Kerala Pilgrim Centers
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Kerala.The land epitomizing religious tolerance and communal harmony. God’s Own Country.Kerala is the land of Sree Sankaracharya, the great Advaitha philosopher and Sree Narayana Guru who enunciated the famous dictum ‘One caste, one religion, one god for man’.
Ancient Kerala followed the Dravidian way of life and religious practices, which were free from cast barriers. But gradually religious from North India such as Jainism, Buddhism and Brahmanism and world religious like Christanity,Judaism and Islam seeped into Kerala.Christianity came to Kerala long before it became the official religion of the Roman Empire and the first mosque in India was founded at Muziris (Kodungaloor)in Kerala.All these religious faiths have made their contributions to the process of cultural synthesis and reconciliation of Kerala.Given here are some of the important places of worship in Kerala.
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Padmanabhaswamy Temple :
This temple, a sprawling complex with a magnificent seven storied tower houses the idol of Lord Vishnu in the form of Ananthapadmanaoha (the Lord who upheld creation on a lotus which sprang forth from His navel). The 6 m image, partly covered with gold and embellished with precious stones is viewed in three sections through three doors.
Bheemappalli :
This mosque is famous for the Chandanakkudam Festival which is said to be the death anniversary of Bheema Beevi, a devout pilgrim who came to Kerala from Mecca. Festivities include devotees going round the mosque carrying earthen pots (kudam) smeared with sandal wood paste. The Uroose festival here is also famous.
Christ the King Church, Vettukadu :
An important pilgrim centre, this church is famous for the annual festival in November. High Mass, Vespers, a two hour long Holy Eucharistic procession and benediction are the highlights of the festival. Nativity feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary is also celebrated with religious spirit.
Ayyappa Temple, Sabarimala :
Sabarimala is surrounded by hazardous hills like Karimala and Neelimala. The devotees known as Ayyappas negotiate the hills to reach the shrine after undergoing 41 days of vrutham (self-imposed devotional penance). The pilgrimage season, viz.Mandala Pooja and, Makaravilakku comes between the latter half of November and the first half of January, every year. Ablution in River Pamba is considered as holy as a dip in the Ganga.
St. Sebastian's Church, Aruthunkal :
One of the most important pilgrim centers of the Christians in Kerala, this church was established by Portuguese half missionaries. The feast of St. Sebastian is held here every year during the second week of January. The Ettamperunal is celebrated on the 8th day after the main festival.
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