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Corrected statistics

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{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2019}}
{{Use Indian English|date=August 2019}}
Hinduism, Islam and Christianity are the prominent religions in [[Kollam district]].

==Hindu worship==

===Oachira Temple===
{{Main|Oachira Temple}}
[[Oachira]], located in the northern end of Kollam on [[National Highway 47 (India)|National Highway 47]], is famous for the [[Oachira Temple|Oachira Parabrahma]] Temple. [[Oachirakali]] is a special annual event at the padanilam ([[paddy fields]]) in the month of Vrichikam. Oachira Town Masjid (mosque) and the Oachira temple are situated close to one another and are a proud symbol of communal harmony. This temple is also a [[Sabarimala]] edathavalam. Gopuram, East Nada, West Nada, Ondikkavu, Ayyappa Temple, Mahalakshmi Temple and Ganapathi temple are important points of worship in this temple. Oachira temple is very different in the kind of offerings given to the deities. Theerthakkulam(Sacred pond) is another famous location where devotees take the sacred bath(dip).

===Kottarakkara Ganesh Temple===
{{Main|Kottarakkara Sree Mahaganapathi Kshethram}}
The Mahaganapathi([[Ganesha]]) Temple at [[Kottarakara]],<ref name="kottarakkara Ganapathy">{{cite web |url=http://www.kottarakaratemple.org/ |title=Kottarakkara Sree Maha Ganapathy Temple |work=kottarakaratemple.org}}</ref> famous for its Unniappom, is one of the most venerated [[Ganesha]] temples in Kerala.The major vazhipadu(offerings) of Kottarakkara temple is the famous Udayasthamaya pooja. The main deity of this temple is lord [[Shiva]], but [[Ganesha]] became famous and is now a [[Ganesha]] temple.<ref name="kottarakkara Ganapathy"/>

===Asramam Sreekrishna Swamy Temple===
{{Main|Ashram Sree krishna Swamy Temple}}
Asramam Sreekrishna Swamy Temple<ref name="asramam">[http://www.asramamsreekrishnaswamy.org Official website of Asramam Sreekrishna swamy temple] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090201062921/http://www.asramamsreekrishnaswamy.org/ |date=1 February 2009 }}</ref> on the shores of [[Ashtamudi Lake]] is one of the most prominent temples in Kollam. The main deity is [[Krishna]], depicted as a boy with butter in both palms. The annual [[Kollam Pooram]] or festival is held at the<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kollampooram.com/ |title=Official website of Kollam pooram |work=kollampooram.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090303170737/http://kollampooram.com/ |archive-date=3 March 2009 }}</ref> adjacent [[Asramam Maidan]].<ref>{{cite news |date=5 April 2008 |title=Kollam Pooram on April 15 |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/Kollam-Pooram-on-April-15/article15197464.ece |newspaper=The Hindu | access-date=28 August 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=16 April 2009 |title=Kollam Pooram held with fanfare |url=http://www.hindu.com/2009/04/16/stories/2009041653840300.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107061943/http://www.hindu.com/2009/04/16/stories/2009041653840300.htm |url-status=dead |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |archive-date=7 November 2012 }}</ref>

===Paravur Puttingal Devi Temple===
[[File:Puttingal Nedumkuthira, Paravur.jpg|thumb|right|[[Puttingal Temple|Puttingal Meenabharani Maholsavam]], [[South Paravoor|Paravur]]]]
{{Main|Puttingal Temple}}
[[Paravur, Kollam|Paravur]] [[Puttingal Temple]] is situated in [[Paravur, Kollam|Paravur]] municipal area. [[Puttingal Temple|Puttingal]] Meenabharani Maholsavam is a Temple Festival usually held on the 2nd day of the 2nd month(Meenam) of Malayalam Calendar(March–April). This temple is very famous for the fireworks competition (Malsara Kambam) which is usually held on the final day of festival. The [[Puttingal temple fire|2016 fireworks accident]] led to the death of over 100 devotees.

===Ammachiveedu Temple===
{{Main|Ammachiveedu Muhurthi}}
[[Ammachiveedu Muhurthi|Ammachiveedu Temple]]<ref name=sivatemple>{{cite web |url=http://sivatemple.org/temples-in-Kollam.htm |title=Kuttiattoor Siva Temple - Kerala |work=sivatemple.org}}</ref> is situated in the town area. It was established by an aristocratic family called Ammachi Veedu (Ammachi home). The annual festival falls on Dhanu of every year but it is to be done after the Mandala Pooja.

===Umayanalloor Sri Balasubramanya Swami Kshethram===
Umayanalloor Sri Balasubramanya Swami Temple (Murugan) is situated on the NH-47, about 8 km from Kollam town. One of another name of Lord Subramanyan(Murugan) is Umayan, that’s why the land of Umayan(Subramanyan) has been called Umayanalloor. The important feature if this temple is that the Idol faces the western direction. One of the famous name associated with this temple is [[Adi Shankara]]. The temple is visited by thousands of devotees. Aanavaalpidi or 'Aana Vaal Pidutham Mahotsavam during the Malayalam calendar 'Meenam'[mid-March], attracts hundreds of devotees. Devotees run after an elephant and catch its tail, symbolising the childhood pranks between the deities Subramanyan (another names Murugan,Karthikeyan) and Ganesha. 'Thaipuyyam' is also celebrated in a big way. The lore is that the temple was built by the powerful lady ruler 'Umayammarani' of Venad Kingdom about 500 years ago. Administration of this Temple comes under Travancore Devaswom Board. "Nedumkuthira Eduppu" or Kuthira Eduppu" also performs during the last day of festival time in umayanallor Ela. Chira like water reservoirs of Umayanalloor Ela (paddy field) are Umayanalloor Ambala Chira, Umayanalloor Kovur Chira<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mathrubhumi.com/kollam/news/3033280-local_news-kollam-%E0%B4%95%E0%B5%8A%E0%B4%9F%E0%B5%8D%E0%B4%9F%E0%B4%BF%E0%B4%AF%E0%B4%82.html |title=Kollam District News,Kottiyam Local News,കൊല്ലം ,കൊട്ടിയം ,ഉമയനല്ലൂര്‍ ഏലായുടെ ജലസംഭരണി നാശത്തിലേക്ക്‌ |language=ml |work=mathrubhumi.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://wikimapia.org/11669963/Kovoor-chira |title=Kovoor chira - Mayyanad |work=wikimapia.org}}</ref>{{Unreliable source?|date=April 2015|reason=user-generated}} with too many ponds situating surroundings of Umayanalloor Ela.

===Other Temples===

'''The Anchal Agasthyakode Mahadeva Temple''' is another major Mahadeva temple in the Kollam district. It is situated in Anchal Panchayath. Every year during '''Sivarathri''', people from every caste and religious background comes for the religious festivities.The Temple has been reconstructed recently and right now is having a new traditional look. The Temple is situated at around 2.5 km from Anchal Town, which is the Second Fastest Developing town in Kerala. [http://www.agastyacodemahadevar.org www.agastyacodemahadevar.org] s.

[[File:Mukhathala murari temple.JPG|thumb|right|Mukathala Murari(SreeKrishna)Temple]]
The Mukhathala Murari (Sree Krishna Swamy) Temple<ref>{{cite web|title=mukhathala murari temple |url=http://www.mukhathalamuraritemple.com/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111008090841/http://www.mukhathalamuraritemple.com/ |archive-date=8 October 2011 }}</ref> at [[Mukhathala]] is about 10 km from the Kollam city.

The Thrikkadavoor Mahadeva Temple is the most famous Siva Temple in Kollam District. It is situated in the Thrikkadavoor Panchayath and on the banks of the Ashtamudi lake. The annual Srattu festival attracts thousands of people, including foreigners. The festival falls in the month of Kumbham (February). The eight artificial horses, which represent the eight areas (karas) around the temple, is a special attraction for tourists.

Kolloorvila Bharanikkavu Devi temple is located in madannada is on National Highway 47, annual festival spans for 41 days. The annual festival is on bharani nakshatra of meenam month according to Malayalam calendar, kollavarsham.

The Veerabhadra Swamy Temple at Ashtamudi in Kollam is the only temple in the southern part of the country with Veerabhadra as the presiding [[deity]]. This belongs to Kuttiyazhikam, Karuva, a two hundred & fifty-year-old Ezhava Family.

[[File:Gate way to a temple.JPG|200px|thumb|Gateway to a temple at Kollam]]

Umayanalloor Sri Balasubramanya Swami Temple ([[Murugan]])<ref name="umayannalloor">{{cite news |date=12 March 2007 |title=Umayanalloor temple fete from Thursday |url=http://www.hindu.com/2007/03/12/stories/2007031205060500.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070328190305/http://www.hindu.com/2007/03/12/stories/2007031205060500.htm |url-status=dead |work=[[The Hindu]] |archive-date=28 March 2007 }}</ref> is situated on the NH-47, about 8 km from Kollam town. One of another name of Lord Subramanyan(Murugan) is Umayan, that’s why the land of Umayan(Subramanyan) has been called Umayanalloor. The important feature if this temple is that the Idol faces the western direction. One of the famous name associated with this temple is [[Adi Shankara]]. The temple is visited by thousands of devotees. Aanavaalpidi or 'Aana Vaal Pidutham<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.manoramaonline.com/cgi-bin/MMOnline.dll/portal/ep/common/pictureGalleryPopup.jsp?picGallery=MM+Photo+Galleries%2FFestival%2FAanavalppidi&BV_ID=@@@ |title=Manorama Online - Picture Gallery - Festival - Aanavalppidi |work=manoramaonline.com}}</ref>'<ref name="umayannalloor"/> Mahotsavam during the Malayalam calendar 'Meenam'[mid-March], attracts hundreds of devotees from all over the state. Devotees run after an elephant and catch its tail, symbolising the childhood pranks between the deities Subramanyan (another names [[Murugan]],Karthikeyan) and [[Ganesha]]."[https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=121962091164730&set=pb.121957571165182.-2207520000.1396110057.&type=3&theater Nedumkuthira Eduppu]" or Kuthira Eduppu" also performs during the last day of festival time. '[[Thaipusam|Thaipuyyam']] is also celebrated in a big way. The lore is that the temple was built by the powerful lady ruler 'Umayammarani' of Venad Kingdom about 500 years ago. Administration of this Temple comes under [[Devaswom boards in Kerala#Travancore Devaswom Board|Travancore Devaswom Board]].

Aryankavu in the [[Western Ghats]] is the easternmost point in the district on the National Highway. One of the five ancient [[Ayyappa]] temples is situated here; two others are at Achankovil and Kulathupuzha in the district.

Shri Mahadevar Temple, Padinjattinkara,Sree Bhootha Natha Temple,Kulashekharanallor Srikrishnaswami and Devi temple, Kottarakara, Chennamath Temple and chathannoorsree bhoodhanatha temple and Vilappuram Bhagavathy Temple Chathannoor are famous temples. Polachira is a beautiful place near Vilappuram Temple and Anathavalam (elephants shelter) at Chirakkara is also there.

[[Thalavoor]] Sri Durga Devi Temple,Thazhava [[Pulimukham devi temple]], [[Peroor]] Karunalloor Bhagavathy Temple, [[Pattazhy]] Devi Temple and [[Kundara]] Ilampalloor Devi Temple are among the important Hindu temples in Kollam District.
[[File:Koonambaikulam temple.jpg|thumb|left|Vadakkevila Koonambaikulam Temple]]

Another important temple is the Kottamkulangara temple near Chavara,<ref>{{cite news |date=25 March 2009 |title=Switching roles |url=http://www.hindu.com/2009/03/25/stories/2009032553380300.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090330034038/http://www.hindu.com/2009/03/25/stories/2009032553380300.htm |url-status=dead |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |archive-date=30 March 2009 }}</ref> where there is a tradition of males participating in 'Vilakkeduppu' wearing women's dresses.

[[Valiya Koonambaikulam temple|Koonambaikulam]] (വലിയകൂനംബായ്കുളം) temple is very popular. Deity there is a Goddess, named 'Koonambaikulathu Amma'.

Other temples in Kollam include Peroor sree meenakshi temple at [[Punthalathazham]],Mangalathu temple<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mangalathutemple.com |title=Mangalathu Temple |work=mangalathutemple.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111020192353/http://mangalathutemple.com/ |archive-date=20 October 2011 }}</ref> at [[Punthalathazham]] etc.

==Christian Worship==
The Christians form 16% of the population of Kollam district. The majority of them are [[Syro-Malabar Church|Syrian Catholics]] who form 43.7% of the Christians and [[Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church|Syrian Orthodox]]/[[Jacobite Syrian Christian Church|Syrian Jacobites]] who form 20.24% of the Christians in the Kollam district. The [[Latin Catholics]], [[Dalit Christians]] and [[Nadar (caste)|Nadar Christians]] combined form 36.06% of the Christians in the district. The Apostle Thomas founded one of his "seven and a half churches" in Kollam. They were family or community churches as neither Holy Bible was codified nor cross was acknowledged as the symbol of Christian faith in the first century AD. The church founded by the Apostle at the ancient Kollam port of Tarsish (thevalakara) was re-constructed three times. The second re organising of the Tarsish Christian nambuthiri community which was still inside vedic Vaishnavism was in the 4th century when a Persian cross brought from a Red sea port was erected in accordance with the Nicaea sunnahodose the first ecumenical council of the Christian church, meeting in ancient Nicaea (now İznik, Tur.). It was called by the emperor Constantine I, an unbaptized catechumen, or neophyte, who presided over the opening session and took part in the discussions declaration making the cross the symbol of Christian faith the World over for the first time. In 825 AD Mar S(abo)r ministered here reconstructing the Tarsi sh-a -palli at Thevalakara for the third time as the first church founded by him with Syrian liturgy after receiving the Tarsish-a-palli plates from Kulshekara kings which in reality laid the foundation of Christianity as a religion in Kerala outside [[Vedic]] Vaishnavism.

===List of churches===
* St. Marys Orthodox Syrian Church and Mar Abo Pilgrim Centre, Thevalakara
* St Thomas Church, Latin Catholic kandachira
*[[Assemblies of God in India]],Karunagappalli
*[[India Pentecostal Church of God]], Kottarakkara
*[[The Pentecostal Mission]],Kottarakkara
*[[Church of God (Full Gospel) in India]], Kottarakkara
* St. George Orthodox Church, Ambalathinnirappu
* Palakkuzhi Marthoma Church Ambalathinnirappu
* Mukhathala Marthoma Church Kureeppally
* Mar Semavoon Destooni Orthodox Church, Manjakkala
* Trinity Marthoma Church, Manjakkala
* St. Mary's Malankara Catholic Church, Manjakkala
* St. George Orthodox Church, Kulamudy
* St. Jude Chapel, Santhi Bhavan, Nadutheri
* St. George Orthodox Church, Nadutheri
* Bethel AG Church, Nadutheri
* Marthoma Church, Nadutheri
* St. Stephen's Orthodox Church, Pandithitta
* Tabor Marthoma Church, Pandithitta
* Divya Rekshaka Latin Catholic Church (Romapally), Pandithitta
* St. Thomas Marthoma Valliyapally ,Kottarakkara
* Brethren Church, Pandithitta
* St. Mary's Malankara Catholic Church, Pandithitta
* Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church, Pullichira
* Sacred Heart Church, Kackottumoola
* C.S.I. Church, Randalummoodu
* St. Mary's Orthodox Valiya Palli, Randalummoodu
* St. John's Orthodox Church, Vadacodu
° kundara valiyapally
* * John's Malankara Catholic Church, Vadacodu
* St. Mary's Orthodox Church West Kallada
* Zion AG Church Mayyanad
(Kalladavaliyapally)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kalladavaliyapally.com |title=Kalladavaliyapally |website=kalladavaliyapally.com}}</ref>

==Muslim worship==
Valiyapalli, Jonakappuram, Juma-Ath-Palli, Kollurvila, Jumma-Ath-Masjid, Thattamala, Muslim Jumma-Ath-Palli, Karuva Muslim Jumma-ath: Niravil Muslim Jumma-ath: Kalamala Palli, Kalamala: Thrippilazikom pally kundara, Muthirapparambu Palli, Muthirapparambu and Siyarathummodu Palli, Kilikolloor are the most important mosques

==Mata Amritanandamayi==
{{Main|Mata Amritanandamayi}}
World famous spiritual Guru [[Mata Amritanandamayi]] has her [[ashram]] set near the Arabian sea at [[Amritapuri]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.amritapuri.org/ |title=Amma, Mata Amritanandamayi Devi |work=amritapuri.org}}</ref> in [[Karunagappalli]] taluk of Kollam district. Parayakadavu, a coastal village near Karunagapally, is the birthplace of [[Mata Amritanandamayi]] and is the headquarters of her Math. Thirumullavarom Temple is the most famous temple in Kollam situated near the Arabian Sea where thousands used to come annually for performing Vavu Bali.

==Notes==
{{Reflist}}
{{Kollam}}
{{Portal|India}}

[[Category:Religion in Kollam district]]

Religion in Kollam District - Revision history

imported>Micahhadar: Corrected statistics