Indian Columbus

In  Kerala , the mother Goddess is generally referred to as Bhagavati. The Bhagavati temple at Kodungallur is actually a temple dedicated to Kali or Kannagi. Kannagi is the heroine of the Tamil epic Silappathikaram. The Chera king Senguttuvan built a temple for Kannagi in Kodangallur. This is perhaps the only temple for her. As Kannagi is believed to be a manifestation of Kali or Durga, this temple can also be considered the temple of Kali. As per the belief, the temple was originally a Shiva temple, and after Bhagavati's image was installed, it became a Bhagavati temple. The image of Bhagavati, which is around six feet high, is believed to have been carved out of a jack fruit tree. Bharani festival is grandly celebrated in this temple. Kodungallur Bhagavati temple also has a shrine for Lord Shiva. He is called Sundareshwarar (similar to the deity of Madurai, the city where Kannagi's husband was killed). On the backside of the sanctum, the image of Meenakshi is found in the ni...

Triprayar is a small town located around 25 kms from Thrissur, which has a magnificent Rama temple. The city is situated on the banks of the river Triprayar. As per the legend, the images of four brothers Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata, and Shatrughna were washed ashore and discovered by a local chieftain Vakkey Kaimal. He installed those images in four different places, namely Rama in Triprayar, Lakshmana in Tirumoozhikkalam, Bharata at Koodalmaanikkam, and Shatrughna at Payammel. The image of Rama in the main shrine resembles Vishnu with four arms, bearing a conch, disc, bow, and garland, unlike other temples where he has only two arms holding a bow and arrow. There are sub-shrines for other deities such as Dakshinamurti, Shasta and Ganapati. Another unique thing is that the icons of Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi are found on either side of Rama instead of Sita. Rama has been portrayed as a victorious Lord over the evil Rakshasa Khara. The temple is rich in wood carvings and was built in a typic...

Apart from the divine attractions, such as  Thiruvambadi  Krishna temple,  Vadakkunnathan  temple, and  Paramekkavu  Bhagavathi temple, Zoo and museum complex is one of the important attractions in Thrissur city. The compound covering the museum and Zoo is green with full of plants and trees. The museum has wood carvings, metal sculptures, and ancient jewelry collections. There is a separate building for the art museum, which houses many beautiful and rare sculptures and traditional lamps. The zoological park, even though small, houses various species such as sloth bears, deer, lion-tailed macaque, and different kinds of birds. There is also a small snake park within the Zoo. If you have enough time in Thrissur after visiting all the temples, there is no harm in going to this place. It is basically a destination for local people. Happy travelling. Visit my site,  krishnakumartk.com , to know more about the travel guides and other books that I have writ...

Thiruvambadi Krishna temple is one of the famous temples of Thrissur city, besides the two other main temples -  Vadakkunnathan  temple and  Paramekkavu  Bhagavathi temple. It is located at a distance of around 1 km from the famous Vadakkunnathan temple in Thrissur. Thiruvambadi Krishna temple, like Paramekkavu Bhagavathi temple, actively participates in the world-famous Pooram festival annually. This temple, believed to be built around 1000 years back, is in a typical  Kerala  temple architectural style. Besides the main shrine dedicated to a beautiful icon of Lord Krishna, this temple also houses three small shrines - two for Lord Ganesha, and one for Bhagavathi. When you visit Thrissur, ensure that you visit this beautiful temple of Lord Krishna along with Paramekkavu Bhagavathi temple and Vadakkunnathan temple. Happy travelling. Visit my site,  krishnakumartk.com , to know more about the travel guides and other books that I have written.

Paramekkavu Bhagavathi temple, opposite the famous  Vadakkunnathan  temple in Thrissur, is one of Kerala's most important Bhagavathi temples. The mother Goddess is worshipped in the name of Bhagavathi in Kerala, and this temple is perhaps the biggest Bhagavathi temple in Kerala state. It is believed to be 1000 years old, similar to the Vadakkunnathan temple. Besides the presiding deity Bhagavathi, this temple has no other icon or shrine.  One of the major highlights of the temple is that it is one of the temples that participate in the world-famous Thrissur Pooram festival. When you go to Thrissur, ensure that you visit the Vadakkunnathan temple and Bhagavathi temple. Happy travelling. Visit my site,  krishnakumartk.com , to know more about the travel guides and other books that I have written.

Vadakkunnathan temple is one of the largest and most ancient Shiva temples in  Kerala  state of India, located at Thrissur. Thrissur is the cultural capital of Kerala - God's own country. Vadakkunnathan temple, situated on a small hillock, is believed to be 1000 years old. There is a legendary belief that this temple was built by Parasurama, the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. There is also a belief that Adi Shankaracharya was born after his parents prayed to Vadakkunnathan in this temple. Vadakkunnathan temple, Vrishabhachalam or Thenkailasam (meaning South Kailasha) is a huge temple built in the typical Kerala style of architecture. The temple has a lot of mural paintings depicting the incidents from Hindu epics and Puranas. The famous Pooram festival's venue is well next to the temple. The temple's highlight is that the icon of Vadakkunnathan, which is in the form of Shiva Linga, is not visible outside. It is covered under the mount of ghee. This is formed by daily abhisheka...

Kerala, a state located at the southern end of India, has various tourist destinations. Kerala is so beautiful that it is called God's own country. Kerala has a pleasant climate throughout the year and provides travelers multiple destinations, such as beaches, pilgrimages, resorts, hill stations, backwaters, and wildlife sanctuaries. Due to its moderate climate and various festivals celebrated throughout the year, travelers keep traveling to Kerala.  Kumarakom, Kuttanad, Alapuzha, and Kochi are some of Kerala's most important backwater destinations. Beaches like Kovalam are world famous. Mannar, Ponmudi, .... there are a lot of hill stations in the state. And, when it comes to pilgrim centers, I am not sure if any other state in India except Tamil Nadu has so many pilgrim centers. Some religiously significant sites in Kerala are Sabari Malai, Guruvayur, Thrissur, Chottanikkarai, Varkala, Vaikom, and Kaladi. Whatever your travel objective and whatever month you want to travel...

Kanchipuram , the city of 1000 temples, has around 250 temples in and around the city. Most of them are popular and ancient temples. Apart from temples, you can do shopping for silk sarees in Kanchipuram. Some of the important tourist attractions in Kanchipuram city are given below.  1) Kamakshi Amman Temple - Kamakshi Amman Temple is one of the three most important Goddess temples of India. This is the most important temple of Kanchipuram and remains as the center of attraction. The current temple structure was constructed in 14th century CE. Kamakshi Amman temple is one of 51 Shakthi Peethams.  2) Kumara Kottam Temple - Kumara Kottam Subramanya temple is the most important Subramanya (Murugan) temple in Kanchipuram city. The Tamil version of Skanda Purana was composed here.  3) Ekambareswarara Temple - Ekambareswarara Temple is the most important Shiva temple that is located in the city. There is a 3000 years old holy Mango tree inside the temple.  4) Varadaraj...

Pilgrims, heritage enthusiasts, those who love Indian culture, those who are interested in South Indian history, and even those who enjoy visiting the architectural and sculptural marvels - all of them visit this holy city called Kanchipuram in large numbers. But, most of them visit only a few selected and famous temples in this city of thousand temples. However, many more ancient temples in and around the city remain unknown or lesser known.  Iravasthanam  is one such unexplored temple; it is an architectural marvel and a treat for our eyes. Pachai Vannar and Pal Vannar temples can be considered the twin Vishnu temples. Similarly, this temple called Iravasthanam and the nearby  Piravasthanam  can be regarded as the twin Shiva temples of Kanchi. The temple is located in Kammala Street near Pachai Vanna Perumal temple. It is one of the eight Pallava temples of the city that still exists. There is no stone inscription found. However, based on the architectural style...