Find inner peace at these revered temples in Kollam known for their stunning architecture, magnificent history, and soothing spiritual aura! Embark on a spiritual journey to the most beautiful Hindu shrines of Kollam including Mukhathala Sree Krishnaswamy Temple, Kottukal Rock-cut Cave Temple, Oachira Temple, and Achankovil Sastha Temple.
Beckoning travelers and worshippers from near and far with their mystical vibes, powerful aura, and serene natural surroundings, most of these temples in Kollam are believed to be centuries old!
The unique architecture and majestic outlook of these Kollam temples are a testament to their fascinating history and religious significance. Make sure you include them in your itinerary while browsing our customized Kerala tour packages so you don’t miss them on your trip.
8 Most Respected Temples In Kollam
In addition to several stunning tourist attractions, Kollam is known for its fascinating religious history, spiritual ambiance, and cultural richness.
This charming city never fails to amaze visitors, and part of the reason is the magnificent temples in Kollam that exude peace and positive vibes!
Scroll down to the best Kollam temples to add to your itinerary!
Malamel Sankaranarayana, one of the most serene temples in Kollam
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1. Kattil Mekkathil Bhagavathy Temple near the sea
Kattil Mekkathil Bhagavathy temple has been built in traditional Dravidian and Chola Pandya Architecture and features intricate carvings and towering spire. The temple is located just ten meters away from the sea and was untouched by Tsunami of 2006 in Kerala to the surprise of everyone.
Kattil Mekkathil Bhagavathy temple is just ten meters away from the sea and was untouched by Tsunami of 2006 in Kerala. The temple hosts vibrant festivals throughout the year, including a 12-day feast in the Malayalam month of Vrishchikam (November-December) that attracts devotees from Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
Very few temples in India have the offering of tying brass bells and Kattil Mekkathil temple is famous for the brass bell offering–
The temple also has an offering of tying brass bells to banyan tree and an average of 400000 bells are tied to the tree each year. Devotees tie bells to the tree after making wishes and circumambulating it seven times, believing their wishes will be granted . Offerings of the temple also include Pongala made from rice and jaggery and temple welcomes devotees from all faiths standing as a symbol of unity and harmony
Location: Temple-Sankaramangalam,Panmana, Chavara, Kerala 691583Timings: 4 AM – 11:30 AM; 5 PM – 8 PM
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2. Mukhathala Sree Krishnaswamy Temple
Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Mukhathala Temple receives a large influx of local and international visitors owing to its brilliant architecture! Devotees arrive in droves to witness the breathtaking exteriors and equally stunning interiors of this temple in Kollam Kerala.
The enormous outer wall, the statue of Lord Vishnu on a caparisoned elephant in the middle of the ‘Anapanthal’, the square-shaped ‘Balikkalpura’ enclosure that maintains the temperature of the whole sanctum, the copper flagpole, and the ceremonial lamps of the ‘Vilakkumadam’ are some of the unique elements of its architecture that leave visitors in awe!
A procession of caparisoned elephants at Mukhathala Sree Krishnaswamy Temple in Kollam
The shrine’s prominent features and distinct architecture have made it one of the most famous temples in Kollam that tell a great deal about the genius craftsmen of old!
Location: Temple-Chereekkonam Road, Mukhathala, Kerala 691577Timings: 4 AM – 11:30 AM; 5 PM – 8 PM
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3. Malamel Sankaranarayana Temple
This temple in Kollam is a petite and pretty holy shrine sitting atop a massive rock called the Ambalapara, which simply means “temple on a rock” in the local dialect.
Malamel Sankaranarayana is among the most serene temples in Kollam surrounded by nothing but untamed nature for as far as the eyes can see!
The stunning panoramic views from Malamel Sankaranarayana Temple in Kollam
The rough-hewn structure and traditional Kerala style of architecture of the temple set against a vast expanse of lush greenery make up the most beautiful scenery!
While this surely is a revered holy shrine in Kerala, it’s usually the breathtaking panoramic views of Kollam and adjacent villages that bring people here!
Location: Idayam Malamel Rd, Arackal, Kerala 691532Timings: Open 24/7
4. Anandavalleswaram Sri Mahadeva Temple
Also called Rameshwaram Mahadeva Temple, Anandavalleswaram Sri Mahadeva Temple is one of the most ancient temples in Kollam and is believed to have been established by the great Sage Parashurama himself! One of the 108 Shiva temples in Kerala, its primary deities are Lord Shiva and Goddess Anandavally.
It is among the most unique temples in Kollam. Here, the idols of Goddess Lakshmi, Bhoomi Devi (Goddess Earth), Lord Krishna, and Lord Vishnu are worshipped under the same roof!
Anandavalleswaram Sri Mahadeva Temple, one of the most respected temples in Kollam
It also draws its fame from its annual Anandavalleswaram Mahadeva Festival which involves several rituals, dance, drama, festivities, music, traditional food, and fireworks!
This lit 10-day religious fiesta is usually held in March/April and is one of the most colorful temple festivals you’ll ever attend!
Location: Salem-Kanyakumari Highway (NH-47), Ara Nagar, Kaankathu Mukku, Kollam, Kerala 691007Timings: 5 AM – 11 AM; 5 PM – 8 PM
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5. Kottukal Rock-cut Cave Temple
Carved out of a single rock, the magnificent Kottukal Rock-cut Cave Temple in Kollam is a stunning example of the unique rock-cut architecture of India.
Also known as Kaltrikkovil in Malayalam, this semi-circular temple is essentially two unevenly shaped caves on either side of an ancient idol of Lord Ganesha, the primary deity worshipped in this shrine. A ‘shiva linga’ is also perched before this east-facing shrine.
The unique Kottukal Rock-cut Cave Temple of Kollam
Believed to have been built somewhere between the 6th and 8th centuries AD, Kottukal is among the most fascinating temples in Kollam, Kerala!
Location: Anchal-Chunda Rd, Kottukkal, Kollam district, Kerala 691306Timings: 6 AM – 10 AM; 5 PM – 7 PM
6. Oachira Temple
Oachira Temple is an old shrine located in Kollam’s Oachira village which practices religious worship without the presence of an idol. This unique temple in Kollam is dedicated to Para Brahman (Supreme Brahman), the universal consciousness also known as ‘Omkaram’.
The sanctum does not have a concrete structure of any kind. People come here from near and far to worship the divine consciousness of Para Brahman under sacred trees and a pond instead of defined temple premises or a deity.
Worshippers offering prayer to a tree at Oachira Temple in Kollam
People also come here for Oachira’s vibrant and unique festivals!
Other than the annual Oachira Vrischikam Festival celebrated in December/January and Kollam’s biggest festival of Irupathattam Onam, Oachira Temple also plays host to the intriguing Oachirakkali ritual in June where Kalaripayattu performers showcase mock fights in muddy water!
Location: Ochira Rd, Oachira, Kollam district, Kerala 690525Timings: 4 AM – 8 PM
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7. Cheriazheekal Temple
Located in Karunagappally, Cheriazheekal Temple is popular for its twin temples steeped in ancient legends! Cheriazheekal Temple is also called Sree Kashi Vishwanadha Temple and is among the most historically significant temples in Kollam.
Legend has it that a temple priest had installed a ‘shiva linga’ here that he had discovered in the Ganga river. However, it is also believed that this sanctum sanctorum was built 2,000 years ago to worship Lord Vishnu.
A festival at Cheriazheekal Temple, one of the most renowned temples of Kollam
So, worshippers of both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu now visit this beautiful shrine in large numbers every year to honor both deities! This temple is also famed for hosting the Mahasivaratri festival for 10 days every year in a grand fashion!
Location: Alappadu Road, Alappad, Kollam district, Kerala 690518Timings: 4:30 AM – 11:30 AM; 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
8. Achankovil Sastha Temple
Tucked deep inside a lush forest, Achankovil Sastha Temple is located near two beautiful waterfalls of Kerala – the Manalar Waterfall and the Kumbuvurutty Waterfall.
This whimsical holy shrine has an interesting myth associated with it! The temple is said to cure poisonous snake bites, owing to which it is visited by a high number of pilgrims and ailing worshippers every month!
Achankovil Sastha Temple in Kollam
Legend has it that Sage Parashurama had consecrated an idol of Lord Ayappa at the temple, who is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and the temple’s presiding deity.
Out of all the temples in Kollam, Achankovil Sastha holds a special place since it is one of the most respected Sastha temples in Kerala.
Location: Achankovil, Kollam district, Kerala 689696Timings: 5 AM – 12 PM; 5 PM – 7:30 PM
9. Kottarakkara Sree Mahaganapathi Temple
Kottarakkara Temple is a highly revered centuries-old Hindu temple in Kollam. While the main deity here is Lord Shiva, there is a sub-shrine in the temple where an idol of Lord Ganesha is worshipped!
Other than its unmistakable calming aura, the temple is well-known for its intriguing and rare architecture as well as the thousands of lamps that are lit in every corner of its structure every evening, giving it a wonderful glow!
The revered Kottarakkara Sree Mahaganapathi Temple in Kollam
One of the most renowned temples in Kerala, Kottarakkara Temple is also popular for its delicious offering (or ‘prasadam’) of Unniyappam. This sweet fried snack made from rice and bananas is a famous delicacy at the temple and much-loved by visitors!
Location: Chenthara, Kottarakkara, Kollam district, Kerala 691506Timings: 4 AM – 11:30 AM; 5 PM – 8 PM
Surround yourself with peace and serenity by exploring these magnificent temples in Kollam. Let our expert team of trip planners craft a fabulous Kerala tour itinerary that includes the best experiences and attractions in Kollam for you to explore. Happy tripping!
