Kerala Pilgrim Centres - Trivandrum

¤ Pilgrim centres in Trivandrum

* Aruvikkara
It is situated 16 kms north of Thiruvananthapuram. Aruvikkara is gifted with lavish scenic beauty and it also has an ancient temple dedicated to goddess Durga, on the banks of the River Aruvikkara. The City of Thiruvananthapuram gets its water supply from Aruvikkara reservoir.

* Attukal Bhagavathi Temple
It is situated 2 km from Thiruvananthapuram. It is known as the Sabarimala of women, this temple is famous for Attukal Ponkala, the annual festival that commences on Bharani day in Kumbhom (February - March). The highlight of the festival is the Ponkala which is an all woman affair. Ponkala is an offering made in Bhagavathy temples, prepared in the form of payasam (sweet porridge) with ingredients like rice, jaggery. Coconut kernel and plantain. Ponkala starts in the morning and ends with the melsanthi (chief priest) sprinkling holy water over the offerings.

* The Padmanabha Swamy Temple
It is the imposing seven-storied tower built by Raja Marthanda Varma in 1733 A.D, which makes it by far, the most impressive landmark around the city. This temple, a sprawling complex with a magnificent seven storied tower houses the idol of Lord Vishnu in the form of Ananthapadmanaoha (the Lord who upheld creation on a lotus which sprang forth from His navel). The 6m image, partly covered with gold and embellished with precious stones is viewed in three sections through three doors. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Vishnu reclining on the Serpent Anantha. Only Hindus are allowed entry inside the temple and dress regulations are strictly followed. A large market lines the street in front, and the pool beside it is for ritual bathing. There are innumerable pillars, intricate carving and mural paintings, inside the temple. It is therefore an excellent example of the Dravidian style of architecture.

* Sarkara
35 kms north of Thiruvananthapuram and 6 kms west of Attingal, there is a famous temple in Sarkara, which is dedicated to Goddess Bhagavathi. A grand festival, Sarkara Bharani, is conducted in this temple during March - April.

* Sree Parasurama Temple
About 6 kms South of the city, on the Thiruvananthapuram-Kovalam road is Thiruvallam. There is an ancient temple here on the banks of the River Karamana, which is dedicated to the Thrimurthis of the Hindu Pantheon. A shrine of Parasurama built entirely of granite stone is found in this temple. This is the only temple in Kerala dedicated to Sree Parasurama, the mythological creator of Kerala. This 2000 year-old temple is a venue for the Bali ritual for departed souls.

* Varkala
41 kms North of Thiruvananthapuram by rail and 51 kms by road, Varkala is a famous pilgrim center. The Samadhi of Sree Narayana Guru, The great social reformer and philosopher, attracts devotees in thousands. The cliffs and mineral water springs at the Papanasam Beach are worth a visit. The inland waterways system connecting Kollam in the North, with Thiruvananthapuram in the South, passes through two tunnels in the hills. The Janardhana Swamy Temple here attracts many devotees.

* Bheemappalli
It is located 5 km Southwest of Thiruvananthapuram. This mosque is famous for the Chandanakkudam Festival which is said to be the death anniversary of Bheema Beevi, a devout pilgrim who came to Kerala from Mecca. Festivities include devotees going round the mosque carrying earthen pots (kudam) smeared with sandal wood paste. The Uroose festival here is also famous.

* Christ the King Church
This church is situated at Vettukadu which is 14 km from Thiruvananthapuram. An important pilgrim centre, this church is famous for the annual festival in November. High Mass, Vespers, a two¬ hour long Holy Eucharistic procession and benediction are the highlights of the festival. Nativity feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary is also celebrated with religious spirit.

* Sree Krishna Swamy Temple
This temple is at Neyyattinkara which is 20 km from Thiruvananthapuram. This is historically important as the site housing the old Jackfruit tree that once gave refuge to King Marthandavarma, erstwhile ruler of Travancore.