Kochi Pilgrim Centers

Cheraman Perumal Juma Masjid

This mosque in Kerala is believed to have been built in the seventh century at the behest of the king. Cheraman Perumal, who embraced Islam and went to Mecca. Before his death, Perumal sent his emissary, Malik Ibn Dinar to Kodungallur, to set up a mosque and spread the message of Islam.

Though the mosque has been rebuilt and renovated over the years, giving it a modern architectural façade, it does retain a bit of the original style in the interiors. Unlike other mosques, this one faces east, not Mecca in the west. A huge bronze lamp, a feature common in temples, continues to be kept lit inside. And in time honored practice, people belonging to all religions bring oil or contribute money to buy oil for the lamp on auspicious occasions or in the event of family celebrations. In an anteroom, there is a small mausoleum where Muslim priests light incense sticks, yet another Hindu practice not followed in other mosques also started Vidyarambham, the custom of initiating children into reading and writing. A large number of non-Muslim pilgrims regularly visit the mosque in Kerala.

Mar Thoma Pontifical Shrine

When on Kerala pilgrimage tours one should never a chance to the shrine of Mar Thoma Pontifical. Located at a vantage point on the edge of the backwaters at Azhikode Jetty, this shrine was built to commemorate the landing of St Thomas, the apostle, at Cranganore.

The shrine is set in a semi circle, with the small church in the centre, flanked by statues of the saints. In front of the church there is a huge statue depicting the moment when Thomas acknowledge the risen Christ. Just behind, a painting depicts Thomas’ arrival, being greeted by elephants, on the nearby shores of Malliankara. Within the church is enshrined the relic of the right arm of St. Thomas, brought down from Ortona in Italy.

Kurumba Bhagavathi Temple

In a sprawling at the centre of Kodungallur town, is the temple complex that shelters the main idol of Kalli who killed the demon Daaruka. There’s a crimson cloth hung on the western wall of the sanctum and worship is offered here.

The majestic six foot high wooden image of Kali, with their eight hands carrying deadly weapons, and face covered by a mask, is carved out of a jackfruit tree. The fierce as well as benign aspects of Shakti appear to be intermingled in the idol. There is a shrine to Kshetrapala, the guardian deity, and Vasurimala, associated with small pox.

Shiva Temple

The Mahadeva Temple in Kerala, dedicated to Shiva, is located in the same vicinity as the Cheraman Juma Masjid. What catches your attention inside the enclosure is a large multi-tired metal lamp and a porch adorned with carvings dedicated to the heroes of the Ramayana. Within the restricted enclosure, an impressive columned hall shelters Shiva’s ever bull Nandi, and the inner sanctum houses a plain stone lingam. The Temple complex is a fine example of Kerala’s temple architecture, has a majestic gateway with a sloping roof and carvings of elephants, protective deities, gods and goddesses. Look at the elaborately carved mukhappu at the entrance, the wooden latticework grill to hold oil lamps offered by devotees and the highly ornamental eaves. As in most temples of Kerala, the ambulatory pathway is paved in stones and is a must visit place when on a Kerala tour.

Koodalmanikyam Temple

The only temple in Kerala dedicated to Bharata, Rama’s brother, this is an architectural marvel with imposing gateways, a round sanctum sanctorum and a marvelous koothambalam. On a Kerala tour you can admire the exquisite woodcarvings and granite friezes on the outer wall. Also the beautiful murals on the walls. Do have a look at the majestic image of Lord Vishnu with his four arms holdings a discus, conch, rosary with a weapon.

A fascinating ritual is that of the vazhuthananga naivedyam (brinjal offering). Once, a devotee suffering from chronic stomach pain had a vision of the Lord in which he was advised to offer 101 brinjals. Cured immediately of his ailment, thereafter, brinjals became the special offerings of the deity.

Close to the temple is the Natana Kairali Research and Performing Centre that offers training and discourse in a wider range of traditional arts including dance, rare forms of puppetry and theatre likes Koodiyatam and Koothu. Short- term appreciation courses are available for foreigners. Nearby is also the village of Nadavaramba, an important centre specializing in the manufacture of bell metal oil lamps and cooking utensils.

Sree Rama Temple

Built in the same architectural style as Vadakkunnathan, the exquisite woodcarvings, sculptures and mural paintings are a feast to the eyes. Equally interesting are the 24 panels of woodcarvings and several ancient murals. The circular sanctum has several sculptural representations of scenes from the Ramayana.

Nangiar Koothu, a theatre form enacting scenes from the Ramayana is offered as a worship service in the temple premises. The Pooram lasts seven days in March-April. There is a snake boat race during Onam in August-September and Ekadasi is celebrated in November-December.

St Francis Church

Built in 1503, by a group of Portuguese Franciscan friars who came to Kochi along with Pedro Alvarez Cabral; this is India’s first European Church. This church in Kerala was initially built a humble wood and mud structure, dedicated to St Bartholomew, but within the order of St Francis. The church was renamed in 1887 and also repaired. Today it belongs to the church of South India. Regular services are conducted throughout the week in English and Malayalam. An interesting feature of this church in Kerala is the pankhas, or fans, operated by ropes. Another interesting feature is that Portuguese explorer, Vasco da Gama, was buried here in 1524. Although his remains were taken back to Lisbon 14 years later, his tombstone remains intact and should not be missed on your Kerala tour itinerary.

Thirumala Devasworm Temple

Following the fall of the Vijayanagar Empire and the complete ruin of its capital city, Gowda Saraswat Brahmins brought the Sree Venkatachalapathi Thirumala Devar idol, which was worshipped by them, to Kochi.

The Thirumala Devasworm Temple in Kerala was built in 1599 to house this idol, which is believed to be responsible for the prosperity of the Konkani community that flourished in trade and commerce. The temple and the idol had a chequered history of being plundered and resorted time and again. Retreating, prior to their being overthrown by the Dutch, destroyed the temple in 1662. The idol remained at the temple until 1719. When the temple was plundered in 1791, the idol was relocated to Alappuzha. It remained there till 1853, after which it was returned to Kochi where it has since remained undisturbed.

Kalady

Kalady is the birthplace of Adi Sankaracharya, the great Indian philosopher, who talked about Advaita and is considered responsible for rescuing Hinduism from the superstitions and ritualistic state it had deteriorated into. There are three shrines at this centre, run by the Sringeri Mutt, on the banks of Periyar River. One of the shrines is dedicated to Sankaracharya, one to goddess Sharada and one to the elephant headed deity, Ganpati.

There is another structure dedicated to Sankaracharya at Kalady, namely the Sree Adi Sankara Keerthi Sthamban. In this bright pink eight storied tower, two large statues of elephants guard the entrance, which leads to the Paduka Mandapam where you will find two silver wooden sandals of Adi Sankaracharya. There are also paintings depicting the life story of the spiritual leader, and several large statues of Sankaracharya along with Ganapati and other gods and should never be missed on your Kerala tour itinerary.