HINDHU PILGRIM CENTERS

Subrahmania Swamy Temple, Haripad:One of the oldest, most important temples devoted to Lord Subramania is on Kollam-Alapuzha highway. The Subrahmania idol with four arms is the biggest of its kind designed after the sculptural pattern of the Buddhist period. It is believed that the idol was worshipped by Lord Parasurama and was obtained from a river.
Regatta at River Paipad is conducted commemorating the idol recovery. As many as three festivals are celebrated in this temple, of which Chithira festival in Medom( April-May) is the most important. The procession with the golden peacock throne is quite attractive.

Bhagavathi Temple,Kodungallor :Kodungaloor, the ancient capital of Kerala, is 35 kms north-west of Ernakulam, has a hoary past. From the days of recorded history, Kodungalloor, then a trade emporium in India, had been a maritime port of international repute. The city had been a beehive of activities and had trade relations with West as well as Middle-East.
ARANMULA TEMPLE:Dedicated to Lord Krishna is another pilgrim place for Hindus. The temple is from Chengannor on the Thiruvananthapuram - Kottayam route. A major attraction is the snake boat races held as part of the festival in August/September. Aranmula is famed for its hand-made mirrors of polished metal called the "Aranmula Kannadi".

Ayyappa Temple,Sabarimala:Ayyappa Temple,Sabarimala This is a well known pilgrim centre in the rugged terrains of the Western Ghats. The holy shrine dedicated to Lord Ayyappa attracts crores of pilgrims from all over India, especially from other parts of South India.Sabarimala is surrounded by hazardous hills like Karimala and  Neelimala. The devotees known as 'Ayyappas' negotiate the hills to reach the Shrine after undergoing 41 days of ' Vrutham' (self imposed devotional penance).

Darmasastha temple, Erumely:Darmasastha temple, Erumely This is an important pilgrim centre for the ‘Hindus and Muslims. Sree Dharmasastha Temple here is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. Pilgrims going to Sabarimala alight here. The 'Petta Thullal’ of 'Kanni Ayyappas' is an important festival which is held in December/January. There is also an ancient mosque dedicated to ‘Vavar’ who is considered to be the friend of Lord Ayyappa. The devotees going to Sabarimala visit this Mosque also.

Padmanabhaswamy Temple:Padmanabhaswamy Temple, It is the imposing seven-storied tower built by Raja Marthanda Varma in 1733 A.D, that makes it by far the most impressive landmark around the city. The Hindus have held the temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, sacred from antiquity. There are innumerable pillars, intricate carvings and mural paintings. Only Hindus are allowed inside and dress regulations are strictly followed. A large market, lines the street in front and the pool beside it is for ritual bathing.
Location: Trivandrum

Vadakkunathan Temple, Thrissur:Vadakkunathan Temple, is a classic example of the Kerala's traditional architecture. Holy shrines of Paramashiva, Parvathy, Sankaranarayana, Ganapathy, Sri Rama and Sri Krishna are housed. The central shrines and Koothambalam exhibit exquisite vignettes carved in wood.