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P i l g r i m
C e n t r e s |
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Guruvayoor
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Lord Krishna Temple at Guruvayoor is one of the most sacred
and important pilgrim centres of Kerala. Its fame has spread
all over India. This historic temple has a long past, shrouded
in myths. According to belief, the temple is the creation of
Guru, the preceptor of the Gods, and Vayu, the God of winds.
The eastern nada is the main entrance to the shrine. In the
Chuttambalam (outer enclosure) is the tall 33.5 m high gold
plated Dwajathambam (flag post). There is also a 7 m high
Dipastambham (pillar of lamps), whose thirteen circular
receptacles provide a truly marvelous sight when lit. The
square Sreekovil is the sacred sanctum sanctorum of the
temple. It is here the small but impressive idol of the main
deity, Sree Krishna can be seen. |
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Within the temple there are also the idols of Ganapathy, Lord Ayyappa and Edathedattu
Kavil BhagaVathy. Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple. |
Sabarimala
One of the renowned pilgrim centres in India, Sabarimala is
situated on the mountain ranges of the Western Ghats at an
altitude of 914 m above sea level. The hillock is accessible
only by foot from Pamba (4 km ). 191 km from
Thiruvananthapuram and 210 km from Kochi, the temple is
dedicated to Sree Ayyappa. Pilgrim season is from November to
mid January. Mandala Pooja and Makaravilakku are the two main
events of the pilgrim season. The temple stays closed during
the rest of the year except for the first five days of every
Malayalam month and during Vishu (April). Thiruvalla (102 km
from Sabarimala, is the nearest railway station).
People of all castes and creeds are permitted into the temple,
and this is famous as the pilgrim center that upholds the
spirit of religious harmony. However, women between 10 and 50
years of age, are not permitted.
Kaladi
Kaladi is the birth place of the great Indian Philosopher Sri
Adi Sankara Acharya. It is near Angamali and on the banks of
Periyar. There are two shrines of Sri Adi Sankaracharya. One
dedicated to him as Dakshinamurthy and the other to Goddess
Sarada, maintained by the Sringeri Mutt. On the same premises
there is a spot, Vrindavan where Adi Sankaracharya's mother
Aryamba was cremated. In addition to it there is an ancient
Srikrishna Temple close by which was the family temple of
Sankaracharya. Another temple known as International temple
dedicated to Sri Ramakrishna Deva can also be seen here.
Malayattur
The well-known Catholic Church of Malayattur is 609 meters
above sea-level and is dedicated to St. Thomas who had landed
the Kerala coast in 52 AD. Thousands of devotees undertake a
trip to the shrine to participate in the annual festival
Malayattur Perunnal in March. St. Thomas is believed to have
prayed at this shrine.
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The Jama-at Mosque, Malappuram
This is a famous pilgrim centre of the Muslims in Kerala. The
four day annual festival at the mosque (nercha) is celebrated
in April. Next to the mosque is the mausoleum of the
Malappuram Shaheeds (martyrs). In the Mappila ballads, one can
find reference to their brave exploits. |
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