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North Kerala Pilgrim

Kerala is unique in its culture. There are many pilgrim centers of different religion in the state, which attract large number of visitors every year within and outside the state. But in most of these centers, the basic facilities available for visitors are non-existent or minimal with sub-standard facility. Department of Tourism is now involved in developing quality basic infrastructure for the visitors at important tourist centers in the state of Kerala and as part of this initiative, department desires to develop quality facilities at important pilgrim centres too for the pilgrims visiting these places. It is in this context Department of Tourism decided to formulate a new scheme for the development of Pilgrim Facilitation Centres at important pilgrim centers in the State of Kerala in association with the authorities of the Temple/Church/Mosque / and other places of worship.



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Shri Mookambika Kshetra

Kollur, one of the most important places of pilgrimage in Karnataka is in the distance of 175 Kms from Kasaragod. The temple here is dedicated to Goddess Mookambika and stands on a spur of the Kodachadri peak. The Goddess Mookambika is in the form of Jyotir-Linga incorporating both Shiva and Shakthi. The Panchaloha image (five element mixed metal) of the Goddess on Shree Chakra is stated to have been consecrated by Adi shankaracharya during his visit to this place. There is an exquisite sculpture of Panchamukha Ganesha here.




Madiyankulam Temple (3 km from Kasaragod)
Located near Hosdurg, this temple is just 3km from Kanjangad. It is dedicated to Bhadrakali, the fierce form of Goddess. The Bhutha Dance is performed during the festival in May-June and December - January.


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Ananthapura Lake Temple (17 km from Kasaragod) This is the only lake temple in Kerala. Situated in Kumbala, this is believed to be the original seat of Lord Ananthapadmanabha.



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Madhur Vinayaka TempleThe temple stands on the banks of river Madhur. This lofty structure with terrace, gables and copper roofing rises majestically against a landscape of hills, paddy fields and gardens. The temple is a fine blend of the Kerala and Karnataka styles of architecture. The sanctum sanctorum is two-storeyed with beautiful murals adorning its outer walls. The annual festival lasts five days. On the last day of the festival the image of the deity (Thidampu) is taken out in a procession. A display of various art forms and Yakshagana dance-drama make the festival colourful.



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Sree Subrahmanya Swami Temple at Payyanur is believed to be Consecrated by Lord Parasurama, the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. There are references in Hindu Puranas about this temple and the temple town Payyanur. In Brahmanda Purana the temple and its town is being mentioned while Muni Garga explains about Kerala to the Pandavas during their exile (vanavasa).
Subrahmanya Swami Temple is closely related with the Payyanur. Even the name of the town is originated due to the existence of the temple. This temple was destroyed two times. Once due to a fire and then during the attack of Tipu Sultan of Mysore The temple was reconstructed in the present form in Malayalam era 967 (AD 1792).



ayanam birdsMadiyankulam TempleLocated near Kanhangad in Hosdurg, this temple is just 3 km from Kasargod. It is dedicated to Bhadrakali, the fierce form of Goddess. The Bhutha dance is performed during the festival in May-June and December-January..



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Nityananda Asramam, Kanhangad (27 km from Kasaragod) The temple here, built in 1963 resembles the Somnath temple in Gujarat. A life-size panchaloha statue of Swami Nityananda is the star attraction.

Anandashram (15 km from Bekal) This was founded in 1931 by Swamy Ramdas and Mother Krishna Bhai known as Pappa and Mathaji to devotees. This spiritual centre is said to offer all kind of facilities for the spiritual regeneration.




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Rajarajeswara Temple, Taliparamba
The Rajarajeswara temple is a beautiful Shiva temple (Rajarajeswara is one of the names of Shiva) and is located at Taliparamba in Kannur district of Kerala, south India. 


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Parassinikadavu Sree Muthapan Madapura (16 km from Kannur town) The significant feature of this temple is the daily performance of Theyyam, the ritualistic art form of Kerala. The presiding deity is Muthappan, a manifestation of Lord Shiva in the guise of a kiratha (hunter).



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Akkara Kottiyur, Ikkara Kottiyur (64 km from Kannur) Lying in the deep forests, these temples are famed for the annual festival which starts with Neyyattom on Swati asterism in May-June and ends with Thirukalasattu after 28 days.



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Thirunelly Vishnu Temple (32 km south – east of Mananthavady) Tucked away in the Brahmagiri hills and encircled by the River Papanasini is Thirunelly temple. Several myths are woven around the temple. One of the mythical strands says the idol of Vishnu was installed by Brahma (creator) himself. The Papanasini River is believed to have the divine power to wipe away all the sins committed through generations. It is believed that the pithru-tharpana (oblations to manes) done here will also lead to the transformation of the spirits of the departed to salvation. The Koothambalam here is one of the best in the State and rare paintings adorn the temple walls.




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Guruvayoor Sree Krishna Temple (29 km west of Thrissur)

Guruvayoor, known as Kasi of the South is famous for the Sree Krishna temple which has Guruvayoorappan or the infant Krishna, as the deity. Legend has it that the temple is the creation of Guru, the preceptor of the Gods and Vayu, the God of winds. The most famous offering of the temple is Thulabharam, where a devotee presents to the deity his own body weight against products like bananas, rice etc. The Vishnu's idol here, made of rare stone is believed to possess healing qualities, especially for rheumatism. The 16th century poet Melppathur Narayana Bhattathiri, who suffered from rheumatic pain, is said to have sought relief from Guruvayoorappan, after which he composed Narayaneeyam, in praise of the Lord. Exquisite paintings around the Sreekovil depicting stories of the pranks of little Krishna stand testimony for the art of a period. The 111alldapam facing the Sreekovill is resplendent with beautiful carvings. Non Hindus are not allowed in Guruvayoor temple.



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Vadakkunathan Temple(in the heart of the city)

This is a classic example of the Kerala's traditional architecture. Holy shrines of Paramashiva, Parvathy, Sankaranarayana, Ganapathy, Sree Rama and Sree Krishna are housed here. The central shrines and Koothambalam exhibit exquisite vignettes carved in wood. This temple is the site for the famous Thrissur Pooram. The main vazhipaad (offering) here is ghee.