A journey to Self
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Awake the Self within… Discover the real you and the purpose of life by experiencing true happiness - in the choicest abodes of the Supreme Self!
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Covering Temples at Thiruvananthapuram, Varkala, Kottarakkara, Chengannur, Thiruvalla, Kottayam, Ettumanoor, Kaduthuruthy, Vaikom, Chottanikkara, Tripunithura, Paravoor, Kodungalloor, Thriprayar, Irinjalakkuda, Guruvayur & Mammiyoor
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5 Days / 4 Nights |
Day 1 |
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Arrival at Airport / Railway Station in Thiruvananthapuram - your journey to self begins. Transfer to your Hotel. After settling in comfortably, prepare yourself for the temple tour.
Start the morning worship at:
Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram
One of the most famous Lord Ganesh Temples in the State… Here the idol is entirely different from other Ganesh idols (the right leg is in the folded postures). The Shrine is adorned with beautiful paintings of the 32 forms of Lord Ganesh.
Then, proceed to other Temples viz.,
Padmanabha Swamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala's capital owes both its name (Thiru-Anantha-Puram) and significance as the abode of this deity, Anantha Padmanabha – Lord Vishu in reclining posture. One of the 108 Shrines sacred to Vaishnavas (devotees of Lord Vishnu), this trove of ancient art forms is Kerala's only specimen of Dravidian style architecture. A Temple inseparable from the Kings of erstwhile Travancore, who ruled this land as 'Padmanabha Dasas' (Servants of the Lord)!
Attukal Devi Temple, Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram pilgrimage is not complete without the visit to this Shrine of the supreme Mother Attukalamma, otherwise known as the Sabarimala of Women. This Temple's main festival 'Attukal Pongala' entered into the Guinness Book of World Records for the largest women gathering festival in the world!!!
Sreekandeswara Temple, Thiruvananthapuram
Another revered Temple situated right in the heart of the city.
Conclude your worship for the day at:
Shanghumughom Temple, Thiruvananthapuram
A cute, old Temple adding up to the charm of the Shanghumughom beach
Drive back to the city and cool your heels at the Hotel. Stay overnight at the Hotel.
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Day 2 |
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After a sound sleep, rise early - vacate the Hotel and drive to Kottayam. On the way worship the major shrines starting with:
Janardhan Swamy Temple, Varkala
A 2000 year old Shrine of Lord Vishnu, highly regarded by the Vaishnavas... The architecture here is quite exceptional.
Drive along and seek blessings at:
Lord Ganapathy Temple, Kottarakkara
Basically a Lord Shiva Temple, which in due course rose to prominence as the most important Temple of the sub-deity Lord Ganapathy (Son of Lord Shiva). Here devotees get the blessings of the entire Lord Shiva family! This Temple is of special note as the birth place of Kerala's major art form - Kathakali and, Kottarakkara Unniappam (a sweet food, typical Kerala-special).
Mahadeva Temple, Chengannur
A sprawling Temple complex with two main Shrines - the western one enshrines Lord Shiva while the eastern one enshrines his consort, Goddess Parvathy... A peculiar Temple - quiet distinct from others, here the festival - Triputharattu - is considered as a symbol of fertility.
Chakkulathukavu Devi Temple, Neerettupuram
A very well known Temple in Kerala, this is considered as the residence of the all-pervading Goddess, Durga. This Temple hosts many special rites such as, Vilichucholli Prarthana (a cure for chronic ailments including alcohol-addiction), Naree Pooja (women worship) and Pongala (similar to Attukal Temple festival).
Sree Vallabha Temple, Thiruvalla
The name of this town, Thiruvalla comes from the word "Thiru Valla Vazhi", named after the deity Thiru Vallabha (Lord Vishnu) of this Temple. This Temple, showcasing typical Kerala style architecture with fine carvings and murals, is an important pilgrim center of the Vaishnavas (worshippers of Lord Vishnu) all over the country. Its 50 feet high flag post with a massive idol of Eagle (the vehicle of Lord Vishnu) on top - is carved out from a single rock! Also, the only Temple in Kerala where Kathakali is performed as a daily ritual offering! (Here women are not allowed near main sanctum sanctorum except on the Vishu and Thiruvathira days).
On reaching Kottayam, conclude this day's worship at:
Thirunakkara Temple, Kottayam
Located in the center of the Kottayam town, this centuries-old Shrine of Lord Shiva is quite distinct as the idol here is self manifested one - not created with a chisel. A Temple of grand architectural style, here the interior walls are decorated with striking and colorful murals!
Transfer to your Hotel in Kottayam. Relax in lodging's cordial atmosphere. Stay overnight at the Hotel.
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Day 3 |
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Rise early in the morning - depart from Kottayam and proceed to Kochi. En-route, start today's worship at:
Mahadeva Temple, Ettumanoor
A much admired Temple of Lord Shiva… The imposing Temple sanctum bears woodcarvings of superior workmanship portraying legends from epics – Ramayana and the Bhagavatam. Also of note are the murals on the western entrance. On the 8th day of the Temple festival, a unique treasure of the Temple - the seven and half golden elephants (Ezhara Pon Aana - offered by the Maharaja of Travancore) are displayed to the devotees.
"Together with Kaduthuruthy and Vaikom, Ettumanoor forms an esteemed triad of Lord Shiva Temples."
Drive on and continue worship at:
Mahadeva Temple, Kaduthuruthy
This Temple is situated mid-way between Vaikom and Ettumanoor. As per the legends, Shivlings (idols of Lord Shiva) at Ettumanoor, Kaduthuruthy and Vaikom Temples are brought together by a demon King. In this Temple, deities at Ettumanoor and Vaikom are placed on the south gate and north gate respectively – overall, a triple benefit for the devotees!
Sun Temple, Adityapuram
The only Temple in Kerala dedicated to Aditya - the Sun God. Here the deity's idol is made of a particular type of stone that absorbs oil. Interesting thing is, the main prasadam (a consecrated offering) given to the devotees is Rakthachandanam (medicinal sandalwood).
Sree Maha Ganapathy Temple, Malliyoor
A prominent shrine of Lord Ganapathy (the remover of obstacles) in the state. The deity here is conceptualized in a peculiar form - the trunk twisted rightwards, carries a lime on its tip, hands hold an axe, rope, horn and a laddoo (sweet) can. It is believed that the spirit of Lord Vishnu miraculously infused into Lord Ganapathy. Thus this deity is regarded as 'Vaishnava Ganapathy' - Ganapathy cradling the little Sree Krishna in his lap.
Mahadeva Temple, Vaikom
Widely regarded as the largest and the oldest of all Temples in Kerala, this Shrine is believed to be built by Parashuram - the mythical founder of Kerala. One of the few Temples held in high regards by Shaivas and the Vaishnavas (Worshippers of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu respectively), Vaikom Temple is famous for the gorgeous Ashtami festivals.
The belief is that if a devotee worships at the powerful Temple-trio (Ettumanoor, Kaduthuruthy and Vaikom) before 'Ucha pooja' (worship at noon), all wishes will be fulfilled!
Drive to Ernakulam… En-route, offer worship at sacred shrines viz.,
Udayanapuram Temple, Vaikom
This Shrine of Lord Subramanya (Son of Lord Shiva) is considered to be equivalent to Tamil Nadu's eminent Palani Temple. Beautified with carvings and paintings, it bears a striking resemble to the Vaikom Mahadeva Temple. Moreover, these temples are closely associated - particularly in Ashtami celebrations.
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!
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.
After reaching the destination, conclude your prayers for the day 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.
Afterwards, get into your Hotel. Relax for the rest of the day. Stay overnight at the Hotel.
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Day 4 |
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After a good sleep, rise early - vacate the Hotel and drive to Guruvayur, the Temple town. On the way worship the major shrines starting with:
Saraswathy Devi Temple, Paravoor
One of the rarest 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.
Veluthattu Bhagavathy Temple, Paravoor
A peculiar Temple, where the deity 'Vadakkan Chowva Bhagavathy' is worshiped in various forms as Saraswathy, Durga, Parvathy, Lakshmi and Bhadrakali - almost all facets of Feminine Goddess!
Drive along and seek blessings at:
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 & Parvathy), whereas all other Temples have a separate sanctum for Parvathy - the Lord's consort.
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 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!
Conclude this day's 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.
Continue to Guruvayur… After reaching the destination, transfer to your Hotel in Guruvayur. Relax in an ambiance of devotion. Stay overnight at the Hotel.
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Day 5 |
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Rise early, start your early morning worship 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 part of a spiritual culture of the whole Keralites - irrespective of caste or creed. This priceless Temple holds many prestigious laurels such as, the launchpad of noted art forms & 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!
Carry on your prayers at:
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.
Time for the 'spiritual climax' with worship at:
Lord Venkateshwara Temple, Guruvayur
A miniature version of the legendary Tirupati Temple in Andra Pradesh State!
A pleasurable pilgrimage concludes here. Transfer from your Hotel at Guruvayur and drive back to the Airport / Railway Station. Depart as enlightened.
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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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