Malainadu Dhivyadesam (inc Guruvayoor & Chottanikkara)

Divya Desams are an auspicious collection of 108 Vishnu temples. It is mentioned and praised in the Divya Prabandha, a collection of 4,000 Tamil verses by the Alvars, the ultimate devotee of the Hindu Supreme God Vishnu. Out of the 108 Divya desams, 105 Divya desams are spread across the states of the Indian subcontinent – Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. While one is located in Nepal and the last two reside beyond earthly realms namely, Thirupalkadal (the ocean of milk) and Paramapadam (Vaikuntha where Lord Vishnu resides). Among the Divya desams in India, a collection of 84 Divya desams are located in Tamil Nadu, while 11 Divya Desams are spread out in the northern and southern parts of Kerala. After Tamil Nadu, Kerala is the only state with the largest no of Divya desams (11). Guruvayoor, home to the historic Sree Krishna Temple, called the Dwaraka of the South. It is among the most revered and popular pilgrimage destinations in Kerala and the entire country. The central shrine is believed to have been rebuilt in 1638 A.D. The architectural style and individual elements inside the shrine are beautiful representations of the history of the place. The healing powers of the shrine drive many to visit it in large numbers. It is truly an ethereal experience. Only Hindus are allowed inside the Temple. Anayottam (elephant race) as it is called in Malayalam marks the beginning of the annual Guruvayur festival, celebrated in the month of Kumbham (February-March). Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple, the most important Temple among the 393 shrines spread over 3 Districts of Kerala and comes under the administration of the Cochin Devaswom Board. The Divine Mother known as Rajarajeswari (Adiparasakthi) is worshipped here in three forms Saraswathy in the morning, Lakshmi at noon, and Durga in the evening. There is an Idol of Mahavishnu on the same pedestal and so the Deity is called Ammenarayana, Devinarayana, Lakshminarayana, and Bhadrenarayana also. The pleasant atmosphere in the temple gives mental peace and harmony to devotees. “MAKOM Thozhal” (worship on Makom day) is the most important festival of the temple which is celebrated in the month of Kumbham. (Feb / March). The Bhadrakaali at Kizhukkavu is believed to exorcise evil spirits from devotees, after conducting bhajanam