PAPANASAM BEACH

PAPANASAM BEACH

Papanasam Beach or Varkala Beach is Hindu pilgrimage site as well as a well known tourist destination in Kerala, India. Papanasam Beach is located 50 km northwest of Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) and 37 km south west of the city of Kollam. This is a place where the cliffs are next to the Arabian Sea. The beach extends to 500 meters with white sand. Varkala Papanasam Beach is considered as a holy beach and the literal meaning of this is "Destroyer of sins". It is said that an immersion in the sacred waters of this beach will relieve us of all the sins that we have committed and purify our body and soul.

Legend of Papanasam Beach

It is believed that Lord Brahma instructed King Pandyan to build a temple here to wash away his sins. There is also a story saying that the sage Narada threw his 'Valkalam' (a piece of loin made from bark of a tree) to this place and asked the pilgrims to immerse themselves in that water to get rid of the sins committed.

Tourist Attractions

Papanasam Beach is a quiet and peaceful beach away from all the crowds and other disturbances that are seen at other picnic spots. The tourist area that sits between two cliffs makes the beach look stunning. Thin sidewalk along the cliffs is a real experience once in awhile. The mineral springs leave from these cliffs and are famous for their medicinal qualities that people drink as holy water and the narrow road that leads to the beach is designed by rice paddies and tall palms on both sides. The beach is ideal for sunbathing and swimming. The sunsets here are an ordinary sight and it is considered to be the right time for a long hike.

Karkidaka Vavu Bali in Varkala Beach of Papanasam

People come here on the new moon day of Karkkidakam Malayalam month by doing the last rituals of their loved ones and other ancestors whose soul rests in peace. This offer is called 'Vavubali'. After this, people visit the Sree Janardhana Swami Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is facing the beach and get the 'Thilakahoma' done there.

Varkala Janardhana Swamy Temple

The temple of Janardhana Swami is an ancient temple of Lord Vishnu located near the beach of Varkala. The Janardanaswamy Temple is about 2000 years old and is often referred to as Dakshin Kashi (southern Benares).