Ramavarmanchira Sree Krishna Swamy Temple

Karakonam, Dist. Thiruvananthapuram.

Ramavarmanchira Sree Krishna Swamy Temple is located in the village of Ramavarmanchira, near Karakonam, on the border between the Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala and the Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu. It is an ancient place of worship with several unique features. As the name suggests, Lord Sree Krishna is the main deity of the temple. However, what makes this temple unique is that the Goddess in her benevolent form and Karikali Moorthy in his fierce form are also enshrined within the same temple complex. This rare combination of deities makes the temple a distinctive place of worship.

Ramavarmanchira Sree Krishna Swamy Temple is believed to be around 150 to 250 years old. As there are no historical inscriptions or written records about its origin, its history is mainly based on local traditions and the place name. It is believed that the temple was established during the reign of the Ramavarma rulers of the Travancore royal family, after the time of Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma, probably in the late 18th or early 19th century. According to local tradition, a large pond was constructed here under royal orders to support agriculture and provide drinking water. The pond came to be known as “Ramavarmanchira” after Maharaja Ramavarma and the temple was later established near this pond.

According to local legends, before the installation of Lord Sree Krishna, this area was a sacred grove surrounded by dense forest. It is believed that other deities, including Kuttichathan and Madan Thampuran, served as the guardian deities of the grove and protected the land and its people from evil influences and enemies. Even after the grove later developed into a temple, its sacred grove traditions are believed to have been preserved. Another local legend says that Maharaja Ramavarma of Travancore built a large pond here to overcome water scarcity in the area. It is believed that Lord Sree Krishna was installed on the bank of the pond to protect it and to bless the land with prosperity. Another distinctive feature of the temple is the facing shrines of the Goddess in her benevolent form and Karikali Moorthy in his fierce form. According to tradition, the Goddess was installed facing Karikali Moorthy to balance his fierce nature and to ensure the well-being of the land. It is also believed that worshipping both deities together helps remove obstacles and negative influences and brings prosperity and peace of mind.

Ramavarmanchira Sree Krishna Swamy Temple is located in a peaceful rural setting, a short distance away from the main road. The temple is entered through a simple Padi Pura (traditional Kerala-style entrance gateway). Near the entrance is the historic Ramavarmanchira pond, from which the locality derives its name. At the centre of the temple stands the main Sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum), built in the traditional Kerala style with a square plan, a sloping tiled roof, timber elements and simple wooden carvings. Lord Sree Krishna, the principal deity, is enshrined here facing east. One of the temple’s most distinctive features is the facing shrines of the Goddess in her benevolent form and Karikali Moorthy in his fierce form. The temple complex also houses shrines dedicated to other deities, including Kuttichathan, Madan Thampuran, Appooppankavu Ganapathi and Kanyavu, reflecting the continued influence of the region’s sacred grove traditions.

The main annual festival of the temple is Sree Krishna Jayanthi (Ashtami Rohini), celebrated during the Malayalam month of Chingam. The celebrations include the Sreemad Bhagavatha Sapthaha Yajnam, Bhagavatha Parayanam, special poojas and the traditional Uriyadi ceremony. Special poojas and offerings are also conducted for Lord Sree Krishna on the Rohini star day every month. Other important observances at the temple include the Mandala season during the Malayalam month of Vrischikam and Vishukkani Darshan during the month of Medam. As the temple complex also houses shrines dedicated to the Goddess, Karikali Moorthy, Kuttichathan and other deities, special poojas and rituals are held on their respective auspicious days in accordance with local traditions. Thursdays and Sundays generally witness a larger number of devotees than other days.

The temple’s main offerings include Thrikkai Venna Samarpanam (offering of butter), which is especially associated with the child form of Lord Sree Krishna. Devotees perform this offering for the health, well-being and intellectual development of children. Palpayasam (sweet milk pudding) and Archana are offered for family prosperity, the blessing of children and the fulfilment of prayers. Offering a Tulsi garland is another important ritual, performed to seek the Lord’s blessings and peace of mind. Raktha Pushpanjali is offered to the Goddess and Karikali Moorthy for protection from enemies, the evil eye, fear and other negative influences. On special occasions, Guruthi Nivedyam is performed to remove obstacles and negative influences affecting the family. Devotees also offer Nanayam Parayidal (offering of coins) and Karikkabhishekam (offering of tender coconut water) to Kuttichathan, Madan Thampuran, Appooppankavu Ganapathi and other deities for the fulfilment of wishes and the removal of obstacles. During the Sree Krishna Jayanthi festival and the Sreemad Bhagavatha Sapthaha Yajnam, devotees also make offerings towards Annadanam (free community meal) to receive its spiritual merit and seek the blessings of the Lord.

The temple is open to devotees every day from 5:30 am to 9:30 am and from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. The daily rituals begin at 5:30 am with Nirmalya Darshan and Abhishekam, followed by Usha Pooja at 6:30 am. Ucha Pooja is performed between 9:00 am and 9:30 am, after which the temple closes for the morning. The temple reopens at 5:30 pm, followed by Deeparadhana at 6:30 pm and Athazha Pooja between 7:15 pm and 7:30 pm, after which the temple closes for the day. Pooja timings may vary slightly on festival days and other special occasions.

Key highlight :-

• Located 11 km from Parassala and 15 km from Neyyattinkara.
• The nearest railway station is Parassala Railway Station, about 11 km away.
• KSRTC and TNSTC buses are available to Karakonam from Thiruvananthapuram and Nagercoil, with auto-rickshaw services available from Karakonam to the temple.
• Limited parking is available near the temple.
• Accommodation and dining facilities are available in the nearby town.
• Contact number + 91 8129215465