The Adikesava Perumal Temple, located in Thiruvattar, Kanyakumari, is one of the 108 Divya Desams, revered in Tamil Vaishnavism hymns from the 7th and 8th centuries. Encircled by the Kothai, Pahrali, and Thamirabarani rivers, the temple is a tranquil spiritual site and was once the Rajya Temple of the Travancore Kingdom before being handed over to Tamil Nadu's H&RCE Department after state reorganization.
The temple’s Dravidian architecture, adorned with intricate carvings, features wooden pillars, doors, and roofs. The outer corridor rests on 224 stone pillars, while its mandapams depict scenes from the Ramayana and Hindu mythology. The presiding deity, Adikesava Perumal, lies in a reclining posture, viewed through three doors, surrounded by deepalakshmis and marvelous sculptures, including the famous Otraikkal Mandapam and the epic Oorthuva Thandavam scene.
The temple is also connected to many other historic sites, including the Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram. Built during the Treta Yuga, the temple is deeply intertwined with the Travancore Kingdom’s history. Marthanda Varma, a devout worshiper, sought blessings here before his famous Battle of Colachel. Many temple ceremonies mirror those at Padmanabhaswamy Temple, reflecting enduring connections between the two.
Vaikunta Ekadesi is celebrated with grandeur at the Adikesava Perumal Temple, and the temple prasadhams, such as Paal Payasam, Aval, and Appam, are highly cherished by devotees. The temple's rituals follow the traditions of the Padmanabhaswamy Temple, offering a rich spiritual experience to those who visit.