One of the 108 important temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Adi Keshava Perumal Temple is located in Thiruvattar in the Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu. The temple is surrounded by three rivers – Thamirabharani. Kothai and Pahrali. The presiding deity of the temple, Lord Vishnu is in the form of Ananthapadmanbhan or Adi Keshava Perumal and resides in a reclining position here. The temple is also called the ‘Srirangam of the Chera Kingdom’.

The temple was once a part of the erstwhile kingdom of Travancore and now belongs to the H&RCE Department of Tamil Nadu. The temple is built in the Dravidian architectural style, which is common for similar structures in the region. 18 steps takes a visitor to the sanctum sanctorum where the presiding deity, made of mustard, jiggery and lime powder is located. There are a lot of sculptures, murals and paintings within the temple premises that add to the elegant grandeur of the interiors. The temple resembles The Padmanabhaswamy temple in Thiruvananthapuram in so many ways, even when it comes to rituals. The idol rests on a snake in Bhujanga Shayana and is 22 ft long. The idol at the Padmanabhaswamy temple is also in Bhujanga Shayana. Both the idols are placed in such a way that they face each other, Adi Keshava Perumal facing the west and Padmanabhaswamy facing the east. Vaikunda Ekadasi is one of the festivals celebrated in great pomp and glory in the temple.

In your trip to Kanyakumari, do make it a point to visit this splendid temple.