Janardhana perumal temple, Varkala


About the temple

Janardhana temple is a major pilgrim spot in Varkala. This ancient temple has an history of almost 2000 years .

The temple stands facing the "papanasam" beach. Temple is also known for its beautiful architecture. The temple has a circular sanctum sanctorum.


Lord Janardhana  is the presiding deity . The presiding deity of this temple is Sri Janarthana Swami. The deity is found in standing position facing towards the east. His right hand is position as if he is performing “aachamanm”. His right hand is raised towards his mouth and legends say that if his hand goes nearer to his mouth, the world will come to an end. It is believed to happen at the end of the Kali Yuga.  ( Source:Wikipedia)


Offering obeisances to the departed souls and forefathers is a very important ritual in this temple. Four poojas are conducted in a day by the temple priest.

Other sannidhis:- Ganapathi, Shastha, Ananthan (Nagam) Shiva, Chandikesha, and Hanuman.

How to reach

Varkala  is roughly 46 Kms away from Trivandrum. Regular bus services are available to reach this place from  Trivandrum( Thiruvananthapuram). 



Temple tank and pushkarni

`Chakra Theertha’ on the northern part is the temple's pushkarni.

Temple timings

The temple is open in the mornings from 5:30 AM - 12:00 PM and in the evenings from 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM.



Temples in proximity


Arulmigu Kandasamy temple, Thiruporur


About the temple

This is one of the main shrines of Lord Murugan in Tamil Nadu.

“Por” in Tamil means war. Thiruporur is the place where the battle was fought against the “thalayaya asuran” ( connoting destruction of “arrogance or pride”.

Chidambaraswamy unearthed the Swayambu Moortis of Lord Muruga with his consorts and established the temple around 450 years ago. (Lord Muruga himself appeared as a small boy and gave him the vision of the sanctum sanctorum. Lord Meenakshi herself is said to have instructed chidambaramswamy to complete the mission of establishing this temple)


There is a separate sannadhi for Chidambaram swamy in this temple. The swayambu murthy of Lord Kandaswamy with his consorts grace the devotees visiting thiruporur.

How to reach


Thiruporur is well connected to Chennai city by bus. It is 46 km from Chennai on the Old Mahabaliburam road (OMR or IT corridor). Mahabalipuram is 16 Km away from Thirupporur. Thirupporur is also connected to Chengalpet by road.


Temple timings


The temple is open in the mornings from 06:00 am to 12:30 pm & in the evenings from 03:30 pm to 08:30 pm


Temples in proximity