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Thangalpara(70 km from
Kottayam town)
The mausoleum of Sheikh
Faridiin found here makes this place a famous Muslim pilgrim
centre. Nearby is the scenic hill station of Kurathikallu and
the beautiful Kottathavalam.
Saraswathi temple,
Panachikkad(10 km from Kottayam)
Known as the Mookamoika
of the South, this temple holds the Saraswathi Pooja
every year in October/November. Children are initiated
into the world of letters at the Vidyaramobham
ceremony here.
Blessed AIphonsa,
Bharananganam(20 km from Ettumanoor)
The church is one of the
important pilgrim centers of the Christians in Kerala. The
mortal remains of Sr. Alphonsa, who was pronounced as blessed,
is kept in this church. The death anniversary of blessed Sr.
Alphonsa that falls on the 20th of July is an important day.
Mangala Devi Temple (15 km
from Thekkady)
The ancient temple is hidden in
the dense woods at the top of a peak 1337m above sea level.
The temple is built in the traditional Kerala style of
architecture. Visitors are allowed here only on the
Chithra Pournami festival day in April.
Jewish Synagogue, Mattancherry
(14 km fro, Ernakulam)
This is the oldest
synagogue in the Commonwealth and is famous for its Hebrew
inscriptions on stone slabs, great scrolls of the Old
testament and ancient inscriptions on copper plates.
St.
Francis Church, Fort Kochi (12 km from
Ernakulam) This is the first European church in
India, which later became the model for building churches
elsewhere in the country. Vasco da Gama, who died in Kochi
during his second visit to Kerala, was buried in the church in
1524. Later his mortal remains were taken back to his native
land. Portugal.
St.
George Church, Edappally(15 km from Ernakulam)
This is one of the major pilgrim centres in Kerala
venerated by non-Christians as well. Every day devotees throng
the church to genuflect before the statue of St. George to
express their gratitude for favors received through the saint.
The annual festival begins on the 23rd of April with solemn
High Mass and Litany. On May Day, the statue of St. George is
taken out of its podium and placed on a specially decked
chariot for procession. The festival ends with the High Mass
on 4'h May. .
Kaladi (55 km from
Ernakulam)
The birthplace of Adi
Sankaracharya, the great Advaita philosopher of the
8'h century. Kaladi houses temples dedicated to Sree Sankara,
Sarada Devi, Sri Krishna and Sri Ramakrishna. On the banks of
River Periyar in Kaladi is the sacred bathing ghat where
Sankaracharya is said to have been caught by a crocodile and
which according to legends refused to release him until
Sankara's mother Aryamba permitted him to accept Sanyas"
(renunciation).
St.
Mary's Church, Vallarpadam(45 minutes by boat
from Ernakulam).
The church was established in
1676 and the famous picture of the Blessed Virgin Mary was put
up by Portuguese who brought it from their native land. The
picture is believed to have miraculous powers.
Vallarapadath Amma, as the St Mary of Vallarpadam is
called, is believed to have miraculously saved many lives from
violent storms. The feast of Vallarapadath Amma is
held on Sept. 24. A big fair accompanies the weeklong
celebration.
Malayatoor (47 km from
Ernakulam)
This place is famous for the
Catholic Church on the 609m high Malayatoor hill (dedicated to
St. Thomas). Thousands of devotees undertake the pilgrimage to
the shrine to participate in the annual festival-Malayatoor
PtrllIl1/al (March/April). St. Thomas is believed to
have visited here.
Shiva Temple, Aluva(20 km
from Ernakulam)
Situated on the banks of River
Periyar, the Shivalinga of this temple rises out of the
sandbanks of the river and is believed to have worshipped by
Lord Rama. During the monsoon season the whole region gets
flooded and the idol gets submerged in water. Worship is then
done in a small shrine on the upper banks of the river. A dip
in this river at the brahmamuhurtha (3 am) after
observing the rituals of Shivarathri is considered very
sacred.
Thrikkakara Temple (14 km
from Ernakulam)
Onam, the festival of Kerala
takes its origin from this temple, as thiruvonam is
the avathara day of Lord Vamana, the presiding deity
of this temple.
Chottanikkara Temple (15 km
from Ernakulam)
The Goddess is revered in three
forms - as Saraswathi in the morning, as Bhagavathy at noon
and Durga in the evening. During the annual festival in
kumbham , devotees especially women seek blessings
from the Goddess.
St.
Dominic Church (1 km from Aluva)
The feast of St. Dominic's
Church falls on the third Sunday after the Easter. The statue
of the saint is taken out in procession on that day. The feast
of 'Our Lady of the Holy Rosary' also features a spectacular
procession on the Sunday after 8th of December.
Ramakrishna Advaitha Ashram,
KaIadi(40 k from Ernakulam)
This
ashram was founded by Ramakrishna Mission in 1936. In 1976, a
new type of shrine, Viswakshetra representing the
styles of architecture associated with temples, churches and
mosques was opened here for the followers of all religions.
Guruvayoor Sree Krishna Temple
(29 km west of Thrissur)
 Guruvayoor, known as Kasi
of the South is famous for the Sree Krishna temple which
has Guruvayoorappan or the infant Krishna, as the deity.
Legend has it that the temple is the creation of Guru,
the preceptor of the Gods and Vayu, the God of
winds. The most famous offering of the temple is Thulabharam,
where a devotee presents to the deity his own body weight
against products like bananas, rice etc. The Vishnu's idol
here, made of rare stone is believed to possess healing
qualities, especially for rheumatism. The 16th century poet
Melppathur Narayana Bhattathiri, who suffered from rheumatic
pain, is said to have sought relief from Guruvayoorappan,
after which he composed Narayaneeyam, in praise of
the Lord. Exquisite paintings around the Sreekovil
depicting stories of the pranks of little Krishna stand
testimony for the art of a period. The 111alldapam
facing the Sreekovill is resplendent with
beautiful carvings. Non Hindus are not allowed in Guruvayoor
temple.
Bhagavathy Temple, KodungaIIoor
(50 km from Kochi)
This temple is famous for the
Bharani festival .On bharani day, special nivedya
(nectar) known as Variyarippayasamam is offered
to Bhagavathy. This is performed by Adikals (priests).
Early morning, the deity is ceremoniously taken out of
the Sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum) and placed on a
raised pedestal for public worship. Simultaneously, the temple
flag is hoisted signifying the victory of Bhagavathy over
Darika (evil). After the bharani day, the temple
doors remain closed for six days during which period,
pooja is offered only once in a day. On the seventh
day when the Sreekovil is opened, thousands have
d harshan (vision) of Devi which is considered most
auspicious.
Koodalmanickam Temple,
Irinjalakkuda (21 km from Thrissur)
The only temple in India
dedicated to Lord Bharatha, brother of Sree Rama is the
ancient and historic Koodalmanickam temple. Meenoottal,
feeding of the fishes in the Kuleepini theertham,
the temple pond is an important ritual here. The temple
festival is held for all days in Medom
(April-May) from Utram to Thiruvollam
asterisms. Chakyarkoothu is performed in the
temple theatre during the festival.
Vadakkunathan Temple(in the
heart of the city)
This is a classic example of
the Kerala's traditional architecture. Holy shrines of
Paramashiva, Parvathy, Sankaranarayana, Ganapathy, Sree Rama
and Sree Krishna are housed here. The central shrines and
Koothambalam exhibit exquisite vignettes carved in
wood. This temple is the site for the famous Thrissur Pooram.
The main vazhipaad (offering) here is ghee.
Sree Rudhira Mahakali Temple
(Uthralikkavu), Wadakkancherry (2 km from
Parithipra on the way to Shoranur)
The annual festival of this
temple dedicated to Goddess Kali, is one of the famous
festivals of Central Kerala. Known as Uttralikkavu Pooram
, the eight-day long festival has as its highlight, about
twenty-one caparisoned tuskers. Festivities end with a
colourful display of fireworks.
Mammiyoor Siva Temple (1 km
from Guruvayoor)
This temple houses two adjacent
shrines of Sankaranarayana and Shiva. Mammiyoor and Guruvayoor
Sree Krishna temple are linked to each other in several
aspects and it is therefore considered auspicious to worship
them on the same day.
Sree Rama Temple,
Kadavallur(10 km from Kunnamkulam)
A unique feature of this temple
is the annual twelve-day Anyonnam, a scholarly debate on
Vedas . Vedic scholars from all over Kerala
participate in this. Sree Rama is worshipped in three forms
here- in the morning as in vanavaasa (exile in
forest), at noon as in sethu bandhana [in a
roudra(angry) mood] and at night as the king of Ayodhya.
Cheraman Juma Masjid,
Kodungalloor(20 km from Irinjalakuda)
This is the first mosque in
India. Legend says King Cheraman Peru mal of Kodungallor left
for Mecca, embraced Islam, accepted the name Thajuddeen and
married the sister of the then King of Jeddah. Before his
death Thajuddeen handed over to the King of Jeddah several
letters addressed to Kerala kings seeking their help to
propagate Islam. The King came to Kerala and met the then King
of Kodungalloor who helped the former convert Arathali temple
into a Juma Masjid. This mosque was designed and constructed
based on Hindu art and architecture. It was built in 629 AD
and resembles a temple in appearance.
Potta Divine Retreat Centre,
Muringoor(35 km from Thrissur)
This centre is famous for
live-in retreats and conventions, through which evangelists
and preachers share and proclaim the 'word of God'.
Ramakrishna Ashram, Vilangan (9
km from Thrissur)
The Ramakrishna Mission has a
number of ashrams in the State, which serve as centers of
meditation. These centers uphold the ideals of Vedanta
as taught by Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Swami
Vivekananda. The first branch of the mission was set up in
Haripad in 1912. The Thrissur ashram (Vilangans) was set up in
1927.
Sree Vilwadrinatha Temple,
Thiruvilwamala (15 km from Ottapalam)
Located atop a hill, this
temple is dedicated to Lord Rama. The Punarjani Noozhal
(crawling through the Punarjani cave) is an
important ritual. Punarjani is a narrow cave believed
to have been built by Viswakarma, the legendary creator of
Kerala and on an auspicious day devotees crawl through the
half kilometer cave to get rid of their sins.
Sree Parthasarathy Temple,
Chembai (14 km from Palakkad)
The six- day annual festival
here honoring Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar features
Carnatic music concerts by veteran musicians.
Sree Viswanatha Temple,
Kalpathy (3 km from Palakkad)
Built
in 1425 on the lines of the temple at Benaras, this temple is
famous for the Chariot festival held every November.
Vayillamkunnu Bhagavathy Temple,
Katampazhipuram (27 kill from Palakkad)
The deity here is believed to
be one of the members of the legendary family, Paratcbi
Petta Palltbeerukulam (the clan of twelve given birth by
Paratcbi, an aboriginal woman).
Kalamezhuthupattuis a special feature during the
seven-day annual festival.
Jain Temple, Jainamedu
One of the few existing Jain
temples in Kerala is the Jain temple at Jainamedu in the
Vadakkanthara village on the Western border. With granite
walls devoid of any decorations, this temple comprises four
divisions and is 32 feet high and 20 feet wide. Legend has it
that the temple was built about 500 years ago by a Jain head
named Inchanna Satur for the Jain sage, Chandranatha Swamy. At
a Jain house here, renowned poet, Kumaranasan wrote the
monumental poem, Veenapoovu (the fallen flower).
Juma Masjid (1 km from
Palakkad)
Mortal remains of Uthman
Auliya, a revered man in Muslim Communities are entombed here.
Prayers are held in this mosque on Fridays. Annual festival is
held in January February. During the festival a grand
procession bringing ceremoniously various articles such as
rice, coconut, etc to the mosque as offerings is held. A grand
feast is held for the poor, the next day.
Guru Madhom, Chittur(13 km
from Palakkad)
This was founded by Thunchath
Ezhuthachan. The Samadhi (final resting-place) of
Ezhuthachan is also located in this village on the banks of
River Bharathapuzha.
The
Jama-at mosque (2 km from Malappuram)
This is an important pilgrim
centre for the Muslims of Kerala. The annual Nercha
festival of the mosque is celebrated for four days in
April. Adjoining the mosque is a mausoleum of the Malappuram
Shaheeds whose brave exploits have been immortalized
in Mappilla Ballads.
Pazhayangadi Mosque, Kondotti
(18 km east of Manjeri on the way to Kozhikode)
Kondotti is a prominent pilgrim
centre for Muslims. The Valia Nercha festival at the
500- year old Pazhayangadi Mosque, celebrated for five days in
February-March, draws a large number of devotees. While the
focus of the Nercha here is the reverence shown to Shaykh
Muhammad Shah, *e founder of the Kondotti Thangals, the
ceremonial rituals are derived from the worship of folk
deities of Kerala. During the special ceremony of the Kondotti
cannon, the cannons that are kept in the Kondotti Police
Station are taken out to a road near the mosque, charged with
powder and ignited. These cannons are believed to have special
sanctity and an important offering during the festival is oil
for them. The oil that is left over after cleaning of these
cannons is believed to have curative powers.
Kadaampuzha Bhagavathy temple,
Tirur(3km north of Vettichira on the highway
connecting Kozhikode and Thrissur)
Dedicated to Kiraatha Parvathi,
this is one of the most sacred Shakthi centres in Kerala. The
uniqueness of the temple here is the absence of idols.
Pooja is performed at a hole (about 6 cm in diameter)
in the earth where the Goddess is said to have disappeared
after showing her presence to Adi Sankaracharya. Poomootal
i.e. offering flowers of thecchi (Ixora indica)
to the hole is the important vazhipaadu . Matturakkal
is another vazhipaadu that involves breaking of
coconuts, the purpose of which is to remove the obstacles
faced in day-to-day life.
Thirumandhaamkunnu Bhagavathi temple,
Angadippuram (3 km from Perinthalmanna town)
Dedicated to Bhadrakaali, this
is one of the ancient and renowned temples in Kerala.
According to legends, King Mandhatha of Soorya dynasty, after
tough meditation received from Shiva, the l illga
worshipped by Parvathi. On his downward journey from
Kailash he kept down the l illga at Thirumandhankunnu
where it got fixed to the earth. The Shivalillgam in
the Sreemoolasthanam here is split into two. This is
attributed to the fight that took place between Mandhatha and
Kali, who was ordered by Parvathi to get back her precious
linga . Parvathi, who could not bear a separation
from the linga is said to have entered it,
instructing Mandhatha to install Kali near her on whose name
all the pooja and festivals were to be conducted. An
important custom of this festival is the arrival of
Vellathiri to give audience to the Malayanlkutty,
the headman of the Palla tribal community.
Kalampattu is an important vazhipaadu here
and is perhaps one of the longest to be performed, starting
from first Vrishichikam to the end of Memam.
Mallgalya pooja, Rigveda LakJharchalla and
Challdattam are some of the other important
poojas.
Navamukundha Temple,
Thirunavaya(8km South of Tirur)
Thirunavaya, on the banks of
the River Bharathapuzha, said to be the traditional
headquarters of the mythical Brahmin hero, Parasurama, is a
place of historical and religious significance. Thousands
flock here on karkidaka vavu Day to perform the
pithrukriya rites for the departed souls. The
Navamukunda temple is said to be the sacred spot blessed with
the presence of Saraswathi , Gayathri, Lakshmi, Parvathy,
Shami, Ganga, and Yamuna.
Vettakkorumakan Temple,
Nilambur(36 km from Malappuram)
The
Nilambur Pattu festival that is held here every year
is a unique event, marked by the participation of tribal. It
starts with Kodiydtam, the hoisting of the festival
flag brought by the tribes from the forest, who are warmly
received by the royal family. The festival reaches a climax on
Dhanu 23 with the singing of hymns in praise of the
temple's presiding deity, Vettakkorumakan by the
members of the Nilambur royal family, as well as the tribes.
This temple is maintained by the Nilambur Kovilakam.
Thunchan Parambu, Tirur (52
km from Malappuram)
This is the birth- place of
Thunchath Ezhuthachan, the father of Malayalam language and
the hallowed ground where children are initiated into the
world of alphabets. On Vijayadasami day, people from
different places come here for Vidyaramoham, the
ceremony in which children are initiated into learning. The
iron stylus with which Ezhuthachan wrote on palm leaves and
the ancient kanjira tree (Nux vomica) under which he
taught his disciples and composed his poems, are treasured
exhibits here. Unlike the fruits of kanjira trees
found elsewhere, the fruit of this tree is not bitter. The
memorial also boasts of granite Sarawathi mandapam
and a library with rare manuscripts.
Poonthanam Illam,
Kizhatoor, Perinthalmanna
This is the house of Poonthanam
Namboothiri, a great exponent of the Krishna cult of the
Bhakthi Movement, known for his work Jnanapana(song
of knowledge). In February every year, the ill am
hosts the Poonthanam literary festival coinciding with
the poet's birthday. The illam and the family temple are being
turned into a memorial.
Melpatthur Illam, Ponnani (52
km from Malappuram)
The site of the home of
Melpatthur Narayana Bhattathiri, renowned poet and author of
Narayaneeyam is situated on the northern side of the
Bharathapuzha about 2 miles away from the Thirunavaya Temple.
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Puthentheru Ganapathy Temple : |
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Puthen Theru Mahaganapathy
Temple: This temple is
located near to Arakkilad.
The main deities are
Ganapathy and siva, there is
also one more temple
associated with this main
temple called the Bhagavathy
Temple. The main deitie in
this temple is Bhagavathy
also known as Bhadrakali
accompanied with the Naga
Raja and Naga Rani. There
will be a festival in April. |
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Kottakal Bhagavathy Temple:
Located in
the heart of the town near the old bus stand, the temple is
known for its festival called Thera. Thera is spread over
three days starting on the next day of Vishu. The temple has
3 deities - Bhagavathy, Kali and Unnipranthan.
Ponmeri
The Sree
Krishna Temple at Karatt and the Shiva Temple at Ponmeri
have flamboyant paintings depicting Palazhimathanam (the
story of the churning of the ocean of milk) from the Puranas.
Lokanar Kavu (6 km east
ofVadakara)
Dedicated to Bhadrakali, this
temple finds mention in the Northern Ballads (Vadakkan
Pattukal). Thacholi Othenan, the legendary hero of
Kalaripayattu, Kerala's martial art form used to
worship the deity here. The offering of
Eratttipayasam is said to please the Goddess
here.
Thacholi Manikkoth
Temple, Meppayil About
one km in the east side of the new bus
stand. Thacholi tharavadu (the original
thacholi family home) is still preserved and
the birth anniversary of thacholi othenan is
celebrated here.
Chendamangalam Theru
Mahaganapathy Temple
This temple is located near to Chorode Railway
Overbridge. The main deities are Ganapathy and siva, there
is also one more temple associated with this main temple
called the Bhagavathy Temple. The main deitie in this temple
is Bhagavathy also known as Bhadrakali accompanied with the
Naga Raja and Naga Rani. There will be a festival in third
week of every January for more than three days.
Siddasramam
Situated near the Payam Kuttimala,in Memunda, Siddasrama is a spiritual
centre. Siddasramam has branches in Kerala as well as
outside Kerala.
Memunda Madham Shiva Temple,മേമുണ്ട
മഠം ക്ഷേത്രം
It is very ancient nagakshethram in Kerala. It is the temple
of Nagadevatha. it is situated east of Memunda town. Daily
many visitors reaches from many part of Kerala
Kuriyadi Sree
Kurumba Bhagavathi Kshetram:
Situated in Vatakara beach near Chorode
Gramapanchayath. Originally, the temple was
within Valiyavettil house which is more than
800 years old. Annual festival is held in
the month of Feb.
Shivapuram Temple
Located between Madapally College and
Kannokkara on NH 17, Shivapuram is a fairly
old temple now under renovation and
construction. Please visit
Shivapuram blog for more information.
Vettakkorumakan temple,
Balusseri (25 km from Kozhikode)
This temple was once famous for
its vazhipaadu (offering) of breaking ten thousand
coconuts overnight by a single person. The idol of this
war-god is in the form of a mirror.
Thali temple(Kozhikode
city)
Associated with the Zamorins of
Calicut, this temple is the venue for the famous Sanskrit
discourse, Revathy Pattathallam.
Vengoli Sree Maha
Ganapathy Ayyappa Temple
Situated in a small beautiful village named edacheri. It
is about 10km away from vadakara town.
Mother of God Church (1/2
km from Kozhikode city)
Built in the Roman
architectural style, this church dates back to 1513 AD and is
only one of its kind in Kerala. It houses a portrait of St.
Mary, believed to be 200 years old.
Thirunelly Vishnu Temple (32
km south – east of Mananthavady)
Tucked away in the Brahmagiri
hills and encircled by the River Papanasini is Thirunelly
temple. Several myths are woven around the temple. One of the
mythical strands says the idol of Vishnu was installed by
Brahma (creator) himself. The Papanasini River is believed to
have the divine power to wipe away all the sins committed
through generations. It is believed that the
pithru-tharpana (oblations to manes) done here will
also lead to the transformation of the spirits of the departed
to salvation. The Koothambalam here is one of the
best in the State and rare paintings adorn the temple walls.
Glass Temple of
Kottamunda(20 km from Kalpettta)
Located on the slope of Vellarimala, this is
dedicated to Parswanatha Swami, third Thirthankara of
the Jain faith. The mirrors inside the temple walls reflect
the image of the icons in the temple sanctum.
Sree Maha Ganapathy Temple,
Sulthanbathery(Heart of the town)
This temple is more than 800
years old and has a beautiful image of Lord Ganapathi.
Erulam Sita Devi Temple,
Pulpally (8 km from Sultan Battery)
This temple is dedicated to
Sita Devi and her sons, Luv and Kush. The three-day festival
known as Thira Ulsavam, features Theyyam and
Paniyarkali.
Thrichambaram Sree Krishna Temple,
Taliparamba(20km from Kannur)
A sacred place of the Vaishnava
cult, the deity here is Sree Krishna. The fortnight festival
begins on 22nd Kumbham (February - March). Another
temple dedicated to Sree Balarama, brother of Lord Krishna is
at Mazhoor, Thrichambaram. On the first day, the idol of
Balarama is taken out in procession from Mazhoor temple and
brought to the Thrichambaram temple. The procession marks the
beginning of the festival, on the last day of which the idols
of Sree Krishna and Balarama are taken out ceremoniously. The
festivities end with Lord Krishna retreating to His abode that
is Thrichambaram temple, while his brother Balarama returns to
Dharmakulangara temple. The procession in this festival is
sans elephants.
Parassinikadavu Madapura Sree Muthapan
Temple(16 km from Kannur town)
The significant feature of this
temple is the daily performance of Theyyam, the ritualistic
art form of Kerala. The presiding deity is Muthappan, a
manifestation of Lord Shiva in the guise of a kiratha
(hunter).
Kizhakkan Kottam, Valakai,
Taliparamba(50 km from Kannur)
This is perhaps the only temple
dedicated to Sugreeva, the deposed monkey-king who helped Lord
Rama in the encounter with Ravana.
Madayi Mosque (28 km from
Kannur)
This was built by Malik Ibn
Dinar in the 12th century, with white marble brought from
Arabia.
Akkara Kottiyur, Ikkara
Kottiyur (64 km from Kannur)
Lying in the deep forests,
these temples are famed for the annual festival which starts
with Neyyattom on Swati asterism in May-June
and ends with Thirukalasattu after 28 days.
Mahaganapathi Temple, Madur (7
km from Kasaragod)
This imposing temple represents
a fine blend of Kerala and Karnataka architecture.
Madiyankulam Temple (3 km
from Kasaragod)
Situated near Kanhangad in
Hosdurg, this temple is dedicated to Bhadrakali, the fierce
form of Goddess. The Bhutha Dance is performed during
the festival in May-June and December - January. | 
Known as the
Saoarimala of women, this temple is famous for
Attukal Ponkala, the annual festival that
commences on Bharani day in Kumbhom
(February - March). The highlight of the festival
is the Ponkala which is an all woman affair.
Ponkala is an offering made in Bhagavathy
temples, prepared in the form of payasam (sweet
porridge) with ingredients like rice, jaggery. Coconut
kernel and plantain. Ponkala starts in the
morning and ends with the melsanthi (chief
priest) sprinkling holy water over the offerings. 
A well-known pilgrim centre in
the rugged terrain of the Western Ghats, this temple is
dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. Sabarimala is surrounded by
hazardous hills like Karimala and Neelimala. The
devotees known as Ayyappas negotiate the hills to
reach the shrine after undergoing 41 days of vrutham
(self-imposed devotional penance). The pilgrimage season,
viz.Mandala Pooja and, Makaravilakku comes between
the latter half of November and the first half of January,
every year. Ablution in River Pamba is considered as holy as a
dip in the Ganga. The presence of Ayyappa's lieutenant Vavar
makes this esteemed pilgrim centre a model of communal harmony
and casteless ness. Vehicular traffic cannot go beyond Pamba
and the last 5 km to the shrine can be reached only by
trekking. Women aged between 12 and 50 are not allowed inside
the shrine.