1.3. Temples of Kerala

There references to the construction of numerous temples in the course of narration [of the Kerala Mahatmyam]. Among the shrine there are many ascribed to Siva. Five of them are mentioned as most popular ones by the author. They are the Kottiyur Siva Temple, The Vykkom Siva [Vaikom Shiva] Temple, Suchindram Temple, Vadakkumnatha Shrine at Trichur. Parasurama has treated the Trichur temple as the Srimulastana or the source prosperity. He said to have returned to this spot after every important pilgrimage or journey. Numerous Ksetra-varnanas and Stala-mahatmyas like Sucindra-stalamahatmya^[1] also refer this work.

The Krishna Temple at Guruvayur is the most one of the most famous and popular of all temples in Kerala. The origin an antiquity of this temple is not clear known. It, however, came in to prominence in the 16th century. There is a legend narrated in the first 6 verses of the 40th chapter^[2], that the idol of Lord Krishna was got from his eternal abode Vaikuntha. Parasurama was advised by Sage Narada to transfer the image to a safe place with the help of Brhaspati. When Srikrsna departed from Dwaraka, the city was submerged in water and the holly image was being tossed in it. In the meantime Brhaspati came in to the Dwaraka with his disciple Vayu, the God of Wind. The rescued the image from the water and passing through many countries came to Kerala where they found a safe place. Since the image was bought by Guru Brhaspati and Vayu, the place came to be called ‘Guruvayur’ in later times.