subject: Temples around Thiruvananthapuram ( Trivandrum) [print this page] Temples around Thiruvananthapuram ( Trivandrum)
Sree Padamanabhaswamy Temple
The Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple at Trivandrum constructed in the Dravidian style has a 30-metre Gopuram (tower) and is adorned with 365 pillars, equaling the total number of days in a year. Vishnu is the prominent deity of the temple. A visitor can view the deity only through three different doors. There is a shrine of Lord Krishna with a finely carved prayer meeting venue and a shrine to Kshetrapala (the temple guardian) with an extraordinarily beautiful ceiling and fascinating murals on the inner walls. A hall with 1000 pillars could be seen outside the inner sanctum.
Attukal Bhagawati Temple
The Attukal Bhagawati temple showcases a wonderful amalgam of Kerala and Tamil Nadu architecture. The Bhagawati is the most important deity of the temple. The various incarnations of the Goddess depicted in and around the temple are a real visual feast. The massive front Gopuram (tower) of the temple portrays the story of Kannaki. The major festival conducted by the temple is the 10-day long Pongala. Thousands of women from all over the state participate in this popular religious event.
Karikkakom Sri Chamundi Temple
The Karikkakom Sri Chamundi temple hosts the cardinal deity of Goddess Chamundi Devi. People belonging to various castes and creeds, come to the temple to seek justice. Oaths are taken by devotees in order that they do not commit sins in future. The temple performs numerous rituals among which, Kodi Charthu is the most popular. During this ritual, the worshippers give yellow attire to the Devi as an offering.
Mukkolakkal Sri Varaham Bhagawati Temple
Situated in Mukkolakkal in Trivandrum, the deity of the temple is goddess Bhagawati. Uruttulsav is a 7-day long festival celebrated in the temple.
Sri Pazhanchira Devi Temple
Situated at Pazhanchira in the city, one of the peculiar features of the temple is the snake grove outside the sanctum sanctorum where various kinds of snake rituals are performed. According to belief, snake rituals helps one to get cured of skin and eye diseases. A 7-day festival is held in the temple in the month of Meenam (March/April) in honour of the snake gods.
