Kerala Temple Welfare Development Foundation
-- Preserving Heritage, Empowering Futures --
Kerala Temple Welfare Development Foundation-- Preserving Heritage, Empowering Futures --
The Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, is renowned for its architectural grandeur and the vast treasure trove discovered within its vaults, making it one of the worlds richest temples. Deity and Location: The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his Anantha Shayanam (eternal yogic sleep) posture, lying on the serpent Adishesha. Its located in Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala, and is one of the 108 Divya Desams (sacred abodes of Vishnu). History and Architecture: The temples history dates back to the 8th century, with the current structure built in the 18th century by the Travancore Maharaja Marthanda Varma. It features a blend of Kerala and Dravidian architectural styles, including a 16th-century gopuram (tower). Treasures: The temple is famous for its immense wealth, including jewels, precious metals, and other treasures, estimated to be worth billions of dollars. The discovery of these treasures in 2011 brought international attention to the temple. Significance: The temple holds a special place in the hearts of people of Bharat and is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of India. It is also a must-visit destination for pilgrims and tourists alike. Other Deities: Besides Lord Vishnu, the temple also houses shrines dedicated to other deities, including Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Brahma, Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, and Hanuman. Festivals: The temple celebrates two main festivals: Alpasi Utsavam and Painkuni Utsavam. Name: The name of the city, Thiruvananthapuram, translates to The City of Lord Ananta, referring to the deity of the temple. .
View moreGuruvayur Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Guruvayurappan (four-armed form of the Vishnu), located in the town of Guruvayur in Kerala, India. Administrated by the Guruvayur Devaswom Board, it is one of the most important places of worship for Hindus in Kerala and Tamil Nadu and is often referred to as Bhuloka Vaikunta (Holy Abode of Vishnu on Earth). The temple is classified among the 108 Abhimana Kshethram of Vaishnavate tradition. The central icon is a four-armed standing Vishnu carrying the conch Panchajanya, the discus Sudarshana, the mace Kaumodaki, and a lotus with a tulasi garland. This image represents the form of Vishnu as revealed to Krishnas parents Vasudeva and Devaki around the time of his birth. Worship proceeds according to routines laid down by Adi Shankara and later written formally in the Tantric way, the inter-religious spiritual movement that arose in medieval India, by Chennas Ravinarayanan Nambudiri (1427-1527), whose descendants are the hereditary tantris (high priests) of the Guruvayur Temple. The temple is managed by a special administrative authority under the control of the Government of Kerala. The main festivals of this temple are the 10-day festival in the Malayalam month of Kumbham starting with flag hoisting on Pooyam star, Krishna Janmashtami (Birthday of Krishna) in the month of Chingam, Ekadasi (11th day) in the shukla paksha (bright fortnight) in the month of Vrischikam, popularly called as the Guruvayur Ekadasi and Vishu on the first day of the month of Medam, once a harvest festival.The temples sub-deities are Ganapathi, Ayyappan, and Bhagavathi (Who is given more importance), and there are two sub-temples, one for Ganapati and the other for Nagadevathas (Snake deities nearby the temple. All non-Hindus are prohibited from entry within the Guruvayur Temple..
View moreThe Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple (Malayalam pronunciation: is a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Ayyappan, who is also known as Dharma Shasta and is the son of the deities Shiva and Mohini (female avatar of the god Vishnu). The temple is situated atop the Sabarimala hill in the village of Ranni-Perunad, within the Ranni Taluk, Thiruvalla Revenue Division of Pathanamthitta district in the state of Kerala, India. The temple is surrounded by 18 hills in the Periyar Tiger Reserve. It is one of the largest annual pilgrimage sites in the world, with an estimate of over 10 to 15 million devotees visiting every year. The temple is open for worship only during the days of Mandala Pooja (approximately 15 November to 26 December), Makaravilakku or Makara Sankranti (14 January), Maha Thirumal Sankranti (14 April), and the first five days of each Malayalam month. The Sabarimala Temple serves as a prime example of the amalgamation of several religious traditions within the Indian context. The temple practices prohibit women between the ages of 10 and 50 years from accessing the temple premises. Origins and legends According to Bhagavata Purana, god Shiva lay with god Vishnu while the latter was in the female Mohini form. Their carnal union resulted in the conception of the deity Shasta. Shasta is also known as Hariharaputra, the son of Hari (Vishnu) and Hara (Shiva). It is believed that Ayyappa is a form of Shasta. The worship of Shasta forms part of the ancient history of south India. There are many Shasta temples in South India and across the globe. Five Shasta temples, namely those in Kulathupuzha, Aryankavu, Achankovil, Sabarimala, and Ponnambalmedu, are said to be linked to Parashurama, an avatar of Vishnu. In Kulathupuzha, Shasta is venerated as a child deity. In the Aryankavu temple, he is worshipped as an adolescent Brahmachari. The Achankovil temple is connected to the deitys Grihastha (household), where he is shown sitting on a horse and holding a sword, along with his wives, Pushkala and Poorna. The Sabarimala temple is associated with the deitys Vanaprastha, and in the Ponnambalmedu or Kantamala temple, the deity is shown as the greatest Yogi..
View moreVadakkunathan! This is the name which has been given to Lord Shiva in the city of Thrissur, Kerala, India. The Vadakkunnathan temple is the first temple which was created by Lord Parasurama. The temple located at the heart of the city of Thrissur is enclosed by colossal walls of stone under an area of around eight acres. The four directions, East, West, North and South in the temple have been indicated by four Gopurams inside the temple premises. In the centre of the temple there is multi shrined complex, besides the four Gopurams. The three key shrines of the temple have been dedicated to the Vadakkunatham or Lord Shiva, Lord Rama and Shankaranarayana. Lord Shiva who in the hunter form called as the Vettekkaran, besides other places is also worshipped in the Nalambalam area. As per the archaeological findings, Vadakkunathan temple is one of the oldest temples of the Southern India and is the largest temple of the Kerala which is dedicated to worshipping Lord Shiva. This religious place is an extraordinary example of the classical Kerala style of architecture featuring outstanding murals of the 17th century echoing the story of Mahabharata. The wood carved vignettes are displayed in the Koothambalam and shrines. One interesting thing about the temple is that it is believed to be the place where Tipu Sultan camped, though this fact has been associated with many disputes and many historians have not supported the idea..
View moreA Shiva temple famed for its Ezhara Ponnana golden elephant statuettes and the annual darshan during its ten-day festival. The ancient Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple is a revered shrine nestled in the heart of Kottayam, Kerala. This sacred abode of Lord Shiva has not only brought glory and fame to the region but also weaves together myths and legends that echo through centuries. According to ancient lore, the Pandavas and the sage Vyasa themselves worshipped at this hallowed temple, sanctifying its grounds with their devotion. However, one of the most captivating tales surrounding Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple revolves around its cherished treasures - the Ezhara Ponnana, or the seven and a half golden elephants. These magnificent statuettes, crafted from jackfruit tree wood and adorned with approximately 13 kg of gold plates, are a testament to the temples storied past. Legend has it that these exquisite elephants were gifted to the temple by Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma, the illustrious founder of the Travancore kingdom. The offering, steeped in history, is believed to have been fulfilled during the reign of his successor, Maharaja Karthika Thirunal. The annual highlight of the temples festivities is the Ezhara Ponnana Darshan, a mesmerizing spectacle held on the eighth day of the ten-day festival. As midnight descends, a ceremonial procession commences, carrying these precious elephants in all their golden splendor. The statuettes, varying in size but collectively known as the Ezhara seven-and-a-half Ponnana, are revered symbols of prosperity and divine blessings. During the darshan, devotees gather in reverence at the Asthana Mandapam to behold these sacred treasures up close, their hearts filled with faith and awe. The ritual not only honours the temples rich heritage but also invites all who witness it to partake in the spiritual legacy of Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple. Beyond its legends and festivities, the temple offers a serene retreat for spiritual seekers and history enthusiasts alike. Its architectural elegance and tranquil surroundings provide a sanctuary where ancient wisdom meets contemporary devotion, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in Keralas cultural tapestry. Come, experience the allure of Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple, a place where myths intertwine with reality, and where the echoes of centuries past resonate with timeless significance..
View moreIt is an gallery of temples.
Spiritual growth and social harmony accomplished through the restoration and protection of temples. |
Restore and protect temples in a state of decline and dilapidation Facilitate the welfare of poor temple staff and promote the wellbeing of communities surrounding the temples Foster traditional learning, temple arts and spiritual pursuits |