Thiruvananthapuram Pilgrimage Centers

Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala is visited by a large number of tourists. It has mainly two pilgrimage centers Padmanabha Swamy Temple and Varkala.

Padmanabhaswamy Temple

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Padmanabha Swamy Temple is the landmark of the city signified by a seven-storied tower built by Raja Marthanda Varma in 1733 A.D. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and the deity reclines on the serpent Anantha, the seat of Vishnu. Only Hindu can enter the temple and one has to maintain dress codes. There is a pool behind it for ritual bathing. The main attractions of the temple are innumerable pillars, intricate carving and mural paintings, inside the temple. The temple architecture symbolizes the Dravidian style of architecture.

Varkala Pilgrim Centre (Samadhi of Sree Narayana Guru) :

Varkala is a beach located to the north of Thiruvananthapuram. The main pilgrim attraction is the Samadhi of Sree Narayana Guru, the great social reformer and philosopher. Devotees also visit here the mineral water springs at the Papanasam Beach which said to have curable power. It is said to have cure impurities of soul. The Janardhana Swamy Temple is located at Varkala.

Aruvikkara (Ancient Temple) :

Aruvikkara is 16 kms away from Thiruvananthapuram and gifted with scenic beauty of nature. It has ancient temple on the bank of the River Aruvikkara dedicated to Goddess Durga, on the banks of Aruvikkara River. The other renowned religious centers in Thiruvananthapuram are Aruvikkara (Ancient Temple), Sarkara (Temple) and Thiruvallam (Temple).