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Kerala, the Indian peninsula state, is not just a land of spirituality but a mystic land enriched with many folklore and traditions. Among the various holy places here, Kuttichathan temples in Kerala, occupy a particular niche with their unique ritual mass, mystic ambience, and deep cultural roots. These temples, dedicated to Kuttichathan or “Little Ghost,” a deity associated with protective and benevolent powers, draw numerous devotees.
10 Kuttichathan Temples In Kerala
Here are ten of the most famous Kuttichathan temples in Kerala, each with its unique spiritual significance and cultural heritage:
1. Mannarasala Kuttichathan Temple, Haripad
Photo: Sreekumar Padithathil / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Built inside the beautiful village of Haripad, this temple is one of the Kuttichathan temples in Kerala. This temple is deeply related to the mythology of the locals. This place is particularly famous for the concept of serpent worship. This vast temple complex, with more than 30,000 serpent images, speaks volumes of the dynamic yet mystic atmosphere. A sacred grove for Kuttichathan is an added feature, where rituals and offerings are made to the deity. The architecture of this temple is terrific since it merges traditional Kerala elements with mystical symbols, enhancing its spiritual appeal.
Best Time To Visit: Anytime during the year, especially during the festival of Ayilyam.
Major Attractions: Serpent worship, mystical ambience, sacred grove.
How To Reach: Easily accessible by road from Alappuzha town.
Suggested Read: Vishnu Temples In Kerala
2. Vettikkottu Kavu Kuttichathan Temple, Kollam
Photo: Sugeesh / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Vettikkottu Kavu Kuttichathan Temple in Kollam is famous for the strong rituals of Kuttichathan, which ward off evil influences and affect prosperity. Backed by a serene setting of traditional Kerala architecture, the temple features exquisitely carved wooden pillars and a tranquil sanctum. The temple comes alive during the Karkidakam month with special rituals and prayers. The serenity of the temple surroundings and the strength of the spiritual presence within its precincts make the place one of the important pilgrim centres in Kollam.
Best Time To Visit: Anytime during the year, with special events during Karkidakam.
Major Attractions: Traditional rituals, serene surroundings, Kerala architecture.
How To Reach: Accessible by road from Kollam city.
3. Puthoor Kuttichathan Temple, Palakkad
Photo: Edukeralam, Navaneeth Krishnan S / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
One of the popular Kuttichathan temples in Kerala, the Puthoor Kuttichathan Temple is located amidst the green surroundings of Palakkad. This temple is famous for the ceremonial and mystic rituals offered to Kuttichathan. The traditional folk performing arts add to the temple’s ambience, mainly during the festival of Vishu. Beautiful surroundings with serenity all around provide a perfect backdrop for spiritual contemplation and worship. Rich cultural heritage and undaunted faith in Kuttichathan make the temple a spiritual hub of the area.
Best Time To Visit: Anytime during the year, with peak activity during the festival of Vishu.
Major Attractions: Elaborate rituals, folk performances, and lush greenery.
How To Reach: Well-connected by road from Palakkad town.
Suggested Read: Nagaraja Temples In Kerala
4. Kaduthuruthy Kuttichathan Temple, Kottayam
Photo: Vis M / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
One of the holy temples of Kuttichathan in Kerala is that of Kaduthuruthy Kuttichathan Temple in Kottayam. It has achieved fame for its serene surroundings and traditional rites. Intricate carvings adorn this temple, and the atmosphere is very calm, making it an important place to visit for worshippers. Chastity seekers and people seeking relief from various miseries and ills caused by unfavourable positions of planets reach the temple to offer pujas to Kuttichathan. With tranquil surroundings and a holy atmosphere, the Kaduthuruthy Temple offers seclusion for worship and contemplation.
Best Time To Visit: Anytime during the year.
Major Attractions: Intricate carvings, natural beauty, special poojas.
How To Reach: Easily accessible by road from Kottayam town.
5. Mannar Kuttichathan Temple, Alappuzha
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
One of the important Kuttichathan temples in Kerala is the Mannar Kuttichathan Temple, located in Alappuzha. This temple consolidates an important annual festival characterised by bright decorations and large crowds of devotees. The composition of this temple’s serene atmosphere with the energetic festival celebrations offers a spiritually rejuvenating experience to visiting pilgrims. Its traditional architecture and peaceful surroundings reflect the place’s unruffled devotion and cultural heritage.
Best Time To Visit: Anytime during the year, with a highlight during the annual festival.
Major Attractions: Annual festival, serene environment, vibrant festivities.
How To Reach: Accessible by road from Alappuzha town.
Suggested Read: Hanuman Temples In Kerala
6. Adoor Kuttichathan Temple, Pathanamthitta
Photo: Ambily Dheeraj / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
One of the well-known Kuttichathan temples in Kerala is the Adoor Kuttichathan Temple, located at Pathanamthitta. With its serene surroundings, coupled with traditional rituals, it presents a serene atmosphere for worship and spiritual rehearsal. Devotees visit the temple to offer special poojas and rituals for spiritual solace and the blessings of Kuttichathan from the temple. The Adoor Temple itself is a witness to the perennial faith and cultural ethos that flourishes at Pathanamthitta.
Best Time To Visit: Anytime during the year.
Major Attractions: Peaceful surroundings, traditional rituals.
How To Reach: Well-connected by road from Pathanamthitta town.
7. Cherpulassery Kuttichathan Temple, Palakkad
Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
One of the prominent Kuttichathan temples in Kerala is the Cherpulassery Kuttichathan Temple, located in the Cherpulassery region. This temple is known for effective rituals and offerings to Kuttichathan, giving protection and blessings to devotees. A notable festival here is Onam; during this time, the temple comes alive with devotees from all parts of the country. With traditional architecture and sylvan surroundings, this place is rejuvenating.
Best Time To Visit: Anytime during the year, with particular significance during Onam.
Major Attractions: Powerful rituals, offerings, and traditional celebrations.
How To Reach: Easily accessible by road from Palakkad town.
Suggested Read: Snake Temples In Kerala
8. Pandalam Kuttichathan Temple, Pathanamthitta
Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
One of the sacred Kuttichathan temples in Kerala is in Pandalam, in the district of Pathanamthitta. The temple has fabricated a niche with the most holy rituals performed here, so it’s a hub of many devotees seeking spiritual guidance. These rituals are intensely traditional and involve the invocation of Kuttichathan. The place is also a peaceful retreat for worshippers amidst serenity. Therefore, it is an essential spiritual destination in Pathanamthitta.
Best Time To Visit: Anytime during the year.
Major Attractions: Sacred rituals, tranquil setting.
How To Reach: Well-connected by road from Pathanamthitta town.
9. Ettumanoor Kuttichathan Temple, Kottayam
Photo: Vis M / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Ettumanoor Kuttichathan Temple is the prime Kuttichathan temple in Kerala, located in Ettumanoor, Kottayam. The imposing structure and exquisite, unique wood carvings make this temple famous. It is a big affair of the temple festival where vast crowds throng the premises to join in the colourful happiness of it all and be blessed by Kuttichathan’s grace. The rigorous rituals against the naturally tranquil environment make it an upland destination for spiritual enlightenment.
Best Time To Visit: Anytime during the year, especially during the annual festival.
Major Attractions: Grand architecture, intricate wood carvings, annual festival.
How To Reach: Easily accessible by road from Kottayam town.
Suggested Read: Bhadrakali Temples In Kerala
10. Kasaragod Kuttichathan Temple, Kasaragod
Photo: Vijaya Rajapuram / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
One of the famous Kuttichathan temples is the Kasaragod Kuttichathan Temple, located in Kasaragod, Kerala. The temple, surrounded by serene surroundings and a spiritually tranquil ambience, attracts large crowds of people who offer prayers for protection and prosperity at Kuttichathan’s hands. Various rituals and offerings presented in the temple are some of the notable aspects related to worship practices. The Kasaragod Temple symbolises the place’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage and allows the seekers of peace to have seclusion.
Best Time To Visit: Anytime during the year.
Major Attractions: Serene surroundings, unique rituals, spiritual ambience.
How To Reach: Well-connected by road from Kasaragod town.
The Kuttichathan temples of Kerala are not just places of worship; they are sanctuaries of peace, offering a respite from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Each temple, with its unique character invites visitors to immerse themselves in a journey of spiritual discovery. So, pack your bags, put on your traditional attire, and explore the most famous Kuttichathan temples in Kerala with Trip XL.
Cover Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons
