sub-deities. It is one of the 108 Durga temples.
Villwamangalam, the ancient Vedic exponent, en-route to Aroor noticed a light below a Chootha tree. He grasped it is divine and emanated from godly Devi. He lost no time to erect a temple to install an idol of Devi. Later this temple was destroyed by Dutch.
There are conflicting versions about the re-emergence of the temple. The more plausible version is that Kannamkulangara Kaimal rebuilt the temple. He requested the Devi to be there until he returns with a tender coconut. Instead of returning he committed suicide by hanging in order to retain the Devi in the present place. It is believed, Kaimal’s soul is resting in the bottom of the palm tree in the temple compound. This tree is known as Arukola Ammavan and rituals are performed here.
There is a festival prolonging to 8 days in the month of Meenam (March/April) which is attended by several thousands.
HARIPPAD SUBRAMANYA TEMPLE
Haripad is 15 km away from Ambalapuzha. The temple built in 16th century was eaten by a fire many years later. The idol was spared by the fire. The temple was rebuilt by the Travancore king with additional shrines for some other deities in the courtyard.
This temple is very famous and attracts a good number of pilgrims. There is an interesting story surrounding the idol. A Brahmin in the village had a dream to the effect there is an idol of Subrmanya in the nearby Kandaloor lake. The Brahmin along with the village chieftain traveled criss-cross in a boat in the lake to locate the idol. Ultimately they spotted a flower scattered spot where, they guessed, is the idol. Divers searched the spot and located a four-armed idol. The idol was brought to the shore and installed it after constructing a temple. The event of bringing the idol from the lake is celebrated annually with a boat race in the Payippad River on the 4th day of Onam in Chingam (August/Septrember). The temple celebrates two festivals – Chithira festival in April and Avani festival in August/September. Both the festivals are larger crowd pullers
CHERTHALA KARTHYAYANI TEMPLE
This shrine is located at Cherthala, north of Alappuzha town. The presiding deity is Karthiyayani. Vishnu, Shiva, Ganapathy, Kavudayan, Nagaraja and Yakshi installed as sub-deities.Villwamangalam Swamiyar once saw seven virgin ladies. Six of them vanished and the seventh one ran on seeing the Swqamiyar who was a great vedic exponent. Swamiyar followed her when she jumped into six ponds one after one on the way. Swamiyar was still in pursuit of her. While she was attempting to jump to the seventh pond he caught hold of her hair and pulled back and commanded in a vociferous voice to sit uttering ‘Iri Puliyadi’ (slang in Malayalam). It is she who the deity here. This is legend.The festival is in the month of Meenam (March/April). There is a peculiar tradition of devotees carrying toddy pots and singing slang songs to appease the deity. The singing of slang songs is in approval of the uttering of Iri Puliyadi slang words by the deity’s captivator Villwamangalam during the capture process.The six ponds to which six virgins jumped are Kalikulam, Pallikulam, Cherakulam, Pullamkulam, Kelankulam and Thrippurakulam. The seventh attempted pond is Karappankulam. All these ponds are considered auspicious.
THIRUVAMPADI SREE KRISHNA TEMPLE
Thiruvampady is within the town limit of Alappuzha. The deity is Vishnu in the form of Srikrishna. This centuries old temple has a leading position in South Kerala.The legend of the temple is fascinating. A Brahmin aimlessly came from far away place to Thiruvampady and took shelter under a banyan tree. While sitting he watched the children playing nearby and noticed one of them is hallow. While other boys returned home the divine boy disappeared. Realising the disappeared boy is Lord Vishnu the Brahmin started praying. Vishnu responded to his pray and appeared before him when he (Brahmin) prostrated before the feet of Vishnu and begged for his eternal presence. The Brahmin could not hold to himself what he experienced and utlimately divulged the matter to the people around who promptly erected a temple at the spot where the divine boy disappeared.The idol is with four hands (grown up form) while in the eyes of devotees the idol is also in the form of a child.The month of Karkidakam (July/August) is an auspicious month for temples all over Kerala. The new moon day of Karkidakom called Karkidaka Vavu in Malayalam has more importance in the t emple. Ashtami Rohini (birth day of Krishna), Vishu (Malayalam New Year), Thiruonam (first day of Onam) are celebrated with entertaining programmes and rituals.There is days-long annual festival which ends with aarattu (divine dip) on Thiruonam day of the Vrichikam (October/November).Balidharpanam (sacrificial ritual) is conducted. Akandanamajapam (Vedically uttering of Lord’s name) is conducted first Sunday of every Malayalam month. Akandanamajapam helps absolve all sins, it is believed.
THRIKKUNNAPUZHA SRI DHARMA SASTHA
The main deity is Dharma Sastha. His wife and son are also there along with him. The idol of Sastha is of 21 inch height. Wife is positioned write to him and the son is positioned in between both as behind. According to archaeological experts such idols are not noticed anywhere else in the world. In the north-east of the temple compound there is a shrine for Sri Subramanya Swamy. Sub-deities too have a prominent position here. Vishnu, Ganapathy, Durga, Yakshi, Nagayakshi and Nagaraja are the sub-deities. The temple has over 5000 years of glory. This shrine is also known as Padinjare Pathinettampadi.Offering of Balipindam (food offering to the departed soul) in the auspicious month of Karkidakam (July/August) is a great event here. Thousands of people from various parts of Kerala assemble for this ritual. To appease and extract favours from the deity a number of rituals employed. Kalakabhishekam (adorning of sandalwood paste), Appam (favourite food to the deity), Mahaganapathy Homam (bonefire homage to Ganapathy), Bhagavathy Seva (propitiation to Ganapathy), Archana (floral rituals), Panchamrutham (ritual offering of sweet mix made of 5 types of fruits and sweet ingredients) and Dhara (pouring of milk or ghee on the image of the deity) are the rituals.A 10-day annual festival in the month of Vrishikam (October/November) is a great draw.
THURAVOOR MAHA KSHETHRAM
Thuravoor is situated north of Alappuzha town on NH 47 and 25 kms south of Kochi. This shrine is reckoned as one of the most devout shrines in Kerala. The cardinal deity is Lord Narasimhamoorthy. With equal importance Sri Mahasudarsanamoorthy who is the manifestation of Vishnu is also represented here. Both have separate sanctum sanctorum. The four-walled temple with two attractive flagmasts is spacious but very strict in adherence of customs. The chief priest is ought to be a Brahmachary (bachelor) who is not allowed to leave the temple premises during his priesthood in the temple.The rituals and worship of Narasimhamoorthy and Sudarsanamoorthy will please all the gods in the universe, it is believed.Vedic rituals, religious discourses and festivals conducted here attract many people from far and near.
VARANAD DEVI TEMPLE
Varanad is little away from Chertala. The deity, Devi, is in a riding on Vethala posture. Shiva, Rakteshwari Devi and Kodumkali are sub-deities housed here. The temple precinct is always considered as holy. The imposing flagmast of the temple seems declaring the smoothing, curing and delivering power the Devi possesses. Such a giant flagmast is difficult to be seen elsewhere temples. The old and experienced testify that Varanad Devi has created unbelievable surprises. Incurable diseases get cured; blinds get sight; unmarried girls get married; foes turn friends – are some of the examples. The beneficiaries of Devi’s abundant power are the people from all over Kerala and beyond.Pongala is one of the celebrations. In this ritual several hundred ladies partake.14-day Bharani festival conducted in the month of Kumbam (February/March) is a grand affair. On the concluding day of the f estival there is a noval ritual called Garudan Thukam. To witness this ritual several thousand throng and often the crowd becomes unmanageable.The festival commences with flag hoisting and a community feast follows it. Soon after, the deity goes out to enquire about the well-being of her wards in the surrounding villages. The wards, in return, propitiate the protector, Devi, with Nirapara (a full measure of paddy). This process continues for 13 days. On 13th day the Devi is welcomed back to her abode with procession of 11 caprisioned tuskers accompanied by percussion musics.
MANNARSALA NAGARAJA
One of the most important centre of snake worship in Kerala, this temple is situated 35 Km away from Alappuzha and is located near Haripad on the Alappuzha-Kollam route. The temple is surrounded by about 16 acres of thick green forest. The King of Serpents is the diety. On the asterism, 'Ayillam' of each Malayalam month, the 'Sarpakalam Pattu' is conducted. This ritual involves drawing the figure of the Serpent God on the floor using vegetable colours.A two day festival is celebrated by the temple with great religious fervour. On the second day by noon, the 'Ezhunnallathu' (royal outing) ceremony is conducted when the idol of 'Nagaraja' is carried by the priests and taken round the temple in a procession. A large crowd of devotees with 'urili' (vessel) and colourful parasols participate in it. The entire jungle setting of the temple reverberates with the full throated chanting in praise of the Serpent God.
MULLACKAL RAJARAJESWARI TEMPLE
The temple is located at the heart of Alleppey town. The presiding deity is Goddess Rajarajeswari. The temple celebrates two festivals every year. The nine-day 'Navarathri' festival is specially important.The last two days are the most auspicious days. Colourful processions participated by nine elephants are held in the evening. It is witnessed by thousands of devotees. Also several cultural programmes including Ottanthullal are staged in the temple.
Another festival celebrated by the temple is a one day 'Thaipooyakavadi' about fifteen kavadis take part in this spectacular procession which is presented during the evening.
KOTTAMKULANGARA TEMPLE
The Mahavishnu temple, the oldest temple in Alappuzha is situated at the centre of a pond which has now been covered fully with sand. It is also the only major temple in Alappuzha, located in the same compound with two flag masts and having two festival seasons. The festival season of Mahavishnu temple is in January and that of the Devi temple in March.
PAZHAVEED TEMPLE
The cultural centre of Alappuzha town in the southern coastal area of Kerala is Pazhaveedu, a village set in the simplicity of the idyllic surroundings. In the sick hurry and divided aims of the modern world Pazahaveedu Sree Bhagavathy Temple twinkles as a source of spirituality and solance for all.