Kollam- the spiritual circuit

• Heard of the Parabrahma temple? The temple where God is a formless energy- the supreme consciousness? The temple is famous for its 'Ochira Kali' festival that falls mid-June. The 28th day after Onam and the first 12 days of the Malayalam month of Vrishchikam sees a lot of devotees flocking to Ochira .

• At the Kottankulangara Devi temple at Chavara in Kollam, it's different - hundreds of men cutting across religions dress up like women as part of a traditional ritual to please the deity and get their wishes fulfilled.

• Aryankavu is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Sastha complete with its enchanting collection of mural paintings on the pillars and walls. Added to the mythological value and captivating folklore is the rustic charm of the dense foliage in the vicinty.

• Pullichira Church and Thangassery Arch- The 16th century Pullichira Church and Thangassery area with its 450-year-old heritage dating from the Dutch, Portugese and British era are fascinating.

• Rameshwara and Maha Vishnu Temples- Kollam also houses a repetoire of ancient temples like the Rameshwara Temple built in Pandian style dating back to the 12th to 16th century. It also houses a fascinating sculpture of a monster named Vyala.

Another temple you shouldn't miss is the Kollam Maha Vishnu Temple considered to be the oldest and believed to be blessed by Lord Parshuram- the mythological creator of Kerala.

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