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The temple with its 2000 year old history is truly a magnificent find located in the charming region of Varkala. Enveloped in a cocoon of myths, legends and folklore, it is indeed hard not to be fascinated by the likes of this place. The JanardanaSwami Temple of Varkala is a Hindu temple dedicated to the Lord Janardana Swami who is said to be a form of Lord Vishnu and stands today, an excellent specimen of the artistry of the traditional South Indian architecture.
According to legend, Lord Vishnu who had been enchanted by the music from Narada's veena had followed him to Satyaloka. Maha Brahma at seeing Lord Vishnu had prostrated before him and having realized that he had wandered off, Lord Vishnu had quickly left back to Vaikunta, unaware of the fact that Maha Brahma was prostrating before him. After he had disappeared, the devas burst out laughing at Maha Brahma seeing that he had fallen at the feet of Narada. Maha Brahma was dismayed at this and cursed the devas to be born as humans on earth but when the devas repented their folly and pleaded with him, he replied that the curse would be lifted if the devas perfomed a penance to please Lord Janardhana at the place where Narada's "vastra" fell. Varkala happens to be the place where his vastra" fell and it is said that it is at the very place that the penance had been performed that the temple is built today.
The temple is located close by to the Papanasam beach which is known to have medicicnal properties. It is also said that one could wash away one's sins if they had a dip in this holy waters. Apart from the magnificent architecture of the temple, a large pond also exists in the vicinities in which various poojas are done on a daily basis. A large dutch bell hangs in the central shrine and a fascinating story revolves around it too. A Dutch ship had reached the shore of Varkala and would not proceed further in the sea. The captain of the ship had beseeched the priest to pray to the Lord Janardana Swami for fair winds and before long a breeze had begun to blow taking the ship along. It is said that the captain had installed the bell in the temple before he sailed off, as a token of gratitude to the Lord.
Accommodation will not be difficult for anybody who wishes to visit this mystic location as there are plenty of Varkala hotels located in the area. However, the Gateway Hotel Janardhanapuram Varkala is indeed the ideal Varkala hotel to lodge in while exploring these premises enrobed in centuries of fascinating history, tales and folklore.
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