Temples of Ernakulam District (Census of India Special Studies-Kerala)

Contents: I. General background. II. Salient features of important temples: 1. Kunnattunat Taluk. 2. Aluva Taluk. 3. Paravoor Taluk. 4. Kochi Taluk. 5. Kanayannoor Taluk. 6. Muvattupuzha Taluk. 7. Kotamangalam Taluk. III. Temple directory: 1. Kunnattunat Taluk. 2. Aluva Taluk. 3. Paravoor Taluk. 4. Kochi Taluk. 5. Kanayanoor Taluk. 6. Muvattupuzha Taluk. 7. Kotamangalam Taluk. Procedure of transliteration. Glossary. Photographs.

From the Foreword: This monograph titled Temples of Ernakulam District, which is eighth in the District monograph series, has a special significance as the district can claim to have the birthplace of the renowned philosopher saint Sree Sankarachaarya in it. By adopting best elements of Hinduism and Buddhism in his teachings and methods he became the mastermind of cultural synthesis in India. Born at Kaladi on the northern Bank of Poorna River (Periyar) in Ernakulam District he also made signal contributions to the philosophy and practice of Hindu religion. The history of temples of the district is interwoven with his association, which include those temples he worshipped, consecrated or pooja system introduced.

Kerala temples are unique in their architecture style and rituals. The distinctive style of architecture is termed Dravida-Kerala. The monograph gives the varied forms of architectural types used in building temples. These patterns are clearly discernible from the photographs of major and most important temples included in this monograph. They are aesthetically pleasing visualization of the great temples described in the monograph. The painstakingly compiled temple director of 1285 temples in the district could support several research studies in architectural pattern, antiquity, deities, forms of worship, festivals etc. In short, this monograph is a worthy companion to the other great volumes of the distinguished series, brought out earlier.