Enriched by three great rivers flowing through it – the Chaliyar, Kadalundi and the Bharathapuzha, Malappuram has a rich and eventful history. The military headquarters of the Zamorins of Kozhikode since ancient times, this district was the venue for many of the Mappila revolts (uprising against the British East India Company in Kerala) between 1792 and 1921. Malappuram, literally a land atop hills, has contributed much to the cultural heritage of Kerala. A famous centre for Hindu-Vedic learning and Islamic philosophy, the temples and mosques of this region are well known for their spectacular festivals.
- Navamukunda Temple, Thirunavaya
The Navamukunda temple in Malappuram district is a 6000-year-old shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple, which is popularly known as the Kasi of south India, get flocked by devotees, especially during karkidaka vavu, an annual ritual of the Hindus, done in respect of the departed souls in the Malayalam month of karkidakam (mid July to mid August). People gather on the banks of the Bharathapuzha River to perform bali (a ritual) for the departed souls.
- Sastha Temple, Chamravattom
Chamravattom Sastha temple is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa and is situated 15 km from Tirur in Malappuram district. The temple is believed to have been constructed by Perumthachanin a master craftsman and a legendary sculptor. The presiding deity of this temple stands on the same level as the river, much below the sanctum sanctorum. During the monsoon season, the temple gets flooded, which is considered as the holy bath for the deity. Pilgrims on their way to Sabarimala make a halt at this temple to offer prayers.
- Sree Kadampuzha Bhagavathy Temple
Dedicated to Goddess Durga in the form of Kirathaparvathi, the Kadambuzha Bhagavathy temple is a Hindu pilgrim centre situated at Kadampuzha in Malappuram district. The temple has no idol and daily rituals are offered here in a hole of about 6 cm diameter. It is believed that the idol disappeared from here after the Goddess showed her presence to Adi Sankaracharya, a great philosopher and saint. Poomoodal – an offering with thecchi (ixora) flowers is an important ritual performed in this shrine. Mutturakkal is another offering in which devotees break coconuts in order to get rid of their problems.
- Trikandiyur Shiva Temple
Trikandiyur Shiva temple is a famous shrine in Malappuram district, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The idol at this ancient temple is said to have been installed by Sage Parasurama, the legendary creator of Kerala. The temple is situated near the town of Tirur and attracts devotees from far and wide.
- The Thirumandhamkunnu templededicated to Goddess Durga, is yet another popular pilgrim destination in Malappuraram district.
- Vettakkorumakan Temple:
Kottakkunnu Believed to be the shrine of the son that Lord Siva had in his Kirata (that of a tribal) form, this is a popular deity among the local community. The six-day festival called the Nilambur Paattu Utsavam held here features the singing of hymns in praise of the Lord. Celebrated every year in the Malayalam month of Dhanu (January), it is held by the Nilambur Kovilakam at the Vettakorumakan temple, Nilambur in Malappuram
- Garuda Temple, Triprangode:
It is located about 8 km from Tirur, Malappuram district. Triprangode is significant as it is the only place in India where you can find a temple dedicated to Garuda, the mount (vahana) of Lord Vishnu. Garuda is worshipped as the prime deity in this temple, which also has Lord Vishnu in the incarnation of koorma (tortoise).
- Jama-at Mosque:
One of the most prominent Muslim pilgrim centres, the Valiya Juma Masjid in Malappuram district, Kerala, is situated on the Kozhikode-Nilambur-Gudallur road. A fine structure, this masjid is 600 years old and houses the mausoleum of the Malappuram shaheeds or martyrs. Popularly known as the Mecca of the East, the masjid was designed by a Hindu carpenter for a saint from Yemen.
Being an abode of sanctity, this masjid is often visited by a number of tourists during the four-day annual festival.
- Idathupuram Sree Krishna Temple:
This temple is located at Idathupuram, 3-km away from Perunthalmanna. The presiding deity is Sree Krishna. The deity faces east. Ganapathy and Ayyappan are sub-deities.
The temple was consecrated by spiritual poet Poonthanam. His birthday, Thiruvathira star day in Kumbam (February/March) is celebrated here as Poonthanam Day. Guruvayur (in Thrissur district) Ekadashi is also celebrated here in a big way. The pious poem “Sree Krishna Karnamridham” was penned by the celebrated poet Poonthanam, sitting in this famous temple.
Source:
http://www.karmakerala.com/guide/temples-in-malappuram.html
http://www.malappuramtourism.org/pilgrim-destinations.php
https://www.keralatourism.org/districts/malappuram/