| Janardhana Swamy Temple, located on the beach road at Varkala, is believed to be almost 2,000 years old and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple aptly follows and echoes the aesthetics of traditional South-Indian architecture. The circular ‘Sanctum sanctorum” surmounted by a conical dome of copper sheets, the square ‘mandapa' with beautiful wooden carvings of Navagrahas on the ceiling and copper-plated roof over it, the quadrangular enclosures around them, a hall containing a ‘bali peetha' in front of the inner temple are the characteristic features of the Kerala style of architecture. One of the inscriptions indicates that the temple was improved during the reign of Umayamma Rani, who ruled this region during 1677-84 A.D. The main idol has a remarkable appearance with four arms having all the attributes of Vishnu. In the south-western corner and on the north-eastern side of the outer enclosure are the shrines of Sasta and Shiva with Nandi. It is also popular as the only shrine dedicated to Vishnu in the name of Janardhana in this part of the country, with the temples usually being dedicated to Krishna. The Arattu festival at this temple is celebrated every year in Meenam (March-April) commencing with Kodiyettam (Flag hoisting) of Krithika day ending with Arattu on Uthram day. A colourful procession led by adorned elephants is one of the prominent features of the festival. While non-Hindus are not allowed to enter the inner sanctum of the Janardhana Swamy temple, they are allowed to walk around the sanctum and stroll around the huge banyan tree. Go here for a truly fulfilling religious experience. The structure, reeking of times gone by, only heightens and elevates the spiritual experience that people visit the Janardhana Swamy Temple for. | 
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