Thiruvalla Temple, one of the largest temples of Kerala, is a fine specimen of the traditional style of temple architecture. One of the important pilgrim centers of Vaishnavites all over India, this temple is said to date back to the pre-Christian era.

History

More than just places of worship, temples, in ancient times, were also seats for educational, cultural and judicial activities. Thiruvalla Temple, according to the belief, governed a Vedic school and, even a hospital.

Features

It has beautiful corridors made with granite slabs . A granite pillar carved out of granite with an image of Garuda on its top stands majestically in front of the temple. The pillar, which serves as a flag staff, is 60ft high and its bottom is believed to touch the water table. This temple also has a natural pool in its precincts which has been sung by the Alwar saints. Every evening Kathakali performance is staged every evening, as ritual offering and it is believed that Lord Vishnu watches the performance from his abode. Ladies are not allowed near the sanctum sanctorum, except on the Vishu and Thiruvathira days.

Time To Visit

Two annual festivals are held, one in February-March and another in March-April. Other than the religious ceremonies, cultural programs are also part of the festival.

How To Reach

The nearest international airport is Cochin. Thiruvalla is the nearest railway station. Alappuzha is easily accessible through waterways from Cochin, Kottayam, Kevalam, Changanassery and Chengannur.

Sivagiri Temple or Sivagiri mutt, the headquarters of the Sree Narayana Dharma Sangham Trust, is devoted to Sree Narayana Guru. Tucked away on the Varkala hill, 3km. east of the Janardhana temple, the Sivagiri Gurusamathi, Sivagiri Sarada Mutt and Sivagiri Vaidika Madom are the main buidings.

History

Sree Narayana Guru spearheaded the social revolution of breaking away with the rigid caste hierarchies that hitherto prevailed in Kerala. His philosophy of 'one caste, one religion and one God for man' attracted a large following among the lower castes. His followers are called the Ezhavas. He even installed idols in temples to prove that the authority to perform religious rites does not exclusively belong to the Hindus, specially the Brahmins. The Sharada temple and his mutt at Sivagiri atop Varkala hill has now become a place of pilgrimage.

Features

The Guru Deva Jayanti, the birthday of the Guru, and the Samadhi day are celebrated respectively in August and September every year. On these occasions, colorful processions, seminars, public meetings, cultural shows, community feasts and special rituals are observed with much fervor. Come the last week of December and devotees of Sree Narayana Guru flock to Sivagiri from different parts of Kerala and outside.

How To Reach

The nearest international airport is at Thiruvananthapuram, 57 km. away. Varkala is the nearest railway station.