Noted for its antiquity and historical importance, the supreme deity of grace and bounty, has its unique idol carved out of 'Pathalanjana sila' installed by Guru(Brihaspathy, the Preceptor of Gods), and Vayu (The God of Air) under the instructions of Lord Siva and Parvathy, the Poojas are said to be codified and stipulated by SREE SANKARACHARYA. An estimated turn out of more than 30 million devotees a year is ever on the increase, signified by the completion of the advance booking for the coveted Udayasthamana Pooja for the next 40 years

Ceremonies & Festivals

1. Guruvayur Ekadasi: The Ekadasi day in the month of Vrischika, the most auspicious day on which Krishna imparted Bhagavat Gita to Arjuna is the most important festival.
2. Ustavam: The ten-day festival in the month of Kumbha and the Elephant race in connection with it.
3. Vishukkani: the first darsan of the Lord on the day of Vishu.
4. Vaisakha begins on the fisrt day (Pradhama) after the new moon (amavasya) in the month of medam(April-May) and lasts till the next now moon
5. Thriputhari in Chingam
6. Kazhchakula Samarpanam on the Uthradom day(First Onam)
7. Ashtami Rohini, the bithday of Krishna
8. The Mandal season, the 41 day season since the first day of Vrischikam

There are more than 30 special days of importance, other than the annual Holy festivals.
Pooja Timings: 3A.M-12.30P.M, 4.30P.M-9.15P.M. There are five Poojas daily. On the days of Udayasthamana Pooja, there will be twenty one Poojas and timings may be changed accordingly.

Krishnanattam is performed after 9.15P.M.

Offerings:- The list is comprised of more than 60 offerings, ranging between the simple Ghee Lamp and the popular Thulabharam and the most coveted Udayastamana Pooja. Facilities are provided for Marriage, Vidyarambham, Annaprasam. Advance booking is neede for some like Udayasthamana Pooja, Vilakku, Krishanattam etc. There is specific timing for remittance and obtaining prasadam.

The one and only Thrissur Pooram. That drives a people delirious and blissful by virtue of the enthralling fire works, the enticing Kudamattom atop the caparisoned elephants and the enticing Elanjithara Melam, crowns the glory of the ceremonies and festivals of a vibrant heritage the confluence of the holy processions of the deities of eight shrines in the vicinity is hosted by none other than Lord Siva, the presiding deity of the grand, old Vadakkunnathan Temple. The Pooram was ordered to be held by Sakthan Thampuran, the then ruler of the princely state in 1800A.D.

The temple, said to be founded by Parasurama and associated with Sree Sankaracharya has its idol the Sivalinga, covered with a Ghee Mound, formed by centuries of Ghee Abhishekam. And any crack or damage, if ever found thereof, signals an ominous consternation amongst the devotees. The temple occupies the pride of place in the cultural domain as is the city sprawling across the Swaraj Round, encircling the temple precincts.


Important festivals: Thrissur Pooram, Maha Sivarathri.

Pooja Timings: 4 A.M - 10.45 A.M., 5 P.M. - 8.30 P.M.

Offerings:- Neyyabhishekam, Uma Maheshwara Pooja, Mrithyunjaya Homam, Ashtadravya Ganapathi Homam, Neyvilakku, etc.

Paramekkavu Bhagavathy temple, opposite the Vadakkunnathan temple plays a dominant role in the conduct of the Trissur Pooram. It is the one vying for pre-eminence against the Thiruvamhady vis-à-vis the choicest elephants, ornamental parasols and spectacular fire works.

The temple, a little distance north to the Vadakkunnathan has Lord Sreekrishna as the presiding deity. The ceremonial procession of the Lord to take part in the Pooram itself is marked by the traditional fervour and sanctity, with the idol of the deity atop the caparisoned elephant, to the accompaniment of the temple orchestra and the enraptured devotees

A rare temple dedicated to Bharatha, the incarnation of Maha Vishnu's Divine weapon, Sreesudarsana, as the brother of Sree Rama has the idol of the presiding deity alone in the sanctum-sanctorum it is a prevalent version that the ruby from the palace brought to compare with the lustrous rays emitted from the forehead of the idol got merged with the idol, causing to be later known as 'Koodal Manikyam' only thulasi, lotus and chethi are used for the pooja offering. Brinjal as nivedyam is an accepted tradition.

It is one of the temple quartet of Nalambala Darsanam during the Ramayana Masa.

Pooja Timings: 3 A.M - 11 A.M., 5 P.M. - 8 P.M.

Offerings:- Kalabhabhishekam, Niramala, Nithya pooja, Chorunu, Thulabharam, Kadlipazha Nivedyam Palabhishekam, Palpayasam, Aikyamathya Suktham, Sree Rudram, Aparadha Nivruthi, Vishnu Sahasranamam etc.

Thamaramala is a special offering meant to pre-empt the rains on some chosen occasions.

The temple dedicated to Sathrukhna, the youngest brother of Sree Rama, has its idol retrieved from the sea, along with those of Sree Rama, Bharatha and Lakshmana. It gains importance as one of the temple quartet of Nalambala Darsanam the auspicious and fulfilling course of darsan of the four divine brothers in one go.

The presiding deity, Lakshmana, is the incarnation of Anantha as the brother of Sree Rama. The idol is believed to be retrieved from the sea. It is important and popular as one of the temple quartet of Nalambala darsan during the Ramayana Masa(Karkitaka).


Pooja Timings: 5 AM - 11 AM, 5PM - 8 PM

Offerings:

For Marital Bliss - Jagadabikakku Pattu, Manjal Podi, Panchasara Payasam.
Vikhna Nasanam - Ganapathikku ottayappam, unniyappam, Nalikeram Eriyal, Brahmarakshassinnu Payasam.
Santhana Bhagyam - Kadalipazham,Thrimadhuram, Palpayasam
Uddishta Phala Prapthi - Thiruvona Naul Navakam, Panchagavyam, Prasada Ootu.

The Sree Kurumba temple is believed to have been founded by Parsurama. The animal sacrifices of the yore are now limited to the offering of red cloths. The five Sree Chakras, believed to be installed by Sree Sankaracharya are supposed to be the main source of power of the deity, believed to be the Para Sakthi. The idol of the deity with the salient features of Bhadra Kali, popular as the Kodungalluramma, is conceptualized as involving Lakshmy, Parvathy and Saraswathy. The Vasoorimala in the western part of the temple precincts is renowned for healing small Pox and Chicken Pox.


Festivals: The four day Thalappoli in the month of Makaram is unique with the deity brought from the nearby Kurumba temple in sacred procession and received at the temple by scores of girls with Thalam in their hands to the accompaniment of traditional rites.

Another important festival is the Bharani in the month of Meenam. This is supposed to commemorate the killing of the demon Daruka by Devi culminating in the ritualistic Kavu Theendal, regarded as declaring the victory of the Devi, the victory of the good over the evil.


Pooja Timings: 4 AM - 12 PM, 4 PM - 8 PM

Offerings: Valiya Guruthi, Chamaya Guruthi, Guruthi Pandeerazhi Nivedyam, Sarkara, Vella, Chathussatha Nivedyam

The temple of Lord Siva and Parvathy, the Thiruvanchikulam temple is an ancient, grand temple of solemn and tranquil environs, situated 2kms. south to the famous Kodungallur Sree Kurumba Temple. Maha Sivarathri in the month of Kumbham is the most important celebration.

The temple is said to have been built by Uthiyan Cheran of the Chera Dynasty. The presiding deity endearingly called 'Chottanikkara Amma', adored as Saraswathy in the morning, Bhadrakali in the afternoon and Durga in the evening is famous for healing mental disorders and evil spirits, apart from fulfilling all the righteous wishes of the devotees.

The Devi appeared before Vilwamangalam Swamiyar as Sree Lakshmy in all her regal splendour along with Maha Vishnu, at the auspicious moment of Midhuna lagna, Makam Nakshathra in the month of Kumbha, That forms the basis for the most Holy Chottanikkara Makam Thozhal.


Festivals:

(1) Annual festival (flag hoisting - Rohiniday, Arattu-Uthramday) and the all important Makam Thozhal.
(2) Thrikarthika(the Divine Birthday)
(3) Vishnu Vilakku
(4) Ramayana Masacharam
(5) Thiruvonam
(6) Navarathri
(7) Mandala Mahotsavam.


Pooja Timings: 4 AM - 12 PM, 4 PM - 8.30 PM

Offerings: Bhajana Mirakkal, Valiya Gruthi, Thrikala Pooja ,Pantheerayiram Pushpanjali, Chuttuvilakku, Niramala, Rudrabhishekam, Ashta Dravya Ganapathy Homam, Koodu Nirakkal, Anna Danam, Poomoodal etc.

The ancient Siva temple with its deep rooted mythological and legendary charisma is the cynosure of the devotees in the ceaseless hustle and bustle of the city. The idol believed to have been worshipped by Arjuna and installed originally by Nagarshi was later re-installed by Vilwamangalam Swamiyar, as facing the west.


Festival: Maha Sivarathri is the most important.

Pooja Timings: 3.30 AM - 11 AM, 4 PM - 8 PM

Offerings: Ellu Thulabharam, Udayasthmana Pooja, Niramala, Chuttu Vilakku, Kalabhabhishekam, Dhara, Sankhabhishekam, Mrithyunjaya Homam, Maha Mrithyunjaya Homam, etc.

In the world of philosophy, there is hardly any place that invokes such sense of divinity and reverence as Kalady. The Birth place of Sree Sankaracharya, the chief exponent of Non-Dualism. The ancient Siva temple, the Sree Sankara and the lately built temples of Sres Sankara and Saradamba and the Keerthi Sthambha, commemorating the Acharya, altogether lend an ambience of divinity and cultural heritage.

On the walls of the corridor, winding up the nine floors of the Keerthi Sthambha are the 49 panels of mural reliefs depicting the important events in the life of the Acharya. At the bottom of the tower is the Padmapadukam, in silver, the sacred feet of the great seer.

The most important ceremony, of course, is the birthday of Sree Sankara. Navarthri and Vidyarambham are duly celebrated too.

The famous Siva temple, on the banks of the river Periyar is endowed with a solemn and serene ambience. Lakhs of devotees throng the sprawling expense of the temple precincts, acclaimed as the phenomenal 'Aluva Manappuram' to pay obeisance and perform the rites of salvation for the departed souls, chanting the hymns of the Lord all through the night of Maha Siva Rathri.

The idol of the presiding deity, Siva, is believed to have been installed by Rishi Khara. Renowned for the Holy procession of the 'Ezhara Ponnana', the deity here is conceptualized as the 'Akhora'mode of Siva. Ettumanur is an important stop-over fir the Sabarimala Pilgrims.

As with other Siva temples, Maha Sivarathri is the most importanat festival.

Pooja Timings: 4 AM - 11.30 AM, 5 PM - 8.30 PM

Offerings: Ganapathy Homam, Ashtadravya Ganapathy Homam, Mrithyunjaya Homam, Muzhukkappu, Thulabharam, Ksheera Dhara, Rudrabhishekam, Neeranjanam, Karuka Homam, Abhishekam, Aravana, Appam, Utsavabali, Sathakalasam, Swayamvararchana, Sathru Samhararchana, etc.

The Shrine of Goddess Saraswathy, the Goddess of learning and wisdom, attached to the ancient Vishnu temple, is devoid of the traditional Sree kovil (Sanctum-Sanctorum). A rectangular pond, that appears to be scooped out of black rock, with climbers cluttered in water is the seat of the idol. Poojas are performed outside the pond where a replica of the idol is installed. It is worth mentioning that the spring that feeds the pond is never dried up.


Festivals: Nava Rathri is the most important festival. Thousand of children are initiated during the period. Vijaya Dasami is the most important day.

Offerings: Thrimadhuram, Aravana, Archana, Saraswatha Suktharchana, Sarswatha Khrutham.

Bestower of auspiciousness and bounties, the remover of obstacles, the deity here is conceptualized as Beeja Ganapathy-the trunk twisted rightwars carries a lime on its tip, hands hold axe, rope, horn and a laddoo can. Now it enjoys the unique reputation of the Vaishnava Ganapathy, the spirit of Maha Vishnu miraculously infused into it and hence conceived as Ganapathy cradling little Sreekrishna in his lap, thanks to the devout penance of the octogenarian doyen, Bhahma Sree Bhagavatha hamsam Malliyoor Sankaran Namboodiri.

Ceremonies and Festivals: Vinayaka Chathurthi, Ashtamirohini, Navarathri, Mandalam Chirappi, Ganesha Music Festival, Vishu, Bhagavatha Sapthaha Yajnam, etc.

Pooja Timings: 5 AM - 11 AM, 5 PM - 8 PM

Offerings: Udayasthamana Pooja, Mukkutti Pushpanjali, Thadi Nivedyam, Pazhamala, Palpayasam Chathurthiyoottu, Ganapathy Homam, Abhishekam, etc.

The origin of the idol of the presiding deity, Sreekrishna, is soaked in legends of many hues, all woven around Vilwamangalam Swamiyar and the Maharaja of Travancore occupying the centre state. One version has it that the arm of the deity was seen extended towards the Maharaja, who yearned to behold Krishna in flesh and blood. The sacred offering of Palpayasam to the devotees, is acclaimed for its unparalleled taste, acquiring phenomenal dimension. The annual festival is in the month of Meenam

Raja Rajeswari, the supreme regal mode of Parasakthi is the presiding deity of the temple in the heart of the city. Navarathri is celebrated with all the fervour and traditional grandeur, the last two days, ie the Mahanavami and the Vijayadasami being the most important culminating in cultural pageantry

Bestower of bounties on the devout, the eminence of the Malayalapuzha Devi is ever on the rise. The temple with beautiful murals and carving attract thousand of devotees.

Pooja Timings: 4 AM - 12.30 PM, 5 PM - 8 PM

Offerings: Raktha pushpanjali, Pattudayada Charthal, Nithya Pooja, Thooniyari, Muzhukkappuu, Mrithyunjaya Homam, Sahasranamam, etc,

The idol of Parthasarathy (Krishna as the charioteer of Arjna) is said to have been installed by Arjuna himself at Nilakkal. Later it was brought to the present site in a raft of six bamboos for the convenience of worship, the fusion of Malayalam version for six and bamboo constituted the name Aranmula for the place. The provisions and other articles required at the temple were in early days brought to the temple in small boats, escorted by the locals in big ones. The commemoration of this practice emerged as the famous Aranmula Uthrattathi Vallam Kali, on the Uthrattathi day of the Onam festival.

The sacred golden ornament brought to Sabarimala in ceremonial procession to adorn the idol of Ayyappa on the eve of the Mandala Pooja are kept at Aranmula temple.

Ceremonies and Festivals: Sreebali after each of the three poojas daily, ten-day annual festival in the month of Makaram, Special Bali in the month of Karkitakam, ceremonial circumambulatory procession of Garuda at night on every Uthrattathi day and on the Ekadasi day of the bright fortnight.

Pooja Timings: 5 AM -12 PM, 5 PM - 7 PM

Offerings: Ganapathy Homam, Sarkara Payasam, Aravana Payasam, Pal Payasam, Appam, Sahasra Namam, Archana, Muzhukkappu, Thulabharam, Choroonu, Vidyarambham, Utsava Bali, Kettumurikkal, Mrithyunjaya Homam, Pithru Pooja, Pushpabhishekam, Valla Sadhya.

The temple dedicated to Parabramma, the reality absolute, and hence without the conventional sanctum-sanctorum, priest or the scheduled opening and closing.

Offerings: Anna Danam, Urulicha, Udayasthamana Vilakku, Roopam.

The temple dedicated to Lord Ganapathy, the divine ruler of obstacles and wisdom.

Offerings: Ashtadravya Ganapathyy Homam, Unniyappam, Udaysthaman Pooja,etc

Nowhere else do we and a deity and a state so intertwined as to make the history and glory of the one becoming - an intrinsic part of the other. The rarest of the 108 Vaishnava Shrines, with its 18 feet long Salagram idol of the Anantha Sayanam, the eternal repose of Maha Vishnu reclining on Anantha, references to the temple in the ancient literatures, and the legendary association of the Vilwamangalam Swamiyar with the origin combine together to further enhance the aura of sanctity and veneration manifold.

It was the Thrippadi Danam (submitting the Kingdom at the feet of the Loard) by Marthanda Varma of the Travancore Dynasty, on 18 January 1750 that instantly proclaimed the eminence of the deity across the country. Marking the inception of the ceremonies and rituals unique to the temple.

Holy ceremonies: Bhadradeepam, Murajapam, Lakshadeepam, Arattu,

Pooja Timings: 4 AM - 12 PM, 5 PM - 7.30 PM

Offerings: Muzhukappu, Valiya Alankaram, Panchamrutham, Ksheerabhishekam, Neyvilakku, Aravan, Ney Payasam, Unniyappam, Sahasra Namarchana, Vatamala,
Ashtothararchana.

The largest women's congregation in the world is to be witnessed on the Ponkala day of Attukal Bhagavathy temple, every year. This is held on the most auspicious day of the holy conjunction of Pournami and Pooram during the ten-day festival beginning on the Karthika day of Kumbham. Lacs of devotees throng the temple precincts on the previous day itself with utensils and other articles required for the preparation of the sacred offering on the make-shift hearths pitched all through the heart land stretching miles from the temple.


Legend has it that Kannagi, the Chasitity personified, has a stop-over at Attukal, an route to Kodungallur after setting Madura ablaze. Sculptures in the temples and the hymns in praise of the Goddess, the Attukalamma to the devotees, lend credence to the legend.


Original idol is decorated with gold ornaments, embedded with jewels. Below it is the idol for performing the Abhishekam and related rites.

Pooja Timings: 5 AM - 12.30 PM, 5 PM - 9 PM

Offerings: Muzhukkappu, Panchamruthabhishekam, Kalbhabhisheka, Ashtadravyabhishekam, Udhyasthamana Pooja, Pushapabhishekam, Laksharchana, Bhagvathyseva, Panthirunazhi, Ponkala, Chuttuvilakku, Sree Bali, etc.

A well-known Christian pilgrim centre in Alappuzha. 22 kms. north of Alleppey A peculiar votive of the church is Urulu nercha , devotees crawl from the church premise to the local beach