| |
In
Thiruvananthapuram(Trivandrum) |
*Padmanabhaswamy
Temple
|
(Heart
of the city) |
| This
temple, a sprawling complex with a magnificient seven
storied tower, houses the idol of Lord Vishnu in the
form of Ananthapadmanabha( the Lord who upheld creation
on a lotus which sprang forth from his navel). The
6m image, partly covered with gold and embellished
with precious stones is viewed in three sections through
three doors. Historical records show that in 1750,
the Maharaja of Travancore on being victorious in
a battle, laid down his sword and offered himself
to this temple's deity. Since then, all his successors
have ruled the land as Padmanabhadasas(servants of
Padmanabha). Arattu is an important festival here. |
*Attukal
Bhagavathi Temple
|
(2
km from Thiruvananthapuram) |
Known
as the Sabrimala of women, this temple is famous for
Attukal Ponkala, the annual festival that commences
on Bharani day in Kumbhom (February - March). The
highlight of the festival is the Ponkala which is
an all woman affair.
Ponkala is an offering made in Bhagavathy temples,
prepared in the form of payasam (sweet porridge) with
ingredients like jaggery, coconut kernel and plantain.
Ponkala starts in the morning and ends with the melsanthi(Chief
priest) sprinkling holy water over the offerings.
|
*Sree
Parasurama Temple
|
Thiruvallam
(5km from Thiruvanthapuram) |
| This
is the only temple in Kerala dedicated to Sree Parasurama,
the mythological ctreator of Kerala. This 2000-year
-old temple is a venue for the Bali ritual for departed
souls. |
*Bheemappali
|
(5
km southwest of Thiruvanthapuram) |
| This
mosque is famous for the Chandanakkudam Festival which
is said to be the death anniversary of Bheema Beevi,
a devout pilgrim who came to Keralas from Mecca. Festivities
include devotees going round the mosque carrying earthen
pots (kudam) smeared with sandal wood paste. The Uroose
festival here is also famous. |
*Christ
the King Church
|
Vettukadu
(14km from Thiruvanthapuram) |
| An
important pilgrim centre, this church is famous for
the annual festival in November. High Mass, Vespers,
a two hour long Holy Eucharistic procession and benediction
are the highlights of the festival. Nativity feast
of the Blessed Virgin Mary is also celebrated with
religious spirit. |
*Sree
Krishna Swamy Temple
|
Neyyanttinkara
(20 km from Thiruvananthapuram) |
| This
temple is historically important as the site houses
the old Jackfruit tree that once gave refuge to King
Marthandavarma, erstwhile ruler of Travancore. |
*Sivananda
Yoga Vedantha Dhanwantari Ashram
|
Neyyar
Dam(25 km north-east of Thiruvananthapuram) |
| Yoga
and Vedantha are two philosophies taught here. Apart
from the main temple of the Divine Mother, Sree Rajarajeshwari,
Sage Agasthya in the form of Yogadandu and Sree Krishna
are worshipped here. |
