“You are That”
“You are That” – the individual soul is one with the supreme reality, Brahman. It expresses the spiritual truth that the divine is not separate but exists within you.
“I am Prana”
“I am Prāṇa” – the vital life force that sustains all living beings. It signifies the realization that one’s true essence is the universal energy that permeates and connects all existence.
“The Self is Pure Consciousness”
“The Self is Pure Consciousness” – the silent, intelligent essence within. It is the eternal witness beyond body and mind, aware of all experience.
“All this is pervaded by the Divine”
“All this is pervaded by the Divine”. It teaches that the entire universe is enveloped by the presence of the Supreme, urging us to live with detachment and reverence.
Sacred Temples of Kerala
Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple Thrippunithura – Temples in Kerala
Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple is situated in Thrippunithura, Kochi, the capital of the former Kingdom of Cochin, Kerala, India. The temple is regarded as one of the most sacred and prominent temples in Kerala and was […]
Peruvaram Sree Mahadeva Temple – Temples in Kerala
Peruvaram Mahadeva Temple is a Shiva temple located in North Paravur in Ernakulam district. In this ancient temple, Lord Parameswaran is enshrined in a single sanctum, facing east, and Goddess Parvati is enshrined in the […]
Thrikkakara Sree Vamanamoorthy Temple – Temples in Kerala
The Thrikkakara Vamanamoorthy Temple, located in Thrikkakara near Kochi, is a significant Hindu shrine dedicated to Vamana, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Believed to be over 2,000 years old, this ancient temple holds great […]
വിനായക ചതുർത്ഥി… – Temples in Kerala
മഹാദേവന്റേയും പാർവ്വതീ ദേവിയുടെയും പുത്രനായ ഗണപതി ഭഗവാന്റെ ജന്മദിനമാണ് വിനായകചതുർത്ഥി. ചിങ്ങമാസത്തിലെ കറുത്തവാവ് കഴിഞ്ഞു വരുന്ന ചതുർത്ഥി അഥവാ വെളുത്തപക്ഷ ചതുർഥിയാണ് ഗണപതിയുടെ ജന്മദിനം അന്നേ ദിവസം ഗണപതിക്ക് മുക്കുറ്റി, കറുക എന്നിവ കൊണ്ട് മാല അല്ലെങ്കിൽ അർച്ചന, മോദകനേദ്യം, ഗണപതി ഹോമം എന്നിവ നടത്തിയാൽ സര്വ്വാഭീഷ്ടസിദ്ധിയാണ് ഫലം. […]
Kottarakara Sree Mahaganapathy Temple – Temples in Kerala
Kottarakara Ganapathy Temple is a renowned shrine in South India, known for its rich historical significance. The temple is steeped in numerous legends, particularly those associated with Lord Ganapathy. Although the primary deity here is […]
Temple in Focus: A Spiritual Journey
Kerala’s Temple Heritage
Kerala, known as “God’s Own Country,” houses some of India’s most architecturally magnificent temples, each narrating stories of rich cultural heritage and spiritual significance.
These ancient temples, built using distinct Kerala architecture style, feature sloped roofs, intricate wooden carvings, and sacred ponds, creating a unique spiritual atmosphere.
From the gold-plated Padmanabhaswamy Temple to the hilltop Sabarimala shrine, Kerala’s temples offer visitors a glimpse into centuries of religious devotion and artistic excellence.
Discover Sacred Temples
Distinct Architectural Elements
Kerala temple architecture, known as the Kerala style of architecture or Vastuvidya, follows distinct principles that differentiate it from temple designs in other parts of India.
The temples feature sloping roofs, circular sanctum sanctorums, and extensive use of wood, stone, and copper plates. The structures are characterized by their harmonious integration with nature, reflecting Kerala’s geographical and climatic conditions.
Shikharas & Gopurams
Kerala temples feature unique slopping roof structures with ornate carvings and copper plating.
Chuttambalam
The enclosed walkway around the central shrine with wooden pillars that display exceptional craftsmanship.
Sreekovil
The sanctum sanctorum where the deity resides, usually circular, square or rectangular in shape with a conical roof.
Nalambalam
The four structures around the main shrine, representing different aspects of temple architecture.
Cultural Significance
Temple Arts & Rituals
Kerala temples are not just places of worship but also centers of art and culture. They house various traditional art forms like Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Koodiyattam and Ottamthullal that have evolved over centuries.
Temple rituals in Kerala are elaborate and unique, with ceremonies like Theyyam (ritual dance), Pooram (temple festival with decorated elephants), and specialized Tantric rituals performed by trained priests.
Social Significance
Historically, temples in Kerala served as centers of social activity, learning, and community gatherings. They played crucial roles in education, healthcare, and even judicial matters in ancient times.
Today, they continue to be important cultural landmarks, preserving ancient traditions while adapting to modern times. Festivals associated with temples bring entire communities together irrespective of social differences.