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Azheekal Shree Varaha Temple, Cherai

Cherai, Kerala

Azheekal Shree Varaha Temple in Cherai is a revered and time-honoured place of worship that continues to inspire deep devotion among countless devotees. Surrounded by a serene atmosphere and enriched with cultural charm, the temple stands as a symbol of faith, tradition, and community bonding. Its sacred premises have witnessed generations of prayers, festivals, and rituals that reflect the spiritual heartbeat of the region. Visitors are often drawn not only by the temple’s divine presence but also by its beautiful surroundings, intricate craftsmanship, and the sense of peace it offers. Whether you are a pilgrim seeking blessings or a traveller exploring heritage sites, Azheekal Shree Varaha Temple remains an unmissable spiritual landmark that speaks of the region’s enduring cultural and religious legacy. As part of the broader heritage of Famous temples in Kerala, it continues to attract devotees and travellers alike.
Azheekal Shree Varaha Temple

Azheekal Shree Varaha Temple History and Significance

The temple's origins trace back to the 16th century when the GSB community, fleeing Portuguese persecution in Goa, settled in Vypeen Island. They constructed the temple in 1565 CE, with the pratishta (installation) performed by Swami Yadavendra Tirtha, the first pontiff of Shri Kashi Mutt. Due to sea erosion and flooding, the temple was relocated to its current site in Cherai in 1869 CE. Architecturally, it is distinguished as the only complete nagara-type temple in South India, housing all seven deities revered by the GSB community.

Azheekal Shree Varaha Temple Opening Time

Day Timings
Monday 05:30 AM to 09:30 AM
05:30 PM to 07:30 PM
Tuesday 05:30 AM to 09:30 AM
05:30 PM to 07:30 PM
Wednesday 05:30 AM to 09:30 AM
05:30 PM to 07:30 PM
Thursday 05:30 AM to 09:30 AM
05:30 PM to 07:30 PM
Friday 05:30 AM to 09:30 AM
05:30 PM to 07:30 PM
Saturday 05:30 AM to 09:30 AM
05:30 PM to 07:30 PM
Sunday 05:30 AM to 09:30 AM
05:30 PM to 07:30 PM

Azheekal Shree Varaha Temple Pooja Timing

Pooja Name Timings
Nada Thurakkal 05:30 AM to 06:00 AM IST
Usha Pooja 06:00 AM to 07:00 AM IST
Ucha Pooja 07:00 AM to 09:30 AM IST
Deeparadhana 06:30 PM to 07:00 PM IST
Athazha Pooja 07:00 PM to 07:30 PM IST

Azheekal Shree Varaha Temple Location Details

Azheekal Shree Varaha Temple is located in Cherai, Ernakulam, Kerala. The temple is well connected by road, rail, and air, making it easily accessible for devotees and tourists. Below are the location details.
Address
Azheekkal Shri Varaha Devaswom, Cherai - 683514, Ernakulam District, Kerala, India.
+91 484 2488235

How to Reach Azheekal Shree Varaha Temple

  • By Road:

  • Azheekal is well-connected by road to major towns in Kerala. State Transport Buses and private taxis operate regularly.

  • By Train:

  • Nearest railway stations: Kollam Junction and Karunagappally Railway Station. From these stations, buses or taxis are available to Azheekal.

  • By Air:

  • Nearest airport: Trivandrum International Airport. From the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to Kollam via connecting cities.

Azheekal Shree Varaha Temple Visitor Information & Tips

Best time to visit (season/months):

October to March. Avoid the monsoon season due to landslides and heavy rainfall. Winters: The temple may be closed during heavy rainfall or extreme weather conditions.


Azheekal Shree Varaha Temple Information Facilities and Accommodation

Historical Information
Historical Information:
The temple's origins trace back to the 16th century when the GSB community, fleeing Portuguese persecution in Goa, settled in Vypeen Island. They constructed the temple in 1565 CE, with the pratishta (installation) performed by Swami Yadavendra Tirtha, the first pontiff of Shri Kashi Mutt. Due to sea erosion and flooding, the temple was relocated to its current site in Cherai in 1869 CE. Architecturally, it is distinguished as the only complete nagara-type temple in South India, housing all seven deities revered by the GSB community.
Festival
Festival:
Ratholsavam (Chariot Festival) held twice a year during Rohini Nakshatra days in Vrischika Masam (November–December) and Meena Masam (March–April).,Varaha Jayanti celebrated during Panchami in the Malayalam months of Vrichikam and Meenam.
Temple info
Temple info:
Established in 1565 CE by the Gowda Saraswat Brahmins (GSB) of Vypeen, the Azheekal Shree Varaha Temple is renowned as the first GSB temple in the Travancore-Cochin area. Located in Cherai, Kerala, it stands as a significant spiritual and cultural landmark for the community.
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Azheekal Shree Varaha Temple Interesting Facts

  • Legends Beliefs
    The temple features a unique chariot (ratham) built in 1909, which runs on rails—a rarity in temple architecture. It is the only temple in India where Sree Varaha and Sree Venkateswara are installed side by side and worshipped as a single deity.
  • Festivals
    Ratholsavam (Chariot Festival) held twice a year during Rohini Nakshatra days in Vrischika Masam (November–December) and Meena Masam (March–April).,Varaha Jayanti celebrated during Panchami in the Malayalam months of Vrichikam and Meenam.

FAQ's

Where is the Azheekal Shree Varaha Temple located?

The Azheekal Shree Varaha Temple is located in Cherai, Kerala, India. Specifically, it is situated in the Ernakulam district.

Which God is Sree Varaha Moorthy?

Sree Varaha Moorthy is a major Hindu deity.

What is the best time to visit Azheekal Shree Varaha Temple?

October to March. Avoid the monsoon season due to landslides and heavy rainfall. Winters: The temple may be closed during heavy rainfall or extreme weather conditions.

How to reach Azheekal Shree Varaha Temple from near City or Town?

Nearest railway stations: Kollam Junction and Karunagappally Railway Station. From these stations, buses or taxis are available to Azheekal. Nearest airport: Trivandrum International Airport. From the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to Kollam via connecting cities.
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