Well, I am an IT professional with about 25 years of experience and headed the Indian unit of a MNC at Tidel Park, Chennai. Currently I am at Kalakshetra Colony, Besant Nagar, Chennai.
The following were the primary reasons that made me to start this Blog:
- Later after visiting a temple, I come to know about some significances of the temple like legends, sculptures, worship details etc., which I had missed out during the visit. This makes me feel that my visit to the temple was a half-baked one. So I started the habit of researching about a temple before visiting it. During the process I found that there is no single source of information for a particular temple that can give me all the information I needed. Many different sources gave me many different informations in bits and pieces and I felt that ‘I have to’ do something in this line. Mainly I wanted to give all the “not-to-be-missed” details of the temples beforehand so that one can feel his/her temple visit a complete and fulfilled one.
- I am heavy hearted to see some ancient temples with great legendary values and importance deserted now. There are priests looking after these temples without absolutely any income. If my Blog can make at least a few people to visit these temples, I would be very happy.
- After visiting a temple, I find out later that there are more such interesting temples/ places in the same route I just traveled and realised that my energy, time and money were not optimally spent. So I have given the temple details route wise.
- I normally like traveling to new places and have a good spiritual interest as well. Combining, I found a new pleasure in visiting new temples and also writing about it in an useful way.
- I am pained by the attempts of the so called secular parties to disgrace our country’s ancient spiritual values and culture for the sake of vote banks. People have not learnt from what happened before, how our country was invaded, how many thousands of temples had been destroyed etc.,. Look at what Lord Macaulay addressed to the British Parliament on 2nd Feb 1835:
“I have travelled across the length and breadth of India and I have not seen one person who is a begger, who is a thief, such wealth I have seen in this country, such high moral values, people of such caliber, that I do not think we would ever conquer this country, unless we break the very backbone of this nation, which is her spiritual and cultural heritage, and, therefore, I propose that we replace her old and ancient education system, her culture, for if the Indians think that all that is foreign and English is good and greater than their own, they will lose their self-esteem, their native culture and they will become what we want them, a truly dominated nation.”
Without taking pride in our own culture and belief system, people/press consider it a fashion to ridicule them. The political forces are trying their best – Lord Rama had been described as a ‘drunkard’ and insulted (but of course got back enough of what was deserved). In a bit of anger, I wanted to do something and as a person from Tamilnadu, I wanted to start it immediately since the offensive on spiritualism is very strong currently (2007). - I understand that only about 5% of the temple collections is being ploughed back for the upkeep of the temples. Only when the temples get out of the hands of our political system, many dilapidated and ancient temples will come to limelight. This can be done only when the group of Spiritual seekers become bigger and stronger enough.
So I wish to contribute whatever little I can, in these lines. Your feedback will keep me going…..
Hi sir;
I AM NEAR BY PERIPALAYAM, THERE WE HAVE A HUGE /BIG/HISTORIC SHIVAN TEMPLE, WHICH WAS CONSTURUCTED BY SAINT AGASTHYAR,WHERE THE SHIVA LINGA WAS BROUGHT FROM THIRUPATHI, ALSO IT HAS HOLY VILVA TREE WHICH WAS THERE FOR PAST 1000 YEARS AND MANY MORE INTRESTING NEWS . SO WE ARE REQUESTING U TO VISIT THE TEMPLE TO BRING THE TRUTH TO OTHERS.
By: RANGAN on December 5, 2007
at 6:04 am
Sri.Raju
Good website. Very useful. Many thanks!
I visited an old temple just opposite our own Vadaplani (i.e. acorss the Arcot street)- it’s called Vengiswarar temple. Inside the temple, there is a board which explains the sthala-history of the temple. One can’t miss the gopuram from the 100 feet road as you enter Vadaplani signal junction. The Rajagopuram was built by Cholas and really, just by looking at the gopuram you will know that. A small temple within the city.
I heard there is one more smallish Siva temple opposite the Kesava Perumal temple in Saidapet.
If you get time, do visit these temples. Please try to cover — old temples within the City — just so that , when more people visit it — it will kindle more interest of visiting those old temples outside/around Chennai as well.
Regards,
-Pandu
By: Pandu on January 14, 2008
at 5:19 pm
Sir
Thank you for the information that you have patiently collected and neatly presented
Regards
Raji
By: Rajeswari on February 9, 2008
at 11:46 am
Hi Raju,
Thanks for commenting on my Kollimalai blogpost.
You have a nice blog and information over here.
Though I am not spiritual, and will even debate the existence of god , I hope you will forgive me for that, afterall I am young
I do visit temples and till now I have blogged about these below. More will surely come.
http://indhiya-suttrum-vaaliban.blogspot.com/2006/09/temples-in-chennai-1-mylapore.html
http://indhiya-suttrum-vaaliban.blogspot.com/2007/06/temples-in-chennai-2-singa-perumal.html
http://indhiya-suttrum-vaaliban.blogspot.com/2008/01/temples-in-chennai-2-sekkizhar-kovil.html
Keep blogging, we are reading
By: Megarajan on February 10, 2008
at 12:05 pm
Sir,
Its so nice of you to combine the list of temples and combinoing it into a blog.so nice of you to remind people of ancient invaluable heritage.Please do send me location of GARBARAKSHAMBIGAI Temple.How to go there and the exact locatio of the temple?
By: harish on March 12, 2008
at 5:33 am
Dear Raju,
Congratulations! Your map has been selected as a winner in the 2007 Platial + Frappr Map Awards in the Reference category.
You can use this bit of code on your website to advertise your success. If you would like to see what the badges look like, you can visit this blogger site and take a look: http://mapawardbadges.blogspot.com/
You will also be getting a limited-edition Map Award Winner T-shirt and a special surprise gift. Please email me with an address where I can send your goodies.
Congratulations, and thank you for making such inspiring maps!
Sincerely,
Tracy Rolling
Platial + Frappr
By: Tracy Rolling on March 13, 2008
at 5:52 pm
Near Singaperumal koil there is a village called Karumbur and there is a temple karumanikka perumal. If you closly look at the village the streets formed around the temple showes once upon a time this was a big village but now they are all deserted.
The temple is small one and even now it is opened duing morning hours . the preist comes from chengulpet and do the pooja . How many temples are there even now without income and it is opened and the daity is worshiped. Once a year Narsimha swamy will visit this village for parivettai and this is being doen for the past 107 years. This clearly shows this village was once upon a time was flurishing but alas now it is being ruined due to industrialisation and less cultivation and no labour is avilable in this village.
By: M.S.SANTHANAGOPALAN on March 14, 2008
at 1:16 am
good seeing such informations about temples around a particular place. i invite u to write for the site on anjaneya temples. pse visit the site maintained by me.
in any good work God is found
By: gkkaushik on March 18, 2008
at 9:07 am
Dear Raju:
I would like to go to a shiva temple near anna nagar east to attend pradosham. but like you had pointed out, i am looking for a place where they do teh abhishekam with bhavam and recite the complete mantras. I prefer a place nearby so that if teh pradosha pooja finished late I can get back home. but if you let me know a good place, i dont mind going there. appreciate your input and reply.
Ramesh
By: Ramesh on March 18, 2008
at 9:21 pm
Hi Ramesh,
I know only Besant Nagar Rathnagreeswarar temple where a full pradhosham is being done with reciting of Rudhrams by men and singing of Shiva bhajans by ladies.
Regards,
Raju
By: raju0704 on March 19, 2008
at 1:54 am
http://www.samasya.com/religion/shiva/shiva.html
Has lot of details on shiva temples
By: MK on March 21, 2008
at 3:22 am
Sir,
I am enchanted by your photos and description about the temples. In fact there are few organisations in Chennai who go about and try to renovate dilapidated old temples. It would be a great idea if they could all join and pool resources. I am interested in contacting you personally. Kindly send me your phone number/id so that we could get in touch.
By: N.Subramanian on March 28, 2008
at 12:46 pm
உங்களைப்பற்றிய த்கவல் அருமை.
By: mannaikosai on March 28, 2008
at 2:32 pm
Excellent articles with rare informations and high quality photos.Hope you will visit more temples and post more articles.
By: subbu on April 1, 2008
at 4:18 pm
Dear Raju,
Nice and beautiful pictures. Amazing informations. Thank you and best wishes.
Do you know any blog in Tamil language about Temple visits? If so please furnish the informations.
By: mani on April 19, 2008
at 4:05 pm
we would like to know about Sri Vidyambigai temple, mudichur, near tambaram. The temple timings and contact details. Could anybody provide details.
By: gana on April 24, 2008
at 2:33 pm
YOUR WEBSITE IS EXTREMELY INFORMATIVE AND READING IS THIRLLING EXPERIENCE.
YOU MAY HAVE HEARD OF TAPOVANAM
NEAR BUNROTTAI WHERE THERE IS A TEMPLE DEDICATED TO SWAMI GYNANANANDA GIRI
WHOSE PRINCIPAL DISCIPLE WAS SWAMI HARIDOSS GIRI WHO HAS BUILT A TEMPLE OF PANDURANGA AND RUKUMAYI AT TENNAGUR
WHICH YOU HAVE ALREADY VISITED.
IF YOU HAVE NOT VISITED SWAMI GYANANANDA
TAPOVANAM DO SO AT THE EARLIEST OPPORTUNITY AND YOU WILL CHERISH IT
KINDEST REGARDS, BALA
By: bala on May 2, 2008
at 4:02 pm
Dear Sri Raju,
Marvellous venture….. I pray to the Almighty to shower His blessings to carry on this selfless work. Being a resident of Delhi now and born in Triplicane Chennai wish I could join a movement at the opportune time to contribute in whatever possible ways which can lead to the resurrection of Vaishnavas values.
By: Upilli on May 15, 2008
at 12:40 pm
it was really unique .i have the same feeling when i visit
the temples. i wish to be in your list to have more info on other temples as well. regards
k ramadurai f c a
alumni of rkmhs ch-600017
By: k ramadurai on May 22, 2008
at 5:18 pm
I READ YOUR ARTICLES.IT IS VERY INFORMATIVE AND INTERESTING.
I MET SAKTHI AMMA WHO BUILD GOLDEN TEMPLE AFTER T GOT PREDICTIONS FROM NADI ASTROLOGY. ATTENDING COW POOJA AT NARAYANI PEEDAM IS UNIQUE EXPERIENCE.IN THIS PEEDAM COW POOJA AND OTHER POOJS ARE PERFORMED AS PER VEDIC PROCEDURES. POURNAMI YAGAM IS AN EVENT ONE HAS TO WITNESS IN THIS BIRTH.
By: RAJKUMAR on May 28, 2008
at 8:53 pm
kindly acept my congratulations for creating this site. the photos are of high quality and the comments and description are very informative. thanks a lot for doing this service. So nice of you.Pl dont stop.
suryanarayanan, Paris
By: suryanarayanan on June 3, 2008
at 1:29 am
hi i do appreciate your verve and enthusiasm in knowing about ancient temples recording their significance and enlightening masses with those information. you are doing a great job to the masses. i am sure one day i will be lucky enough to visit if not all, a few of these temples.
By: vbk_421 on June 14, 2008
at 6:02 am
Came across your blog through Iyer groups and you are really blessed for getting a chance to visit these wonderful temples.Currently in NewJersey and my next visit will visit the Chinna Kavanam temple.
Shriram
By: Shriram on June 20, 2008
at 7:50 pm
Hi Raj
Your site is excellent, throwing lots of information about the temples, unheard of, little known, etc. You do real justice to what you have stated in ‘About’. Frequent updations only show your commitment and that you ‘never stop’. Keep going!
Incidentally, you would be interested to write about ‘Tirupuleeswarar and Vaikuntanatha Swamy Temple’ in Voyalur, just 4 kms away from Kalpakkam on the left side of the ECR leading towards Pondy. Little information about the temple states that the temple was constructed by Mahendravarma Pallavan during 400 AD. The temple has lots of inscriptions in Sanskrit, Pali and ancient Tamil. In the temple compound, Shiva and Vishnu have separate sanctum sanctorums. Village people do not know much about the temple.
Hope, you can take this temple as your next project and throw more information on its glory.
Wishing you all the best!
By: R V Subramanian on July 5, 2008
at 8:55 pm
Sir,
Very good informative website. Why can’t you print and publish in a book. It can be useful for others who doesn’t browse internet.
Your efforts will continue and we will assist you in this journey.
Thanking you,
G.SURESH KUMAR
By: G. SURESH KUMAR on July 6, 2008
at 2:20 pm
Excellent idea and a great site. We share an uncanny commonality in terms of exploring these newer temples. I have had a few great experiences myself and will love to share the same with you.
Please reach across to me through my email address and will be happy to assist you in any manner possible.
With best regards,
Arun.
By: Arun Kumar on July 14, 2008
at 8:04 pm
The key to succeed in such efforts is to pool interested groups and people together, so that we can grow as a powerful source of good.
For example, there is a yahoogroups team by the name ‘PonniyinSelvan’, and some driven members in the group have already visited many of the temples listed in in Kalki’s works. (a significant number of them remain unknown to the external world, and many of those in dilapidated conditions).
By: Murali on July 17, 2008
at 1:47 am
Sir, Many many thanks and congratulations forcreating such a site. Hands off to you. Also one more request is could you please include the contact details of the temple(like bhattar phone number etc)… I am in search of finding phone numbers of thiruooragam temple (Ulagalandha Perumal Temple)of kanchipuram, urgently. If you can help it will be a greatest help. Thanks again for your service.
By: santhosh on July 30, 2008
at 9:18 am
Dear Raju
Its an excellent work.I wish to keep small slips in every temple in tamilnadu atleast so that the Prasadam(Vibuthi & Kumkum) distributed are wasted & poured in corners.
Do you have any idea how it can be distrubuted?
Thanks
Ganesan
By: Ganesan on August 1, 2008
at 4:06 pm
Dear Mr. Raju,
It was great to find your website with so much useful and interesting information on temples in Tamil Nadu. It was great to find out a like minded soul who is interested in temples from not only a religious aspect but also from a historical and cultural aspect. I regulary check out your website for any latest updates and have been eagerly awaiting for your next update since the Padavedu visit. Pray to god that he keeps you in good health and spirits for you to continue this great journey you are making for identifying the different spiritual, cultural and historical treasures around us.
Regards,
Ravi
By: Ravi on August 15, 2008
at 9:30 pm
Dear Mr.Raju
Today I had the opportunity to go through your blogs on temple visit. These digitil folders will be a treasure. I appreciate your efforts of using technology for the spiritual purposes. It will be very useful especially for the gen next as well to those who want to spend their retired life purposefully. Keep going and do more research on Temples,spirituality,our culture and religion. The wishes of good hearts and the blessing of Almighty will be with you.
By: S.Sivaraman on August 23, 2008
at 12:11 am
Dear Sir,
I am immensely moved after visiting your website. In the home page you have shown 5 photos of different temples. I am really moved with the last photo. One car is parked in front of the gopuram. Where is the temple located?
By: M. RAM on August 29, 2008
at 1:43 pm
Amazing and totally impresed with your motive. If I can add value to your cause I shall consider myself forture !
Pleas let me have your contacts, email, phone nos etc !
Namascars to all Mahanubhavulu !
Chandrashekar
By: P.Chnadrashekar on August 29, 2008
at 3:50 pm
Namaskar Dear Raju,
I have not visited Tamilnadu yet, but through your website, I got atleast some pleasure to feel the atmosphere of temples in Tamilnadu. I am interested to visit those.
Thanks again
Do visit: http://www.hindujagruti.org
By: Deshbhakta on September 24, 2008
at 6:54 pm
A lots of thanks…. i cant go all these temples,but your eyes help me to see and feel i worship all temples …
By: santha radhakrishnan on September 26, 2008
at 4:44 pm
very interesting site and very useful web site with lots of information. my suggestion is that you can have one person who is interested about temples in each town and collect data for this site.pls keep updating and add hotels and accomdation .
By: d.d.jayaram on October 28, 2008
at 10:01 am
Dear Sri Raju,
Thank you a million times for putting your energy into such a noble task.
Om
By: A T Rajesh on October 29, 2008
at 10:10 am
Thanks a milion for this blog , it is really an appreciable effort .
I was wondering how to go to surutapalli.
I got the info on surutapalli from your blog , the route was very useful.I will post my experience to you after my visit .
By: Ramanathan on November 1, 2008
at 10:01 pm
Dear Sir,
Thanks for providing an excellent site with great details . I saw in your travelogue about
Rahothama Brindhavan .How far is Rahothama Brindhavan from Thirukovilur..
Regards,
Murugan
By: Murugan on November 2, 2008
at 6:13 pm
Namaskaram:
I really admired your work.Basically i am from Chennai,when i see all the list of temples, i realised that there was a big list of temples for me to visit.Though i stay in US i always think of Kapaleeshwar and Arunachaleshwar, but when i see your website,really i felt i have long way to go.
Thanks
Janaki
By: Janaki on November 4, 2008
at 7:18 am
Thank you sir for the list of chennai temple details you give..
By: naharani on November 7, 2008
at 3:49 pm
Respected RAJU sir, Being the residents of chennai we planned for visit around chennai by holidays.. this great work of yourself guides us very much..great people think for great future.. thats wat you for the next generation
NAHARANI
By: naharani on November 7, 2008
at 3:50 pm
Dear Raju,
Your yeomen service for the young generation through this media is remarkable and hats off to you.
May GOD give you all the requisites to continue your service.
With Namaskarams
Bala
By: SV Balasubramaniam on November 14, 2008
at 11:56 am
Dear Sri Raju,
Thank you very much for giving detailed information including location note wherever possible.
I am out of Chennai for a long time and use to visit only few temples. Now I know how and where to spend my time and get blessed.
People like you helps everybody and continue your work to cover various districts Tamilnadu, Andhra, Karnataka, Kerala.
Sreenivasan
Dubai
By: Mahadeva Sreenivasan on November 16, 2008
at 12:39 pm
Dear Raju
At the outset I wish to thank Senthiladimai Dr. K. Sundaram for forwarding your site. One canot but appreciate your thoughtfulness, effort and the bhakthi with which you have developed this blog. It is realy wonderful. No effort is sufficient to safeguard Hinduism, and its glorious past . Wish you a long health and happy life to continue this great work.
Regards
Ramakrishnan
By: S V Ramakrishnan on November 16, 2008
at 10:35 pm
Sorry I forgot to add. About six years back we went by Toyota Four wheel entire family to Srisailam, Puttabharthi Via Nandyal.
In Nandyal there is a beautiful temple as well which people could see. Unfortunately I did not take snaps of those. But strongly recommend people to visit by roads and plan three to four days or min two day week end trips in rented car or any such facility to tour and have darshan of temple without any urgency
Thank you I had made print out back2back of all documents to read and plan things.
Thank you God bless you
By: Mahadeva Sreenivasan on November 17, 2008
at 11:18 am
I HAVE GONE THRU YOUR WEBSITE WHICH I CAME TO KNOW ONLY TODAY BY SEARCHING THE TEMPLES. IT IS REALLY REALLY INTERESTING AND GIVING ME LOT OF INFORMATION. VERY USEFUL SITE. I AM ALSO VERY MUCH INTERESTED IN GOING TO ANCIENT TEMPLES AND AM MUCH INTERESTED TO GET IN TOUCH WITH YOU. IF YOU CAN MAIL ME YOUR CELL NO ETC., I WILL BE GRATEFUL AND CAN TALK TO YOU FURTHER.
KALYANARAMAN
98408-10727
CHENNAI.
By: KALYANARAMAN on November 18, 2008
at 2:13 pm
Hai sir i am new ur website
I want this website maintain person contact id.
This is blogs, i want send some details that purpose .Or other wise how to i send details
Thank u sir
Vasanth Eshwar
By: vasanth Eshwar on November 22, 2008
at 5:37 pm
Dear Sir,
I am nearing 60 years and have completed 60 temples and started writing a book on the temples I have visited. While GOD is with all of us all the time it is only with few like you from whom he prefers to add the informations to many. I will try to pass on the information about the temples I have visited and also prefer to get more information from you regarding some ancient temples. I appreciate your interest in promoting exciting information about the temples near and around Chennai. Continue your good services and I agree that such promotions will be eye opener for the future generations to become secular and more religious. May God bless your race of people.
K.S.Subramanian
By: K.S.Subramanian on November 25, 2008
at 9:01 pm
Sir, I have a wish to vist all the 18 Shakthi peetams. But to get information about travel and stay seems to be impossible. Can u please give me some leads? Also if possible images of the goddesses.
Thank you.
By: Ramya Ramani on November 26, 2008
at 2:57 pm
Sir,
Your work is great. Nice of you to share and post this information. We as a team of five usually visit by bike to all major Siva sthalm’s in and around chennai. Your work is commendable. We will also possibly share information that we get then and there.
Request if you can add more information on the time the temple would be open and contact person will be really useful.
regards
k.s. kumar
By: k.s. kumar on December 26, 2008
at 10:20 am
Even before start visiting the temples, your marvellous work on this score is simply unique and I do not find words to appreciate. Let me pray the Almighthy, to provide more time and health and wealth for you to succeed further in your attempt.
Regards,
Shanmuga
By: Shanmuga Sundaram N on December 28, 2008
at 11:52 am
The service that you are providing is really useful and “hats off” for your patient and dedicated efforts. Thanks a lot sir.
By: Dharmaraj on January 3, 2009
at 5:31 pm
people wish to get details of all temples in India please visit the following website
http://www.templenet.com/
very useful website about indian temples around india
By: Ganesh.B on January 7, 2009
at 9:46 am
Dear Raju
One Sree real estate has downloaded these informations in their web site. I dont know whether they have got your permission.
regards
sankar
By: sankaranarayanan on January 12, 2009
at 3:09 pm
Dear Mr.Raju
Add my mail to your mails on temple visits.
I am a student of BVM, Adyar.
Regards
PK
By: K.PRYAKRIT on January 13, 2009
at 3:45 pm
Excellent Effort!
It’s very good to see such a thoughtfulness. I’m an ardent temple lover. I belive the reason for building temples itself has not yet been fully understood. Some times when i see some temples in distorted condition i feel disturbed because the energy and reverbration these holy places have trancended to generations are going unnoticed.
To restore them to the Glory, a restatement of the list of temples is a must a time will come when this would certainly happen and i’m sure your effort would have a significant impact on that.
From the bottom of my heart i thank you for such valuble, meaningful and purposeful blog. THis would be a regular page i visit henceforth and mandatory reference when i visit india for temples
Regards
Prabhu Chandra
By: Prabhu on February 10, 2009
at 10:07 pm
Namasthe Sir,
You are doing excellent work. Keep going.
I would suggest you to travel North Karnataka where you can find dozens of Sri Hanuman temples which was installed by Sri Vyasateerthar
Hare Srinivasa
By: dvaitavedanta on February 24, 2009
at 6:36 pm
Dear sir,
I gone through ur website. it is really wonderful.
It is very useful. Thankyou for your excellent work. It is very useful to all.
sir please i need one help. I want to visit Lord Shiva and Parvathi in same idol. Please could u find me that temple within chennai.
I want full details about the temple, how to reach , some photos of the temples. Please do this help for me for my bright future.
By: VIDHYABASKARAN on March 3, 2009
at 7:12 am
I first chanced upon your blog when I was looking for some information on the Virinchipuram temple and I could barely move out! I spent the next few hours reading this blog. This blog is an outcome of inspiration and passion. One of the best sources on the net on Tamil Nadu temples and you are doing a wonderful job! All the best and please keep the good work going. In this endeavour, you have the best wishes from the devotees and art lovers as well as divine grace! Hats off sir!
By: Gopi Shankar on March 3, 2009
at 2:15 pm
Can someone tell me what temple is pictured in the header of this blog?
The link is here: http://shanthiraju.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/banner-2.jpg
Sir, I would also like to take this opportunity to thank you for this wonderful website. Please keep up the good work. I suggest adding a search feature for quick searching.
By: Tej on March 12, 2009
at 11:40 am
Hi Tej,
It is the Uma Maheswarar temple at Padavedu near Vellore/ Tamilnadu. You can look at my Travelogue on Padavedu temples for more details.
Search feature is already there in the sidebar widget along with ‘monthly archives’, ‘recent comments’ etc.,
By: raju0704 on March 12, 2009
at 7:45 pm
Thanks Raju. That photo is quite interesting, and the surrounding landscape is also intriguiing. I actually took an elevation map of the area to get a feel of the landscape.
http://www.heywhatsthat.com/?view=EPHVOMKQ
Thank god for Google Earth!
By: Tej on March 13, 2009
at 10:10 am
Hey,
I came across your blog on Labnol’s India Blogs list. We are trying to build a Indian community (http://YoSamosa.com) that is vocal around current events. We strongly believe that the future of news is crowdsourced journalism where bloggers publish and deliver breaking events.
For now the community is exclusive and by invite only. I’m sending out the first set of invites to bloggers who might want to utilize this platform for promoting their posts. As the community grows it could expose your blog to a large user base interested in your writings.
Follow this link: http://www.yosamosa.com/?xgi=b5UNX4L
Cheers
BombayNinja
By: BombayNinja on March 14, 2009
at 9:37 am
please give some detail history of our kul matha varahi devi its birth ,slokas temples in india as we are constring a temple of varahi matha at bagana in rajasthan rajsamand distit will be more help full for our comunity as we do not no any think about this we recently knew and in search of the temple we visitedtoda raising in rajasthan we have seen the temple wich is on hill please give some information reg on my email thanking you
By: heeralal joshi on March 16, 2009
at 6:18 pm
Great blog! Kindly let me know how to reach the temple where Ankola tree is located. Please tell me if this tree available anywhere else. I’m a 44-year-old journalist from Hyderabad, doing research on the wonderful medicinal properties of trees and plants. Ankola tree is said to be the Sanjivani and only those people who are divinely blessed could see the tree in their life time.
By: Roopi on March 20, 2009
at 10:10 am
Hello Roopi,
There is a place called Chinnakavanam near Ponneri/Chennai where there is a 2500 years old Ankola tree. A detailed travelogue with the photos of the tree is available here:
http://shanthiraju.wordpress.com/2007/12/18/chinna-kavanam/
Apart from this I have seen a very small Ankola tree as Sthalavruksham in Chettipunyam Hayagreevar temple near Singaperumal koil/Chennai. I doubt whether the temple authorities know the significance of the tree.
Also, I understand this tree is available in a few temples at Mudichur/Padappai near Tambaram/ Chennai. I don’t have the exact details.
Hope this is sufficient.
By: raju0704 on March 20, 2009
at 10:55 am
Dear Raju,
You are doing a very commendable job. I had visited devadhaanam a couple of weeks back and archakar there spoke very highly of you… I had actually visited the temple after reading the blog by Mr.Saravanan (http://dharsanam.blogspot.com). You should take a look @ it….
I’ve visited few temples on my own and I feel you should visit the below and write about them…
Sri Laksmi Narasimhar – Narasingapuram
A very ancient temple (arnd 1300 years) located in a serene and tranquil village called ‘Narasingapuram’ near perambakkam. Here the lord is seen to be ’santha’ posture with goddess lakshmi seated on his left lap. Both the god and goddess seem to have their hands arnd their respective waists which is said to be a unique feature. The lord here is good 7 feet idol and the very grand appearance. Unlike many other NArasimhar sthalams where the lord is ukram and not clearly visible for darshan… the lord here very pleasing to see…. one does get a very peaceful mind after darshan….
Directions
One has to proceed on the NH4 bangalore highway till Empee Distilleries. Take right there and proceed for another 27 kms you will reach the village Kodanjeri… go 1KM after that road will take a bend (right)… go straight for 2kms without taking right… u will reach Narasingapuram….
This is yahoo maps link to reach it from Porur junction
http://in.maps.yahoo.com/#?lat=13.0333240&lon=79.9821854&z=7&plat=13.0338681&plon=80.1622581&pz=3&addr=Thiruvallur,%20Tamil%20Nadu(13.030565,79.810696)%20to%20Mount%20Poonamallee%20Road,%20Porur,%20Tiruvallur,%20Tamil%20Nadu(13.034767,80.155950)
Sri Ranganathar Swamy – Adi Thiruvarangam, Villupuram
People visiting Thirukovilur have to definitely goto this temple located near Manalurpet. I found out abt this temple from wikimapia when I was plannin my trip to Thirukovilur. Another unspoilt village…. with a temple almost in state of total negligence when I visited in 2007….. A rather big temple…. and the moment u enter the sanctum and see the reclining lord u will be amazed…. a huge ranganathar… made of a single stone with medicinal values (mooligai kal)……. It is older and bigger than the Sri Rangam one… hence the name Adi Thiruvanrangam….. the lord is suppossed to have given motcham to ‘Chandiran’ here….. and the legend is that he is suppossed to have stayed here after the ‘vamana’ avatharam…… The temple itself is in the banks of Then Pennai river…..
You can find Sri Ramar. Lakshamanar, Sita in a separate sanctum,….. and if u goto the top… u can find a ‘krishna’ statue looking through a window at alll ppl entering the temple…..
I recently visited it in Feb 2009, they have collected some funds and renovated the temple….. The main gopuram has been painted etc…..
Where in these times everything has been commercialized in popular temples (Tirupati, Srirangam etc…) we can find the perumal givin darshan in most unassuming and unknown places…..
Directions
From Tirukkoyilur proceed towards Thiruvannamalai….. when you reach the round about… taking left will take you to Manampoondi (Madhva Mutt)…. go straight past roundabout and take left….. proceed 1.5 kms… u will get a petrol bunk (IBP) on right… take immediate left after that….. proceed arnd 18 kms till you reach a place with a huge Hanumar statue… take left there and go via ‘tharai paalam’…. after u cross it…. u will see a ’sign board’ to the temple.. .another 1km drive thru village will take u to ranganathar…..
This is a yahoo map link showin the route from Tirukkoyilur to Tiruvarangam
http://in.maps.yahoo.com/#?lat=11.9804702&lon=79.1214752&z=5&plat=11.9884464&plon=79.1008759&pz=6&addr=Tirukkoyilur%20to%20Tiruvarangam
Another interesting fact I heard abt Ulagalanda Perumal kovil in Tirukkoyilur is that ppl only see the Thiruvikrama swami(moolavar) but there is also a ‘vamana’ avathar made of wood which is kept locked behind the sanctum….. which is not for public viewing….. but as ‘money makes many thing’ bribing the archakar there u mite be lucky to get a darshan of that as well…….
By: Karthik Ravi on March 21, 2009
at 1:33 pm
Dear Mr.Karthi Ravi,
Thanks for your information on various temples. There is one more surprising news (from Mr.Sivan) about Narasingapuram temple:
“…. through the winding narrow streets of Narasinghapuram leading to the ancient 2000 year old smiling santha Lakshmi-Narasimhar both mutually embracing each other. This temple belongs to early Chola period. An excellent dharshan we had just prior to closing hours thanks to Mr Nandagopal, the trustee of the temple who put in a word to the bhattachariyar there to await us.
There is a miracle reported about the dwajasthambam of this temple For erecting the Dwaja Sthambam (Flag Staff) of the Temple (as the original was found missing) a 53 feet tall wooden piece from the Amazon forests of South America was located thanks to a miraculous dream that a devotee had of a ship sailing with logs of wood. On enquiry it was found that a ship laden with logs of wood from the Amazon had just docked in Chennai Port. An Industrialist of Chennai Sri Navaneetha Krishnan bought a 53 Feet long wooden log and offered it to the Temple.
By: raju0704 on March 28, 2009
at 3:19 pm
Dear sir/madam,
sorry, in curiosityof having the precious details required, i dn’t noticed ur full name and things about u. anyhow thank u very much for this kind and good work u’ve done, helping us to start our spiritual journey with ease.
once again thank u very much for the blog. next time i’ll try to read details regarding u, too.
thank u.
By: gnanamadhavan on April 2, 2009
at 2:49 am
sir you are doing a great job,i want to know about a temple at kanuvai near coimbatore,perikandiamman koil or any amman koil at kanuvai can u please help me out and mail me in case u get the details
By: jayakumar on April 16, 2009
at 2:56 pm
Great information about our treasures. I going to chidambaram, do you suggestions for temples over there?
Except Chidambaram Natarajar Temple no other information I found in Chidambaram and its sourroundings.
By: Indian4Ever on May 1, 2009
at 3:31 pm
Hello Sir,
Could you please let me know from where you are collecting these details. The reason behind is i have a few contacts of some trust memebers who is taking care of renovation of old un-known temples. (Yet to register their trust with the govt)
Would you be able to provide the source else give me the list of temples which needs attention.
Awaiting for your reply
Thanks.
Padmaja
By: Padmaja on May 1, 2009
at 9:08 pm
Mr.Raju,
your work is interesting to know temple history and also helps donors to donate need finance to the needy temples.
I started my own trust to extend some possible finance to good old temples.
your site gives good information.
thanks
Badri
By: Badri Narayana on May 3, 2009
at 1:53 pm
hi,
do u know anything about the kailasanathar temple at singikulam? i was wondering because it’s my family temple, but i know very little about its history.
could u pls mail me a link to your post if there is one?
thanks!
By: ashwathi on May 14, 2009
at 5:53 pm
dear raju,
simply superb, at present where are you living
in andhrapradesh, or tamilnadu? your contribution
towards the development of temples is peerless.
keepit up
thank you
babu
By: babu,B on May 18, 2009
at 8:43 am
Keep up the good work.May Amba Rajarajeshwari Bless you,infinitely!
By: Shreeram Balijepalli on June 1, 2009
at 3:14 pm
Sir,
Being an IT professional with a great attitude for sharing such a valuable information shows your greatness. May GOD bless you with all the Health and more blogging for all of us.
By: Krishna Kumar on June 7, 2009
at 3:31 pm
I am a Malaysian and made my first trip to Trichy in Jan’09. Since I was making the trip on my own due to unforseen circumstances, i google to see whether I could get a guide on temples to visit and came across your website.
Your website was trully a blessing as it made my temple visit a more informed one. I was able to know the history and the things that each temple was famous for prior to my visit. When the priest in the temple explained i was able to relate to it as i had read it on your website.
Your website gave me an opportunity to plan my trip and maximise my time allowing me to see many temples in 4 days.
My friends in Bangalore were amazed at how I knew which temples I wanted to visit. I shared with them your website and they were trully appreciative.
Once again thank you so much and god bless you.
By: Ambikah on June 8, 2009
at 11:29 am
hello,
The site is so good that my summer holidlidays around some of these sites. As I donot visit south frequently I may need some guidance from you. I will be travelling with my family and have a short holiday within which I want to cover some of the temples you have mentioned in your site. Will you help me?
By: krishnamurthy on June 8, 2009
at 11:20 pm
Hello,
Loved your site. Very informative. Planning to visit some of them with my family.
If I need your help when I travel to some of the temples you have mentioned will you help me?
By: krishnamurthy on June 8, 2009
at 11:22 pm
Your site was very informative. Is there a telephone no or if not the address for the 108 sivalayam at papanasam ?
By: radhika on June 12, 2009
at 4:35 pm
Congrats for the service being done by you.
Can u please brief about the temple of periakandiamman temple near kanuvai in coimbatore?
Thanks in advance.
Regards,
Dhanalakshmi.K
By: dhanalakshmi on June 20, 2009
at 7:38 pm
Thank you soo much for your wonderfull work.
I can understand your devotion and dedication for the divine living.
God bless you
By: Sudhakaran on July 7, 2009
at 3:00 pm
Sir,
There are marvellous temples in Krishnagiri District also.I request you to kindly visit them and give us your valuable information.
By: vimala jagannath on July 13, 2009
at 10:57 pm
Dear Mr.Raju
தங்களுடைய இந்த வலை மிகவும் பயன் உள்ளதாக அமைந்துள்ளது. குறிப்பாக இச்தலங்களுக்கு எளிதாக செல்ல கூடிய வழிகளை விவரித்து இருப்பது மிகவும்
அருமை
தங்களை நேரடியாக தொடர்பு கொள்ள தங்களது கை பேசி எண் வழங்குமாறு கேட்டு கொள்ளுகிறேன்.
நன்றி
அன்புடன்
வெங்கட்
குமார்
By: Venkata Krishnan on July 14, 2009
at 11:55 am
We must thank you for your efforts and keep it up.
It is true that what you have expressed about the temples in Tamil Nadu and domination of other religions. But Hinduism is very ancient and very strong in the minds of people and it will get stronger day by day.
By: Prasanna on July 14, 2009
at 4:02 pm
Dear Sir,
Your Website is Useful and good . After Going through this website , I am Interested to Visit Navabrindavan atleast Once. Next week I am Planning to go to Mantralayam. If time permits , Kindly Send me the Road route directly from Mantralaya to Navabrindavan.
Thanks and I wish you all the Best for this good work keep going.
By: v.Manikandan on July 15, 2009
at 4:24 pm
your article on srisailam visit was very informative as I am planning to visit that temple shortly.
kindly help me with the name of the senior gurukkal and his phone number so that my intended trip is made smoothly
regards
anantharaman
By: anantharaman on July 27, 2009
at 1:50 pm
Dear sir,
your blog is realy superb. we respect and appreciate your hard. very useful to younger generation. keep continuing.
with regards
KRISHNARAJ PR
COIMBATORE
By: KRISHNARAJ P.R. on July 28, 2009
at 12:51 pm
Dear Shri Raju, I have gone through the various details provided by you in respect of certain beautiful temples around Chennai and other places. I would like to bring to your kind notice about a temple which I visited about 7 years back. It is a Lord Shiva temple situated in a village called THIRUPANGUR. This village is nearer (about 7 to 10 KMS) from Vaitheeswaran Koil. You need to travel in a village road for about 10 KMs and you must enjoy the paddy field on both the sides. This temple has various histories and mythological importance like Lord Ganesha helped Appar for his performing the daily pooja to Lord Shiva, Nandi is sitting not just opposite to the Lord instead as per the instructions of Lord through his Dawarabalakka Nandi has sifted for the Lord to give dharsan to Appar etc. If you happen to visit Vaitheeswaran Koil you must visit this place too.
By: Suresh on August 11, 2009
at 5:02 pm
Hello Raju Sir,
You are doing a Great help by listing the temples in this website it is very helpful recently we went to Rameswaram before going we planned to go only to Karaikal Sanisvara Temple and Rameswaram but post looking at your website we went more than 15 templese due to easy location details and the list of temples on the way by you in this website gave us an idea to visit.
We really thank you for your extended support to this society.
I wish to add one comment nowadays I see that Search funtion is not working fine.
Is there any way to view all the list of temples in this website can be found.
If yes kindly provide me the link.
What exactly I am looking for is the temples where the 60th and 70th marriage day/shastabda poorthi will be celebrated in and around chennai?
Also where can we loose all our dosha parigarams as a whole of our previous births?
Regards
Prasanth
Chennai
By: Prasanth on August 13, 2009
at 1:35 am
Just ran into your blog. Good luck with your endeavor, I look forward to reading your posts.
By: Amit on August 14, 2009
at 11:08 am
Dear Sir,
Just now i visited your blog. Great . I will continue to visit your blog. God Bless You
By: Navaladi Raghunathan on August 16, 2009
at 6:34 pm
I have been seeing your blog for temple details. Your work is excellent. I would like to introduce a person Sri RAMAMOORTHY, residing at Vadpalani, Chennai. Sri Ramamoorthy is aged about 70 years and he has so far renovated shiva temples and other temples numbering to more than 100. He takes up the temples which are very much dilapidated condition and gets that constructed with the help of his own funds, funds from the village where the temple is situated and other donors. You can contact him in his residence no. 24729660. He has all the photographs of temples which he has renovated and now under renovation. Can you put the details of temples in your site so that Sri Ramamoorthy will be grateful to you if he gets any donor for constructing the temples. Thanks
By: SUNDERA RAMAN on September 11, 2009
at 1:27 pm
Respected Sir,
Our village called Maduravasal is just 36 KMs from Chennai. There, the old temple which was constructed by our ancestors around 150 years ago is being maintainted by them for the past three generations. The temple is having the Sannadhis of Lord Krishna and Rukmani Thayar and the temple is known as Sri Rukmani Sameda Venugopalaswamy Temple. The temple is famous for having a peaceful and blessed life and other details you can find from the attached appeal invitation. The photograph is also attached for your reference.
As the temple is around 150 years old, our family members propose to renovate the temple with the help of our own contribution, donations from people like you and few others. The total estimated cost would be around 9 Lakhs towards renovation and religious activities and my husband has been assigned the role of Treasurer & Trustee of the Temple Trust.
Hence, I personally appeal you to kindly forward your contributions towards this cause. Also, please provide me the contact persons, address and phone numbers and also pass on this information in getting people contribute to their maximum possible extent either by cash or in kind for carrying out the temple renovation and appeal you to participate in the noble cause and have the blessings of Lord Krishna.
Thanks and Regards,
Jayashree
By: Jayashree on September 18, 2009
at 5:18 pm
Respected Sir,
The contact number for the above mail on Sri Rukmani Sameda Venugopalaswamy Temple is 98402 97907 – my husband’s number.
Thanks and Regards,
Jayashree
By: Jayashree on September 18, 2009
at 5:26 pm
Dear Raju – Pranams! By sheer grace of GOD, I came across your website. What a potpourri of information on temples you have painstakingly gathered – This is really amazing, fantastic and I salute you for this initiative. This will immensely benefit people who are interested in visiting temples.
I too visit temples way too frequently, mostly in Kerala, Karnataka and ofcourse, the land of the temples. I recently went to Kerala and covered the 13 malai nattu divya desams. I frequently visit Thirivannamalai and Tirukovilur, but I see you have covered it. I also frequently visit temples in and around Tanjore, as I happen to hail from around there. I have visited temples in the North and have travelled up to Rudra Prayag. Enough abt me…
Pls let me know if you would like me to contribute content for your website.
Illaga Vilakkadhu Irul Keduppadhu
Sollaga Vilakkadhu Sothi Ullathu
Pallaga Vilakkadhu Palaraum Kanbadhu
Nallaga Vilakkadhu Namachivayavey!
Om Namah Shivaya! Sriram Srinivasan.
By: Sriram Srinivasan on October 19, 2009
at 10:46 pm
Dear Sir,
i would like inform about Andarkuppam Balasubramaniaswamy temple very famous temple nearer to Ponneri means on the way to ponneri Via karanodai, and Thachur.
Kindly make your visit in this place…
P.Gopal
By: Gopal on October 20, 2009
at 1:10 pm
Raju Sir,
I am very much impressed and thankful on seeing your webpage and came to know about you
Well, i too a IT professional working for IT concern in Guindy, Chennai. I think i will be one of the follower to you.
I also like to travel to find for temples in and around chennai, Since i am still young enough i don’t get the right people to talk on temples and the devotion.
On seeing your page, i could able to make trips to many temples in coming your future.
Thanks for a wonderful blog you are making it…
Regards
Jagadeesh V
By: Jagadeesh on November 7, 2009
at 12:33 pm