Check these ancient Hindu temples near Kochi, Kerala!
Traditional Hindu mandirs for you to explore near Kochi in Kerala
Kerala is one of the most beautiful states of India and the traditional Hindu temples of Kerala have their own unique architecture and ancient traditions. As I was compiling a list for my own future reference, I thought - let me share a few here with you all! Got to thank my amazing Instagram community for sharing the best things with me, so thanks for collectively co-creating with me.
Hindu temples in Kerala are often part of Tantric or Shakta traditions (Tantra is part of Vedic civilisational knowledge). From Devi (Goddess) temples to Shiva and Vishnu temples and Naag Devtas (serpent deities), there are so many beautiful Hindu temples which have their own specific qualities and even solve different astrological issues.
You can use this list to inform your own travels. Make sure to always respect the rules and restrictions in Hindu temples, which each have their own traditions going back thousands of years.
Kochi is also the birthplace of Adi Guru Shankaracharya, one of the most prominent original gurus in Hindu dharma who established the Char Dhams and is one of the reasons that Hinduism is alive today! You can visit his birthplace here too.
Devi Mandirs near Kochi
Chottanikarra Temple (30 minutes east of Kochi)
This is one of the most famous Devi temples, dedicated to Maa Bhagawati with the murti being Swayambhu or self-manifest. She is the combined power of Maa Kali, Maa Lakshmi and Maa Saraswati. It is said that worship at this temple cures mental illness and drives away evil spirits. This mandir was manifested through the tapas or penance of Adi Guru Shankaracharya, whose birthplace is also in Kochi.
Kodungallur Shree Kurumba Bhagawati (1 hour north of Kochi)
This temple is dedicated to the Goddess Bhadrakali, who was worshipped by Parshurama one of the avatars of Shree Vishnu who formed the land of Kerala. He built this temple and offered goats as an animal sacrifice here.Pallipurathukavu Devi Temple (1 hour south of Kochi)
This is another famous Devi temple dedicated to the Goddess Durga, located in Kottayam.Vediyoormadam Shree Bhadrakali (Ernakulam)
This is a well known Bhadrakali mandir located in Ernakulam inside Kochi itself.Cherthala Karthyayani Mandir (50 minutes south of Kochi)
Renowned temple dedicated to Maa Kathyayani, one of the 9 forms of Maa Durga. Worshipping Goddess Kathayayani is significant for solving issues related to marriage. She is also worshipped during Navratri.
More prominent traditional Hindu temples
Mannarsala Serpents Temple (2 hours south of Kochi)
One of the most prominent Naga Devta temples in the whole of India. Great for solving karmic issues of Sarp Dosha or Kaal Sarma Dosha in the astrological chart, and seeking blessings of the serpent deities.
Pavakulam Mahadev temple (inside Kochi)
This is one of the most ancient Shiva temples in Ernakulam.Ernakulam Shiva temple (inside Kochi)
Another ancient traditional Shiva temple inside Kochi.Poornathrayesa temple (Vishnu temple inside Kochi)
Famous Vishnu temple, family deity of Hindu royals. It is believed that the murti was presented to Arjuna, one of the five Pandavas, by Shree Vishnu.Guruvayur Krishna temple (one of the most famous in India - 2 hours north of Kochi)
One of the most famous traditional Krishna temples in the whole of India, known for their evening Aarti with elephants and lighting of hundreds of Diyas.Pambummekkatu Naga Devta temple (2 hours north of Kochi)
Another very prominent Naga Devta temple just like Mannarsala.Koodal Manikyam in Irinjalakuda (2 hours north of Kochi)
This temple is special because it is dedicated to Bharata, the brother of Sri Rama.
Triprayar Ramaswamy temple (2 hours north of Kochi)
A prominent Hindu temple dedicated to Shree Rama, the murti here is believed to be worshipped by Shree Krishna.Thamaramkulangara Shree Dharmasastha (20 minutes south of Kochi)
This traditional mandir has Bhagwan Ayyappa as the primary deity.
I’ll be adding to this list!
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Har Har Mahadev