Janardana Swami Temple

Janardana Swami Temple located in Varkala Kerala is an ancient temple of about 2000 year old . The temple is located to famous Papanasam beach of varkala , which is believed to be of medicinal value and people believes that it washes away the sins committed in this birth. Located Near Sea Shore of mighty Arabian Sea Janardana Swami Temple is also coined as Dakshin Kashi. Janardhan Swami is the incarnation of Lord Vishnu the main deity of this temple . The deity is found in standing position facing his face towards the east. It is very famous temple of Kerala located about 10.9 km west of Kallambalam on NH 66 near sea, 25 ;km north of Thiruvananthapuram and 2 km from Varkala-Sivagiri Railway station .

Deity – Janardana Swami (Lord Vishnu)

Legends and Myths

There are various myths and stories behind the origin of this temple . Among them the most famous is the tale of Lord Brahma and Sage Narada . Once Lord Vishnu and Sage Narada were exploring in the sky over Varakal , where Lord Brahama came and greeted Lord Vishnu . The nine prajapathis or the nine planets were watching this and they laughed at this as they thought that Lord Brahama is saluting to Sage Narada . Seeing this he cursed devas to be born as humans in the earth. On realizing their mistake the planets aked forgiveness from Lord Brahama . Lord Brahama told them that they can do redemption by praying praying to please Lord Janardana . Asking about where they should start there prayer Lord Brahama told them wherever Sage Narada Vastra (piece of clothe)falls that will be the place . That is how that Varkala Name came from the Vastra that fell here. The Devas prayed for Janardana Swami and were relieved from curse.

Temple Architecture

Architectural Splendor of this temple is also one of the admiring thing that this pilgrimage center attracts tourist and devotees here apart from being an important temple .Temple is facing to the Papanasam beach and there is a high entrance arch with tiled roof. Various idols of several serpent gods and goddesses are also there . The temple has circular sanctum sanctum surmounted by a conical dome of copper sheets. Wooden carvings of Navagrahas or the nine planets can be seen on the ceiling of the square shaped mandapa or pavilion has .There is a pool called `Chakra Theertha’ on the northern part of the temple which is about 240 ft in circumference.

Festival and Rituals

Arratu is the main festival of Janardana Swami Temple which falls in the month of March/April . The festival is very famous in Kerala which flaunts the rich and vibrant color of the God’s Own Country .The Festival commences with Kodiyettu that is Flag Hoisting on Karthika day and ends with Arattu on Uthram day an another auspicious day . The grand procession with five caparisoned elephants decked with ornamental silk umbrellas and peacock fans adds color to this festival.