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Pathanamthitta is a place with lush green forests, serene landscapes, and a deep spiritual heritage. It is one of the most beautiful places in India. Many famous temples in Pathanamthitta attract lots of devotees and tourists to witness the unique rituals and mystic ambience, steeped in rich cultural heritage. Each of these temples is known for its spiritual significance and rich cultural heritage. Let us explore some of the sacred temples of Pathanamthitta that become an integral part of any spiritual journey.
10 Famous Temples in Pathanamthitta
Here are ten of the most popular temples in Pathanamthitta, each known for its spiritual significance and rich cultural heritage:
1. Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Temple
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons
Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Temple is one of India’s biggest pilgrim centres, in the middle of the thick forests of the Western Ghats in Pathanamthitta. The shrine in this temple is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. It attracts millions of devotees to the temple, especially during the Mandalakala season, from November to January. Before the pilgrims undertake the arduous climb to the temple — located at an altitude of 4,133 feet — they treadmill through an intense 41-day vratham or penance. At this temple, one needs to climb 8 sacred steps, which are the stages one goes through for spiritual ascent.
Best Time To Visit: November to January, during the Mandalakala season
Major Attractions: Annual pilgrimage, 18 sacred steps, Pampa River
How To Reach: The nearest town is Pampa, well-connected by road. The nearest railway station is Chengannur.
2. Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple
Photo: Akhilan / Wikimedia Commons
Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple is an ancient holy temple on the banks of the Pampa River in Pathanamthitta. It is one of the ancient shrines dedicated to Lord Krishna, who is worshipped here as Parthasarathy, the charioteer of Arjuna. This temple is famous for the Aranmula Vallamkali, a boat race conducted as a part of the Onam festival. This temple represents the typical traditional style of Kerala architecture. Intricate wood carvings and mural paintings are visible on the walls. Several fabulously decorated snake boats take part in the annual Uthrattathi boat race, which relates to cultural heritage and community zest.
Best Time To Visit: August to September, during the Onam festival
Major Attractions: Aranmula Vallamkali, traditional architecture, cultural performances
How To Reach: Easily accessible by road from Chengannur town
3. Pandalam Ayyappa Temple
Photo: Dileesh Kumar / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
The Pandalam Ayyappa Temple, in the royal town of Pandalam, is another important temple in Pathanamthitta. Pandalam Ayyappa Temple is of immense significance and is the place of Lord Ayyappa’s childhood. Since the Thiruvabharanam of Lord Ayyappa is taken in procession every year from Pandalam to Sabarimala, the temple is intimately linked with the pilgrimage to Sabarimala. This procession itself, called the Thiruvabharanam procession, is a big draw with thousands of devotees following the journey of the sacred ornaments with utmost devotion. The serene atmosphere of the temple and its historical relevance make it an important stopping place for pilgrims en route to Sabarimala.
Best Time To Visit: November to January
Major Attractions: Thiruvabharanam procession, Pandalam palace
How To Reach: Well-connected by road from Pathanamthitta town
4. Kaviyoor Mahadeva Temple
Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons
The Kaviyoor Mahadeva Temple is famous in Pathanamthitta known for its stunning architecture and ancient rock-cut cave temple. Kaviyoor Mahadeva Temple is an ancient, as well as sacred, temple of Lord Shiva located in Kaviyoor village. The main temple, dating back to the early 10th century, is exquisitely adorned in wood carvings according to typical Kerala-style temple architecture. The beautiful rock-cut cave ensconcing a shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva is one of the major attractions that bring devotees and history enthusiasts to this place. Its tranquil surroundings and architectural beauty make the temple one of the must-see places.
Best Time To Visit: Anytime during the year
Major Attractions: Rock-cut cave temple, architectural beauty
How To Reach: Accessible by road from Thiruvalla town
5. Malayalappuzha Devi Temple
Photo: Prasanthajantha / Wikimedia Commons
The Malayalappuzha Devi Temple, dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali, is popular in Pathanamthitta. The Malayalappuzha Devi temple dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali is known for its powerful deity and also for its lively festivals. Situated amidst lush green surroundings, the temple is popular for its beautiful wall paintings and sculptures. The devotees believe that the goddess enshrined here is powerful and that worshipping brings prosperity and protection from evil forces. The annual festival, conducted with a lot of pomp and paraphernalia, consists of traditional rituals and cultural programs that draw large crowds of devotees. The temple is nestled amidst serene surroundings, with a spiritual ambience that forms the perfect setting for devotion and worship.
Best Time To Visit: Anytime during the year, with special significance during festival times
Major Attractions: Wall paintings, sculptures, vibrant festivals
How To Reach: Well-connected by road from Pathanamthitta town
6. Thiruvalla Sreevallabha Temple
Photo: Ssriram mt / Wikimedia Commons
In Thiruvalla, the Sreevallabha Temple is holy in Pathanamthitta dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The Thiruvalla Sreevallabha Temple, in Thiruvalla, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This temple is a prime example of traditional Kerala-style architecture, with a unique Garuda Stambha (flagpole with an image of Garuda on top) that stands as a major attraction. The temple is known for its daily rituals and the grand annual festival, which attracts devotees from across the state. The temple’s serene environment, combined with its architectural splendour, provides a tranquil space for spiritual reflection and worship.
Best Time To Visit: Anytime during the year, especially during the annual festival
Major Attractions: Garuda Stambha, traditional architecture, annual festival
How To Reach: Easily accessible by road from Thiruvalla town
7. Parumala Valiya Panayannarkavu Devi Temple
Photo: RajeshUnuppally / Wikimedia Commons
The Parumala Valiya Panayannarkavu Devi Temple is one of the popular temples in Pathanamthitta, dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali. One of the main and enriching shrines of Goddess Bhadrakali is the Parumala Valiya Panayannarkavu Devi Temple. The atmosphere is full of peace, which makes the temple compound a tranquil haven for devotees to experience mental peace and spiritual rejuvenation. Many festivals are celebrated here with lots of enthusiasm annually with traditional rituals held along with different forms of cultural performances. The serene atmosphere of the temple and the presence of the powerful deity combine to make the shrine an important spiritual destination in Pathanamthitta.
Best Time To Visit: Anytime during the year, with special significance during the annual festival
Major Attractions: Serene surroundings, powerful deity, annual festival
How To Reach: Accessible by road from Pathanamthitta town
8. Kadammanitta Devi Temple
Photo: Ramjchandran / Wikimedia Commons
The Kadammanitta Devi Temple is another popular temple in Pathanamthitta. This temple is noted for the Kadammanitta Padayani, which is a ritual folk dance and art form performed during the annual festival of the temple. The temple dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali attracts huge crowds during the festival seasons, usually from March to April. The enthralling Padayani performances with exquisite costumes and exciting dances are a great treat reflecting the enriched cultural heritage of Kerala. In this place of serenity and culture, over the ages, one finds an attraction for both the devotees and the tourists.
Best Time To Visit: March to April, during the Padayani festival
Major Attractions: Kadammanitta Padayani, vibrant festival celebrations
How To Reach: Well-connected by road from Pathanamthitta town
9. Chengannur Mahadeva Temple
Photo: Ssriram mt / Wikimedia Commons
The Chengannur Mahadeva Temple is a significant holy temple in Pathanamthitta dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is one of the oldest shrines. The temple is famous for something they term Thripputhu, the menstrual period of the goddess. This rarely practised ritual attracts numerous devotees who seek the blessings of the divine couple. It has a traditional style of architecture with elements of the Kerala style of architecture, and the spiritual atmosphere in the temple makes it an important place of worship. The rare ritual of Thripputhu, with the serene environment amidst which the temple stands, offers a different spiritual experience.
Best Time To Visit: Anytime during the year
Major Attractions: Thripputhu ritual, architectural beauty
How To Reach: Easily accessible by road from Chengannur town
10. Kodumon Chilanthiyambalam
Photo: Dipu Chandran / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
The Kodumon Chilanthiyambalam is indeed a one-of-a-kind Lord Krishna temple, believed to possess remedial powers, especially in the case of skin disease. This temple, situated in serene surroundings and a tranquil ambience, is an ideal setting for spiritual reflectiveness and worship. The temple remains a significant spiritual destination at Pathanamthitta, with devotees visiting it to seek healing and blessings. A visit to this temple becomes imperative on their journey for spiritual enlightenment.
Best Time To Visit: Anytime during the year.
Major Attractions: Healing powers, serene surroundings, mythological significance.
How To Reach: Accessible by road from Adoor town.
The temples in Pathanamthitta are not just places of worship but also sanctuaries of peace offering a respite from the commotion and liveliness of modern life. Each temple, with its unique character and charm, invites visitors to immerse themselves in a journey of spiritual discovery. So, pack your bags, and set off to explore the most famous temples in Pathanamthitta. Discover comprehensive tour packages for a hassle-free experience with TripXL.
Cover Photo: Nakkeeran Raveendran / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
