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Sabarimala
Sri
Dharmasastha Temple is the most famous and prominent
among all the Sastha Temples. It is believed that "Parasurama
Maharshi" who, according to mithology, uplifted Kerala
from the sea by throwing his axe, installed the idol
of Ayyappa at Sabarimala. The pilgrimage begins in the
month of November and ends in January. The temple attracts
pilgrims not only from the southern states of India,
but also from other parts of the country and abroad.
The
unique feature of the Temple is that it opens to people
of all faiths and many non-hindus conduct pilgrimages
to this temple. The secular aspect of the temple is
best exemplified by the existence of the "Vavar Nada"
in honour of Vavar, a Muslim saint at the close proximity
to the main temple by the side of Holy Pathinettampady.
The pilgrims worship in this place also. The pilgrims
on their sojourn to Sabarimala worship at Erumeli Sree
Dharma Sastha Temple and conduct "Petta Thullal". They
also worship in the mosque at Erumeli as a part of their
pilgrimage. Ayyappa cult gives much importance for the
secularism and communal harmony and has turn out to
be a model for the whole world. Another significant
aspect of the pilgrimage is that all the pilgrims whether
rich or poor, learned or illiterate holding position
or not master or servant are all equal before LORD AYYAPPA
and all address each other as AYYAPPA or SWAMI.
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Guruvayoor
Guruvayur
is one of the most sacred and important pilgrim centres of
Kerala, attracting thousands of pilgrims from all parts of
the Countury. Its chief attraction is a temple dedicated to
Lord Krishna known as 'Guruvayurappan'. The town is a popular
place for young couples to get married and marriage halls
abound in the town. This historic temple is shrouded in mystery.
According to belief, the temple is the creation of Guru, the
preceptor of the Devas, and Vayu the Lord of Wind. The eastern
nada is the main entrance to the shrine. In the chuttambalam
(outer enclosure) is the tall 33.5 mt. high gold plated Dwajasthambam
(flag post). There is also a 7 mt. high Deepasthambham (pillar
of lamps), whose 13 circular receptacles provide a truly gorgeous
spectacle when lit. The square Sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum)
of the temple which houses the main deity. Within the temple
there are also Idols of Ganapathy, Sree Ayyappa and Edathedathu
Kavil Bhagavathy.
Kaladi
Kaladi near to Angamali
is a pilgrim center on the banks of Periyar. It is also the
birth place of the great Indian Philosopher Sri Adi Sankara
Acharya. 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 a an ancient
Sri Krishna Temple close by which was the family temple of
Sankaracharya. Another temple known as International Temple
dedicated to Sri Ramakrishna Deva has been built with a hope
that it would become a temple for all religions and an abode
of peace.
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Malayattoor
Church
Malayattoor
is a famous place of pilgrimage in Malabar. The tradition
is that the Mother Mary appeared to St. Thomas on the
summit of this mountain. A sanctuary now stands on the
spot. Pilgrims flock to it, especially on the first
Sunday after Easter.
The good old church erected at the top of the mount
is believed to have attacked by the Wild elephants as
shows the marks on the walls. Today this old church
is called Anakutthiyapalli ( Church attacked by elephants).
Manarkad Church
Situated
at Manarkad near Kottayam, this church consecrated to
St. Mary is an outstanding Syrian Jacobite Shrine. The
most important festival here is the eight
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day ritual fast, popularly known as 'Ettu Nompu Perunnal'.
A major chunk of the participants in the fast are women. The
festival begins on the 1st of September. On the last three
days, colorful processions are taken out with golden crosses
and rows of brilliantly hued umbrellas.
Bharanganam Church
Bharananganam
is an important Christian Pilgrimage centre, located 5 kms
east of Palai on the Kottayam - Erattupett Road.
Associated with Sister Alphonsa, the blessed saint of the
Catholics, the mortal remains of the saint are preserved in
a chapel next to the St. Mary's Church. She lived from 1916
AD to 1946 AD. The day of 28th July, the death anniversary
of the saint is observed with much solemnity. This 100-year-old
church features an attractive grotto of Virgin Mary.
Niranam
St.Mary's Church
One
of the oldest churches in India, believed to be established
by St. Thomas during his missionary days in the state in AD
53. The Apostle of Jesus is believed to have erected a crucifix
and built a church there. Many local Hindus gradually embraced
Christianity leading to the spread of the religion and later
into the establishment of regional church. In all walks of
life be they social, cultural, literary and political this
tiny hamlet has preserved its traditions.
Arthungal Church
One
of the most important pilgrim centres of the Christians in
Kerala, popularly known as St. Sebastian Church, 22 kms. north
of Alleppey.This church was established by Portuguese missionaries,
which is near Cherthalla. The 11-day festival of St.Sebastian
is celebrated in the second week of January. To decongest
the festival days, a low profile festival, Ettamperunal, is
being celebrated on the 8th day after the main festival.
The
Jama-at Mosque,Malappuram
The
Jama-at Mosque is important for Kerala’s Muslims. The annual
Nercha festival of the mosque is celebrated for four days
in April. Adjoining the mosque is a mausoleum of the Malappuram
Shaheeds whose brave exploits have been immortalised in Mappilla
Ballads.
Pazhayangadi
Mosque,Kondotti
On
the way to Malappuram, 18 km east of Manjeri, is Kondotti
a prominent pilgrim centre for Muslims. The Valia Nercha festival
at the 500 year old Pazhayangadi Mosque, celebrated for three
days in February-March, draw large number of devotees.
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