The Ultimate Nectar
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Kerala, irrespective of its small frame, houses a considerable number of holiest shrines in the world! After taking up this pilgrim-pack, this is what you are going to feel!
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Covering Temples at Ernakulam, Edappally, Tripunithura, Chottanikkara, Erumeli, Nilackal, Pamba, Sabarimala, Thrissur, Guruvayur & Mammiyoor
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4 Days / 3 Nights |
Day 1 |
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Arrival at Airport / Railway Station in Kochi… 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!
Then, drive to Kottayam. On the way, offer prayers at:
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.
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).
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!
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.)
On reaching Kottayam, conclude your worship of the day 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!
Check in to your Hotel at Kottayam. Cool your heels in a cordial environment. 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 Pampa. On the way worship the major shrines starting with:
Lord Dharma Sastha Temple, Erumeli
This temple of Lord Ayyappa is an important meeting place in the pilgrimage trip to Sabarimala. There is also a mosque - Vavar Palli (dedicated to Vavar who is considered to be the friend of Lord Ayyappa) located close to the Temple. Thus, Erumeli is a place which is revered by both Hindus and Muslims. Its special feature is 'Petta Thullal' (mass frenzied dancing accompanied by loud music) - a ceremony during the annual Sabarimala pilgrimage.
(Prior to Petta Thullal, the pilgrims smear color on their faces and bodies. It is said that smearing of colors and taking part in this sort of a dance is a symbolic step towards shedding one's ego which is an essential prerequisite before undertaking the pilgrimage.)
Lord Shiva Temple, Nilackal
This sacred Temple of Lord Shiva is situated on the way to Sabarimala, very near to the Pamba - Pathanamthitta Road. This is also an intermediate halting place for the Sabarimala pilgrims.
On reaching Pamba, pray at:
Lord Ganapathy Temple, Pamba
A Temple located atop 102 steps; this is the main halting point in the Sabarimala pilgrimage. Breaking of coconuts is the main offering here.
Afterwards, proceed to the ultimate destination – Sabarimala
Sree Ayyappa Temple, Sabarimala
Arguably the most important Temple of Lord Ayyappa in the world, Sabarimala is thronged by millions of devotees from all part of the country and abroad - throughout the year. The pilgrims take a dip in the holy river Pamba, before proceeding to the Sabari hills - the sacred aboard of Lord Ayyappa. Reaching the 'sannidhanam' (seat of the Lord) after trekking the Hills is an experience itself!
The unique aspect of this Temple is that, it is open to people of all faiths! Many Non-Hindus conduct pilgrimages to Sabarimala. This secular aspect of Sabarimala is best exemplified by the existence of the 'Vavar Nada' (in honor of a Muslim, who was Lord Ayyappa's best friend), in close proximity to the main Temple. There is no other Temple in the world in which the pilgrims are called after the deity 'Ayyappa' - underlining the fact that all pilgrims, in whichever class or background, are equal before the Lord.
The high season in Sabarimala is the annual 'Mandalam Makaravilakku festival'.
After concluding your prayers for the day, relax with divine thoughts. Stay overnight at Sabarimala Temple premises.
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Day 3 |
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Rise early in the morning - worship at the Ayyappa Temple (optional) and proceed back to Pamba.
After a short break, set out to Guruvayur - another prime destination!
En-route, worship the major shrines starting with:
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!
On reaching Guruvayur, 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 a part of the spiritual culture of whole Keralites - irrespective of caste or creed. This priceless Temple holds many prestigious laurels such as, the launch-pad 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!
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 Andra Pradesh State!
Later, transfer to your Hotel in Guruvayur. Relax in an ambiance of devotion. Stay overnight at the Hotel.
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Day 4 |
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Final day at Guruvayur… Rise early and start your early morning worship at:
Lord Sree Krishna Temple, Guruvayur
- The 'spiritual' climax!
Transfer from your Hotel at Guruvayur and drive back to the Airport / Railway Station. Depart with a calm, peaceful mind.
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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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