Varkala Sri Janardhana Swamy Temple- Kerala

Address

Varkala Sri Janardhana Swamy Temple- Varkala, Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala 695141

Deity

Sri Janardhana Swamy(Vishnu) Amman: Sri Devi, Bhudevi

Introduction

• Location: This ancient temple is situated in the municipality of Varkala, Trivandrum, near the Arabian Sea shore. The site is considered a significant pilgrimage destination, often referred to as Dakshin Kashi (Benares of the South).
• Deity: The presiding deity, Sri Janardana Swami, is a form of Lord Vishnu, represented in a standing position facing east. His right hand is positioned as if performing Aachamanam (a ritualistic purification), and it is believed that if his hand moves closer to his mouth, it will signify the end of the world, marking the end of the Kali Yuga.
• Significance of Location: The temple is located close to Varkala Beach, known for its medicinal properties due to the waters that wash nearby medicinal plants. Varkala is also an important center for Ayurveda treatment.

Puranic Significance

• Historical Background: The temple is believed to have been built in the 13th century and renovated in the 17th century. It is steeped in mythology involving Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu.
  • Legend: According to local lore, Lord Brahma came to Varkala to perform a Yaga (fire sacrifice) and became so absorbed that he forgot his duty of creation. Lord Vishnu, disguised as an old man, came to remind him. After a series of events, including the realization of Vishnu’s identity and the prevention of a catastrophe, Brahma established a temple for Vishnu in the area.
  • Temple Reconstruction: The temple fell into disrepair over the centuries until a Pandya king, afflicted by a ghost, found the remnants of the temple. After a prophetic dream, he recovered the Janardhana idol from the sea, rebuilt the temple, and established its maintenance rituals.
  • Mythological Belief: The idol is believed to have an Aabhojana (food offering) in its right hand, and it is said to be slowly rising. When it reaches its mouth, it will signal a great deluge.

Special Features

• Idol Description: The idol of Lord Janardana is approximately 6 feet tall and is self-manifested. He is depicted with four arms, holding a Shanku (conch), Chakra (discus), Gada (mace), and Kumbham (pot).
• Other Deities: Within the temple complex, there are smaller shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, Ganapati, Sastha, and Naga Devatha. The idol is regularly adorned with sandal and flowers and is worshiped in various forms, including Janardhana, Narasimha, Venugopala, and Mohini.
• Unique Features: The temple houses an ancient bell, recovered from a shipwreck, donated by the captain of a Dutch vessel. It is believed that tying a bell at the temple helped the ship to set sail again.
• Pithru Mokshakan: Janardana Swami is also referred to as Pithru Mokshakan due to the belief that worshiping ancestors in this temple brings them peace.

Festivals

• Arattu Festival: Held annually in the month of Meenam (March–April), this ten-day festival begins with a Kodiyettam (flag hoisting ceremony) and concludes with a grand procession featuring five decorated elephants. The festivities include all-night performances of traditional Kathakali dance.
• Rituals: The Arattu (holy bath) of the idol takes place in the Arabian Sea on Uthram day.
• Celebrated Days: The temple observes significant festivals related to Lord Vishnu’s avatars, including Rama Navami, Ashtami Rohini, and Narasimha Jayanthi. Other important days include Karkidaka Vavu (Amavasya in Karkidakam), Vaikuntha Ekadashi, and days dedicated to Lord Vishnu, such as Thiruvonam star and Thursdays.

Century/Period/Age

2000-year-old

Managed By

Travancore Devaswom Board.

Nearest Bus Station

Varkala

Nearest Railway Station

Varkala

Nearest Airport

Thiruvananthapuram

lightuptemple