The Architectural style of Kerala temples has a distinct style quite different from other states of India. It boasts an inherent simplicity and also by their lavish use of wood, stone and metals. Temples in Tamil Nadu are famous for their incredible stone work while in Kerala it is the works done on wood. Famous examples of such temples include:

Thiruvanathapuram Sree Padmanabha Swami, Kumaranalloor Devi, Ettumanoor Mahadeva, Kazhakkoottam Mahadeva, Kaviyoor Mahadeva, Irinjalakkuda Koodalmanikya Swami, Kodungalloor Sree Kurumba Bhagavathy to name a few. Sreekovil roof of Sabarimala Temple and Guruvayoor Temple are even covered with Gold plates.

 

Most temples have adopted three different styles for making the foundation of the temple:

•     Paadabandham (Used for Sreekovils)

•     Kapothabandham

•     Praathibandha  (Used for Namaskaramandapam)

 

The major parts of a typical Kerala temple include:

•     Deva Prathishta or Idol

•     Sreekovil or Sanctum Sanctorum:

•     Sopanam:

•     Pradakshinavattam or Akathe balivattam:

•     Mathrusala:

•     Namaskara Mandapam:

•     Nalambalam and Valiambalam:

•     Thidappally:

•     Mulayara:

•     Well:

•     Vilakkumaadam:

•     Balikkalpura:

•     Dwaja or Kodimaram:

•     Anakkottil:

•     Sheevelippura and Pradakshina Vazhi :

•     Oottupura:

•     Koothambalam:

•     Gopuram :

•     Mathil or Outer walls :

 

.•    Theerthakkulam: