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| Janardanaswamy Temple, Varkala, Kerala, Alamy.com |
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| Janardanaswamy Temple, Varkala, Kerala, live.staticflickr.com/ |
Introduction
The Janardanaswamy Temple in Varkala, Kerala, is a centuries-old temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, worshipped here as Janardanaswamy. Locally known as Varkaleswara (Lord of Varkala), this temple is an important religious and cultural landmark in the region. It is renowned for its architectural beauty and the legends associated with it.
Temple Deity and Legends
The presiding deity, Janardanaswamy, stands in an east-facing posture with his right hand raised toward his mouth, performing "Aachamanam." According to legend, the world will end when the deity's hand reaches his mouth, marking the end of the Kali Yuga. The idol is depicted with four arms, holding the divine symbols of Vishnu, and is flanked by Sridevi and Bhudevi. The temple is also associated with rituals for ancestors, and Janardanaswamy is revered as Pitru Mokshakan, the savior of departed souls.
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| Janardanaswamy Temple Varkala, Kerala easydigest.blogspot.com |
Temple Architecture and Structure
The temple stands atop a tableland overlooking the sea and is accessed via a long flight of stairs. It is an excellent example of Kerala's traditional architecture, featuring a circular sanctum sanctorum with a conical copper dome. The mandapa has a square design, adorned with wooden carvings of the Navagrahas (nine planets). The temple is surrounded by quadrangular enclosures and includes a hall with a Bali Pitha in front of the inner shrine. Idols of Hanuman and Garuda flank the entrance, while smaller shrines dedicated to Shiva, Ganesha, and Shastha are also part of the complex.
Historical Significance
One of the temple's unique features is its ancient bell, donated by the captain of a Dutch ship that got stranded near Varkala. The bell is inscribed with the names Peter von Belson and Michelle Evarald. Legend says the captain tied the bell in the temple, which allowed the ship to move again. The temple was partially renovated during the reign of Umayamma Rani (1677–1684 CE).
Festivals and Rituals
The temple celebrates many festivals, the most important being the Arattu Festival in Meenam (March–April), which lasts ten days and features a grand procession of elephants. Other significant festivals include Ashtami Rohini (Krishna’s birthday), Rama Navami, and Narasimha Jayanti. Rituals dedicated to the ancestors are also an important aspect of the temple's spiritual activities.
