Engulfed amidst the lush greens of Kerala, Nenmara, a town in the Palakkad district, boasts a rich collages of temples, each a repository of history and cultural significance, reflecting the deep-rooted faith and traditions of the local community. These temples serve as centres of spiritual solace, vibrant festivals, and age-old rituals, offering a glimpse into the unique cultural heritage of Kerala. With so many different temples in Nenmara, each possessing their distinctive significance, narrowing down the choice can be a bit challenging. Hence, having a better idea about the list of temples, their history and significance should make it easier for you to plan and visit them on your next trip to Kerala.
Top Temples in Nenmara
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Temples around Nenmara’s landscape, each carrying its history, mythology, and cultural importance. From ancient deities to respected saints, these temples stand as pillars of faith, attracting devotees from far and wide.
Nellikulangara Bhagavathi Temple
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Undoubtedly the most renowned temple has to be the Nellikulangara Bhagavathi Temple in Nenmara. Dedicated to Goddess Bhagavathy, the temple is located in Vallanghi village in Palakkad. Believed to be centuries old, the temple complex exudes an aura of serenity. The annual Nenmara Vallangi Vela, a vibrant festival celebrated jointly with the Vallangi village, attracts thousands of devotees with its colourful caparisoned elephants, rhythmic percussion performances (chenda melam), and a spectacular display of fireworks. Also, the temple’s sweet offering “payasam” is one of the major attractions which is no less than an Amrit for the devotees.
Location: Nenmara – Nelliyampathy Rd, Nenmara, Kerala 678508
Timings: 5:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM
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Perungottukavu Bhagavathy Temple
Image Credit: Shijan Kaakkara for Wikimedia Commons
Another popular Bhagavathy temple worth visiting is the Perungottukavu Bhagavathy Temple in Nenmara. It is located in Kizhakkummuri, near Nenmara. Historical records suggest the temple’s existence during the mediaeval period. The presiding deity, Bhagavathy, is worshipped for prosperity and well-being. A unique feature of the temple is the annual ‘Mereka Vilakku’, a spectacular illumination ceremony where the temple compound is adorned with hundreds of traditional oil lamps, creating a mesmerising spectacle. Every devotee who visits the temple puts their wishes in front of the Goddess with hopes of getting them fulfilled.
Location: Near Peringottukavu Bus Stop, Kizhakkummuri, Nenmara, Kerala 678508
Timing: 5:30 AM to 11:30AM and 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Navaneetha Krishnan Kovil
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The Navaneetha Krishnan Kovil in Nenmara is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and holds a significance amongst locals. Located in Pazhaya Gramam, the temple attracts devotees of varying ages, gender and social status from different parts of the country. The highlight of this temple lies in the fact that the temple enshrines a captivating idol of Lord Vishnu in his ‘Chaturbhuja’ (four-armed) form. Also, according to historians, the temple’s existence dates back to the 16th century wherein it was constructed by a ruler at the time. The ‘Ekadashi’ (eleventh day of the lunar fortnight) is observed with special significance, with devotees observing fasts and offering prayers for blessings. Going further, some reports depict that women with fertility issues often visit this temple to pray for their pregnancy.
Location: HHPV+WR5, Old Village Road, Pazhayagramam, Nenmara, Kerala 678508
Timing: 06:00 AM to 09:00 PM
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Pothundy Shiva Temple
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Up next on the list of the best temples in Nenmara is the Pothundy Shiva Temple. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is one of the most ancient places of worship in the area. A unique feature of the temple is the presence of a ‘Shivalinga’ (representation of Lord Shiva) believed to be self-manifested. Devotees throng the temple during ‘Shivaratri’, a major Hindu festival, to perform special poojas and seek blessings. The temple features the idol of Shiva holding earthen pots, which signify abundance and prosperity. It is one of the 108 Shiva temples that exist in Kerala. Also, if you are planning to visit when crowds are less, opt for the shoulder season from May to July.
Location: Pothundy Dam, Nenmara – Nelliyampathy Rd, Nenmara, Kerala 678508
Timings: 06:00 AM to 08:00 PM
Sree Subramanya Swamy Temple
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Dedicated to Lord Muruga, also known as Subramanya Swamy, this temple is a popular pilgrimage site for devotees seeking blessings for victory and overcoming challenges. The temple houses a powerful idol of Lord Muruga in his ‘Kartikeya’ form, wielding a ‘Vel’ (lance). ‘Skanda Shashti’, a six-day festival celebrated during the Tamil month of ‘Aipasi’ (October-November), witnesses a surge in devotees, with special prayers and rituals performed to invoke the blessings of Lord Muruga. The charm of the temple still exists in its beautiful and intricate architecture that lines each wall of the temple.
Location: HHPQ+CJJ, Kanimangalam, Nenmara, Kerala 678508
Timings: 06:00 AM to 08:00 PM
Sree Kavalappara Siva Temple
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Another popular temple in Nenmara dedicated to Lord Shiva is the Sree Kavalappara Siva Temple. It is a standard site of worship where thousands of devotees, both locals and tourists, visit to offer their prayers and seek blessings from the deity. Some legends depict that the temple is so powerful and healing that it fulfils people’s wishes. As the name suggests, the temple is located in Kavalapara and falls on the Shorpur-Kavalapara road. The staple Kerala-style architecture of the temple is equally impressive. Besides the standard rituals, the temple offers opportunities for special pujas as well.
Location: Q78X+VRG, Shornur – Kavalappara Rd, Kavalapara, Kerala 679523
Timings: 06:00 AM to 08:00 PM
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Sankaramkudam Shiva Temple
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Nenmara is known for its wide range of Shiva temples and the Sankaramkudam Shiva Temple deserves to be talked about as well. The temple is located on top of a hillock and offers breathtaking views of the city below. Some legends depict that the temple was constructed by Sage Parasurama. However, there is no valid confirmation of this claim. Besides the powerful and spiritually charged inner sanctum, the temple complex also houses a natural spring inside, which is believed to have medicinal properties. If crowds don’t bother you, visiting the temple during Shivaratri is the best time.
Location: Elevancherry, Elavancherry, Palakkad – 678508
Timings: 06:00 AM to 07:00 PM
Andhazhi Kodungallur Bagavathy Temple
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Located on the outskirts of Nenmara, the Andhazhi Kodungallur Bagavathy Temple is dedicated to a unique manifestation of the divine feminine, known as Kodungallur Bhagavathy. The temple is believed to have been established by migrants from Kodungallur, a town known for its Bhagavathy temple. The highlight of this temple lies in the six-foot-high wooden image of Goddess Kali. Inside the temple, the deity is worshipped in the form of “Sree Kurumba” and it comes to life during the Bharani festival. It is located in a small space, so the crowds can get pretty severe during peak seasons.
Location: JH4V+PV9, PO, Cheramangalam, Kerala 678703
Timing: 06:00 AM to 07:00 PM
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Mariamman Temple
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The Sri Mariamman Temple near Nenmara is yet another popular temple in the area that’s worth visiting. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Mariamman, a protective deity believed to ward off diseases and ensure good health. The highlight of this temple is its offbeat location nestled deep inside the remote locations of Nenmara. It is quite a drive away and the surrounding tranquillity explains why it experiences a footfall of thousands every year. Since she is the God of Weather, most of the popular annual festivals dedicated to the Goddess are celebrated during the early summer or late autumn season.
Location: JJQP+XRG, Kerala 678512
Timing: 06:00 AM to 08:00 PM
Vettakkorumakan Temple
Image Credit: Shijan Kaakkara for Wikimedia Commons
Abbreviated as the “Hunter God,” the Vettakkorumakan Temple is dedicated to Vettakorumakan and is a renowned deity worshipped across North Kerala. According to mythology, Vettakkorumakan is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, born when Shiva took the form of a hunter (Kirata) to bestow the powerful Pashupatastra weapon upon Arjuna. There isn’t a specific festival dedicated to the deity, however, the temple comes to life during the annual Navrathri and Diwali celebrations. So, you can consider visiting during those times.
Location: HHRV+H95, Nemmara Aylur Road, Nenmara, Kerala 678508
Timing: 07:00 AM to 08:00 PM
Further Read: Famous Temples in Kerala
The temples of Nenmara are more than just places of worship; they form a sense of community that binds the local people together through shared traditions and rituals. Each temple, with its unique history and significance, offers a glimpse into the rich experience of Kerala’s cultural heritage. Planning your next trip to Kerala requires you to not just include these temples but visit each one of them without fail. So, get ready to pack your bags, set the date and sort out all the bookings for your next trip so you can embark on this spiritual and religious odyssey and find your inner peace and tranquillity.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Temples In Nenmar
Which is the most famous temple in Nenmara?
The Nellikulangara Bhagavathy Temple is the most renowned in Nenmara, known for its annual Nenmara Vallangi Vela festival.
What is the best time to visit the temples in Nenmara?
Ideally, October to March are the best time to visit these temples in Nenmara. However, Monsoon enhances the beauty of Kerala.
Which is considered to be the oldest temple in Kerala?
Guruvayur Temple is considered to be the oldest temple in Kerala, which is said to be 5000 years old.
Which is the oldest Shiva Temple in Nenmara?
The Pothundi Shiva Temple is one of the oldest Shiva temples in Nenmara that experiences thousands of devotees visiting from across the country.
How can I reach Nenmara?
Nenmara is well-connected by road to major cities in Kerala and neighbouring states. The nearest railway station is Palakkad Junction, from where you can take taxis or local transportation.
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