temples of Kerala, barring a few, form a class by themselves.
They are to be distinguished not only for their unique
architecture but for the rituals practiced in them which are
sometimes different from the Agamas followed ii-i the rest of
South India. They are, intimately connected with the life of the
people and even the influence of Marxism has not been able to
weaken their connection. The rise of Brahminism, after a few
centuries of Buddhism and Jainism, gave an impetus to the
building of temples in this land. The vedic religion was infused
with new life under Sankaracharya, the great Advaita
philosopher, and later with the rise of the bhakti movement. In
the process was created a rich heritage of unique temples which
have attracted world attention for their wood carvings and
architectural style resembling domestic dwellings. Shri K. R.
Vaidyanathan, retired Senior Commercial Officer, Central
Railway, is well known to readers through his earlier works, Sri
Krishna, The Lord of Guruvayur and Pilgrimage to