Pilgrim centres in Varkala are gaining immense popularity among tourists. These centres are known for their religious and cultural significance. The centres are also popular for their scenic beauty.There are many pilgrim centres that are worth visiting in the town of Varkala, Kerala. Some of the popular centres are Janardhana Swami Temple, Sivagiri Mutt and Sarkara Devi Temple.
1. JANARDANA SWAMI TEMPLE
The Janardana Swami Temple,one of the popular pilgrim centres in Varkala is a major Vaishnavite site, attracting thousands of visitors. The temple is thought to be about 2000 years old. According to local folklore, it is said that a Pandyan king recovered an ancient idol from beneath the sea and replaced it at its current position as directed by Lord Brahma.
The temple is host to a number of colourful festivities. The Vavu Bali, the main Hindu ritual, is carried out on the new moon day of Karkkidakam Month.
The Papasanam beach is located just before the temple, where devotees bathe in the hope of ridding their sins with the sacred waters. A large bell belonging to a Dutch merchant ship that was wrecked on the rocks near here is on display in the temple.
2. SIVAGIRI MUTT
Sivagiri Mutt is a prominent ashram in Varkala, founded by philosopher and social reformer Sree Narayana Guru.
The mutt is known for the best spiritual and religious significance pilgrim centres in Varkala.
The tomb of Sree Narayana Guru is also located here. Every year, on the days surrounding the Sivagiri Pilgrimage from 30th December to 1st January, thousands of devotees visit the Samadhi (final resting place) of the Guru at this site.
The Sivagiri Mutt, which is located on the top of the Sivagiri hill near Varkala, was built in 1904. Even after the guru died here in 1928; his samadhi is still crowded by thousands of believers wearing yellow clothing from all across Kerala and around the world every year during the Sivagiri Pilgrimage periods – December 30th to January 1st. Thus Sivagiri Mutt becomes one of the famous pilgrim centres in varkala, Kerala for Sree Narayana Guru.
The Sivagiri Mutt is also the headquarters of the Sree Narayana Dharma Sangham, an association of his followers and saints founded by the Guru to spread his idea of a single caste, one religion, and one God. Every year, in August and September, events include colourful processions, discussions, seminars, public meetings, cultural performances, community feasts, group weddings and rituals.
3. SARKARA DEVI TEMPLE
The Sarkaradhishwara Temple, one of the popular pilrgrim centres in Varkala, also known as the Old Devi Temple of Chirayinkeezhu, is a famous ancient temple located near Varkala. The primary icon of the temple is Goddess Bhadrakali. The temple is well-known for its Kaliyoot festival, which takes place in the Malayalam month of Kumbham (March). Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma, the Travancore sovereign, implemented it in 1748. Attavishesham’s annual special pooja is another major occasion of this location.
The Sree Saraswathy Temple in Venkulam, Edava, is a Vidya Devi temple that is particularly noted for Navarathri Sangeetholsavam and Vijayadesami Vidyarambam.
4. Thiruvambadi Sree Krishna Temple
The Thiruvambadi Sree Krishna Temple is located in Varkala’s Manthara. This is one of the famous pilgrim centres in Varkala related for religious belief. Lord Krishna is the principal god of the temple. The temple is recognized for its many colourful festivals and folk arts such as Ammankudam and Mayilattam, which are observed here frequently. The temple, like all other temples in Varkala, is renowned for its Arattu ceremony, which marks the conclusion of the main festival.
On the Arattu day, in the evening, a procession of nine caparisoned elephants is accompanied by folk art Ammankudam and Mayilattam. The birthday of Lord Krishna, known as Ashtamirohini, is also observed with great splendour.
Check out our Instagram page here and see our Varkala diaries.
Also read: 25 Best Things In Varkala
