Sri Adhikesava Perumal Temple is one of the important pilgrimage of the Hindus. Dedicated to Lord Adikesava Perumal, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, the temple is one of the 108 Divya desams where Vaishnavites come from far and wide. Ideally located in Kanyakumari, the temple is surrounded by the beautiful rivers, River Kothai, River Pahrali and River Thamirabarani, on its three sides.
The architectural beauty of the temple is simply stunning. Built in Kerala style of architecture, the temple has beautiful wooden pillars, doors and roofs. The Otraikkal Mandapam(hall) of the temple has been meticulously carved out of a single stone. One of the other striking features of the temple is its arresting murals. According to the legend, the Lord defeated the demon Kesi. The demon's wife tried to create destruction but in the end surrendered to the Lord.
The famous PadmanabhaSwamy temple located in Kerala was modeled according to the architectural style of the Sri Adhikesava Perumal Temple. Located opposite to the temple on the banks of the river is a small shrine dedicated to Laxmi Narasimhaswamy. The festival of Vaikunta Ekadesi is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Sri Adhikesava Perumal Temple. The rituals followed in worshiping the lord are same as those, which are performed in the Padmanabhaswamy temple.