Temples of Tiruvanantapuram District

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The monograph Temples of Kerala, which was released on February 24, 1999 AD by the President of India, covered the general aspects of temples in Kerala like history of temples over the last two thousand years, mode of worship, architectural features, carvings and paintings, iconography of idols, déva prašnam (astrological prediction on temples, rites, priesthood, offerings, temple customs and administration, ritualistic and performing arts etc. As an addendum to the monograph Temples of Kerala, it was decided to have 14 District monographs, of which thirteen District monographs have been published viz. Temples of Kasaragod district, Temples of Kannoor district, Temples of Wayanad district, Temples of Közhikkode district, Temples of Malappuram district, Temples of Pälukkäf district, Temples of Trššoor district, Temples of Ernakulam district, Temples of Idukki district, Temples of Köttayam district, Temples of Alappuzha district, Temples of Pattanamtitja district and Temples of Kollam district.

The background of taking up this exhaustive study on temples of Kēraļa needs little elaboration. The Census Organization of India undertook a study on temples of Madras State as an ancillary study of the 1961 Census. This study evoked keen interest among scholars, the Government and statutory bodies of Kerala. Late Śree R. Väsudēva Poduvā! a renowned Archaeologist, requested the Registrar General, India (late Śree A. Chandrasekhar) as early as 1969 to launch a study on temples of Kēraļa similar to the one that was conducted in Madras state and the latter readily agreed to this suggestion. The study could not be taken up due to heavy pressure of work in connection with the 1971 Census.

In 1973, the Travancore Deva swam Board also came up with a similar request, but the backlog of census work of 1971 Census stood in the way in launching the study.