Overview
- Features: Hindu temple of South Indian architecture
- Opening Times: 5:30 am to 12:00 pm & 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, daily
- Best Time to Visit: Late October to early March
- Duration: 20 to 30 mins
- Travelled By: Foot
- Cost: Free
- Address: Temple Road, Varkala, Kerala, India
- Type: Temple
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Summary
Locally known as Varkala Temple, Janardhana Swamy Temple is a 2000-year old temple located on Beach Road close to Varkala Beach in Kerala. Janardhana Swamy is a form of Lord Vishnu to which this temple is dedicated. This is the main temple in Varkala and therefore attracts many pilgrims from the surrounding areas.
Varkala Temple
Known as Varkala Temple, Janardhana Swamy Temple is a 2000-year old temple located on Beach Road close to Varkala Beach in Kerala. Janardhana Swamy is a form of Lord Vishnu to which this temple is dedicated. This is the main temple in Varkala and therefore attracts many pilgrims from the surrounding areas.
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The presiding deity of this temple is Sri Janardhana Swamy. The deity is found in standing position facing towards the east. His right hand is in a position as if he is performing “Aachamanam”. His right hand is raised towards his mouth and legend says that if his hand goes closer to his mouth, the world will come to an end. It is believed to happen at the end of the Kali Yuga.
Offering obeisance to the departed souls and forefathers is a very important ritual conducted in this temple. Four pujas are conducted daily by the priest. The chief priest should compulsorily be from another place, and should not be a native of the place where the temple exists. Sub-deities within this temple are Ganapathi, Shastha, Ananthan (Nagam) Shiva, Chandikesha, and Hanuman. A ten day festival with Arattu is conducted on the Malayalam month of Meenam on the day of Uthram (March-April).
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The main shrine is only accessible to Hindus, while non-Hindus are allowed inside the courtyard but not into the main shrine. It is worth visiting the temple to see the technicoloured gopuras inside the courtyard. They are beautifully covered with images of gods and goddesses.
It is believed that one of the bells in the temple is said to have been given in gratitude by a captain of a 17th century Dutch sailing ship after his prayers were answered.
Getting to & from Varkala Temple
Varkala Temple is located on Beach Road close to Papanasam Beach which is the main beach in Varkala. It is easily reached on foot due to its location.
Is it worth going to this temple?
It’s pretty average and quite small. If you have spare time you can spend a few minutes walking around the temple; however, I wouldn’t go out of my way to see it.