The Janardana Swamy Temple

Janardana Swamy Temple The Janardhana Swamy Temple also known as the Varkala temple is a 2000 year old temple. It is a very famous Hindu pilgrimage centre and is known as the Dakshin Kashi. It is located on a hilland can be reached by climbilng the stairs. Only Hindus are allowed to enter the temple's inner sanctum. Janardana Swami is a form of Lord Vishnu and the temple is dedicated to Janardana Swami. Sree Janardana is said to have brought the holy Ganga here with the help of the 'Sudarasana Chakra'. The holy water collected is now known as Chakra Tirtha. The water used for the temple is from this source. It is widely believed that worship at this shrine cures many ills which explains why devotees come here from all over the country and even abroad including non-Hindus. The chief offering made is mukhacharthu and muzhukappu i.e. decorating the face and whole body respectively with sandal paste.

Southern India