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Trivandrum, also known as Thiruvananthapuram, is the capital city of Kerala, India. While the relaxing golden sand beaches and its vibrant culture are what attract most tourists, the charm of this city is also amplified by its wide range of ancient temples. Several Trivandrum temples exhibit the region’s deep-rooted faith and architectural brilliance. Beyond exploring the scenic natural wonders, set aside some time to stop by one of the few temples that are in the capital city of Kerala. The vibrant history and significance of the temples in Trivandrum explain why they should be part of your travel itinerary.
Top 10 Trivandrum Temples
Every temple in Trivandrum has a story behind its origin and a unique architectural style that you must witness the next time you visit.
1. Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple
Photo: Alaison Bennny / Wikimedia Commons
Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is one of biggest temples in Tribvandrum, also known for its vast riches and complex Dravidian design. The temple is devoted to Lord Vishnu and is one of his 108 Divya Desams, or holy abodes. Historical evidence indicates that the temple was built in the eighth century. As you approach the temple’s inner complex, you’ll witness Lord Padmanabha resting against the snake Anantha. Given its status as one of the country’s wealthiest temples, the temple has treasure vaults containing billions of rupees in gold, gems, and artefacts.
Address: West Nada, Fort, East Fort, Pazhavangadi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
Timings: 3:30 AM to 7:15 PM
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2. Attukal Bhagavathy Temple
Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons
The majority of the devotees who visit the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple depict that the temple has a different kind of energy. Dedicated to the fierce form of Goddess Parvathy, Attukal is renowned for its annual Pongala festival, the world’s largest gathering of women. During the festival, devotees gather around the temple grounds, preparing the offerings of ‘Pongala’ (sweet rice porridge). It is a communal experience, one that brings together locals and tourists alike. It is one of the best temples in Trivandrum to experience the bright hindu culture.
Address: P.O, Attukal – Chiramukku Rd, C Block, Attukal, Manacaud, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
Timings: 5:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM
3. Pazhavangaadi Ganapathy Temple
Photo: Jithindop / Wikimedia Commons
The Pazhavangaadi Ganapathy Temple is one of the oldest temples in Trivandrum. The temple is believed to be about 1200 years old. The presence of eight self-manifested Ganesha statues, each with a particular stance and meaning, distinguishes this temple from others. Among all the statues in the temple, the “Uthrada Ganapathi,” which depicts Lord Ganesha reclining with his right leg folded, is the most significant. Despite its diminutive size, the temple’s spiritual atmosphere and strength are beyond description.
Address: Padmavilasam Rd, Thiruvananthapuram
Timings: 4:30 AM to 10:45 AM and 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM
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4. Aazhimala Siva Temple
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons
The Aazhimala Siva Temple is one of the holy temples in Trivandrum dedicated to Lord Shiva. The highlight of this temple is the 58-foot-tall statue of Lord Shiva in the Gangadhareshwara form, made entirely out of concrete. The massive statue of the deity holding Goddess Ganga and with his hair open and flowing is truly an experience that you can’t describe in words. The temple is located in Pulinkudi and has an architecture that is reminiscent of the temples in Tamil Nadu. Besides Lord Shiva as the principal deity, the temple also houses sculptures of other Hindu gods.
Address: Mulloor PO, Poovar to Vizhinjam road before Pulinkudi jn then, Azhimala Temple Road, Kerala
Timings: 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
5. Karikkakom Chamundi Devi Temple
Photo: Vipin 8454 / Wikimedia Commons
Dedicated to a fierce manifestation of Devi Durga, the Karikkakom Chamundi Devi Temple is known for its powerful aura and unique rituals. Inside the temple, three distinct sanctums represent each distinct form of Maa Durga. You have Bala (child), Tripura Sundari (beautiful), and Chamundi (fierce) inside each of these three sanctums. One of the unique highlights of this temple lies in the “Sarpa Samskara” rituals, done to appease the serpent deities that reside inside the temple. Also, historically speaking, the temple is reportedly 600 years old and was established by the local ruler, Marthanda Varma.
Address: Karikkakom, Karikkakam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
Timings: 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
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6. Sasthamangalam Mahadevar Temple
Photo: Vis M / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
If you need a break from the daily grind, try visiting the Sasthamangalam Mahadevar Temple, which sits atop a hill in Trivandrum’s Sasthamangalam neighbourhood. The temple is reputedly 700 years old and one of Kerala’s many Shiva temples. The genesis story of this temple is amazing. It is said that a woman was mowing grass at the current temple location. During that time, she found a pebble on the ground and used it to sharpen her knife, causing it to bleed. It was eventually found to be a Shiva Lingam, and since then, the temple has stood there.
Address: Near Soorya Gardens, Sasthamangalam – Pipinmoodu Rd, Sasthamangalam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
Timings: 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
7. Janardhana Swamy Temple
Photo: Dev / Wikimedia Commons
Among the popular temples in Trivandrum, the Janardhana Swamy Temple is one that you must visit. It is located on top of a hillock overlooking the Arabian Sea, which adds to the beauty of this temple. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his ‘Janardhana’ form, the temple is believed to be over 2000 years old. One of the most unique aspects of this temple lies in the underground shrine of the deity. It is accessible during the low tide timings. According to legends, Sage Parasurama built the temple himself and the Arattu festival is celebrated in the temple every year.
Address: Janardhana Swamy Temple Rd, Varkala, Thiruvananthapuram District
Timings: 5:30 AM to 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
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8. Thiruvallam Parasurama Temple
Photo: Ranjithsiji / Wikimedia Commons
Dedicated to Lord Parasurama, this is one of the most important temples in Trivandrum, Kerala. The temple complex is believed to be built by Parasurama himself and houses a unique idol of the deity with an axe in hand. It is highly respected by the local Brahmin community and has very strict rules and regulations for the devotees to follow. The temple is 2000 years old and there are reports that it was renovated during the 12th or 13th century by King Athiyaman Perumal. The temple also houses shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma.
Address: Thiruvallam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
Timings: 03:45 AM to 11:00 AM and 05:00 PM to 08:00 PM
9. Sreekanteswaram Temple
Photo: Sugeesh / Wikimedia Commons
Another one of the famous temples in Trivandrum that’s a must-visit is the Sreekanteswaram Temple. It is around 700 years old and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Although there is no shrine dedicated to Maa Parvati, legends depict that she exists in the temple’s premises too. There are multiple other shrines in the temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha, Lord Krishna, Serpent Gods, Lord Hanuman and Lord Ayyappa. Some legends suggest that a woman dreamt of “Darshan” from Lord Shiva and hence this temple was constructed.
Address: Sreekanteswara Temple Rd, Nalumukku, Pazhavangadi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
Timings: 4:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
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10. Vellayani Devi Temple
Photo: Vishnu Madhusoodanan / Wikimedia Commons
Located on the banks of the Vellayani lake, Vellayani Devi Temple is another popular temple worth visiting in Trivandrum. The temple is dedicated to Maa Bhadrakali as the presiding deity. Among the Kali temples across Kerala, the idol of Bhadrakali in this temple is one of the largest. It measures 4.5 feet in length with pure gold and precious stones adorning the deity. The temple’s history is intertwined with local legends, and it is believed to be over 800 years old. The main attraction is the grand procession during the Mahotsavam.
Address: Nemom, Vellayani, Kerala
Timings: 4:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
As you plan your trip across Kerala, exploring all the top Trivandrum temples will make the most out of your time. Each temple has its own unique story and charm, making them essential stops for anyone exploring the spiritual and cultural heritage of Kerala. Plan your next trip to Kerala with TripXL to avail the latest deals and discounts.
Cover Photo: Prasanth Prakash / Wikimedia Commons
