Kerala
is a beautiful place – there are no two opinions about it. In fact, it
is much more than that as there are places in its fold which have an
identity of their own and their own purpose for being in this world. These
are the pilgrimage destinations of Kerala where the devotees throng together
from all corners of the world. The secular ethos of the Indian nation are
deeply imbibed in the psyche of the people of the state as well since there
are many religious places that belong to the many religions that exist in
the state.
When you tour these sacred places of Kerala which are located in different
parts of the state, you embark on a tour that is a vacation of sorts for
your soul. The capital of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, is known as the city
of temples. Try to time your tours with one or the other of the various
temple festivals. You will manage to time it with one or two of these as
they are held throughout the year.
The important pilgrimages of the state of Kerala are:
Sabarimala
There is a specific season during which this temple is open for the general
public. It's not easy to reach this place though this is what the
pilgrimages are all about. It is situated at the height of 950 meters and
you will have to make your way through the thick forests in the Sahyadri
ranges. There are 18 hills around this temple and there is a temple on the
top of each of these hills. The remains of these temples are visible from
the Sabarimala temple. The temple is dedicated to Lord Ayappa. People of all
religions and faiths are allowed in this temple though women are not allowed
in as it is believed that Lord Ayappa was a confirmed bachelor.
Guruvayur
This temple is often referred to as the Dwarka of South India as people
from far off regions pay a visit to the place despite knowing that the
Darshan itself will be very short compared to the time spent in travelling.
It is believed that the presiding deity of the temple is about 5000 years
old. Though there have been several attempts to destroy the temple, the
people of the region have always managed to save the temple.
Malayattoor
It is a sacred pilgrimage for the Christians and is located on a hill by
the side of Periyar river. It is said that St Thomas had to hide here
because he was not welcome here and that the people were after him. He
attained martyrdom after some time. Later a golden cross was discovered here
and thus the place became a sacred pilgrimage. A church was established here
in 900 AD.
Agastyakoodam
It is an enormous peak in the Western Ghats and is believed to be the abode
of the famous Saint Agastya. It is a popular pilgrimage destination for the
Hindus as the Saint Agastya was among the seven saints who brought the Vedic
Hinduism to South India. The devotees worship the life size statue of the
saint, though the local people disapprove of the presence of women in the
place.
Varkala
It is located in the Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala and is known for
the presence of a 2000 year old temple by the sea which is known as the
Janardana Swamy Temple.
Maramon Convention
This convention is held for seven days in the month of February and
attracts a huge number of Christians from far off places. It is held on the
banks of river Pamba and is organized by the Mar Thoma Evangelistic
Association. In this convention, reputed speakers from all over the world
gather here to discuss issues related to the culture and religion of the
Christians.
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