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People of Varkala are conservative in religious affairs yet modern in social issues. Kerala has one of the highest literacy rate in the country. Yet there are strict rules which one has to follow inside the temple. Males have to remove any upper-garment and people belonging to other religions are not allowed inside the main sanctum. Also, there are specific rules for the prayer ceremony. Four prayers are conducted each day. The chief priest for the prayers has to be an outsider. Travel industry provides most of the jobs in the Varkala area.
