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Malappuram district offers a captivating blend of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and unique traditions. While renowned for its backwaters and vibrant festivals, the district holds a special place with the unparalleled ancient and famous temples in Malappuram. These temples, architectural marvels showcasing a range of styles, stand as testaments to the region’s rich history and diverse belief systems. History buffs can delve into the intricate carvings that adorn the temple walls, each depicting stories from ancient epics. For those seeking a deeper spiritual connection, the serene atmosphere of Malappuram temples provides a haven for meditation and reflection.
Top 10 Temples In Malappuram
Intricate carvings whisper tales of mythology and folklore, while the vibrant colours and symbolic motifs of Malappuram temples transport visitors to a world steeped in spiritual significance. Below is a list of popular temples in Malappuram:
1. Sree Kadampuzha Bhagavathy Temple
Photo: Sabarinathcnair / Wikimedia Commons
Malappuram’s Sree Kadampuzha Bhagavathy Temple is a unique pilgrimage site revered for its powerful deity, Goddess Kiratha Parvathy. Unlike most temples with idols, the Goddess is worshipped in a pit, a tradition believed to have originated with Adi Shankaracharya, the 8th-century philosopher and theologian. The daily rituals include breaking thousands of coconuts (Muttarukkal) and offering wild thechi flowers (Poomodal), a mesmerising spectacle that draws devotees and curious visitors alike.
Location: Kadampuzha, Malappuram
How To Reach: Easily accessible by road from Malappuram town, about 17 km away
Timings: 4:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Malappuram
2. Triprangode Shiva Temple
Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Triprangode Shiva Temple, one of the oldest temples in Malappuram, showcases exquisite Dravidian architecture spanning over 6 acres. Intricate carvings adorn the temple walls, whispering tales of the mythical warrior-sage Parasurama believed to have established the temple. The temple complex houses various shrines, including the sanctum sanctorum dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of “Triprankoduttappan”. The annual festivals, Arattu and Shivarathri, draw massive crowds with their vibrant processions and cultural performances.
Location: Triprangode, Malappuram
How To Reach: Located about 33 km from Malappuram town, accessible by road
Timings: 5:00 AM – 11:00 AM, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
3. Sree Neerputhoor Shiva Temple
Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Standing tall in Puthoor, Malappuram, Sree Vadakkumnathan Shiva Temple offers a serene atmosphere known for its ancient sculptures. The circle-shaped sanctum sanctorum houses Lord Shiva in the form of Shivalinga, which is filled with water (representing Goddess Ganga) throughout the year. This temple is 3,000 years old, and Shiva is believed to be in Swayambhu (self-made) form. Devotees are only allowed to enter in summer when water recedes.
Location: Puthoor, Malappuram
How To Reach: About 43 km from Malappuram town, accessible by road
Timings: 5:00 AM – 11:00 AM, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Suggested Read: Malappuram Beach
4. Thirunavaya Navamukunda Temple
Photo: Sriram mt / Wikimedia Commons
Standing majestically on the banks of the Bharathapuzha River, Thirunavaya Nava Mukunda Temple is a revered Vaishnava shrine dating back to the 9th century. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, it celebrates his nine manifestations (Nava Mukunda) in a unique display of devotion. Each manifestation has a separate shrine within the complex, showcasing a distinct form of Lord Vishnu.
Location: Thirunavaya, Malappuram
How To Reach: Approximately 30 km from Malappuram, accessible by road with the nearest railway station — Tirur, about 8 km away
Timings: 4:00 AM – 11:00 AM, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
5. Thirumandhamkunnu Bhagavathy Temple
Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Angadipuram’s Thirumandhamkunnu Bhagavathy Temple, one of the best temples in Malappuram, radiates vibrant energy during its annual Pooram festival in March/April. Massive floats adorn the parade with colourful parasols and intricate mythological figures. Energetic performances known as “Melam” and “Pacha Melam” accompany these floats, creating a captivating spectacle that attracts crowds from all over Kerala. The temple dedicates itself to Goddess Bhadrakali, a fierce form of Parvati, and serves as an influential centre for seeking blessings for protection and prosperity.
Location: Angadipuram, Malappuram
How To Reach: About 21 km from Malappuram, accessible by road or Angadipuram railway station
Timings: 4:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Suggested Read: Malappuram Waterfalls
6. Sukapuram Sree Dakshinamoorthy Temple
Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons
A haven for knowledge seekers and those seeking inner peace, Malappuram’s Sukapuram Sree Dakshinamoorthy Temple is dedicated to Lord Dakshinamoorthy, the embodiment of wisdom. Depicted seated on a throne and playing a veena, Lord Dakshinamoorthy represents the ultimate teacher imparting knowledge and spiritual guidance. Four inscriptions found in this temple date back to the Chera period. The prominent offering to the god is Chathusatham, which consists of 101 naazhy (a measure) of rice.
Location: Edappal, Malappuram
How To Reach: About 43 km from Malappuram, accessible by road
Timings: 5:00 AM – 10:30 AM, 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM
7. Trikandiyur Shiva Temple
Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The ancient Trikkandiyur Mahadeva Temple in Manjeri boasts a rich history dating back to the 9th-10th centuries, evident in its historical sculptures and serene atmosphere. The temple complex houses various shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, including the sanctum sanctorum with a unique “Shivalinga” which is said to be self-manifested. The annual “Shivaratri” festival draws devotees for special rituals and cultural performances, including Theyyam, a vibrant ritual art form.
Location: Tirur, Malappuram
How To Reach: Located in Tirur, about 30 km from Malappuram, accessible by road and rail
Timings: 5:00 AM – 11:00 AM, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Kerala
8. Vettakkorumakan Temple
Photo: Baburajpm / Wikimedia Commons
Kodur’s Vettakkorumakan Temple is a vibrant hub of faith and cultural expression. Dedicated to the local deity Vettakkorumakan (son of Lord Shiva), a powerful figure believed to protect against evil spirits and diseases, it attracts devotees seeking blessings for health and prosperity. The temple comes alive during Pattu Adiyanthiram festival with mesmerising Theyyam performances. These elaborate rituals feature artists adorned in colourful costumes and masks, performing energetic dances that tell stories from mythology and folklore.
Location: Nilambur, Malappuram
How To Reach: About 38 km from Malappuram, accessible by road
Timings: 5:00 AM – 11:00 AM, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
9. Alathiyur Hanuman Temple
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons
Strength and unwavering devotion intertwine at Alathiyur Hanuman Temple, where the chief deity is believed to have been placed by Sage Vashishta over 3,000 years ago. Dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the monkey god known for his immense strength, loyalty, and unwavering devotion to Lord Rama, the temple attracts devotees seeking inner power and blessings to overcome challenges.
Location: Alathiyoor, Malappuram
How To Reach: Around 32 km from Malappuram, accessible by road
Timings: 4:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Kerala With Family
10. Thali Temple
Photo: Hari Vaikom (Harish) / Wikimedia Commons
The Thali Temple, also known as Sree Tali Mahadeva Kshetram, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The deity is present in the form of Shivalinga. Another shrine houses Lord Ganapathy. During the month of Meda Malayalam, the annual Pratishta festival is celebrated. The temple is famous for the agitation that led to the creation of Aradhana Swathanthryam in 1968.
Location: Perinthalmanna, Malappuram
How To Reach: About 48 km from Malappuram, accessible by road
Timings: 5:00 AM – 11:00 AM, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Beyond the architectural wonders, the temples in Malappuram pulsate with life through their vibrant festivals and rituals. Whether you’re a devotee seeking blessings, a history buff captivated by ancient tales, or simply a curious explorer, temples in Malappuram offer an unforgettable experience. As you delve deeper into their rich tapestry through TripXL tour packages, prepare to be captivated by the intricate architecture, vibrant festivals, and profound spiritual essence.
Cover Photo: Suresh Babunair / Wikimedia Commons
