Raju’s Temple Visits

Temples in and around Vellore

listed below are many of the ancient temples in and around Vellore. This is a dynamic list and will be constantly updated as and when information is got.

Note: A collection of geographical maps of temple is available here. Unlike the static map, these maps can be zoomed to the street level. This works best with the Firefox browser.

Last updated on: June 20, 2008.

Walajapet – Vellore

Note: There is Walajabad near Padappai/Kanchipuram and people (like me) easily gets confused with Walajapet and Walajabad and so please be aware.

Visalakshi ammai sametha Kasi Viswanadhar temple at Walajapet

The temple is in Walajapet town. By visiting this temple, one can get rid of fear of death. Kala bairavar and Sani are opposite to each other and this is a Sani dosha nivarthi sthalam.

Bala Murugan Temple at Rathinagiri

Rathinagiri is about 13 km from Vellore towards Chennai and is famous for the Murugan temple on a hillock. There are 130 steps to the hillock top. Saint Arunagirinadhar had sung Thiruppugazh on this temple. The temple belonging to the 14^th century was under dilapidated conditions a few decades back and with the efforts of Sri Swami Balamugan Adimai, the temple is now restored to its full glory with fantastic sculptural works, big mandapams etc., to the extent of people calling this as the 7^th Padai Veedu of Lord Muruga.

Swami Balamugan Adimai, who was called Sachithanantham in his early days was working as a clerk in the Electricity Department and one day, while on his way to work, he climbed the Rathinagiri Hill to offer his prayers. There was neither camphor nor incense available at the poor and dilapidated temple. He walked around the shrine with a heavy heart and was suddenly overcome with divine awakening. He fainted onto the ground and on waking up he was unable to remember his own self. He dressed himself in a loincloth and took a sacred vow not to leave until the temple was restored to its former glory. This memorable event of Swami’s spiritual awakening took place on 20th March 1968 and he maintains silence all these years.

The official website is available here and also the temple is covered in Vikatan Publication’s ‘Nimmafhi Tharum Sannidhi’ part 2 book.

Murugar temple at Kangeyanallur

Location: Kangeyanallur is between Vellore and Katpadi.

Temple: Sri Kangeeswarar temple in Kangeyanallur was built during the time of Chola rulers. The temple dedicated to Lord Muruga was built some 500 years ago. Sculptures are artistically engraved in the gopuram depicting the Kandhapuranam and the six Padaiveedus of Lord Muruga. It is said that the sculpturer who created the Thiruthani Murugan temple has created this as well. It is said that Lord Muruga here is being worshipped by sages and celestial gods during mid-nights everyday. The temple was renovated by Sri Thirumuruga Kirupanandha Variyar, a popular exponent of Hindu Scriptures and his father Sri Mallaiyadhas Bhagavadhar. When Mallaiyadhas Bhagavadhar conducted the Kumbabhisheham in 1933, his son Srisailavasan fell from 50 feet but after intense prayer and applying holy ash over him, he just woke up without any injury. An inscription about this incident is present in the temple.

Theertham: Saravana Poihai (created by Krupanandha Variyar)

Variyar’s Knowledge centre: This is present opposite the temple where Kirupanandha Variyar was cremated. There is a 24 hours Moksha deepam burning here facing the North direction.

Contact: Sri Thiruvadi 98423 11755; Office – 0416 – 2248922

More details are available in Vikatan Publication’s ‘Punniya Yathirai’ book

Ranipet – Vallimalai – Ponnai ( Chithoor) NH4

Sri Vilvanatheswarar temple Thiruvalam

Significance:

• One of the 275 sacred temples glorified by the Thevara hymns
• Considered holier than Kasi and is  referred as a Mukthistalam
• Nandhi here is huge and is facing away from the shrine towards Kanjangiri nearby and is said to be guarding the temple from a demon Kanjan of Kanjan giri.
• Ambal shrine is said to be of great significance here.
• Vinayakar is said to have obtained the celestial mango from Shiva here after the circum ambulation of Shiva and Parvathi devi. That’s why the place is called Thiruvalam.
• Here, Lord Siva destroyed the yagna by Dakshan.
• Tamil poet Avvaiyar is said to be associated with this shrine.

Location: While traveling from Chennai on the Bangalore highway, immediately after the tollgate at Walajapet, take the right road NH4 under a road over-bridge towards Chithur (old Banglore road).  Travel in the NH4 itself and you will pass through a rail 0ver-bridge and immediately after, you can see a juction of two bridges. Take the old bridge on the left and the temple is just at the end of the bridge.

Thiruvalam is around 25 km from Vellore and while traveling from Vellore, go to Katpadi, and take the road (towards east) to Thiruvalam at Katpadi bus stand. Proceed till you meet the Chennai-Chithor NH4 highway and Thiruvalam is right at this junction.

Temple: This temple is on the Western Bank of the Pennar river, the water of which was once known for its healing powers. The river is also called neeva, shiva said “nee vaa” and the river sprang forth. This is a very huge and beautiful temple, built by the Pallavas and Cholas. There are quite a few references of Rajendra Chola in the stone inscriptions. Although the presiding deity faces the East, the temple entrance faces the South. Inscriptions reveal that this was a grand pilgrimage center in the past with facilities for pilgrims travelling between Southern Tamilnadu and Benares (Kasi). A fine image of Perumal also adorns the temple. There are idols for the 27 birth stars on the vimaanam of the sanctum sanctorum. Almost all the pillars are very nicely decorated with some sculptures. The legend of Nandhi protecting the village from demon Kanjan is depicted in a sculpture. There is a ‘100 pillars Natarajar Mandapam’ here which is extremely quiet. In the left side outer praharam, there is a underground passage and no one knows where it leads to! The temple has highlighted all the inscriptions with white and yellow paint and made it easy to read.

The Tamil Podcast on the temple is available here and Photos are available here

Sri Somnatheshwarar Temple at Melpadi

This is about 12 kms from Thiruvalam towards Vallimalai(Ponnai).   It is close to the shore of the Pennar river and was the border between Chola and Rashtrakuta kingdoms. The temple is being maintained by Archeological Society of India. Arinjaya Chola (AD 956-967), the great grand father of Rajaraja chola died here after the war at Thakkolam and so this temple was built in memory of it.

A travelogue is available here and Photos are available here

Sri Choleswara temple, the tomb shrine of Arinjaya chola was built over the mortal remains of Chola Arinjaya  by his grandson Chola Raja Raja I in the year AD 1014.  This is just opposite the Somnatheswarar temple across the road.

Vallimalai

This beautiful hill is located at 16 km north of the Thruvalam en route Ponnai, 4 km from Melpadi. Valli Malai is considered the birth place of Valli, one of the two consorts of Lord Muruga. The stunning beauty of Valli Malai with its pools, fresh greenery, caves and unusual rock formations stands as mute testimony to the continuing presence of the ever-youthful Goddess Herself. There is a natural rock formation like an elephant called Ganesh Giri where Lord Ganesa has helped in the Valli Tirumanam.

There is a Subramanya Swamy Temple, Valli Temple and a beautiful and clean Saravana Poihai temple tank at the base of the hill. At the top of the hill, there is a Subramanya Swamy Cave temple  which is being maintained by Archeological Society of India (ASI). There are about 500 steps to climb through a picturesque path.  At the top of the hill, there are many water streams (sunai) also.

There is another way to climb down and half way through that, there are caves where Jain saints stayed and Jain Sculpture are present in the rocks which are also being maintained by ASI. Vallimalai had been one of the important Jaina centers during the early medieval period. According to Kannada inscriptions, the natural cavern was converted into Jaina adobe by prince Rajamalla of Western Ganga dynasty in the 10^th century.

People cannot stop making a trip to Vallimalai if they happen to see it in photos.

More details are available here and also here

Photos are available here: hillbase and hilltop

Sri Ranganathar Temple at Erukkampet

Being maintained by Archeological Society of India (ASI), this is close to Melpadi and Vallimalai on a lake bund. This is a 9^th century temple and the main deity, Sri Ranganathar is in Sayana posture but not sure whether it is a living temple with daily poojas.

Photos are available here

Sorna Vinayagar Temple (also called Navagraha Kottai) at Ponnai

This is a beautifully painted modern day temple glittering in gold and the main deity is the ancient  Swayambu Vinayagar.  By the side of the main shrine, there is a small nandhavanam with 9 Navagrahas in separate Sannidhis with their respective Viruksham(tree),  Dhaanyam(grain),  Cloth, colour etc.,  There is also a shrine for Kasi Viswanathar temple behind the main shrine. This is about 2kms from the Ponnai town and about 6 kms north of Vallimalai. This is a beautiful must-see temple but like all modern day temples – little commercial.

Photos are available here

Sri Mouna Guruswamy Ashram at Thangal

Srilasri Mouna Guruswamy and Guriji Sundararam Swamigal Ashram is at Thangal.

More details are available here

Shiva temple at Kanchan giri

Kanchan giri is connected to Thiruvalam temple by legend. The Nandhi of  Thiruvalam temple had destroyed the demon Kanchan of this hill and his flesh pieces around this hill had become Swayambu lingas after the holy water was sprinkled on them. Knowing this legend, some ashram people from Coimbatore came here, researched and collected all the Swayambu lingams and arranged them in one place. There are around 100 of them on a plateau on top of the hill.

Location: It is about 7 kms from Ranipet en route Ponnai. After crossing a village called Agravaram you will reach a place called Lalapet. Kanchanagiri hill will be visible from Lalapet itself. You can also come from Melpadi which is about 5 kms.

Photos are available here

Vellore

Jalakandeswarar Temple at Vellore Fort

The temple which had been built in the Vijayanagara style is situated within the Vellore fort. It comprised of the main shrine, closed ambulatory passage around and the integral Mahamantapa. Inside the temple, there is a Kalyanamantapa which is the gem of architecture in embellishments and the art motifs of its pillars, ceilings and plinth moldings. It stands as testimony for the architectural workmanship of that period.

Jalakanteswarar means ‘Siva residing in water’. The temple is adorned with some remarkable sculptures and the best is found on the left side of the entrance, a verandah which contains monolithic pillars of grandeur and delicacy of execution. There are impressive sculptures in the temple particularly outside the swami shrine and inside the main mandapam. The sanctum sanctorum is a small low building and at the entrance there are dwarakapalas in blue granite. Sculpture work on the ceilings and pillars are rich in its characteristics. In the outer prakara there is a well which has a stone door way opening on a point which is usually below water level. The under ground mandapa or Neerazhi Mandapa is said to lead to a subterranean passage leading to the River Palar.

Sri Lakshmi Narayani Golden temple in Sripuram

This Golden temple situated in Sripuram in Thirumalaikkodi, about 7 km from Vellore, is built in a 100 acre site with whopping 1500 kg of gold at a cost of 300 crores. According to Sri Sakthi Amma, head of the Sri Narayani Peedam, who built the temple, the decision to have the temple coated with gold, is only to attract visitors and enable them to get wisdom through the messages of the Vedas. The temple has been designed in such a way that visitors can reach the golden temple only after going through a star-shaped pathway, which has the messages from the Vedas on both sides.

This has already become highly popular and too crowded on weekends and will take several hours to complete the dharshan during weekends. There is a 200 Rs ticket (apart from free dharshan) also, but this too is crowded during weekends. Better visit the temple with ample time in reserve.

Sri Selva Vinayagar temple at Shenbakkam

Location: 3 km from Vellore en route to Bangalore, this famous temple is dedicated to Sri Selva Vinayagar and Somasundareswarar.

Legend: Once when Thukkoji, a Maharashtra minister was passing through this place, the axle of his chariot broke and blood oozed out from the place. He stayed that night here and Vinayahar appeared in his dream and revealed his presence.

Significance:

• There are 11 Vinayahars – all are Swayambu moorthies in the form of lingams and in the formation of ‘Om’.
• On the back of Selva Vinayahr, there is a mark of the wheel of the cart, which was supposedly driven by Thukkoji.
• There is no roof for the main shrine to facilitate all Sages and Celestial Gods to worship the deity
• Aadhi Sankarar worshipped here and installed Srichakra in the Esanya corner of the temple.
• The significances of the temple have been written about by Kanchi Maha Priyavar, Sri Chandrasekarendhra Swamigal in his book ‘ Dheivathin Kural’
• The flag post is present within the sanctum sanctorum itself
• Lord Saturn facing the main deity is a special significance
• A silver covering was made 75 years back to cover the Selva Vinayahar fully but now it covers Him only two-thirds, indicating He is growing all the way

Worship Benefits: It is believed that by doing milk abhisheham to the Bala Vinayahar here, the illness of children will be cured. Also, this Vinayahar is believed to sanction the boons for timely marriage and children.

More details in Raju’s Temple Visits Travelogue

Vellore – Polur (Thiruvannamalai)

Sri Lakshmi Narsimha Swamy Temple at Singiri Koil

Singiri Koil is a hamlet, situated at a distance of about 25 km from Vellore and is off the main road from Vellore to Polur.

• One of the most beautiful scenic and dreamy spots
• 1300 years old temple
• Lakshmi Narasimhar with four hands, in Santha roopa with His consort on His right lap (usually He will have His consort on His left lap).

More details in Raju’s Temple visits travelogue

Sri Uttamaraya perumal temple at Periya Ayyanpalayam

This temple is located at Periya Ayyanpalayam village at almost halfway between Kannamangalam and Santhavasal on the Polur-Vellore route to the left side of the main road while going from Vellore. You have to travel inside for about 1 km from the main road.

The temple was built during the Vijayanagara period in the 14th century. We have to climb 350 steps to reach the temple but the steps are very easy to climb. The deity is known as Oomaikku vaai kodutha Sri uttamaraya perumal (the Perumal who gave the speaking capability to a dumb).

Arulmigu Kadambavana vasavi Amman Temple at Kanavaai Modu (Kaniyambadi)

This temple is located 2kms before Kaniyampadi on the main road on the polur-vellore route. This temple is also Known as Kannikoil.

Padavedu

See under Padavedu section below

Erikuppam Saneeswarar Temple

Location: In the Polur (Thiruvannamalai) – Vellore route, 45 km from Thiruvannamalai and 30 km from Vellore, there is a place called Sandhavasal near Padavedu. From there, Erikuppam is 3 km away towards Arani and is 10 km from Arani.

Temple: This 15th century temple was discovered recently and has been renovated. On Saturdays, devotees throng the place.

Significances:

• Lord Saneeswarar is present in an unique Yantra form which is considered more powerful and hence the name ‘Yantra Saneeswarar’.
• Sri Saya Devi, mother of Sri Saneeswarar is present to His left side and due to the presence of His mother, Saneeswarar is in a peaceful and happy mind state here. Hence He is able to blessHis devotees, bestowing complete happiness, removing their sorrows, sins and difficulties.
• We can hear elders saying ‘Don’t stand and pray straight in front of Saneeswarar’ but his straight sight here will bring only goodness to life.
• The Holy Shrine is open to the skies, without any roof-top.
• Saneeswarar is present in the Yantra form nowhere else in the world excepting this one and another in Shinkapur, 70 km from Shiradi, in Maharashtra state.

Yantra: This Saneeswara Yantra has been made in a single granite stone, with a fantastic size of 5.5 feet height and 1.5 feet width and looks majestic. It is having the mark of Sun in the upper left side, Crow in the middle side and the moon in the upper right corner. Below these, Peejakshara Manthras in the form of Shutkonam (six corners – shut meaning six and konam meaning corners) can be seen. Below this we can see ‘Lakshmi Kadaksha Yandra’ and yandras relating to water and fire. The Shutkona yandra consists of Manthras in a right left mirrored form, praising Lord Shiva, Lord Anjaneya and Sree Saneeshwara. This Yandra is believed to be one of the most powerful ones and unique in its kind.

The official website is here and also detailed in Vikatan Publication’s ‘Alaya Dharisanam’ book.

Sri Kamakshi amman sametha Sri Ekambareswarar temple at Parvathi Agaram

This temple is associated with Erikuppam Sri Saneeswarar temple

Sri Narasimhaswamy Temple at Polur

Polur is situated in the Vellore – Thiruvannamalai state highway at about 33 Kms from Thiruvannamalai and 48 Kms from Vellore and 55 Kms from Vandavasi. Since it is also a Taluk headquarters, there is a good availability of hotels and accomodations.

Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Temple atop a small and steep hillock with about 840 steps is very powerful. The temple is currently served by a single priest called Sekhar Bhattachariar who also looks after a small Perumal temple below. He goes atop the hill at 4:30 AM and returns back by 8:30 AM. A chowkidar remains on the hillock opening the temple for visitors who come later. The priest also visits the hill atop temple in the evenings.

Contact Details: V.Sekar Bhattachariar, 17, Perumal Koil St, Polur-606803

Mobile: 9842307594; 9443098358

Dharmalingeswaraswamy Temple at Athuvambadi near Polur

Details not available

Padavedu

Padavedu is the birth place of Parasuramar, one of the 10 avatars of Mahavishnu. It is a Pilgrimage centre and one of the most important ‘Sakthi Sthalas’ in Thondainadu with around 10 ancient temples. It is situated in the Vellore- Polur route, centrally among Vellore, Polur and Arani at 20-25 km from all these three places. All that is there in this village are beautiful ancient temples, hills and lush green fields.

Padavedu was the capital of the Sambuvarayar chieftains during the 12-14th Centuries. These temples were built at various points of time, but most of the improvements and decorations appear to have been done when the Sambuvarayar came under the sway of the Vijayanagar empire. Most of these temples excepting the hill temples were submerged in sand and dilapidated due to the sandstorm. TVS adopted this village during late 80s and the temples were discovered in 1993. The Renukambal trust (owned by TVS) maintains these temples in a clean and beautiful fashion.

More details in Raju’s Temple Visits Travelogue

The official website of the Padavedu temples is here.

Contacts:

Mr Vasudeva Bhattar at 98940 34069

TVS office (04181-248279 or 04173-320444)

Sri Renugambal Temple

This is the most popular temple here. Goddess Renugambal is self-manifested in this place and offering her blessings along with Brahma, Vishnu and Lord Siva. In this place a number of sages performed penance and attained salvation. The existence of Banalingam and Nanakarshna Chakra consecrated by Aadhi Shankarar is the specialty of this place.

Sri Yoga Ramachandraswamy temple

This temple, constructed before 12th Century AD was also buried in sand and was dug out recently. In this temple Lord Rama is uniquely seated in Artha Padmasana with a “Yoga Mudra” with Goddess Sita and Lord Lakshman by his side. Unusually Lord Hanuman is seated in front of Lord Rama reading a Palm leaf manuscript.

Ammayappa Eswarar Temple

This temple is the oldest of the lot and looks very simple. The amman in this temple is Aparnambikai and the deity is around 5.5 feet. Right in front of the Amman statue, there is a pit from where they discovered the idols and ornaments. This is a 12^th century temple and due to sand storms this temple was almost destroyed. However it is in good shape now.

Sri Subramanya swamy Temple at Kundalipuram

Sri Subramania Swamy Temple is located on a hill top, on the southern side of Sri Renugambal Temple. The panoramic view of this temple seen from Renugambal Temple is awe inspiring. Three hundred well laid stone steps make the journey to this hill top temple less tedious. The finely sculpted idol of Moolavar Lord Subramania with his consorts Goddesses Valli and Deivanai standing on a peacock is quite impressive. Unlike in other places where Lord Subramania is seen seated on his peacock, here the Lord is standing on his peacock. The peacock is also seen not spreading its feathers. It carries a snake in its beaks. This idol is unique and the Lord is known for his boon granting.

Legend has it that Lord Subramania was conferred the title “Deva Senapathi” (Commander of Devas) only on this hill top at the request of Goddess Renukambal.

More details of the temple here and Vikatan Publication’s ‘Nimmadhi Tharum Sannidhi’ Part 1 book

Sri Lakshmi Narasimhaswamy temple

This temple is also on a hill top and the significance of the Lakshmi Narasimhar here is that Goddess Lakshmi is seen seated on the right side of the Lord (normally She will be seen on left side of the Lord).

Sri Velmurugan Temple

This temple is located on the way from Ramar temple to Lakshmi Narasimhar temple on a hill top at the southern tanks of Kamandala river which is running on the southern side of Sri Ramachandra Swamy temple. The hill is known as Natchathra Kundru (Star Hill). No idols are found in this temple. A Vel (lance of Lord Muruga) is consecrated and Poojas are performed daily. Legend has it that Bhogar (One of the eighteen Siddhars, who created the medicinal Palani Murugan idol out of nine herbal poisons) came to this place and consecrated the lance.

Sri Uma Maheswarar Temple at Kailasaparai

This is a temple without any roof with only the dilapidated sanctum sanctorum on a hillock called Kailasaparai. The significance of this temple is Lord Shiva in human form is seen seated along with Paravthi devi and the deities are big and beautiful. On top of a hillock, surrounded by the Jawadu hills, they both seem to be enjoying in private, the beauty of the nature in an open-to-sky sanctum.

Sri Kailasa Vinayagar Temple

The Vinayagar here is around 5.5 feet tall and looks very majestic.

Sri Veera Anjaneyar Temple

The Veera Anjaneyar in this new temple is about 7.5 ft tall.

Chinna Kottai Sri Varadharaja Perumal Temple

This is situated in an extremely nice ambience right in the middle of paddy and banana fields.

Sri Venugopala Swamy temple

This temple for Lord Venugopala Swamy is open only on Saturdays 9 AM to 4 PM and is located on top of the Raja Kambeera Mountain popularly known as Kottaimalai at a height of about 2500 feet.

The only route available to this temple is a ghat road running through thick and beautiful forest. A breath taking journey to this temple can be performed sitting on a Tractor specially made to take the pilgrims and the materials to the foot of the temple. From there there are about 350 steps to climb. En route there are a few iron bridges around the hill and picturesque views of the surrounding Jawadu hills. The main deity is the beautiful flute playing Lord VenuGopala Swamy standing in a stylish posture along with his consorts Rukmini and Satyabhama.

Once seen in photos, nobody will want to miss the temple.

An exclusive travelogue is available here: Raju’s Temple Visits Travelogue

Vellore – Ambur – Vaniyambadi

Sri Margapandeswarar Temple at Virinchipuram

This temple is located at around 15 km from Vellore.

Significances:

> 1300 years old temple – the oldest and the biggest temple of Vellore district

> The temple is famous for its prahara walls and the sculptures. ‘Virinchipuram Madhil Azhahu’ is a popular saying

> There are miniature Rajagopurams on the temple wall itself on two sides. If a small Rajagopuram itself can be built on the temple wall, the grandeur of the temple wall can be imagined. Also, this has a sacred significance that the Siddhars, Sages and Celestial Gods are believed to come here for worship during the nights through these exclusive entrance for them where the normal humans can not enter.

> Aadhi Shankarar had done the Beejakshara Pradhishtai to the Simha theertham of the temple

> Lord Brahma who could not reach the head of Lord Shiva once was born here and Lord Shiva bowed his head to accept the abhisheham from him as a small boy

> Arunachala Puranam, Siva Rahasiyam, Kanchi puranam and many other holy books have described this temple

> Sung by: Appayya Dikshithar, Thirumoolar, Pattinathar, Appar, Sambhandhar, Arunagiri nadhar and many others

> This is the birth place of Sri Appayya Dikshithar (1520-1593), the greatest interpreter of Advaitha Sidhantha after Adhi Sankara. His Margabandhu stotram on this Margabandheeswarar is for the protection of people while on journey. By reciting this one can have Lord Shiva with them as Marga-bandhu (protector during journey) along their journey.

More details in Raju’s Temple Visits Travelogue

Uthira Ranganathar temple at Pallikonda

Location: The temple is 23 km from Vellore, 1km inside from the Pallikonda junction towards Gudiyatham.

Significance: It is considered that if you stay for 3 nights at Kanchi, you get salvation but here if you stay just one night, you get salvation.

Legend: Indhran’s Brahma harthi dhosham got cleared here.

When there was a fight between Saraswathi and Lakshmi on who is bigger, Brahma declared Lakshmi is bigger. So Saraswathi deserted Brahma. When Brahma conducted an yagna, Saraswathi refused to join him. So Brahma married another lady called Savithri and conducted the Yagna. Saraswathi’s anger grew more and she tried to disturb the yagna with the help of demons by creating a flood in the Palar. Then he prayed to Lord Narayan and He just lied across the Palar river in 3 places to stop the flood. The places are Pallikondan (called Vadavarangam), Thiruparkadal and Yadhothkari at Kanchipuram.

Temple: Temple is inside a fort like structure. People getting married at this temple will get all the 16 types of wealth.

A travelogue is available here

Note: The temple is under Balalayam (Feb 2009) for the renovation work.  So you may want to check before you go.

Sri Mahadevar temple at Mahadevamalai at Kankuppam village

This temple is located on the Katpadi-Gudiyattam route at around 14kms from Katpadi, 13 km to the east of Gudiyatham and to the north of Virinchipuram. This is a beautiful hilltop temple for Lord Shiva and there is a motorable ghat road till the hilltop.

Sri Subramanya Swamy Temple at Kailasagiri

This scenic hill temple for Lord Muruga is about 10 km north of Ambur; 15 km south of Pernampet; 32 kms from Gudiyatham on the Gudiyatham – Ambur route at a place called Kailasagiri. This is also Known as Gadambur temple. One can find this place next to Omarabad junction which is a popular place, there is a arch which welcomes us to the temple, one has to travel 2kms on the Ghat road and then climb nearly 300 steps to reach the temple. Caves and ponds(sunai)can be found at the top of the hill. Plan you visit in the mornings because the priest visits the temple during morning hours to perform pooja and gets down in half an hour.

Legend says that this is previously a shiva temple and during Mughal period the idols were thrown at the nearby pond. A few decades later during the British period Murugar idol has been installed in the temple and thus it came to be known as Murugar temple.

The place has ruins of a Mughal fort and water streams surround the temple area.

A nice travelogue is available here

Ambur

Sri Periya Anjaneyar Temple

Location: This Vijayanagara period temple is located in the midst of Ambur town.

Significance: Sri Anjaneyar is found in a posture of stamping his leg on Sani bhagavan.

Legend: During the time of Sri Rama – Ravana war, Hanuman flew to get the Sanjeevini herbal to save Lakshman. All the nine Navagrahas were under the control of Ravana and were present as the nine foot steps in the Ravana’s palace, So, Ravana, sent Sani bhagavan to catch hold of Hanuman to stop bringing the Sanjeevini herbal. Hanuman, while bringing the whole Sanjeevini mountain, was stopped by Sani bhagavan and said that he was sent by Ravana to stop him. Hanuman got angry and chanting the Rama Nama, put the entire mountain on Sani bhagavan’s head. Unable to bear the pain, Sani bhagavan cried and Hanuman took off the mountain and stamped Sani bhagvan with one of his legs. Finally, Sani bhagvan apologized and pleaded to set him free. Hanuman ordered that he should not clutch any of his devotees who chant the great Sri Rama Nama and not even his sight should fall on them. Sani bhagvan agreed and finally got freed up.

Temple: The Hanuman deity is huge, about 11 feet high with Sani bhagavan being stamped under his leg.

Worship Benefits: Devotees who are much affected by Sani bhagavan can visit this temple to minimize the effect. Marriage prayers are answered.

Sthala viruksham: Nelli

All the Saturdays are special days to visit this temple.

The official site of the temple is this: http://www.periyaanjaneyartemple.org

Note: About 5 km from this temple, there is a small village named ‘Aanai madugu’, where the footprint of Sri Anjaneyar’s right leg is found. Every year, during Pongal, great utsavam is done and the utsavar of the Ambur temple visit here and great alankara utsavam is performed.

Sri Bindhu Madhava Perumal temple at Thuthipattu

This temple is located on the main road 2 kms before Ambur on the Gudiyatham-Ambur Road. The Rajagopuram of the temple is 45feet height the temple is rich in architecture.

Sri Nageswarar temple

Ancient temple located in the heart of the Ambur town, seems to be a Parihara Sthalam.

Gudiyatham

Gangai Amman temple

Thanks to Sri.Saravanan for this message:

“This is a very popular temple at Gudiyatham. Every year festival happens during the 1st of Vaikasi (approx. May 15). Lakhs of people from neighbouring places and Chennai gather here for the festival. Amman’s Sirasu (head) is carried around the town (ancestrally done by a potter’s family) and fixed on the body at the temple. Its carried by the person from the potters family itself on his head. Later, again the head is removed from the body and dissolved in water. Amman’s Sirasu is believed to be too happy while reaching the temple, as it will be fixed to the body. Again when its removed and it reaches the river for immersion you can see the Amman in a sad mood. Vanavedikkai (fireworks) is very popular during that night.

This fixing of head and removal is connected to the legend where Parasuramar was asked to chop his mother’s head by his father Jamadagni. Padavedu Renugambal Temple is connected with this legend.

People worship Gangai amman to keep them without any water scarcity as these places are dependant on rains. Temple’s Ther (Chariot) festival happens one day before Sirasu festival. The next day after Sirasu, there is another Chariot floated around the town which is fully made of flowers. It is called Pushpa Pallakku and is a feast to eyes to see Amman coming around on Pushpa Pallakku. I take this opportunity to welcome everyone to this Thiruvizha at Gudiyatham (as Gudiyatham is my home town)”

Sri Kasi Viswanathar temple

Sri Devi Masupada Amman temple

Sri Karupaleeswarar (sivagama sundari bala Saarduleeswarar temple)

Ancient temple with beautiful sculptures and has a legendary connection to Virinchipuram temple.

In and Around Vaniyambadi

• Athitheeswarar Temple at Vaniymbadi
• Alaguperumal Koil at Vaniyambadi
• Kethandapatti (Kethandapatti Sugar Mills) – Varadar Temple (constructed by Kethandapatti Swamigal – Vadagalai Sampradayam)Thanks to Sri.Sundera Raman for providing the details

Arani – Arcot

Arani is a religious centre with several temples for Sri Kesava Perumal, Sri Rama, Sri Anjaneya, Sri Kailasanathar and more, as also in the surrounding villages. There are many Jain temples as well. Arani is a Junction for several road routes and is an ideal place to stay for covering these areas.

Perumal Temple at Thamaraipakkam

Details not available

Kasi Viswanathar temple at Mosur

Details not available

Murugan temple near Thimiri

Details not available

Spatiga linga temple at Thimiri.

Details not available

Acknowldgement:

Thanks to R.Balaji for his update on many temples after his 3 days tour around Vellore