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Places to Visit -
The
Janardhana Temple is said to be 2000 years old and has a Vishnu shrine. It is
said that the original temple was engulfed and destroyed by tidal waves. Years
later, a Pandyan king came to the site to do penance to Brahma for a sin he
committed. The Lord pardoned the king and in return, asked the king to build
another temple at the same site. The story goes that in a dream he was informed
of the location of the original idol that was lying deep in the sea. With help
of fishermen, the king reclaimed the idol and reinstalled it in the temple.
The legend also says that brahma appeared and completed the rituals. Non-Hindus
are not allowed to enter the inner sanctum of the temple, but are allowed to
walk around the sanctum and stroll around the huge banyan tree. The festivals of
the temple are colorful with noisy parades. Another Hindu ritual to be watched
is the 'vavu bali' performed on the beach on the new moon day of the month of
Karkkidakam’ (Malayalam Era).
Sivagiri
Mutt - Sivagiri is the headquarters of the Sree Narayana Dharma Sangham
Trust. The ashram is devoted to Sree Narayana Guru (1855-1928), whose followers,
the Ezhavas form a large group of Kerala population. Guru preached the doctrine,
'one caste, one religion, one god for humanity' and attracted a large following
among the lower castes. Thousands of followers visit the Mutt each year. Every
afternoon, ‘sadhya’ is served at the mutt for Rs 10.
Anjengo Fort - Near
to varkala is the site of the Dutch East India Company’s main garrison, Anjengo
Fort. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the fort protected their powerful position
in the state.

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