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| Malayattoor
Malayattoor
Church, a Christian pilgrim centre situated 52 kms from Kochi
beside the Periyar River at the top of a hill. The pilgrims
can reach the place only by foot. This church which was established
in AD 900 is believed to have been blessed by St.Thomas, one
of the Apostles of Christ. |
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Sabarimala
The
Lord Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala, 80 kms. from the
Pathanamthitta district head quarters, is a National
Pilgrim Centre. This famous shrine of Lord Ayyappa is
surrounded by hazardous hills like Karimala and Neelimala.
Devotees visit Sabarimala after undergoing 41 days of
‘Vritha’ i.e., self-imposed devotional penance.
They, with irumudikettu (bundle with offerings to Ayyappa)
on their head, climb the mountain ranges and cross the
forest bare footed repeatedly chanting |
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| ‘Saranam
Ayyappa’ which means we seek refuge in Ayyappa. This is
probably the only famous temple in Kerala, which does not restrict
anybody from visiting it for not being a Hindu. |
| Agastyakudam
Agastyakudam,
near Thiruvananthapuram, a prominent peak of the Western
Ghats, is a pilgrim centre of the Hindus. This place
is also noted for it’s abundant Ayurvedic herbs.
Varkala
This
famous Hindu pilgrim centre is situated at 48 kms north
of Thiruvananthapuram. It is noted for it’s mineral
springs. |
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Maramon Convention
Every
year in the month of February, banks of river Pamba plays
host to a famous religious convention of Christians for 7
days. This convention is addressed by the speakers of international
repute and attended by people from various other communities. |
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| Cherukolpuzha
Convention
The
famous Hindu religious convention held on the banks of river
Pamba. It is attended by a large number of people and addressed
by prominent religious scholars and cultural personalities. |
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Sivagiri
and Aruvippuram
Aruvippuram
of Thiruvananthapuram district is famous through the
consecration of the 'Siva Idol' by Sree Narayana Guru.
Sivagiri is a major pilgrim centre that attracts not
only the local tourists but also travellers from abroad.
Ochira: A unique pilgrim centre in Kollam district known
for its Advaita Philosphy. Here there is no temple or
idol for the presiding deity ‘the Parabrahma’.
The ritual performance ‘Ochirakali’, which
is usually held in June gathers a huge crowd. |
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