The Vishnu Temple, also known as the Janardanaswamy Temple, is located in the coastal town of Varkala, in the state of Kerala, India, perched atop a cliff overlooking the Arabian Sea.
The Vishnu Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is an ancient temple believed to be around 2000 years old. It has great cultural and historical significance in Hinduism and is a major pilgrimage center for devotees.
The temple exhibits traditional Kerala-style architecture, characterized by gabled roofs, intricate wooden carvings, and a circular sanctum sanctorum (sreekovil).
The best time to visit the temple is from October to March when the weather in Kerala is pleasant and conducive to tourism.
Yes, the temple celebrates several festivals, with the most prominent being the 10-day Arattu festival which falls in March/April. This festival features procession with caparisoned elephants and culminates with the holy bath (Arattu) of the idols in the sea.
Generally, non-Hindus are not permitted inside the inner sanctum of the temple, but they can explore the temple complex and its surroundings to appreciate the architecture and the cliff-top views.
The temple usually opens early in the morning around 5:00 AM and closes by 12:00 PM. It reopens in the evening from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Timings may vary on festival days and special occasions.
No, there is no entry fee to visit the Vishnu Temple. However, donations are accepted, and there may be charges for special poojas or offerings.
Varkala is known for its beautiful beach, the Varkala Cliff, the Papanasam Beach, Sivagiri Mutt, the Varkala Tunnel, and the natural mineral water springs. These attractions offer a wide variety of experiences for tourists alongside the visit to the temple.
Vishnu Temple in Varkala is well-connected by road and rail. The nearest airport is the Trivandrum International Airport, which is about 50 km away. From there, one can hire a taxi or take a bus to Varkala. The Varkala Sivagiri Railway Station is the closest railhead, just about 3 km from the temple.
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