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Sri Vadakkunnathan Shiva
Temple |
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Located in Thrissur (Trichur), the Sri Vadakkunnathan Shiva Temple hosts the world famous Thrissur Pooram. The Pooram is an outstanding event, where teams from the Thiruvambady and Parmekkavu temples parade their impressively decorated elephants mounted with idols of their respective deities. Each team then exchanges brightly coloured umbrellas and the best team is judged based on the variety and skill with which the exchange takes place. All of this is of course accompanied by Panchavadyam (an orchestra of five traditional instruments) performed by the finest exponents of each instrument. The Thrissur Pooram is usually held in April/ May
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The Sri Krishna temple in
Guruvayur |
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The Sri Krishna temple in
Guruvayur (Thrissur District) is one of the
oldest in India and is sacred to all
Malayalees. The temple owns several
elephants and has a sanctuary that is home
to over 70 elephants, with each being
provided customised care and treatment. The
Sanctuary is open to visitors.
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Sri Muthappan Temple at
Parassinikadavu |
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Sri
Muthappan Temple at Parassinikadavu is a
unique temple by the Valappattanam River in
Kannur District, an offering to the Hindu
deity is non-vegetarian food and alcohol,
which are absolutely taboo in other Temples
in Kerala.
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Alathiyoor Hanuman Temple |
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A
temple dedicated to Hanuman (monkey God),
who is responsible for the protection of the
neighbouring areas, is located at Alathiyoor.
The deity is believed by many to be powerful
and has attracted visitors from abroad as
well as other parts of India.
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| Mosques |
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The Pazhayyangadi Mosque |
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The Pazhayyangadi Mosque in Kondotti (Malappuram District), is famous for its Valia Nercha (festival) that has continued for over 500 years, held during February/ March.
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Mamburam Mosque |
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Another famous Mosque is the Mamburam, is a major Pilgrimage centre and has the mausoleum of famous Thangals (respected members of the Muslim community).
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The Mosque at Ponnani |
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The Mosque at Ponnani (in Malappuram District) is visited by those who wish to be initiated into Islam.
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Kuttichira Mosque |
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| Another famous Mosque in Kozhikode is the Kuttichira Mosque with its traditional Hindu architecture and the stone inscriptions found in the Mosque narrates the history of the Zamorins of Kozhikode and their embrace of Islam. |
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Cheraman Perumal Mosque |
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Built in 629 AD, this is the first Mosque in India and the second in the world where Juma prayers were started. People from far and near irrespective of caste and creed visit this holy place and pay their homage.
This Mosque is unique in that, while Mosques all over the world face towards Mecca, this one faces away from it towards the opposite direction.
The Mosque was home to some of the leading Islamic scholars who influenced the religion and its uniqueness was demonstrated recently, when it welcomed the Hindu tradition of initiating children into the wonders of learning.
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| Churches |
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The Mother of God Church |
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| The Mother of God Church in Kozhikode District was built in 1513AD and is built in the Roman architectural style and is the only one of its kind in Kerala. A portrait of Mother Mary which is over 200 years old makes it a famous centre of Pilgrimage. |
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St. Mary's Church |
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Another famous Church in Kozhikode is the St. Mary's Church founded in 1860 for members of the Collectorate. A tombstone in the adjacent cemetery is dated 1717
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Jain Temples |
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| These temples can be found in Wayanad and one of them was used by Tippu Sultan, the King of Mysore, to store his battery of weapons and lent the name Sultan Battery to this place in Wayanad. Jain temples are present in Kozhikode and
Kasargode. |
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