Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple | Image source: templesofindia.net

Kerala has a unique cultural tradition of its own. The land of Adiguru Shankaracharya and Sri Narayan Guru has been the melting pot of different cultures. The temples here have some unique traditions which make them stand out from others across India. If you intend to visit Trivandrum in the near future, then a visit to the temples around the city will give you a clear idea of Kerala’s rich pluralistic traditions. Both Christianity and Islam came to India through Kerala and have a left a lasting imprint on the culture of the state. The Namboodiri Bramhins are regarded as one of the most orthodox practitioners of Vedic culture. The temples here are some of the finest specimens of Dravidian art and architecture. Here we will discuss in detail about the top temples in Trivandrum:-

Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple
One of the major temples of Kerala, the origins of the temple has no written records. A fine example of the Dravidian style of architecture, it is also the richest Hindu temple in the world. The major deity who is worshipped here is Lord Vishnu who is shown seated in an ‘’Anantha Shayanam’’ pose on the serpent Adiseshan. The erstwhile royal family of Travancore is still the trustee of this temple. This temple was greatly patronized by the kings of Travancore who considered themselves as the humble servants of Sri Padmanabhaswamy. It is revered by Hindus from all parts of the world.

The serpent Adiseshan has five hoods, all of which are facing inwards, thereby symbolizing contemplation. Vishnu’s right hand lies on a Shiva lingam. Here, you will also get to see Sridevi-Lakshmi, Goddess of Prosperity and Bhudevi, the Earth Goddess the two consorts of Vishnu sitting on two sides. There is also an idol of Brahma which emerges from a lotus which stems from Vishnu’s navel. This deity has been created from 12008 saligramams found from the banks of Gandaki in Nepal.

Pazhavangadi Maha Ganapathy Temple

Dammam Trivandrum Flights | Image source: newsd.in

This temple is located at East Fort which is one of the prime neighbourhoods of the city. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Ganesha who is referred here as Sri Mahaganapathy. The idol here is shown in a seating posture with a right leg which is shown in folded pattern. The temple is pretty close to the Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple. Therefore, when you reach Trivandrum on Dammam Trivandrum flights, you can visit both temples at one go.

Other major idols of the temple here include Dharmasasta, Nagaraja and Goddess Durga. Here you will also come across 32 various forms of Lord Ganesha. Some of the most popular festivals which are worshipped with pomp and galore include Ganesha Chaturthi, Virad Chaturthi and Sankasthi Chaturthi.

This temple is located at a stone’s throw from the railway station also. Therefore, devotees who come from different parts of the country can also come here to offer their prayers.

Karikkakom Sri Chamundi Temple
This temple is located on the eastern suburbs of the city. Surrounded in a tranquil environment it is a temple dedicated to Chamundi Devi, who is an aspect of Durga. There exists a Rakhta Chamundi Patha on right side of the front path which is called Devi Nada. Interestingly, you won’t come across any idol here. Rather, there is a wall painting of the goddess in her ferocious form in the Nada’ wall. There was a time period during which the Nada was used to make suspected culprits accept their crime. This practice is still done even today before the deity Chamundi Devi.

The temple hosts a wide range of interesting rituals such as Nirayum Puthiriyum, Bali Sadhya, Karthika Vilakku, Uthrada Taneerkuda, Sasta Pratishtha Dinam etc. Of all the rituals which are performed here, Kodi Charthu is the most popular. While performing it, the devotees offer yellow attire to the goddess as an offering.