Ancient Temples and Churches in Kerala

Kaviyoor Rock Cut Cave Temple

The Kavivoor rock cut temple was constructed during the reign on the Pallavas who ruled south India from 608 to 850 AD and thus is built in Pallava architecture. The Temple is carved on a huge rock and is currently preserved by the Archaeological department. The entrance of the temple has a sculpture of Lord Ganapati engraved on the wall and the main deity of the temple is Lord Shiva who is represented in the form of a linga. The Rock housing the cave is called Thri- kal-kudi Paara which means a cave settlement.

Koothambalam

Koothambalam is a closed hall or a temple theatre that is used to perform Koothu, which is a folk art which originated in the land of Tamil. It is a very important aspect of ancient Keralite tradition and is considered as sacred as a temple. During the time of the performance the whole stage is decorated with fruit bearing plantains, coconut bunches and palms. In the Koothambalam only men from the chakyar community are allowed to perform. Women belonging to the Ambalavasi – Nambiar caste play Nangyar koothu and the female characters of Koothambalam.

Parumala Church

Parumala Church, also known as St. Peter’s and St. Paul’s orthodox church is one of the important churches of the Malankar Orthodox Syrian Church. Located along the banks of River Pampa, Parumala is a small and peacefully beautiful little town. In 1895 a temporary church was built in this place by Mar Gregorios and finally on 19th March, 1995 the foundation stone for the new church was laid down by His Holiness Baselios Mar Thoma Mathews II, Catholicos of the East.

Kadayanickadu Dharmashastha Temple

Kadayanickadu Dharmashastha Temple is located in Baala Saasthaa, Kottayam District which is about 32kms from Kottayam and 81 kms from Cochin. This temple is dedicated to Ayappa Swami. Kadayanickadu is a small village set in a typical rural settlement covered with green agricultural fields, small hills and rivulets.

Forane Church

Forane church also known as St. Anthony’s Syro Malabar Catholic Forane Church is an important church belonging to Syro-Malabar Catholic Archdiocese of Thrissur. It is located at in Kerala. There are about 4000 Christian families which belong to this parish. This place is also known as ‘Chinna Roma’ or Small Rome due to the presence of a large number of Christian people and their several religious, educational, medical, social service and secular organisations. The church is located on a hill top.

Kaviyoor Hanuman Temple

Kaviyoor Hanuman Temple is an ancient temple located in the Pathanamthitta District of Kerala and is believed to be about 1000 years old, even though the correct time of its construction is not actually known. This temple is mainly dedicated to Lord Mahadeva (Shiva and Vishnu) but there is also a Hanuman Temple which is quite popular. It belongs to the Travancore Devaswom Board and has a unique architecture that belongs to about 10th century AD. It is considered to be one of the oldest of the Mahadeva Temples in Kerala.