The city of Kochi is all about historic buildings, delicious food and bustling markets. Moreover, it is also home to some of the most amazing temples that give you a glimpse of the local legends, culture and lifestyle stories of the people. Each of these temples in Kochi has a different feel and look reflecting other cultures and dynasties of the region. You can explore and admire beautiful stone carvings, woodwork, and paintings. These temples are mighty and sacred; visiting these places of worship is a holistic experience for all.
10 Famous Temples In Kochi
Following is the list of the ten most renowned temples in Kochi that take you on a deeply religious, historical and cultural journey.
1. Chottanikkara Devi temple
Photo: Roney Maxwell / Wikimedia Commons
One of the most visited and revered religious spots of Kochi, Chottanikkara Devi Temple is visited by thousands of visitors daily. The beauty of this temple lies in its unique three ways of worshipping the goddess throughout the day. Morning rituals celebrate the goddess in the form of Saraswathi, during the afternoon as Lakshmi and in the evening in the form of Goddess Durga. The best time to visit this temple is during its annual Makon Thozhal festival in the Kumbham month when the place is decked at its best and people visit this temple from far and wide.
Location: Chottanikkara, Kochi, Kerala 682312
Timings: 4 AM – 12 PM and 4 PM – 8:30 PM
2. Thrikkakara Vamana Temple
Photo: Ranjithsiji / Wikimedia Commons
In Thrikkakara in Kochi, this temple is dedicated to the Vamana avatar or the form of the Hindu Lord Vishnu. Listed among the 108 Divya Desams, this temple is believed to have been built by Parashurama around 2 millennia back. The temple houses records of Onam festival celebrations dating back to 861 CE. The Onam season that falls around August or September is one of the most important festivals of the religious calendar here and the best time to experience the temple at its best.
Location: Edappally – Pukkattupady Rd, Vidya Nagar Colony, Thrikkakara, Edappally, Kochi, Kerala 682021
Timings: 4:30 AM – 11 AM and 5 PM – 8 PM
3. Kaduthuruthy Thali Sree Mahadeva Temple
Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Near the scenic Vembanad Lake, the Kaduthuruthy Thali Sree Mahadeva Temple is a revered Shiva temple where one can spend a peaceful quality time amidst nature. According to legends, this temple is linked to the great Indian epic Ramayana which mentions the installation of the Shiva lingam of this temple by Kharasura. It is believed that visiting all three Shiva lingams located in Vaikom, Ettumanoor and Kaduthuruthy before noon on a single day can fulfil all the wishes of a person.
Location: Temple Rd, Kaduthuruthy, Kerala 686604
Timings: 5 AM – 11:30 AM and 5 PM – 8 PM
4. Thamaramkulangara Sree Dharmasastha Temple
Photo: Chandan Parihar / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
In the royal city of Kochi, the Thamaramkulangara Sree Dharmasatha temple is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. This temple is an extension of the Chamravattom Sastha temple in Malappuram district. Anectodal legends state that Lord Sastha of Chamravattom assumed a lizard form and followed one of the priests to Tripunithura. This is the only temple in the area dedicated to Lord Dharmasatha. In addition to him, devotees also worship Lord Bhadrakali and Ganesha along with Brahmarakshas and Nagaraja.
Location: Thamaramkulangara Rd, Vadakkekotta, Kottakakom, Thrippunithura, Kochi, Ernakulam, Kerala 682301
Timings: 5 AM – 10 AM and 5 PM – 8 PM
5. Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple
Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons
Built in 1542 A.D., the Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. According to local legends, Sage Vyas and the Pandavas worshipped in this place. The name of this temple is derived from the word ‘manoor’ meaning land of the deer. One of the most noticeable things about this temple is the Dravadian paintings drawn on the walls of the temple. The fresco of the dancing Shiva or Pradosha Nritham is considered to be one of the finest temple wall paintings of India.
Location: Ettumanoor Temple Rd, Ettumanoor, Kerala 686631
Timings: 4 AM – 12 PM and 5 PM – 8 PM
6. Vaikom Mahadeva Temple
Photo: Georgekutty / Wikimedia Commons
A part of the ‘Powerful Trisome’ of the Shiva temples of Kochi, a visit to this temple is believed to fulfil all the wishes. The other two temples of this trinity are the Ettumanoor Shiva Temple and the Kaduthuruthy Shiva Temple. This is also among the oldest temples of Kerala and is quite famous for its annual Vaikom Ashtami festival. This is also one of the few temples that is revered by both the Shaivas- the Vaishnavas or the Vishnu adherents and the Shiva adherents. The lingam worshipped here is believed to be from the second age of Hinduism- the Treta yug.
Location: Kottakakom, Thrippunithura, Ernakulam, Kerala 682301
Timings: 4:30 AM – 11:30 AM and 5 PM – 8 PM
7. Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple
One of the best temples of Kochi, Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple is just six kilometres from the Kochi city Centre. Having been constructed in ancient times, there have been no renovations or reconstructions in the temple premises which allows a person to admire the original layout and artwork done in the temple by yesteryear artisans.
Location:
Timings: 4 AM – 11:15 AM and 4 PM – 8:15 PM
8. Edappally Shiva Temple
Photo: Dileep Kumar / Wikimedia Commons
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Edappally is an important religious site of Kochi. This place showcases the deep-rooted religious history of the city while offering a glimpse of the traditional temple architecture. This is a highly revered place among the locals and is easily accessible from the Kochi region.
Location: Ernakulam, Kerala 682011
Timings: 4 AM – 12 PM and 4 PM – 8 PM
9. Thripunithura Sree Krishna Temple
Photo: Garv Chaplot / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Dedicated to the grandeur of Lord Krishna, the Thripunithura Sree Krishna Temple is a prominent religious site resplendent with the unique Kochi temple architecture. Located in Tripunithura, the history of this temple dates centuries back. One can plan a visit to this place during its annual temple festival which makes for a grand celebration for all the devotees. Tripunithura is easily accessible from Kochi and is a prime example of rich temple heritage.
Location: Poornathrayeesa temple, Kottakakom, Thrippunithura, Kochi, Ernakulam, Kerala 682301
Timings: 3:30 AM – 12 PM and 4:30 PM – 8 PM
10. Paradesi Synagogue
In addition to the Hindu temples, one can plan a visit to the Paradesi Synagogue which is located in the heart of Fort Kochi. This Jewish heritage site is an integral part of the multicultural past of the city. This place offers a unique blend of Indian and Jewish styles characterised by blue-white Chinese tiles and ornate chandeliers.
Location: Synagogue Ln, Jew Town, Kappalandimukku, Mattancherry, Kochi, Kerala 682002
Timings: 10 AM – 12 PM and 3 PM – 5 PM (Saturdays and Fridays closed)
One can experience the cultural and spiritual tapestry of the city by visiting each of these temples in Kochi. Every site has a unique significance in the rich heritage of the city. Embrace the serenity on your spiritual adventure trip to Kochi with TripXL and collect memories of a lifetime. Contact us for a hassle-free experience.
Cover Photo: MatthiasMaiwald / Shutterstock / Image For Representation Only