Temples in Varkala
Varkala was a pilgrimage town long before it became a beach town. Pilgrims come to bathe at Papanasam Beach, whose name means "destroyer of sins", to pray at the Janardanaswamy Temple on the cliff above it, and to visit Sivagiri Mutt, the resting place of Sree Narayana Guru.
These are active places of worship with their own rules on dress and entry. Dress modestly, leave your shoes at the entrance and follow what the staff ask.
Famous Temples in Varkala
Janardanaswamy Temple stands on the cliff above Papanasam Beach and is dedicated to Vishnu as Janardana. It is believed to be around 2,000 years old and is one of the most important Vishnu temples in Kerala, which is why Varkala is sometimes called the Kashi of the south. Non-Hindus can usually visit the outer grounds but not the inner shrine.
Sivagiri Mutt sits on a hill about 3 km inland from the cliff. It was founded by Sree Narayana Guru, the social reformer who campaigned against caste discrimination in Kerala, and it holds his samadhi (resting place). Visitors of all faiths are welcome in the grounds.
Papanasam Beach is not a temple, but it is a sacred site. Families come here at dawn to perform bali, rites for their ancestors, and it is one of the main centres in Kerala for Karkidaka Vavu, the day of ancestral rites in July or August.
Tips for Visiting Temples in Varkala
- At the Janardanaswamy Temple, men are usually asked to remove their shirts, and a mundu or dhoti is preferred.
- Women should wear a saree, salwar kameez or other clothes that cover the shoulders and legs.
- Wear shoes that are easy to take off.
- Photography is usually not allowed inside the shrines, so ask before taking out your phone.
- Visit early in the morning for a quieter visit and cooler temperatures.
- Do not photograph families performing rites on the beach.
- Expect big crowds at Sivagiri from 30 December to 1 January, during the annual pilgrimage.
Questions
Varkala — FAQ
What are the famous temples in Varkala?
The two main sacred sites are the Janardanaswamy Temple on the cliff and Sivagiri Mutt, the samadhi of Sree Narayana Guru. Papanasam Beach below the temple is also a holy place for ancestral rites.
Can non-Hindus enter the Janardanaswamy Temple?
Non-Hindus can usually walk around the temple grounds, but entry to the inner shrine is for Hindus only. Rules can change, so follow what the temple staff ask.
What is the Sivagiri pilgrimage?
The Sivagiri pilgrimage, or Theerthadanam, is held every year from 30 December to 1 January. Devotees dressed in yellow come from across Kerala and beyond to visit Sree Narayana Guru's samadhi.
What is Karkidaka Vavu at Papanasam Beach?
Karkidaka Vavu is the new-moon day in the Malayalam month of Karkidakam, usually in July or August. Thousands of Hindus gather on Papanasam Beach at dawn to perform bali rites for their ancestors.