Stairs to Salvation
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Wanna rekindle yourself with the blessings of the supreme self? Find out how with this soul-searching expedition to some of the most sacred shrines in the world.
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Covering Temples at Ernakulam, Tripunithura, Chottanikkara, Ameda, Kalady, Thrissur, Guruvayur, Mammiyoor Thriprayar, Irinjalakkuda, Kodungalloor & Paravoor
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4 Days / 3 Nights |
Day 1 |
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Arrival at Airport / Railway Station in Kochi - the launchpad of your spiritual expedition... Transfer to your Hotel. After settling in comfortably, prepare yourself for the temple tour.
Start the awakening at:
Lord Shiva Temple, Ernakulam
The most famous and auspicious Shiva Temple in the city! In fact the city eventually got its name from this Temple's tank - Rishinagakulam (which, according to legends was used by Sage Nagarishi to attain liberation). This name gradually changed to Ernakulam.
Then, proceed to other Temples viz.,
Lord Ganapathy Temple, Edappally (Ernakulam)
A sacred, timeworn Temple of Lord Ganapathy, which still maintains the grand-old Brahmin Temple traditions and rituals!
Poornathreyasa Temple, Tripunithura
The Temple of the Royal dynasty of erstwhile Cochin State... An icon of bygone Maharaja days! The presiding deity here is Lord Vishnu, which is supposed to be installed by Arjuna - a celebrity in the epic Mahabharata.
Chakkumkulangara Temple, Tripunithura
Another highly revered Temple in the former Capital of the Princely State of Cochin. The presiding deity here is Lord Shiva.
Devi Temple, Chottanikkara
A prominent one among the most sacred Goddess Temples in South India! Here the deity is worshiped in three different forms - as Saraswati in the morning, as Bhadrakali at noon and as Durga in the evening - all major 'bhavas' (qualities) rolled in one! Moreover, worship in the adjoining Keezhkaavu Shrine is believed to rid devotees of evil influences, psychological ailments and evil spirits. Overall, a place of unmatched divine elegance!
Conclude your worship for the day at:
Naga Raja Temple, Ameda (near Tripunithura)
One among a pair of Temples in Kerala (other being the Mannarsala Temple) - especially dedicated to Snakes… A unique place of worship!
Drive back to Kochi and cool your heels at the Hotel. Stay overnight.
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Day 2 |
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After a sound sleep, rise early - vacate the Hotel and drive to Guruvayur, the famous Temple town. On the way, worship the major shrines starting with:
Lord Dattathreya Temple, Desam
A holy Temple built in Karnataka-architectural-style! Among the deities here, Lord Hanuman is particularly well-known throughout Kerala as the remover of obstacles.
Drive along and seek blessings at:
Birth place of Adi Shankara & Sthoopika, Kalady
The birthplace and monument of Sri Shankaracharya - one of the greatest sages ever born in the country and a pioneer of Vedanta / Spirituality... The towering Sthoopika (monument) depicts all the miraculous events during Shankaracharya's auspicious journey of life. A feast for spiritual seekers!
Lord Krishna Temple, Kalady
A timeless Temple, where the main deity - Lord Krishna or Thrikkaladyappan was always been the prime refuge of Sri Shankaracharya. In fact, the ancient deity was reinstated by Shankaracharya himself. This Shrine holds a permanent place in the life of the unparalleled spiritual great!
Vadakkumnathan Temple, Thrissur
A huge Temple of Lord Shiva, nestled in the heart of Kerala's cultural capital - Thrissur. A Shrine that was held in high esteem by the former Maharajas of Cochin and, its fame still remains intact. Also, the venue of 'Thrissur Pooram' - the biggest festival in Kerala.
Paramekkavu Devi Temple, Thrissur
This 1000+ years old Temple is one of the largest Goddess Shrines in Kerala! Also, a major participant in the grand 'Thrissur Pooram'.
Thiruvambadi Temple, Thrissur
Another antique and illustrious Temple in Thrissur… One of the major Lord Krishna Temples in the State!
After reaching Guruvayur, pay homage at:
Lord Sree Krishna Temple, Guruvayur
This 5000 years old abode of Guruvayurappan ranks amongst the holiest in India! Lord Guruvayurappan (Lord Krishna in child-form) is not just a deity, but is a part of the spiritual culture of whole Keralites - irrespective of caste or creed. This priceless Temple holds many prestigious laurels such as, the launchpad of noted art forms and literary classics, a major venue of classical music, etc. Majority of Kerala's revered sages were associated with this abode. Not to mention its significance as a venue of Hindu marriages and Annaprasanam (feeding rice to a child for the first time). Only a few Shrines match in ambiance and heritage!
Lord Shiva Temple, Mammiyoor (Guruvayur)
A legend of a Temple - an abode of Lord Shiva, in fact, older than the celebrated Guruvayurappan Temple! Though somewhat overshadowed by its mighty neighbor, Mammiyoor Temple owns a special slot in legacy as an instrumental abode in establishing the Guruvayurappan Temple. Devotees who come to Guruvayurappan Temple customarily visit this Temple too.
Lord Parthasarathy Temple, Guruvayur
Another noteworthy Temple, lying close to the Guruvayurappan Temple... The deity here is Lord Krishna as the Charioteer of Arjuna - e la epic Mahabharata.
Conclude this day's worship at:
Lord Venkateshwara Temple, Guruvayur
A miniature version of the legendary Tirupati Temple in the Andra Pradesh State!
Transfer to your Hotel in Guruvayur. Relax in a devotional atmosphere. Stay overnight at the Hotel.
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Day 3 |
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Rise early in the morning - depart from Guruvayur and proceed to Kochi. En-route, start today's worship at:
Lord Rama Temple, Thriprayar
One of the most important Temples dedicated to Lord Rama! This large Temple boasts of a superb architecture with elegant Mural Paintings. Not to mention its attractive location and the rich history of traditional legends!
Drive on and continue worship at:
Koodalmanickam Temple, Irinjalakkuda
A gigantic Temple with a stunning architecture… Koodalmanickam belongs to a special category as one of the very few temples in the country dedicated to Bharatha - younger brother of Lord Rama. Here, the murals on the Temple walls and carvings in wood / stone are particularly noteworthy.
Moozhikulam Temple
An ageless Temple dedicated to Lakshmana - younger brother and constant companion of Lord Rama. This Temple is at par with Thriprayar, Koodalmanickam and Payammel in terms of holiness.
Payammel Temple
A peaceful and serene abode - prominent one among the rarest Shrines dedicated to Shathrughna, the youngest brother of Lord Rama.
"Together with Thriprayar, Koodalmanickam and Moozhikulam, Payammel Temple forms the much adored Nalambalam (Four Temples) group."
Bhagavathy Temple, Kodungalloor
Believed to be the oldest Goddess Temple in Kerala, the Kodungalloor Temple boasts of rich cultural tradition. The 'Bharani festival' at this Temple is one of the grandest in the State!
Lord Shiva Temple, Thiruvanchikulam
Perhaps the only Shiva Temple in Kerala that retains its ancient Tamil flavor! Here the Lord is worshiped as Uma-Maheswara (Shiva and Parvathy), whereas all other Temples have a separate sanctum for Parvathy - the Lord's consort.
Saraswathy Devi Temple, Paravoor
One of the rare Temples in Kerala, dedicated to Saraswathy Devi - the Goddess for arts and learning. Set in the midst of a lotus pond, this celestial Temple is Kerala's answer to the Mookambika Temple in Karnataka.
Conclude this day's worship at:
Veluthattu Bhagavathy Temple, Paravoor
A peculiar Temple, where the deity 'Vadakkan Chowva Bhagavathy' is worshipped in various forms such as, Saraswathy, Durga, Parvathy, Lakshmi and Bhadrakali – almost all facets of Feminine Goddess!
Drive along to Kochi. On reaching the destination, get into your Hotel. Take a break for the rest of the day. Stay overnight at the Hotel.
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Day 4 |
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Your memorable journey ends today. The 'spiritual climax' - transfer from your Hotel and Proceed to Airport / Railway Station. Depart as an uplifted self.
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Conditions
The package cost is inclusive of Accommodation for a couple (taxes incl.) on room-only basis (EPAI).
Taxi is not included in the Package. If required, taxi will be arranged.
Temple visit is subject to timings (5 am to 11 am and 5 pm to 8 pm) and, is optional.
1. All packages are valid from Oct 1st 2009 to Jan 15th 2010
2. A hike of 25% will be levied in all package’s prices - from Dec 15th 2009 to Jan 15th 2010 only
3. Also, a Supplementary charge will be applicable (depending on Hotels/Resorts) on special
occasions like, Diwali, Christmas and New Year
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