Sree Adi Kesava Perumal Temple
The Sree Adi Kesava Perumal Temple is a popular Hindu temple located in the village of Thiruvattar in the Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu, India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Adi Kesava Perumal, a form of the Hindu deity Lord Vishnu.
According to legend, the temple was built by the Pandya dynasty, which ruled over the region of Tamil Nadu in ancient times. The temple is believed to have been established in the 9th century AD, and is considered to be one of the oldest and most revered temples in the region.
The temple is built in the traditional Dravidian style of architecture, with a gopuram (tower) at the entrance and a series of smaller shrines within the complex. The main sanctum sanctorum of the temple houses the deity of Lord Adi Kesava Perumal, who is depicted in a seated posture holding a conch shell and a discus.
The temple is surrounded by beautiful gardens and several smaller shrines dedicated to other deities such as Lord Shiva and Lord Ganesha. The temple also has a number of holy tanks and wells, which are believed to have medicinal properties and are used for ablutions by the devotees.
One of the main attractions of the Sree Adi Kesava Perumal Temple is the annual festival of Vaikunta Ekadasi, which is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm. The festival is held in the Tamil month of Margazhi (December-January) and lasts for ten days. During the festival, the deity of Lord Adi Kesava Perumal is taken out in a grand procession and carried around the temple complex in a beautifully decorated chariot.
The temple is also known for its beautiful architecture and intricate carvings on the walls and pillars. The temple complex is surrounded by a high wall and has four gopurams, each of which is adorned with beautiful sculptures and carvings depicting the stories and legends of Hindu mythology.
In addition to the main temple, there are several other attractions in the temple complex such as the Thiruvattar Matha, which is a monastery for Hindu monks, and the Thiruvattar Temple Museum, which houses a collection of artifacts and antiques related to the temple and its history.
The Sree Adi Kesava Perumal Temple is a must-visit destination for those interested in Hindu mythology and temple architecture. The peaceful and spiritual atmosphere of the temple makes it an ideal place for meditation and reflection. The temple is open to visitors throughout the year and can be easily reached by road or rail from the nearby cities of Kanyakumari and Thiruvananthapuram. So, plan a visit to the Sree Adi Kesava Perumal Temple