Pilgrim Destinations

Alathiyur Hanuman Temple Situated at Alathiyur near Tirur, Malappuram district of Kerala, the Alathiyur Hanuman Temple is one of the popular shrines dedicated to Hanuman, the ardent devotee of Lord Rama. Though a temple dedicated to Lord Rama, it is popularly known as a Hanuman Temple. Over the years the custodians of the temple were Alathiyur Grama Namboodiri, king of Vettam and zamorin of Kozhikode. Naivedyam (holy food) and Aval (flattened rice) constitute special offerings at the temple.

Garuda Temple, Triprangode The Triprangode Garuda Temple is located about 8 km from Tirur, Malappuram district. Triprangode is significant as it is the only place in India where you can find a temple dedicated to Garuda, the mount (vahana) of Lord Vishnu.
Garuda is worshipped as the prime deity in this temple, which also has Lord Vishnu in the incarnation of koorma (tortoise). The golden snakes around this shrine are truly an extraordinary sight. Pilgrims on their way to Sabarimala, the abode of Lord Ayappa, make offerings here before they resume their journey.

Jama-at Mosque (Valiya Juma Masjid Malappuram) One of the most prominent Muslim pilgrim centres, the Valiya Juma Masjid in Malappuram district, Kerala, is situated on the Kozhikode-Nilambur-Gudallur road. A fine structure, this masjid is 600 years old and houses the mausoleum of the Malappuram shaheeds or martyrs. Popularly known as the Mecca of the East, the masjid was designed by a Hindu carpenter for a saint from Yemen.
Being an abode of sanctity, this masjid is often visited by a number of tourists during the four-day annual festival.

Keraladeeshapuram Temple, Tanur Dedicated to Lord Vishnu - the Supreme Being, Keraladeeshapuram temple is a famous shrine situated about 3 km south from Tanur Town in Malappuram district. The temple is believed to be one of the oldest in Kerala, dating back to over 3000 years.

Mampuram Mosque A historically significant mosque, the Mampuram Mosque in Tirurangadi, Malappuram district, is closely associated with the Mappila Revolt (Mappila Lahala) of 1921 against the British. The mosque is famous for Mampuram Nercha. People irrespective of their religions make a visit to this mosque to offer their prayers. Incense sticks are the main offering here.

Navamukunda Temple, Thirunavaya The Navamukunda temple in Malappuram district is a 6000-year-old shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple, which is popularly known as the Kasi of south India, get flocked by devotees, especially during karkidaka vavu, an annual ritual of the Hindus, done in respect of the departed souls in the Malayalam month of karkidakam (mid July to mid August). People gather on the banks of the Bharathapuzha River to perform bali (a ritual) for the departed souls. Melpathur lllam, the home of the celebrated poet Melppathur Narayana Bhatathiri and author of Narayaneeyam, is situated about 2 miles from this shrine.

Pazhayangadi Mosque, Kondotty Situated in Malappuram district, the Pazhayangadi mosque is an ancient mosque, which is said to have been constructed during the 18th century. Also known as Kondotty mosque, it is dedicated to Muhammad Shah, a holy man popularly called as Kondotty Thangal. It has been built in the Mughal style of architecture and has a magnificent white dome that is so alluring. The Kondotty mosque is the very first mosque built for worship and thousands of devotees throng the mosque to offer prayers. Valiya Nercha (nercha means offering) or the Kondotty Nercha is the famous festival conducted here during the months of February / March.

Sastha Temple, Chamravattom Chamravattom Sastha temple is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa and it is situated 15 km from Tirur in Malappuram district. What makes this temple so beautiful is the mighty river Bharathapuzha that flows behind this shrine and the vast expanses of paddy fields indicating the rich agrarian culture. The temple is believed to have been constructed by Perumthachan;n a master craftsman and a legendary sculptor. The presiding deity of this temple stands on the same level as the river, much below the sanctum sanctorum. During the monsoon season, the temple will get flooded, which is considered as the holy bath for the deity. Pilgrims on their way to Sabarimala make a halt at this temple to offer prayers.

Sree Kadampuzha Bhagavathy Temple Dedicated to Goddess Durga in the form of Kirathaparvathi, the Kadambuzha Bhagavathy temple is a Hindu pilgrim centre situated at Kadampuzha in Malappuram district. The temple has no idol and daily rituals are offered here in a hole of about 6 cm diameter. It is believed that the idol disappeared from here after the Goddess showed her presence to Adi Sankaracharya, a great philosopher and saint. Poomoodal - an offering with thecchi (ixora) flowers is an important ritual performed in this shrine. Mutturakkal is another offering in which devotees break coconuts in order to get rid of their problems.

Thali Temple, Perinthalmanna On the way to Malappuram from Perinthalmanna is the famous Thali Temple. The temple is situated about 3 km west of Angadipuram on the way to Malappuram from Perinthalmanna. The temple, dedicated to Goddess Durga, is an important pilgrim centre in Malappuram. The annual Pooram festival celebrated in March / April attracts large gatherings of devotees.


Thirumandhamkunnu Temple, Angadipuram The Thirumandhamkunnu temple dedicated to Goddess Durga, is yet another popular pilgrim destination in Malappuraram district. One can find numerous mural paintings on the walls of this temple that depict its origin. Meanwhile, the epic Ramayana is portrayed through sculptures engraved on the ceiling. The temple is known for its annual pooram festival celebrated during March / April that attracts large numbers of devotees. A unique custom here is the arrival of Vellaithiri to the pooram ground to give audience to the Malayankutty, the headman of the Pana tribal community. Kalampattu is an important offering here. Mangalya Pooja, Rigveda, Laksharchana and Chandattam are other important poojas done in this temple.

Trikandiyur Shiva Temple Trikandiyur Shiva temple is a famous shrine in Malappuram district, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The idol at this ancient temple is said to have been installed by Sage Parasurama, the legendary creator of Kerala. The temple is situated near the town of Tirur and attracts devotees from far and wide.



Venkattathevar Temple Venkattathevar temple, a shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, offers a visual treat for the devotees with about 64 mural paintings engraved on the walls. You will surely get captivated by the paintings and sculptures displayed in this temple. Sculptures carved on the wall tell you the story of Arjuna (one of the heroes in the Indian epic Mahabharata) praying for the Pashupati Astra (a powerful arrow). The major festival here is the Venkattathevar Utsavam celebrated in April.

Vettakkorumakan Temple Believed to be the shrine of the son that Lord Siva had in his Kirata (that of a tribal) form, this is a popular deity among the local community. The six-day festival called the Nilambur Paattu Utsavam held here features the singing of hymns in praise of the Lord. Celebrated every year in the Malayalam month of Dhanu (January), it is held by the Nilambur Kovilakam at the Vettakorumakan temple, Nilambur in Malappuram. Considering it as one of the royal duties, in Nilambur Kovilakam records, the name of this festival is recorded as Paattu Atiyanthiram. The paattu refers to the songs in praise of the Lord, which are sung by certain tribal community, mainly Kurup community or Kuruppanmar.