What is so special about Kerala Temples?

The most popular temples in Kerala are Sabarimala Ayyappan Temple and Guruvayoor Sree Krishna Temple. Apart from these two, there are several famous temples across the length and breadth of Kerala which gives it another meaning to the slogan “God’s Own Country,” and out of the 6 million domestic tourists visiting Kerala, many are attracted to various temples of the land.
As non-Hindus are not allowed to most of the temples, foreign travellers cannot not be targeted for this segment at present. Even among Hindus, children below 6 months, women when unclean, anybody from a family where there is a birth or death occurred within 12 days are also not suppose to enter the temples. Such rules are part of the strict traditional customs and rituals that are followed in the Kerala temples.
It is interesting to see how the temples have these powers. During thantric rituals while erecting the deity, the thanthri (main priest) transfers his spiritual and metaphysical powers into the stone (also wood or metal) deity through various thantric methods. Then the deity will be alive with powers infinitely which will be enhanced by the daily poojas performed by the priests. The priest and thantri have their powers from their daily practice of sadhana (meditation along with manthra). It is believed that such sadhana and thantric rituals are done in an authentic and traditional way followed through many centuries without losing their originality.
The Kerala temples are also small in size and simple in its architectural design depicting the lifestyle of the people of the state. The temple structures are also designed keeping in mind the climatic conditions of this tropical area. From a thantric point of view, it also resembles the structure of the Universe, the way we perceive it.
It is believed that Lord Parasurama erected 108 Shiva temples and 108 Durga (Devi) temples in Kerala. Famous among these are the Shiva temples of Thrissur, Vaikom and Ettumanoor. Among Durga temples are those at Kumaranalloor and Cherthalai. Apart from these, there are also famous Vishnu temples such as Guruvayoor, Ambalapuzha and Thiruvananthapuram. Lord Ganesh is having a deity in almost all the temples and special temple are at Kottarakkara, Pazhavangadi, Edappally, Eswaramangalam.
There are four famous Dhanwanthary (Lord of Ayurveda) temples in Kerala at Nelluvaya, Thottuva, Maruthorvattom and Prayikkara which are believed to have powers to curing several diseases. Some special temples like Thiruvizha Viharam Shiva temple which is famous for its medicine to induce vomiting and getting cured of stomach related problems are also popular among devotees. The snake temples of Kerala, especially the ones at Mannarassala and Pampumekkadu are also attracting many pilgrims especially for infertility problems and skin diseases. The Pongala festival in Attukal temple (next year on 3 March 2007) has been listed in the Guinness Book of World Records for the largest gathering of women for a temple ritual with the official figure of around 1.5 million within a radius of 5 kms!!!
These temples are a part of the daily life of people of Kerala, which are also connected strongly with the astrology that is practiced. Astrology is based on pure calculations of planetary positions and its relation to human life. As in any science, the effectiveness depends on the exactness of the calculations and the gifted interpretations of the practicing astrologer. Astrological consultations are important for both temple rituals and for any individual’s life in Kerala.
Apart from temples, Kerala is also rich in the Homam (also known as Yaga / Yajna) which is worshipping of agni (fire) as a representative of Sun. It is said that this tradition existed prior to the temple culture in India. During Vedic period, agni was worshipped as the main God. Later, different Gods were also worshipped in the medium of agni – for example Ganapathy Homam (for Ganesha) and Mrithyunjaya Homam (for Lord Shiva), Sudar-shana Homam (Vaishnavam) etc.
Somayagam which can cause (man-made) rain is performed in its original form even in the 21st century? The next Somayagam will happen from 23 March 2007 at Kumbidi (near Kuttipuram) near the Panniyoor Sree Varaha temple.
Though there was a set back to temples and other rituals in the 20th century due to influence of scientific approaches, communism and atheist movements, it has made a come back by reasoning today’s logical mindsets. In the near future, its hoped that the temples will be open to non-Hindus who are willing to visit them following the local customs of wearing white dhothi / without shirts in the case of men and Kerala / Indian dress for women.