Temples

Sree Annapoorneswari Navagraha Bhadrakali Temple is a revered Hindu shrine located in Thodupuzha, Idukki district, Kerala. It is one of the most significant Devi temples in the region, known for the worship of Goddess Annapoorneswari—an incarnation of Goddess Parvati representing nourishment and abundance—and Goddess Bhadrakali, symbolizing divine power and protection. Religious Significance The temple combines the worship of Annapoorneswari and Bhadrakali with Navagraha (nine planetary deities) rituals, offering devotees a unique spiritual experience that unites nourishment, strength, and astrological harmony. Devotees believe the presiding deity blesses them with prosperity, health, and protection from planetary afflictions. Annual Festival The temple’s major annual festival takes place in the Malayalam month of Kumbham (February–March) and lasts for five days. The celebrations include traditional processions such as Thalappoli and cultural performances of Kerala’s classical and folk arts. The temple is elaborately decorated with plantain, coconut leaves, and lamps. A key highlight is the Pongala ritual, where thousands of women prepare a sweet offering made of rice, molasses, coconut, and nuts to honor the goddess. Architecture and Deity Depiction The principal idol depicts Annapoorneswari holding a vessel of food in one hand and a ladle in another—symbols of sustenance and benevolence. Traditional Kerala temple architecture and serene surroundings enhance the spiritual ambiance of the shrine. Cultural Role Beyond its religious importance, the temple serves as a focal point for community gatherings and the preservation of local performing arts. Its festivals and rituals draw devotees and tourists from across the Idukki district and neighboring regions, underscoring its cultural and spiritual relevance in Kerala’s temple heritage 

Puthukkulam Sree Nagaraja Temple is a historic Hindu temple located on Mullackal Temple Road, Thodupuzha, in the Idukki district of Kerala, India. It is notable for being one of the few temples where the serpent deity Nagaraja serves as the presiding deity, attracting devotees seeking blessings for prosperity, health, and protection from serpent-related doshas. Background and Legend The temple’s mythology traces back to the legend of Lord Parasurama, who created Kerala by casting his axe into the sea. When serpents overran the new land, he sought help from Lord Parameshwara, who directed him to Lord Ananthaswamy. After Parasurama’s penance, Ananthaswamy subdued the serpents, symbolizing harmony between humans and nature—a theme still reflected in the temple’s rituals.  Worship and Rituals Daily poojas begin at dawn with Abhishekam and continue through evening ceremonies like Deeparadhana and Athaazha Pooja. Prominent offerings include Sarpa Bali, Ashtanaga Pooja, and Ayilyam Pooja, all dedicated to serpent deities for removing afflictions and bringing peace. The annual Ayilya Maholsavam, celebrated during the Malayalam month of Kanni, features Sarppabali and grand processions honoring Nagaraja. Architecture and Setting Located near the Thodupuzha River, the temple blends traditional Kerala architectural features with modern renovations, including a prominent Nagaraja statue that is a local landmark. The temple grounds provide ample space for devotees and visitors, maintaining a tranquil atmosphere amid lush surroundings.  Cultural Importance Puthukkulam Sree Nagaraja Temple serves as both a spiritual and cultural center for the Thodupuzha community. It is managed by the Sree Nagaraja Swamy Trust and continues ancient serpent worship traditions that highlight Kerala’s deep ecological and spiritual heritage. 

Anchakkulam Sree Mahadevi Temple is a Hindu temple and spiritual center located in Thodupuzha, Idukki district, Kerala. Dedicated to Goddess Mahadevi, it serves as a focal point of worship and cultural life in the region, emphasizing devotion to the divine feminine power, or Shakti. The temple is managed under the Anchakkulam Devaswom Trust.  Deity and Worship The presiding deity, Mahadevi, embodies the universal mother goddess who manifests as Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati—representing strength, prosperity, and wisdom. Regular poojas and daily rituals are conducted from early morning until late evening, inviting devotees to seek spiritual well-being and divine blessings.  Festivals and Rituals Two major annual festivals highlight the temple’s calendar. Cultural and Spiritual Significance The temple’s origin is deeply rooted in the ancient traditions of Anchakkulam, a region known for preserving sacred groves and ecological harmony. Local history describes the site as a revived sacred landscape once revered as a “kavu,” symbolizing the coexistence of humans and nature under divine guardianship.  Anchakkulam Sree Mahadevi Temple remains an important religious and cultural destination in Idukki, blending devotion, community service, and traditional ecological reverence within the framework of Kerala’s temple heritage.

Sree Krishna Swami Temple, Thodupuzha, is a centuries-old Hindu temple located on Temple Road in Thodupuzha, Idukki district, Kerala. It is dedicated to Lord Krishna in the divine form of Navaneetha Krishna—depicted holding butter in his right palm—and serves as a central spiritual and cultural landmark of the region.  History and Legends Believed to be over 500 years old, the temple’s origin is tied to a wandering Brahmin who experienced a divine vision of Lord Krishna near the Thodupuzhayar River. Following this vision, the Raja of Keezhmalanadu constructed a shrine at the site, which evolved into the present temple. The temple’s traditional Kerala-style architecture reflects the cultural heritage of the Travancore region.  Deities and Rituals The presiding deity is Navaneetha Krishna, while sub-deities include Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha, Bhagavathy, and Naga. The temple is known for the rare offering called Pullaum Praavum Vazhipadu—the symbolic offering of an owl and pigeon—believed to cure childhood ailments and ward off misfortune. Daily worship follows strict Tantric traditions managed by the Aramallur Kavanattu Mana family.  Festivals and Cultural Role The temple hosts its grand annual festival in the Malayalam month of Meenam (March–April). A major highlight is the Chothioottu feast, offering free meals to thousands of devotees. The temple complex also houses Krishna Theertham Kalyanamandapam, one of the largest traditional wedding halls in Central Travancore, reinforcing its role as a community and cultural hub.  Significance Situated along the scenic Thodupuzhayar River, the temple not only attracts pilgrims for its mythological and spiritual importance but also stands as a testament to Kerala’s enduring temple traditions and craftsmanship. Managed by a board of trustees, it continues to serve as a center for devotion, charity, and local cultural preservatio

Mangala Devi Kannagi temple is a historic temple located in the Idukki district of Kerala bordering Tamil Nadu, about 7 km from Pazhiyankudi in Theni district and 15 km from Thekkady in Idukki district. Cheran Chenguttuvan, the king of ancient Tamilakam, had erected the temple for Kannagi around 2000 years back at Vannathiparai and called it ‘Kannagi Kottam’ or ‘Mangaladevi Kannagi temple’ and performed regular pujas. It sits at an altitude of about 1,337 m (4,386 ft) above the mean sea level. It is surrounded by lush greenery and is closed throughout the year except during the Chitra Pournami festival.[1] At other times tourists can still view it by getting a special letter from the forest ranger. The view from the temple premises is spectacular and one can see part of eastern ghatsand some villages from adjacent state of Tamil Nadu