Temples Of Kerala

This 400-year-old temple is situated on the banks of the River Manimala at Thiruvalla in Pathanamthitta. It is believed that the unique Garuda Sthambha, a 54 ft flag mast in front of the temple, was sculpted by the legendary architect Perunthachan from a single block of granite. The sanctum sanctorum of this temple holds an eight ft tall idol of Lord Vallabha.

The temple is noted for its beautiful wooden carvings and intricate mural paintings. It is surrounded by a 12 feet tall, 566 feet long and 4.5 feet thick red granite compound wall, and has a two-storeyed gopuram (temple tower) on each side, believed to have been built in 57 BCE. The sanctum sanctorum in its circular, copper-roofed, golden-domed form is covered with finely etched murals of mythical characters, gods and goddesses.