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Sree
Rajeswari Temple - Chottanikara
Situated at a distance of about 15 kms from Kochi, the Sree Rajeshwari
Temple, Chottanikkara is unique in its own right. Here the Goddess
is worshipped as Sarawati in the morning, Bhadrakali at noon and Durga
in the evening. This temple has the reputation as a place of redemption
from evil spirits. The temple has a pond known as Rakthakulam. A dip
in that kulam is believed to remove the evil sprits from posseessed
individuals.
The annual nine day festival is marked by Aarattu, performed everyday
unlike other temples . Large number of devotees come to this temple
especially on Makam Thozhal on the 7th day, which is considered to
be auspicious for women following a belief that it gives the unmarried
women mangalya, (matrimonial bliss), Caparisoned elephants line up
for Pooram, on the eight day and a spectacular display of the fire
works marks the conclusion of the festival. Navarathri is also celebrated
with emphasis on musical concerts.
Siva Temple - Ernakulam
The deity of this ancient temple situated at the heart of Cochin
city, is popularly known as Ernakulathappan. The annual festival
is an eight-day event and on all these days inside the temple the
Seeveli procession with 9 tuskers and the Panchavadyam is held
twice a day. On the seventh day evening, Pakalpooram is conducted.
Kathakali, Ottanthullal, music concerts are presented by renowned
artists. The festival concludes with the Arattu.
Bhagawathy
Temple - Puthiyakavu
This temple is located near Thripunithura, 11 kms
from Ernakulam. It celebrates a seven-day festival every year. The
third and fourth
days are very auspicious for unmarried women and they come to offer
thalams. On the last night Thookam is performed followed by a fire
works display to conclude the festival.
Sree
krishna Swamy Temple - Chittoor
This temple 8 kms from Ernakulam celebrates
an 8 day festival Ezhunullathu procession in which the deity is ceremoniously
taken around the
temple in a specially decorated chariot. Garuda Vahanam takes place
from the second day. Kaathakali is presented
on the first five evenings.
St.
Thomas Shrine - Malalayattur
This popular shrine situated at the top of
a hill nearly 2000 ft. high in Malayattur, 52 kms from Ernakulam is believed
to be one
of the seven churches built by St. Thomas, apostle of christ. The
annual feast of this church is observed on the Sunday after Easter,
on the day of the 1st moon after the Vernal Equinon. The Octave
is celebrated on the following Sunday.
Sringeri
Madam Adhi Sankara Janma Bhoomi - Kalady
This is the birth place of Adhi Sankara, the Advaitha philosopher
and is on the banks of river Periyar, formally known as Poorna
river. It celebrates a ten day festival during Navarathri and procession
lead by a decorated temple chariot is conducted. Eminent artists
present classical music concerts during the festival days. On Sankara
Jayanthi, the birthday of Sankara, a Vedic discourse and debate
is conducted in which Vedic scholars from all over the world participates.
St.
Marys Church - Vallarpadam
This Catholic Church situated in a small
island of Ernakulam is believed to have been established in 1676
by the Portugese. The annual feast
of Vallarpadathamma (St. Mary) lasts more than a week. A fair is
conducted here at this time.
Kanjiramattam
Mosque
This mosque 25 kms from Ernakulam is said to have been erected over
the mortal remains of Sheik Faridudeen and it is believed
that the great muslim saint Vaver prayed here and attained Eternal
bliss. The Kodikuthu festival is observed on the 14th of January
every year and famous Chandanakuda Mahotsavam is celebrated during
night. The procession with six caparisoned elephants and folk arts
such
as
Aravanamuttu, Chendamelam, Doobakali etc, is the main attraction.
Cultural fare includes Oppana, Mappila Pattu etc. Azhakiyakavu
Bhagavathy Temple - Pallurthy
This temple celebrates a twenty two day long festival. On the last
three days, grand processions led by decorated elephants are held
to the accompaniment of Panchavadhyam. Various temple art forms
are performed during the festival. The festival concludes with
a magnificient display of fire works. Pulavanibham, a trade fair
will be held here which attracts many people. |
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