Janardanaswamy Temple
ജനാർദ്ദനസ്വാമി ക്ഷേത്രം
An ancient Vishnu temple in Varkala, roughly 2,000 years old. Devotees bathe at the cliff-side Papanasam Beach to wash away their sins, then come up to pray here.
The temple sits on a small hill in the center of Varkala, about 1 km from the beach. Legend says it was founded by Brahma, and it is known as the "Gaya of the South." Devotees believe that bathing at Papanasam ("destroyer of sins") Beach and performing rites for their ancestors, then visiting the temple, will cleanse them of their sins. On the new moon day of the Karkidakam month, the seashore is packed with crowds. The temple has an ancient bronze bell and a sacred tank. Non-Hindus may not enter the inner sanctum but can look around the outer courtyard. Visitors must remove their shoes, and men must go shirtless to enter the inner sanctum.
Opening hours
Approx. 05:00–12:00 and 17:00–20:00
Nearby sights
- Varkala
- Varkala North Cliff Walk
- Sivagiri Mutt
- Ponnumthuruthu (Golden Island)
- Kappil Beach
- Anchuthengu (Anjengo) Fort
- Jatayu Earth's Center
- Veli Tourist Village