Exploring Temples in Malappuram: History, Rituals, and Must-Visit Spots

Literally meaning “terrace atop the hills,” Malappuram is a culturally rich city in Kerala. Located by the Chaliyar, Kadalundi, and Bharathapuzha Rivers, Malappuram offers natural beauty and cultural hotspots for all. From bird sanctuaries, pretty waterfalls, and beaches to stunning mosques and temples in Malappuram, everything is a wonder. The temples and mosques are known for their exquisite architecture and host vibrant festivals and rituals. From families and solo travellers to history buffs and spiritual travellers, Malappuram never disappoints anyone. If you are planning to take a tour of this cultural hotspot in Kerala, take a glance to know more about the temples and their traditions.

What Makes Malappuram’s Temples Special?

Malappuram’s temples are renowned for their grand architecture and beauty, drawing travellers of all kinds.

• The temples in Malappuram blend Kerala-style architecture. Commonly seen are slanting tiled roofs, an open courtyard in the middle, red walls, teak wood pillars, and spectacular sculptures.
• The calmness around the temples adds to the vibe. People find peace and solace here and come to release their stress. It has a positive energy all around tourists and locals.
• Many temples in Malappuram host traditional events and festivals that attract like-minded spiritual people. Thirumandham Kunnu Pooram is one such cultural celebration.
• These temples and mosques are hidden gems and carry immense historical significance. The submerged Shivalinga of the Neerputhur Mahadeva temple and the ancient Garuda idol at the Triprangiode Garuda temple bear enormous cultural and spiritual heritage.

Famous Temples in Malappuram

The temples in Malappuram look pretty with Kerala-themed architecture. The calmness and spiritual vibe make them popular amongst everyone.

Thirunavaya Navamukunda Temple

Located on the banks of the Bharathapuzha River, Thirunavaya Navamukunda is an age-old temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Here, the lord is worshipped as Navamakunda—one of the 108 Divya Desams. This is one of the most vintage temples in Malappuram, with a rectangular complex depicting Kerala style. The main deity is at the centre, surrounded by small temples dedicated to other Hindu gods.

• Location: On the banks of the Bharathapuzha River near Tirur
• Opening Hours: 5 am to 11 am and 5 pm to 7:30 pm.
• Festivals/Rituals:  Mamankam festival- A grand, 28-day festival that occurs once every 12 years. The temple also hosts the vavubali ritual. This is an annual event on the banks of the Bharathapuzha River. This is celebrated to pay respect to the departed souls.

Kadampuzha Bhagavathy Temple

This is one of the most famous temples in Malappuram, dedicated to Goddess Durga. A popular pilgrimage site, the Kadampuzha Bhagavathy Temple is visited by devotees seeking blessings before a new start or to ward off negative energy. The concept of idol-less worship, where the Goddess is believed to be revered in a pit, makes it unique and immensely popular.

• Location: Melmuri, Kadampuzha, Malappuram
• Opening Hours: 4:30 am to 12 noon and 3:30 pm to 7 pm
• Festivals/Rituals: Daily ritual of Poomodal—offering Thecchi flowers and Matturukal—breaking coconuts

Trikandiyur Shiva Temple

If you are looking for a place to meditate, seek peace, and enjoy the calmness, visit the Trikandiyur temple. This is one of the most popular Shiva temples in Malappuram and one of the 108 Sivalayams in the country. Showcasing ancient Kerala-style granite architecture, this temple is believed to have been constructed by Parasurama and is currently managed by the Vettathu royal family.

• Location: Trikkandiyur, Tirur, Malappuram
• Opening Hours: Opens at 6 am.
• Festivals/Rituals: Vaavulsavam—an annual celebration that attracts a lot of devotees.

Alathiyur Hanuman Temple2

One of the most beautiful temples in Malappuram, this 3000-year-old site is known for its scenic, calm surroundings. The temple features a red granite Kerala-themed architecture. You can find deities of Lord Rama, Lakshman, and Sita, as well as Lord Hanuman. The temple is popularly known as Hanuman Kavu, dedicated to honouring Hanuman’s devotion to Rama. The temple sees the most devotees on Tuesdays and Thursdays, seeking blessings for long life, health, and wealth, and to ward off fears and sorrows.

• Location: Hanuman Kavu-Musliyarangadi Rd, Poilissery, Tirur, Malappuram
• Opening Hours: 5 am to 11 am and 5 pm to 7:30 pm.
• Festivals/Rituals: Ram Navami and Hanuman Jayanti. Other festivals celebrated here are Anjaneya sangethotsavam, Aadi Amavasya, Onam, and Vishu.

Chamravattom Ayyappa Temple

Another name on the Malappuram temples list, known for its beautiful scenic location, is the Chamravattom Ayyappa Temple. The spectacular location on the banks of the Nila River, near the Chamravattam old ferry, and the circular architecture make this temple famous. People visit this sacred place during Makar Sankranti to seek blessings.

• Location: Chamravattom, Malappuram
• Opening Hours: 5 am to 11 am and 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm.
• Festivals/Rituals: Makaravilakku—an annual festival during Makar Sankranti. Devotees also visit during Panguni Uttiram—the auspicious birth anniversary of Swamy Ayyappa.

Valiya Juma Masjid (Contextual Mention as a landmark)

While highlighting the culturally rich temples in Malappuram, it would be a sin not to mention Valiya Juma Masjid. Popular as the Makhdum Mosque or Punnani Juma Masjid, this is one of the oldest mosques in the world. Built in the 16th century, this beautiful piece of architecture is admired not only by the Kerala Muslim community but by everyone. Owing to its spiritual significance and harmonious, peaceful surroundings, Valiya Juma Masjid is known as the Mecca of Kerala Muslims.

• Location: Ponnani, Malappuram district
• Opening Hours: 24 hours
• Festivals/Rituals: 4-day annual festival in April. The Mampuram Nercha festival is also celebrated here in February and May.

Lesser-Known but Beautiful Temples

While scanning the Malappuram temples list, there are quite a few offbeat names that are pretty, scenic, and known for spiritual vibes. These lesser-known gems are no less than the popular ones and are mostly loved by people seeking peace, solace, and the calmness of nature.

Neerputhoor Mahadeva Temple

One of the most unique temples in the Malappuram district, Neerputhoor Mahadeva, reflects Kerala heritage. With a brick-tiled open space, this temple features a Shivalinga fully immersed in water.

• Location: Puthoor village in Malappuram
• Opening Hours: 7 am to 9 am
• Speciality: Known for the grand celebration of Maha Shivaratri and Sahasra Deepam

Tali Mahadeva Temple

This is a beautiful and quiet temple. The architecture has a heritage vibe, which attracts spiritual travellers and photographers.

• Location: Kayal Padam, Angadipuram, Malappuram
• Opening Hours: Opens at 5 am.
• Speciality: Maha Shivratri is celebrated with grandeur in this temple.

Kottakkal Vishnu Temple

One of the prettiest yet hidden temples in Malappuram is the Kottakkal Vishnu Temple. Popularly known as the Vishwambhara Temple, this is a private temple complex managed by the Arya Vaidya Sala. People come here to worship Lord Vishnu in the form of a white marble deity of Viswambhara.

• Location: Kailasamandiram, Kottappady, Kottakkal, Malappuram
• Opening Hours: Opens at 6 am.
• Speciality: Kottakkal Pooram—a week-long festival between mid-March and mid-April. At this festival, one can watch performances of Carnatic and Hindustani music, Kathakali dance-dramas, and Panchavadyam orchestras.

Cultural Traditions And Rituals in Malappuram

Malappuram is one of Kerala’s cultural hubs, where traditions, rituals, and spiritual customs are celebrated with heart and soul.

• Various temples in Malappuram are known for specific poojas to seek blessings for good health, prosperity, long life, and peace. For example, the Hanuman temples are crowded during Hanuman Jayanti or every Tuesday for the special pooja dedicated to lord Hanuman. The Shiv temples are known for their Shivratri celebration.
• The Malappuram temples are known for hosting a plethora of religious festivals, attracting travellers from all over. Vairankode Vela is an annual festival held at the Vairankode Bhagavathy temple, whereas Thirumandhamkunnu Pooram is also celebrated at the Thirumandhamkunnu Temple. Each festival is celebrated at different times of the year. Thirumandham Kunnu Pooram and Kottakal Pooram are celebrated in March and April.
• The dress code for men in all the temples in Malappuram is mundu or dhoti as the bottomwear and a shirt as the top. Womenfolk wear traditional Kasavu sarees, skirts and blouses.
• Malappuram is known for religious harmony and traditions. Celebrations of all faiths are done in full grandeur. Vairankode Vela and Nilambur Pattu are popular Hindu festivals celebrated here. Kondotty Nercha is hosted in the Pazhayangadi Mosque, as is Christmas.

Best Time to Visit The Temples

• Check the temples’ opening times and plan your visit. Some temples have specific hours for darshan, while some are open throughout the day.
• October to February are the best months to visit the temples in Malappuram. If you have a festival in mind, then it is best to check the Malayalam calendar for the exact date.
• Do consider the rush of tourists and local devotees during the festivals and fairs in Malappuram.

For Every Type of Traveller

The temples in Malappuram are stunning and beautiful, attracting travellers of all kinds.

• For Spiritual Travellers: People visit Kadampuzha Bhagavathy Temple, Thirumandhamkunnu Bhagavathy Temple, Venkitta Thevar Temple, Alathiyur Hanuman Temple, and Neerputhoor Mahadeva Temple to seek blessings for peace, prosperity, long life, good health, and family wellness and fortune.
• For History Lovers: The rich history and heritage of Thirumandhamkunnu Bhagavathy Temple and Navamakunda Temple attract history buffs to Malappuram.
• For Photography Lovers: The stunning architecture of Thirumandhamkunnu Bhagavathy Temple and the spectacular location of Navamukunda Temple by the Bharathapuzha river invite photographers.
• For Families and Elderly Travellers: Alathiyoor Hanuman Temple and Kadampuzha Devi Temple are centrally located and easily accessible, and Alathiyoor Hanuman Temple offers hassle-free parking. So it is easy for elderly people to reach. Most temples in Malappuram even have wheelchair-access facilities. Most temples are open for dedicated hours in the morning and evening for a seamless darshan and pooja experience.
• For Solo Travellers: Most of the temples here are safe for solo travellers. One can plan to explore Thirumandhamkunnu Bhagavathi Temple for its stunning riverside location or Neerputhoor Mahadeva Temple for its unique submerged Shivalinga darshan.

Tips For Visiting Temples in Malappuram

Visiting the temples gives off a positive, sacred vibe. Keep these essential tips in mind before planning a temple tour in Malappuram.

• Dress code is the most sensitive and important thing for visiting Malappuram temples. Check the dress codes for each temple while planning a visit. Avoid sleeveless or revealing dresses, and cover your knees and shoulders.
• It is an ethical norm to switch off mobile phones in worship areas. Ringing phones or loud conversations are signs of disrespect.
• It is needless to say that you need to remove footwear before entering the temples. Be mindful of the exact place where you need to take off your shoes.
• Festivals are more crowded than usual. It is basic etiquette to stand in a queue and maintain it.
• Certain temples or areas of the temple complex do not allow photography. Read the rule boards or be alert about the signboards.
• Choose local shops to buy puja items and prasadams. This is the best way to promote local communities.

Nearby Attractions to Combine With Temple Visits in Malappuram

The places to see in Malappuram are scenic and adventurous. They can be combined with temple visits for an exciting holiday.

• The Padinharekara and Vakkad beaches in Ponnani are popular tourist spots in Malappuram. One can enjoy the mesmerising view of the Bharathapuzha and Tirupuzha meeting with the Arabian Sea.
• The Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary is where the Kadalundi Puzha River meets the Arabian Sea. This place is known for spotting a plethora of native and migratory birds. Keralamkundu waterfall is another scenic charm in Malappuram.
• Kodikuthimala is a hilltop viewpoint offering surreal views of the surroundings.
• Pamper your taste buds while holidaying in Malappuram. Visit Tham Restaurant, Arya Bhavan, and Mazhali Restaurant for authentic Kerala meals. If you are a vegetarian, visit Govinda’s for authentic vegetarian Kerala food.

Suggested One-Day Temple Itinerary

If temples in Malappuram are on your mind, take a glance at the suggested itinerary. This will help you plan a seamless day on your vacation.

• Start your morning with a visit to the Thirunavaya Navamukunda Temple. It is open from 5 am to 7 am, so an early morning visit sounds like the best plan.
• After a hearty local breakfast, explore Kadampuzha Bhagavathy Temple. Seek blessings and worship the fiery deity.
• Enjoy a soul-filling lunch with authentic Kerala cuisine.
• Plan the evening at Chamravattom Ayyappa Temple. Enjoy the best sunset view from there.
• Average Cost: INR 5000 per person
• Inclusions: Transport for temple visits and hotel accommodation.

• Exclusions: Cost of puja items and prasadam, donations at temples, driver tips, lunch, and dinner.

Conclusion

The temples in Malappuram reflect a rich heritage, traditions, and local culture. The spiritual vibes and positivity of these temples, along with mosques and churches, attract travellers of all kinds. From history buffs to religious folks, from solo travellers to photography lovers, Malappuram is a name loved by all. Not only religious beliefs and customs, but also a sense of spiritual harmony and love tie everyone here together. If you are looking for a blissful temple tour in Malappuram, check out TravelTriangle’s holiday packages and plan it seamlessly.

For our editorial codes of conduct and copyright disclaimer, please click here.

Image Sources: Wikimedia Commons, Facebook, Pexels and Pixabay.

FAQs About Temples In Malappuram

People Also Read:

Temples In Varanasi Temples In Alleppey Temples In Ahmedabad

Ritika Agarwal

Unveil the hidden treasures of the globe and turn every travel dream into reality. As a Content Writer, I am passionate enough to craft stories from ancient wonders to modern marvels. My words paint the picture-perfect itinerary for unforgettable experiences. Let my words be your trusted guide to immerse in the diverse culture and discover the beauty of the unknown.