famous for Vettakkorumakan Temple and the Siva temple with murals of Malabar.

Thirunavaya, located in Malappuram, in Kerala, South India, are home to the historic get together of all the ancient kings of Kerala, and this royal conference is called as "Mamangam". A travel tour to the Thirunavaya temple located in Malappuram, Kerala, South India, would inform a discerning tourist that the temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is referred to as Navamkunda in the Malyali language.
 

Kadampuzha Bhagavathy Temple is situated at Kadampuzha, 30 km from Malappuram on Thrissur-Kozhikkode highway 3 km north of Vettichira attracts hundreds of devotees far and near. Dry coconut is the main offering before the deity. Bhagavathy temple is said to have been set up by Sree Sankaracharya, the philosopher.

Located at Thirunavaya. This 6000-year old temple is known as Kashi of the South. The deity of the temple, on the banks of Bharatapuzha, is Lord Vishnu. It is very famous and popular for the performance of last rites for the departed. The temple became ideal for the rites as Bharatapuzha flows over the temple steps, making it very convenient to flow the rites’ remains in the water. The exquisite sculptures carved around sanctum sanctorum are splendid. Ten avatars of Lord Vishnu are carved on the top row against the wall as below the slopped roof. Just below the row sculptures depicting Lord Shiva, in his kirata (tribal) avatar, blessing Arjuna with Pashupati Astra neatly placed.
There is a structure left side of the gate which was built for the Samuthiri (Zamorin) kings to watch the cultural mega event called Mamankam once in every 12-year on the sprawling banks of Bharatapuzha. The Mamankam was originally initiated at Ponnani port as a trade fair. The event used to witness by all the rulers under Samuthiri. The people of Malappuram insist that the Mamankam was originated by a Valluvanad king who ruled that region and the Samuthiri was in fact wresting the right to conduct it. The rivalry between the two was a historical fact. There is a stage called Nilapadu Thara where the Samuthiri used to sit. His soldiers used to position around him. Valluvanadu king on his part will send his soldiers to challenge Samuthiri. The fight always was a losing one to the king. To humiliate the king, bodies of the soldiers were dumped into a well nearby. When the well overfilled with corpses an elephant was ordered to foot them down. Today this notorious well is known as Mani Kinar (Kinar in Malayalam means Well). The remains of Nilapadu Thara is reduced to a slab of stone which too is not noticeable as the weeds rest on it.

Located at the coastal town of Tanur. The 3000-year odd old tile-roofed temple was once visited in1546 by St Francis Xavier, the Apostle of the East who is resting in the Basilica of Bom Jesu in Old Goa. The deity in the temple is Krishna. Tipu Sultan’s army ravaged idol was replaced recently. 

Located at Taripangode in Chamravattom Road. This is the only temple in India dedicated to Garuda, the carrier of Vishnu. The temple set in picturesque surroundings also accommodates a rare shrine in which Vishnu is worshipped in his Koorma (tortoise) avatar positure. The temple is ornated by golden snakes around it, presenting an impressive sight.

Kadampuzha literally should mean Kadam river. The fact is otherwise; there is no river at all. The deity here is goddess Durga, who, it is believed possesses immense curative and rewarding powers. Besides thousands of pilgrims coming daily to seek blessings, hundreds of new vehicles too come here to seek blessings to ward off mishaps during their life in the roads. The idol placed in the sanctum santorum, below several stairs, is small and always flower covered.
The temple has a guest house for the convenience of devotees coming from far away places. There is a dormitory for which the charge is very nominal, Rs 20. There are ten double rooms (Rs 200), 6 deluxe rooms (Rs 350) and 2 suites (Rs 500).
Though the temple is very famous all over Kerala, there is no major festival. The only festival, if it is a festival, is on Karthika day of Malayalam month Vrichikam (November-December). During this day there is Annadhanam (food gifting) to over 10000 devotees.

Situated at Chamravattom, 15-km to the west of Tirur. The temple sculptured by legendary sculptor, Perunthanchan, beholds Ayyappa deity. The beauty of the temple is unparallel. The temple is fronted by vast rice fields and the Bharatapuzha flows behind. The idol, positioned in equal level to the river, is below the sanctum sanctorum, quite unusual. During monsoon the flood-water inundates the temple and the same is considered as arattu (auspicious bathing of the idol).

Located at Angadipuram, 3-km from Perinthalmanna. The courtyards of the temple, on a hill, offer excellent opportunity to have a clear and lovely view of the countryside. The temple has a story centred on king Mandhatha of Surya dynasty. The king returning from Shiva’s abode, Kailas, halted at Thirumandhamkunnu, stunned by the scenic beauty. The king was carrying a Shivalinga given to him by Shiva. Parvathi came to know later the reward of Linga to the king by his husband Shiva to her dismay. She decided to take it back for which she had to battle with the king. In the tussle the Linga was split into two. Even the split Linga was dearer to the king. Impressed of the devotion to the Linga by the king, Parvathi felt sympathy towards the king and allowed him to keep it. The emotional thrust, however, resisted her keeping away from the Linga and she decided to stay on there.
The sculptures carved on the temples ceiling portray Ramayana and the mural paintings depict the origin of the temple. There is a Chaver Thara (suicide stage) at the entrance (below the hill). The suicide soldiers of the king used to pray from this stage before venturing out on their mission – that is killing the Samuthiri – a non-accomplished task.

The temple is located at Pulamanthole. The deity is Sree Rudra Dhanvanthari. The temple is ancient to 3500 years.
Initially the temple was known as Pulamanthole Shiva temple when the deity was Shiva. Later on the deity of Dhanwanthari was added. Thereafter the temple came to be known in the present name. There is an interesting legend behind it.
The temple was constructed by Ashtavaidya Pulamanthole Mooss family as their family shrine. The Pulamanthole Mooss family was and is very famous in the Dhanwanthari wing of Ayurveda science. The Maharaja of Travancore was inflicted by a severe stomach pain. The treatment given by many famed physicians gave no relief. As an ultimate source for cure the King sent messengers to Pulmanthole Mana. When the message for treatment received only a lady and his child were in the Mana. Upanayanam (a hereditary ceremony before initiating to the ancient science of Ayurveda in ancient families) was not yet done by the boy. The mother and son were upset as to what to do. The mother finally told the messengers that his son will come after completing 12 days Bhajana (prayers) in their family temple and advised the son to start the prayers. A Sanyasi (monk) appeared before the boy on the 12th night and gave 3 tablets and assured him that these tablets will cure the King. The Sanyasi further added that he should not accept any of the gifts offered by the cured happy King. Instead, request the King to allow to take the idol of Dhanwanthari lying in the Tamarapani River and install the same at the left side of the idol of Shiva and build a shrine for it, the Sanyasi added. The Sanyasi was the manifestation of Shiva and disappeared soon.
There are only few Ashtavaidya families in Kerala. Pulamanthole Mana has a prominent position amongst them. This wing of the Ayurveda science is extant in Kerala from ancient times. Karnatic Music Emperor, Sree Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar was once severally inflicted by paralysis. He tried many physicians, from different branches of health science, but proved futile. Ultimately he was cured by Pulamanthole Mooss. The Nadapura (sheltered pathway) of the temple was built by the Bhagavathar as an offering.
The people believe and testify that all ailments can be cured with the blessings of Lord Dhanwanthari. Many devotees throng to the temple daily with offerings.

The temple is situated at Alathiyur, near Tirur. The temple has a glorious past of 3000 years. It was said to have been consecrated and raised by Sage Vasishta. The deity is Hanuman.
The main deity however is Sri Rama for which there is a separate shrine adjacent to the shrine of Hanuman. In almost all temples of Rama, Sita is also seen, but not here.

This temple is located at Idathupuram, 3-km away from Perunthalmanna. The presiding deity is Sree Krishna. The deity faces east.
Ganapathy and Ayyappan are sub-deities. The temple was consecrated by spiritual poet Poonthanam. His birthday, Thiruvathira star day in Kumbam (February/March) is celebrated here as Poonthanam Day. Guruvayur (in Thrissur district) Ekadashi is also celebrated here in a big way.
The pious poem “Sree Krishna Karnamridham” was penned by the celebrated poet Poonthanam, sitting in this famous temple.

Located at Kottakkal. The deity is Shiva. The walls of sanctum sanctorum are beautified with 64 types of mural paintings. Paintings of birds in garland form and paintings of flower-garland form divide the murals. The sculptured walls portray Arjuna praying for the Pashupathi Astra. The annual festival called Venkattathevar Utsavam during April attracts many.