Mayyanad

Mayyanad (celebrated across South Kerala as the illustrious 'Land of Nine Ancient Temples' and the birthplace of pioneering social reformers and literary stalwarts), gracefully positioned between the tranquil waters of Paravur Lake and the azure coastline of the Arabian Sea just 10 km south of Kollam city in Kerala, is one of the state's most culturally rich, architecturally diverse, and scenic coastal heritage clusters.

Holding a distinguished place in Kerala's socio cultural renaissance as the ancestral home of visionary leaders like C. Kesavan (former Chief Minister of Travancore Cochin) and CV Kunjuraman, Mayyanad is globally famed for its dense concentration of nine ancient religious monuments spanning diverse faiths, most notably the millennium old Umayanalloor Sri Balasubramanya Swami Temple (believed to have been consecrated by the great Advaita philosopher Adi Shankaracharya during his southern digvijaya).

It's the home of the sacred Umayanalloor Subramanya Temple featuring majestic copper plated circular sanctums and exquisite timber reliefs, the 16th century Portuguese Pullichira Immaculate Conception Church standing beside Pullichira freshwater lake, the ancient Lord Shiva and Devi shrines of Kannanalloor and Vellimon, the quiet Pozhikara coastal estuary where Paravur Lake merges with the Arabian Sea, traditional coir spinning household units, lush coconut groves, and scenic backwater cycling trails.

It represents a rich multi faith, artistic, and coastal heritage sanctuary where Adi Shankaracharya temple consecration lore, historic 16th century European missionary architecture, dynamic social reform legacy, and peaceful estuarine backwater charm unite in Mayyanad grama panchayat.

Located in Mayyanad along the coastal railway and highway line, it sits with its own Mayyanad Railway Station (MYY), just 10 km from Kollam Junction (QLN), 5 km from Kottiyam, and 60 km from Trivandrum International Airport (TRV), easily accessible by local passenger trains, town buses, and scenic coastal road drives.

The Nine Ancient Shrines & Shankaracharya Legacy

Mayyanad's nine historic shrines include ancient Hindu temples, historic mosques, and colonial Latin churches standing in communal harmony.

The Umayanalloor Subramanya Temple is a major spiritual center where devotees offer peacock feather Kavadi and sweet Panchamritham for progeny and success.

Truth is, cycling through the leafy village lanes as temple bells mingle with church chimes across the lake breeze is deeply peaceful.

The Historic Pullichira Church & Lake Promenade

1572 Marian Shrine: Located on the outskirts of Mayyanad lies the 450 year-old Pullichira Church housing the historic Portuguese statue of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception.

Lakeside Setting: Pullichira Lake provides a peaceful backdrop for evening walks, birdwatching, and traditional country boat rowing.

Umayalloor Anayadi & Cultural Festivals

The Elephant Pageant (Anayadi): During the annual festival of Umayanalloor temple (March/April), tens of caparisoned elephants parade with Panchari Melam orchestra.

Pozhikara Beach & Estuary: Just south of the village, Pozhikara offers golden sandy shores where the backwaters breach the sea wall during monsoon floods.

After exploring the nine shrines of Mayyanad, visit the 16th century Pullichira Church, cruise the tranquil backwaters of Ashtamudi Lake, or tour the 144 foot Thangassery Lighthouse in Kollam.