Places of worship
Located about half a kilometre from Konni Junction, Muringamangalam Sree Mahadevar Temple is a historically significant temple with a history of more than a thousand years. Once under the ownership of the Pandalam royal family, this temple is known as the largest Shiva temple in Pathanamthitta district. The temple is situated on the beautiful banks of the Achankovil River. Lord Parameswara, facing east, is the principal deity. A separate shrine dedicated to Lord Krishna is also situated within the temple premises. This shrine was established after the divine presence of Lord Krishna was revealed during a Deva Prashnam conducted in connection with a continuous Bhagavatha Sapthaham.
This temple, which has an inseparable connection with the Sabarimala pilgrimage, gains great importance during the Mandala season. The sacred Thanka Anki, which is adorned on Lord Ayyappa, begins its procession from the Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple towards Sabarimala and halts for one night at Muringamangalam Temple on the way. The journey then continues to Sabarimala during the Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season. For this reason, Muringamangalam Sree Mahadevar Temple is considered one of the most important resting places for Sabarimala pilgrims.
The place name Kakkarakudi is believed to have originated from Sangam-era Tamil words. According to archaeological researchers, the word "Kakkara" means "the shore that protects," while "Kudi" means "region or place." The present Kakkara Sree Mahadevar Temple is believed to be a great temple worshipped by people and Siddhas who lived during the Sangam period. The temple was destroyed and looted due to repeated attacks by the Maravappada. The present temple complex consists of five principal temples based on the Panchabhootas: Patham Parakkulam Mahadeva Temple, Kalleli Arayaani Mahadeva Temple, Kakkara Sree Mahadeva Temple, Mannira Thalamanam Sree Mahadeva Temple, and Aluvakudi Mahadeva Temple. Among these five great Mahadeva temples, Kakkarakudi Temple represents Agni and is regarded as the great temple that protects the other four temples.
It is the only temple in Central Kerala with a great Shiva Linga installation and is also considered the only temple in Kerala where the Goddess is given equal importance. Deities including Maladaivams, Kali, Karineela, and the 101 Makkal, ranging from Karinkutti to Vishnumaya, are believed to reside here. It is also a temple where the Ashta Nagas are worshipped. The original sacred site of this temple is situated about one and a half kilometres to the south-east. Two ancient temple ponds associated with these two temples are also preserved.
St. Sebastian's Malankara Syrian Catholic Church, Avolikuzhi, was established in 1962. The parish was formed with eight families. A chapel organized under the leadership of Fr. George Kuttayil (Vicar), Fr. Lukose Mackeel (Assistant Vicar), Easo Mathai Charuvil (Trustee), and George Kizhakkecharuvil (Secretary) was consecrated by His Grace Benedict Mar Gregorios, Head of the Archdiocese of Thiruvananthapuram.
Aamakkunnu St. George Orthodox Valiyapally is one of the churches belonging to the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. As the name indicates, St. George is the patron saint of this parish. The church is situated in the beautiful village of Payyanamon, approximately 1.5 kilometres from Konni Town.