Temples in and around Thiruvannamalai
Last updated on: 28th May 2012
Thiruvannamalai
The official website of Annamalaiyar temple is here:
http://www.omarunachala.com/index.asp
There are huge number of temples and ashrams in the Girivala route and the most important ones are:
- Ashta (eight) lingams at the eight directions with each one being associated with one or more birth stars.
- Sri Ramana maharishi Ashram – the official website is here
- Sri Seshadhri Swamigal Ashram
- Sri Yogi Ram Surathkumar Ashram
- Plenty of places/ caves connected with Sri Ramana Maharishi
Thiruvannamalai is very much associated with Sri Ramana Maharsihsi, Sri Seshdhri Maharishi and Yogi Ram Surathkumar. The book ‘Arunachala Mahimai’ by Bharanidharan is the book to know about these saints and Thiruvannamalai in detail.
The most detailed Blog on Thiruvannamalai is here
In and Around Vandavasi
Swayambu Jalakandeswarar, Ranganatha Perumal and Kottai Baktha Anjaneyar temples at Vandavasi Fort
All the temples are located within the Vandavasi Fort in Vandavasi town and are being maintained by Archeological Survey of India (ASI). There are stone inscriptions in LIPI language here.
Venguneswarar Temple at Vengundram
Just a km from Thennangur enroute to Vandavasi this Shiva temple at the top of a big and steep hill can be seen from the road itself. It’s a tough hill to climb most part of it don’t have proper steps. It will really be a thrilling and adventures trip for anyone to go there. Make sure to go in a group or atleast minimum of 2 people and avoid children and aged people. Nobody and nothing is available at the top. It seems there is no priest for the temple but a person comes to do pooja once in a month. It is an open temple with a Shiva lingam, Murugan, Vinayagar and some other deities. You can do pooja yourself. The ideal time to visit is in the early morning.
Sri Lakshmi Narasimhar and Lord Venkateshwarar Twin Temple at Avaniyapuram (also called Nava Narasimhar temple and Dakshina Ahobilam)
Located at Avaniyapuram 25 km from Vandavasi, en route Arani and Cheyyar Dam, this is a hill abode of two deities. One has to climb 70 steps to reach the first deity, Lord Narasimha found in a small cave (kudavarai koil), and ascend another 114 to have a dharshan of Lord Venkateswara. The unique feature in this temple is that along with Narasimhar, the Mahalakshmi Thayar also has the face of a lion(ess). There are totally nine Narasimha deities in this temple and so called Nava Narasimhar temple and Dakshina Ahobilam (the main one in Andhra Pradesh with nine Narasimhars).
The abode of Lord Venkateswara is at the top. There is a separate cave like enclosure in the prahara where we see Lord Varadaraja and Perundevi Thayar. Lord Ranganatha is seen on His serpentine bed with Ranganayaki Thayar. Sholingar Yoga Narasimha is in a sitting position along with Amirdavalli Thayar. Thus we see all the main pancha divya desa moorthies – Kanchi, Srirangam, Sholingur, Tirumala and Ahobilam. Avani means lion and the Lord is said to have obliged Brigu Maharishi by appearing before him in the forms of five divya desa deities. The temple is believed to have been built during the Pallava regime. It is heartening to note that all the shrines in the hill temple are well maintained.
Links: Location Raju’s Temple Visits Travelogue
Avaniyapuram Avaneeswarar temple
A temple with margatha lingam installed by Sri Aadhi Sankarar is present at the base of the avaniyapuram hill
Sri Yoga Narasimhar Temple and Ahobila Mutt at Sogathur
This is located at about 7 kms to the south of Vandavasi
Links: Location
Vandavasi – Chetput – Polur
Seeyamangalam Cave temple
In the Vandavasi-Chetpat road, you have to travel for about 15 kms and at Mazhaiyur cross road, take a left turn (south) and travel further for around 8 kms via Desur to reach the beautiful Seeyamangalam cave temple facing west. Here 27 inscriptions are recorded from Pallava regime to the Pandya rule. Dwaraplakas, Nataraja and Shiva as Rishabandaka are strikingly beautiful. In front of the garbhgraha, mandapas were added during the Cholas, Pandyas and Vijayanagara periods. A few hundred meters north of this temple in the slopes of hillock Jain relief works were carved in the Pallava age.
Links: Location Weblink Photos1 Photos2
Thirumalpadi Sri Ranganathar (Hill) Temple
Sri Ranganayahi sametha Sri Ranganathar temple is located on a hill at 2 kms south-west of Seeyamangalam. There are about 100 steps to climb and was constructed in the year 1136 A.D.
Contact: 99429 37169 / 98654 54998
Links: Location Photos1 Photos2
Shiva Temple at Madam village
Located at about 5 kms North-west of Thirumalpadi Ranganathar temple, this is a very big temple and has sahasra and 108 lingam with very beautiful Nandi. But the temple gopuram was mutilated by Moghuls. Renovation and kumbabisheka work is going on.
Contact: 93448 71762
Links: Location
There is also a Jain temple nearby.
Peranamallur
There are ancient Shiva Temple, Perumal temple and Jain temple here
Injimedu
Location: This is located at 3 kms from Peranamallur; 21 kms from Arani and 33 kms from Vandavasi in the Vandavasi to Arani route. This can also be reached through Vandavasi-Chetput (Polur-Thiruvannamalai) route wherein one has to travel for 23 kms from Vandavasi towards Chetput and then turn right (North) towards Peranamallur/ Arani and travel further for 10 kms to reach Injimedu.
Injimedu has a good connection with Ahobila mutt. Sri Sashta Parankusha swamy, the sixth Jeeyar of the Ahobila mutt had constructed and helped almost 60 temples and had put in lots of great scholars who were well versed in vedams to maintain those temples. One such place is ‘Yagnamedu’ which later became ‘Injimedu’. This place was also called ‘Yagna vedhikai’, as lots of yagnams / Homams are performed here. Sri Injimedu Azhagiyasingar is the 42nd Jeeyar.
Sri Varadharaja Perumal Temple
Srimath Azhagiya Singar 45th Jeeyar had a great affinity towards Kanchi Sri Varadhar. So, as per his wish, Sri Varadhar and Sri Perundevi thaayar are installed in this temple.
Sri Yaga Samrakshana Ramar
From the time of Sri Sashta Parankusha Yatheendra Maha Desikan, it is said that Sri Ramar of this sthalam has found lots of Yagams and Vedams. Sri Ramar is said to be found almost 1500 years back and it is said that he emerged from a yagam, so he is called as “Sri Yaga Samrakshana Ramar”. Problem in marriage, Puthra Bhagyam, etc., are said to vanish if we visit this sthalam and get the dharshan of this Sri Ramar. Specifically, if people born in Moola, Aayilyam stars have any problem in getting married, they can visit this sthalam, to get their problems solved.
Sri Thirumanicherai Udayar Temple at Perumalai
Temple: This small 200ft high hillock top temple has about 51 covered steps. So rain or sun will not affect the devotees. This is a 2500 years old temple which got ransacked about 700 years ago by various invasions. The Thirumanicherai Shiva lingam which was left alone without any pooja/ worship for nearly 700 years, finally got a facelift and the Kumbabhisheham took place in 1999. Sanghu theertham is present in the hill in the shape of Sanghu. It is said that there is a spacious cave here where Pampatti Chithar is living in the form of a snake.
Legend: Agasthiar worshipped here. Once on an ego battle between Brahma and Vishnu, they set off to reach the top and bottom of Shiva as a competition. During that time Thazamboo gave a false witness to Shiva that Brahma had reached the top of Shiva. Knowing this, Shiva cursed Thazampoo that it should not be used in any Shiva pooja. In order to get rid of the curse, it stands here as the Sthala Vruksham. Nandhi’s footsteps are seen here.
Links: Location Photos Weblink
Nedungunam
Yoga Ramar Temple
This temple is located at 28 km from Arani and 27 km from Vandavasi (4 km before Chetput) in the Vandavasi – Chetput- Polur (Thiruvannamalai) route.
Significances:
* One of the biggest temples for Lord Rama
* The biggest Vaishnav temple of Vellore and Thiruvannamalai districts
* Lord Rama is seen in a rare posture as Yoga Ramar in a sitting meditative posture without His usual Kothandam
Legend says that after the Vibhishana Pattabhishekam in Sri Lanka, when Rama was returning to Ayodhya, He notices on the banks of the Kaliyar, Sukha Brahmar, a saint in the form of a parrot, offering prayers to Him. The Lord alights from His chariot and just stands before the saint whose joy knows no bounds. The place where Sri Rama blessed the saint came to be known as Nedungunam, meaning noble quality. Although He was in a hurry to go to Ayodhya to save Bharata, Rama did not fail to pay heed to the prayers of a devotee.
The Kaliyar river starts from here through the waters of the nearby Dheerkachala hill and ends at the Maduranthaham lake near Chenglepat which was protected by Eri Katha Ramar. So both the temples are connected by legend.
Contact: Badhri Bhattachar 94452 15776
Links: Location Raju’s Temple Visits Travelogue
Dheerkachala Hill
The nearby hill called Dheerkachala Hill is in the form of Parrot face and it is said that the hill is nothing but the form of Sage Sukha Brahmar. On top of the hill, the feet of Ramar is present in stone in open without any shrine and can be worshipped at any time of the day.
Dheerkachaleswarar Temple
The Dheerkachaleswar temple is situated at the Esanya corner of Nedungunam village near the Ramar temple.
Yoga ramar temple at Raghunatha Samudhram
This small Yoga Ramar temple is present at 5 kms from Nedungunam
Arulmigu Periyanayagi Amman and Kanagagreeswarar Temples at Devikapuram
Location: This twin temple is located at 40 km from Vandavasi, 40 km from Thiruvannamalai, 37 km from Arani in the Vandavasi – Chetput- Polur (Thiruvannamalai) route.
Significances:
* The 2nd biggest temple of Thiruvannamalai district, next only to Thiruvannamalai temple
* One of the few exclusive (big) temples of Amman like Kanchi Kamakshi and Madurai Meenakshi
* An exquisite artistic marvel with excellent sculptures, edicts and mandapams
Temple: The Kanagagreeswarar Temple is located on top of a small hill called Kanagachalam or Ponnmalai and the Periyanayagi amman temple, the more popular one is located at the base of the hill in the center of the town. These temples date back to 15th Century Vijayanagara Period.
The Periyanayahi Amman temple is filled with excellent highly skilled sculptures with big mandapams, huge walls and a big Rajagopuram. There is a stone chariot fully sculpted in a single stone in such a way that it drags a mandapam with couple of horses.
In the Kanagagreeswarar temple there are three lingams in the sanctum sanctorum. One is a Swayambu lingam called Kanagagreeswarar and another one is an ancient Kasi Viswanathar lingam worshipped by Periyanayahi amman. Since there should not be two lingams, another lingam made of Rudraksha has also been installed in the wall behind the Kanagagreeswarar.
Arunagirinathar sang verses on Lord Muruga of Kanagagreeswarar temple
Links: Location Raju’s Temple Visits Travelogue Webink
Kotteeswarar Temple at Peruvallur / Peravlur
A Sambuvarayar temple
Links: Location
Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple at Polur
The hill is called Sampathgiri and the main deity is the Swayambu Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy facing south towards Thiruvannamalai along with Kanagavalli Thayar. Sage Pulathia Brahma worshipped here. Achutha Thasar, Sri Gnanananda Swamigal and Siddhar Vittoba (a contemporary of Sri Seshadri Swamigal) had meditated in caves here. 2 water streams (sunais) are present. There is an Anjaneyar shrine at the base of the hill and there are 840 steps to climb.
Contact: Sekar Bhattacharyar at 98423 07594; 94430 98358
Polur – Thiruvannamalai
Kadina Kujambigai sametha Thirukkameshwarar Temple at Kappalur
Links: Location
Vilvarani Murugan Temple
Murugan temple on a hillock
Kettavarampalayam Sri Rama Navami Mandapam / Temple
This holy village is synonymous with Lord Sri Rama and Bhajans and is very popular for its Sri Rama Navami celebrations. Every year all 10 days of Sri Rama Navami is celebrated with utmost devotion by the natives. Though most of the native villagers have migrated and settled in various places, everyone gathers during these 10 days of Sri Rama Navami to celebrate Sri Rama.
It is said that this village was once called as Kashtaharampalayam (a place where ones difficulties are overcome) and in later days known as Kettavarampalayam (means granting boons as per wishes) as many devotees’ wishes were granted by Lord Sri Rama here.
This is one place where one can hear, see and feel Sri Rama Nama round the clock on all the 10 days of Sri Rama Navami.
Parvathamalai
Parvathamalai is located at Thenmahadevamangalam village which is about 20 kms off Polur. Polur is about 35 kms north of Thiruvannamalai. There’s a very powerful Lord Shiva temple at the top of the Parvathamalai hill. Numerous Siddhars and spiritual beings from the celestial worlds worship here every night. Reaching the hill is somewhat difficult. Hence it is better to start early in the morning and return as early as possible. During the Full moon day, this hill attracts a lot of devotees. This is a place vested with a lot of spiritual power.
Kailasanathar Temple at Narthampoondy
Thiruvannamalai – Chetpat
Avalurpet Murugan Temple
This is a temple on a very small hillock with a big temple tank at the base in a beautiful location at around 25 kms from Thiruvannamalai.
Muthalamman sametha Agastheeswarar Temple – not sure whether it is a separate temple or within the same Murugan temple campus.
Links: Location Travelogue
Tindivanam – Gingee
Bhuvaneshwar Temple at Peramananthur
6 kms west of Tindivanam; Goddess: Bhuvaneswari
Links: Location
Sri Nerkuthi Vinayaka temple at Theevanur
Contact: 04145 – 235265 / 94427 80813
Chokkanathar Temple at Anankur
Goddess: Meenakshi amman
14 kms east of Gingee
Mel Chittamur
Mel Chittamur is 20 km west of Tindivanam and 10 km east of Gingee. Head quarters of Digambara sect in Tamilnadu with the Jinakanchi Matha presided over by the Pontiff. Two temples, one dedicated to Parsvanatha and other known as ‘Mailanatha’ temple was originally a boulder containing rock cut images of Bahubali, Parsvanatha, Adinatha, Mahavira and Ambika yakshi carved in the 9th century AD. Rebuilt in the 16th century and renovated in the present century.
Links: Location
Rishabapureeswarar Temple at Mel Sevur
Location: 10 kms Southeast of Gingee, on the southern bank of Sankaraparani (Varaha) river
Significances: Thevara Vaipu thalam, Swayambu lingam
Goddess: Mangalambihai
Legend: This is mentioned as Thiruvidaiyur in Sundarar’s Pathikam
Temple: 50 feet Rajagopuram with two praharams. Pandy kings worked on this temple
Links: Location
Mallinathar Jain Temple at Perumbugai
Main deity is Mallinathar. Also old Mahaveerar statue, Brammadevar with elephant and Dharadevi statues are also present. Long back when it was an small temple, Mahaveerar was the main deity. Later after renovation main deity was changed to Mallinathar. The place where the old temple was located was made as garden now and it is inside the temple
Links: Location
Around Gingee
Gingee Fort
There is a Pachaiamman Temple in the Gingee fort half way to the hill top. This is considered to be in worship by the Siddhars. 7 Jadamuni shapes of pachaimalai are in the back side.
An ancient temple with an empty sanctum sanctorum is the top most point of Gingee fort.
There is a popular Hanuman temple at the hill base in a beautiful location with a pond by the side.
Chakkarakulam and chettikulam are the two famous ponds in this fort. Chettikulam was built by Raja shetty during the Maratha occupation of the place, towards the end of the 18th century. To the north of this pond is a platform believed to be Raja Desingh funeral pyre, where his young wife committed sati (self immolation).
The Venkataramana temple is the largest temple in the fort, built by Muthiyalu Naicker (1540 -1550 A.D). It contains a number of Tamil inscriptions. Quite a few monolithic pilliars were removed from this temple to Pondicherry and planted as a peostal around the duplex statue after the French occupation of Gingee in 1761.
Links: Location
Sri Selva Lalithambihai Temple
Located in Gingee town
Links: Weblink
Twenty four Theerthangarars at Thiru nathan kundru
It is 2 km north of Gingee town. The hillock on the western side of the road has two Jaina caverns and a huge boulder containing sculptures of all the 24 Theerthankaras in the 9th Century style. It is only place where all the 24 Theerthankaras are shown in a single large composition. An open rock nearby was the place where monk Chandranandi observed 57 days of fasting and died (5th- 6th century A.D).
Links: Location
Sri-Sikhari-Pallaveshvaram Cave Temple at Melacheri
Singavaram
Located at 4 km North-west of Gingee, this temple of Lord Ranganatha, the tutelary god of Raja Desingh is on a hill top with about 150 steps. It is a good specimen of South Indian type of rock cut shrine. The idol of Lord Ranganatha, in a reclining posture, measures 24 ft. in length which together with the inner sanctorum, is carved out of a single rock. It is said to be bigger than that of the idol in Srirangam. Like Thiruvananthapuram Ananthapadmanatha Swamy, the head, chest and leg portions of this Perumal have to be worshipped through 3 separate entrances. Mangalasasanam was done by Sri Ramanujar.
Sevalpurai
Located at about 10 kms north-west of gingee, this is a beautiful village with a small river, lake, dam, checkdam and ancient temples
http://sevalapurai.blogspot.com
a) Sri Agastheeswarar temple
This is a small ancient temple in a beautiful location
Links: Location
b) Murugan temple on a hillock
Links: Location
c) Venkatesa Perumal Temple
Sri Valli Devasena sametha Sri Subramaniya Swamy Temple at Pasumalai
15 kms north-east of Gingee, this is a Murugan temple on a hill in a beautiful location. There are about 410 steps to climb.
Contact: 99623 44722
Links: Location
Sri Angala Parameswari Temple at Melmalayanur
Located at 20 kms North-west of Gingee and 30 kms North-East of Thiruvannamalai, the temple of Angala Parameswari is situated here. In the inner sanctum there is a snake pit which is being worshipped. Vinayaka is present in a standing posture. There is a congregation of devotees on every new moon day.
Links: Location
Gingee – Thiruvannamalai
Aala Kaala Easwar Temple at Alampoondi
10 kms to the west of Gingee en route Thiruvannamalai, this is an ancient Shiva temple. The recently renovated temple here is Arulmigu Aalakaala Easwaran Thirukoil and His consort is A/M. Mangalambigai. This temple is around 800 years old and was fully ruined by passage of time. With some good souls, the temple was renovated in 2008.
Contact: V.Dhandapany, Secretary, Aalakaala Easwaran Thirukoil Trust, Alampoondi Village, Gingee Taluk, Villupuram Dist. Pin code 604151 email:dhandapanyld@yahoo.co.in.
Links: Location
Sundareswarar Temple at Veeramanallur
16 kms west of Gingee, Goddess: Soundaravalli
Gingee – Villupuram
Shatru Malleswaralayam Rock cut temple at Thalavanur
This is located at 16 km from Gingee in Viluppuram District and was built by the Pallava King Mahendra varman (B.C.580 to 630). Sculptures and Tamil and sanskrit inscriptions are found here.
Mandagapattu
A famous Archeological Temple site is 20 kms from Villupuram and 17 kms from Gingee in the Villupuram – Gingee road. It is a 100 ft hillock, where the Mahendraverma (I) of Pallava king, (580-630 AD) made a cave temple. Currently there are no deities here.
Links: Location Photos Weblink
Marudeeswarar (Shiva) Temple at Sangeethamangalam
A Pallava Temple
Links: Location
Ramanatha Easwar temple at Anniyur
The temple with the Swayambu lingam was built by Pallavas.
Goddess: Thiripura Sundari amman
Ramar worshipped Shiva here.
Sthala Vruksham: Vilva tree
Theertham: Rama theertham
Note: There is also an ancient Perumal temple at Anniyur
Links: Location
Ramalingar Shiva Temple at Kanjanur
Links: Location
Brahmmadesam – Ennayiram – Esalam
This is the area connecting Ginee-Villupuram road and Tindivanam-Villupuram highways. It can be reached either by a) branching off at Perani junction in the Tindivanam-Villupuram highways and travelling through Periya Thachur or b) branching off at Nemur in the Gingee-Villupuram road. Note that there are many Brahmmadesams in Tamilnadu.
This is a very important location from the archelogical and historical front and most of the temples in this belt are being maintained by ASI with plenty of important inscriptions and idols unearthed. In 1987, a big treasure trove was found containing 23 bronze images, temple utensils and copper plate charter (royal order). The Esalam copper plate grant of Rajendra Chola is the third charter of the ruler to have been found so far. The Thiruvalangadu plates issued in his sixth year, and the Karandai (Tanjore) copper plates issued in his 8th year are the two charters of this ruler found earlier. The Karandai plates is by far the biggest royal charter to have been found inscribed on copper sheets-anywhere in India.
Ennayiram in tamil means 8000. According to local belief, 8,000 Jainas were executed here. There is another story that the Jains were not executed but they embraced Brahmanism. There is one more version that there were 8000 Brahmin- settlers from North India who were invited by Rajendra-I. In any case, there is a sect in Brahmin Iyers called Ashta Sahasram (meaning 8000) and this could be their root. Ennayiram was a flourishing educational centre during the Chola period. There are inscriptions about an university for teaching the Vedas with 270 students, hostel, hospital and doctors with their wage details. The Tamil poet, Kalamegam, famous for his puns, belonged to Ennayiram.
Brahmmapureeswarar Temple at Brahmmadesam
This is a very big temple with the huge main deity (lingam). The temple is under control of Archelogical Survey of India (ASI) and is being renovated.
Padaleeswarar Temple at Brahmmadesam
This is another Chola temple under ASI control and under renovation.
Semmaneri Andavar Temple at Ennayiram
Located in a beautiful environment of lake, huge banyan trees in the backdrop of hill, this is the family deity for many and is a very busy temple on holidays.
About 100 meters from here there is a small mandapam called Ramanujar Padham where the foot prints of Sri Ramanujar is being kept.
Links: Location
Azhagiya Narasimha Perumal Temple at Ennayiram
The Chola temple of Narasimha swamy temple was built by Rajaraja Chola 1 (985 –1014). When the floor of the “mukhamantapa” (entrance hall) was being removed, ASI found the longest “meikeerthi” (various titles and exploits) of a Chola king. The inscription actually runs to 80 lines, but only lines from 54 to 80 are unearthed and lines 1 to 53 are yet to be located.
The sanctum sanctorum has the idol of Lord Paramapathavasan and Consorts Sridevi and Bhoodevi. The presiding deity is Lord Azhagiya Narasingar. The temple also has a shrine for the six-feet high idol of Lord Varahamurthy. Special puja is performed on every Thiruvatirai Nakshatram day.
Saint Ramanujar preachings converted the Jains as Vaishnavas. Koorathazhwar also visited this temple.
Darshan timings: 7-11 a.m.; 4-7 p.m.
Sri Ramanatha Easwar Temple at Esalam
The temple was built by Rajendra Cholan I (1012) and there are inscriptions in Sanskrit with grantha characters. The vimanam is of stone construction. This is supposed to be one of the last small temples Rajaraja built before venturing into the Tanjore Big Temple.
Thirukkovilur – Manalurpet – Thiruvannamalai
Sri Ranganathar Temple Aadhirangam
Location: 16 km from Thirukkovilur and 28 kms from Thiruvannamalai in the Thirukkovilur -Thiruvannamalai route via Manalurpet and near Jambai.
Significances:
* considered more ancient than Srirangam
* the biggest Perumal in Tamilnadu
Temple: The temple, on the banks of river Thenpennai, is called Uthira rangam and is more ancient than Srirangam. The main deity Sri Ranganathar in reclining posture is a suthai chirpam and is the biggest Perumal in Tamilnadu. Lord Vishnu takes the anantha sayanam position after every avatar. The ancientness of this temple can be well understood with the fact that this temple is believed to be after the first Vishnu avatar whereas Srirangam, Trichy is after the 7th avatar. A visit to this temple, by itself, is a great boon.
There is a musical sculpture here and if you strike it at different places, different swarams come out. This temple is not part of the 108 divya desams but many say that there are inscriptions that this place has been done mangalasasanam by Thirumangaiyashwar in 10 pasurams.
Jambai
Jambunatheswarar Temple
A Swayambu lingam; the construction of this east facing temple was started during the 9th century A.D Chola period and continued to the Vijayanagara age.
Links: Location
Sapthamathirika Temple
Sculptures here belong to 10th Century A.D
Links: Location
By M.GANDHI, CURATOR RTD., DEPARTMENT OF MUSEUMS, VELLORE:
Jambai is an important place from the historical and archaeological front. There is a small hillock in the north east of the village. Between two split areas of this hillock there are signs of megalithic period settlement. Before this in the hillock cave there is an inscription of Athiyaman in Tamil, which is considered to be the earliest inscription in Tamil.
Links: Location
West of this hillock in a small stone boulder is an inscription of Rashtrakuta Krishna III along with the 10th century A.D relief figure of Jyesta devi.
Links: Location
South of this inscription is a lake, in the middle of which is a stone mortar with inscription.
Links: Location
Manalurpet
Manalurpet is 25 kms from Tiruvannamalai and 15kms from Thirukkovilur. Manalurpet is famous for the River Festival taking place in the month of January every year, second day from Kanum pongal (Fifth day of Tamil month Thai). During the festival Lord Annamalaiyar will come from Tiruvannamalai.
Also this town has many temples like
- Agastheeswara Temple – A Swayambu lingam
- Perumal Temple
- Sani Bhagavan Temple and
- Around 40 feet Anjaneyar Temple
Thirukkovilur - Villupuram
Paranur
This place is connected with Sri Krishna Premi Swamigal or Sri Sri Anna as he is affectionately called. The official site http://www.srisrianna.org/srisri_paranoor1.html talks a lot about various spiritual activities. It seems Sri Krishna Premi Swamigal comes here on every Ekadhasi day and does Unjavridhi and the bhajans. I understand the place will be brimming with activities when he is present but otherwise is deserted as I saw during my visit. Better call up and go.
Links: Location
Shiva temple at Sidhalingamadam
- Main deity is Vygrapathar as Swayambu lingam with Goddess NeelaVisalakshi amman. Sage Vygrapathar got the Shiva dharshan here and hence the name of the main deity.
- Vinayagar argued with Sundarar and made him sing a hymn and so the Vinayagar is called ‘Vadhadum Vinayagar’.
- A Thevara Vaipu Sthalam.
- Sri Gnananandha Swamigal, before settling at Thirukkoyilur Thapovanam, stayed here for quite some time.
Links: Location
Agastheeswarar Temple at C.Meyyur
A Swayambu lingam at 1 km east of Sidhalingamadam
Links: Location
Murugan Temple near C.Meyyur
On a hillock right in the middle of Pennaiyar river
Links: Location
Sri Idaiyatru Nathar temple at Thiru Idaiyaru
The temple is located between South Pennai and Malattaru, on the banks of South Pennai and the main deity is the Idaiyatru Nathar as a Swayambu lingam. On a Swathi star day, Shiva gave dharshan to Sukha Brahma rishi and taught Jothidam to him here.
Sukha Brahma Rishi is an expert in changing forms and once he changed into a parrot. He flew to Kailayam where he saw Lord Shiva was preaching ‘Shiva secrets’ to Parvathi devi and Sukhar wanted to know the secret. So he was flying around between Lord Shiva and Parvathi Devi. Parvathi Devi got angry and cursed him to be in the Parrot form itself. Sukhar then pleaded pardon and Shiva gave some relief to be in human form but with Parrot face. Sukhar penanced here Sukha Brahma Rishi is a devotee of Lord Rama.as well and he got Ramar’s dharshan at the Yoga ramar temple at Nedungunam
Links: Location
Sri Lakshmi Narayana Perumal Temple at Kappur
Located in a beautiful location
Links: Location
Sri Venkata Varadaraja Perumal Temple at Perumbakkam
This 400 years old temple is at Perumbakkam, 7 km from Villupuram on the Villupuram-Thirukovilur Highway. The temple is associated with several Jeeyars of the Ahobila Mutt. Sri Injimedu Azhagiyasingar, the 42nd Jeeyar of Ahobila Mutt, has proclaimed this village as the ‘Dakshina Ahobilam’.
According to legend, Lord Varadaraja appeared in the dream of a Vedic scholar and directed him to retrieve the idols buried in his land called `Thoramaniam’ and build a temple for Him and His Consorts. Accordingly, the idols of Venkata Varadaraja Perumal with Sridevi and Bhoodevi were retrieved and the temple was built. As per the inscriptions found in the temple, the main shrine of Sri Venkata Varadaraja Perumal with His Consorts was built with special granite brought from `Kalpattu’, with ardhamandapam, mahamandapam, etc., in the year 1605 A.D., and other shrines for Perundevi Thayar, Andal, Bashyakarar, Nammazhwar, Vedantha Desikar, Adivann Satakopa Yathindra Maha Desikan, the founder and the first Jeeyar of Sri Ahobila Mutt and the front mandapam were all added later.
Perumbakkam has the unique distinction and honour of being the venue for choosing Sri U. V. Gopalacharya Swami as the 37th Peetathipathi of Sri Ahobila Math, by convening a sadas when the 36th Jeeyar, Srivann Satakopa Sri Srinivasa Yathindra Mahadesikan passed away without nominating a successor in 1898 when he camped here for nearly an year and performed Mangalasasanam to Sri Venkata Varadaraja Perumal. Sri U. V. Gopalacharya Swami assumed the thirunamam, Srivann Satakopa Sri Veeraraghava Satakopa Yathindra Maha Desikan. A staunch devotee of Sri Venkata Varadaraja Perumal, he adored Him as the replica of Kanchi Sri Varadaraja, on whom he has composed several slokas. Even though this Jeeyar adorned the peetam for only 11 months, he stayed in the village and worshipped Sri Venkata Varadaraja Perumal.
Links: Location
In and Around Thirukkovilur
Athulyanadheswarar temple at Arakandanallur
Location: The temple is located at about 3 km from Thirukkovilur towards Villupuram. The temple is located in a beautiful location on a hillock adjacent to the South Pennai river and is visible from a distance across the river. There are two entrances, one through the main road and the other through the river which is very scenic.
Significance:
* One of the 275 Shiva temples glorified by the Thevara hymns
Legends:
* Ramanar has meditated in this temple when he was a young boy.
* It is believed that the Pandavas visited Arankandanallur and that the temple tank close to the cave in which they stayed was created with Bhima’s mace. There are two sunais (water streams) on the hillock which are said to have been used by Pandavas and Draupadi.
* There is an imprint of Thirugnana Sambandar’s feet here. Sambandar is said to have miraculously moved a huge rock that had been placed to block the shrine. Thirugnana Sambandhar worshipped Thiruvannamalai from this hillock top.
* Worshipped by Prasanda rishi
The Temple: The 160 feet high Gopuram in this shrine (dating back to the 7th century) with three prakarams Rich in inscriptions, it received Royal patronage from local chieftains, the later Cholas and the later Pandyas. This is the south most rock-cut cave temple of Pallavas, with the solitary exception of Tiruchirapalli. Thiruvannamalai is visible from this hill. There is an idol of Ramanar as a young boy in a meditative posture and the temple is visited by many Ramana Maharsishi followers.
Links: Location Travelogue1 Travelogue2
Anthili
Anthili is a village about 2 kms south of Arakanda Nallur on the banks of the river South Pennai.
Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple at Anthili
Legend: Lord Maha Vishnu in the form of Narasimha came out of a granite pillar to kill Hiranyakasibu, the father and the tormentor of Prahalad. In this avtar, the Lord rushed to help
Prahalad without calling his vahanam, Garuda. So also in Gajendra Moksha. These caused much anxiety to Garuda who felt extremely depressed on being left out. He left Vaikuntam and was doing penance at Anthili. The severe penance of Garuda pleased the Lord and He gave dharshan as Lord Narasimha with Mahalakshmi seated on His lap. Due to Garuda’s penance, Anthili thus became a sacred spot for all pilgrims.
The Madhwa seer Sri Vyasarajar visited Anthili and had dharshan of the Lord on top of a small hillock that looked liked Garuda to him. The same Vyasarajar became Sri Raghavendra in his next birth.
Temple: Subsequently, due to continuous raids by infidels, the temple lost its glory and importance. Paranur Sri Krishna Premi Swamigal renovated the temple and the kumbhabhishekam took place in 2004. At the temple, the Lord is with Mahalakshmi on his lap. The idol is small but the Lord’s glory is great.
Conatct: Baktha Jana Sabha at 04153-254098
Links: Weblink
Veera Anjaneyar temple
The Madhwa seer Sri Vyasarajar consecrated this temple during the glorious reign of the Vijayanagar Emperors.
Thirukkovilur
This is situated in the Cuddalore – Chittoor trunk road, 37 km from Villupuram and about the same distance from Thiruvannamalai. This town has two parts Kizhur and Melur. While Ulagalandha Perumal temple, one of the 108 Divya desams is located in Melur, the Veeratteswarar Temple, one of the 275 sacred Thevara temples is located in Kizhur. This is the birth place of Rajaraja chola. Meiporul Nayanar ruled this place.
Ulagalanda Perumal temple
Significance:
- One of the 108 Divya desams
- Vamana Trivikrama Avathara Sthalam
- One of the five Krisharanya Kshetras.
- It was here that the three Mudal Azhwars (Poigai Azhwar, Bhoodathazhwar and Peyazhwar) met one night in a small room.
Temple: The presiding deities of the Temple are 21 feet Thiruvikrama Swami and Pushpavalli Thayar. The Moolavar is in Nindra, Nadantha (Ulagalantha) kolam facing East direction with his right leg lifted up towards the sky. Mahabali’s pride bit the dust in this kshetra. Unusually, the Sangu and Chakrams of the moolavar have changed places and is seen with Sangu on the right hand and the Chakkaram on the left hand.
The temple was built about 2000 years ago in stages. Among the four towers that adorn the temple, the biggest one is in the eastern side that scales 195 feet and is the third highest structure found in Southern India. The courtyards in the temple are very large and present an exquisite feast to the eyes. The broad mandapam in front of the Thayar Shrine, especially, throws a challenge to the modern architecture, which is built in the cantilever system and affords a surprising sight. There are several sacred theerthams in the temple.
Sri Vishnu Durga: Worshiping “Goddess Durga” in a vaishnavite temple is unique. Usually, the Durga’s sanctum will be present as Koshta God in most Shiva temples. But here, the sanctum is right in front of the sanctum of Lord Vishnu. After the Thiruvikrama Avataram, Goddess Durga sought permission from Vishnu to go back to Vindhya Mountain but Lord Vishnu advised her to stay here and bless the devotees. It was said that the Goddess is guarding the Lord Thriuvikrama shrine
Azhwars: During a dark and stormy night, the three azhwars Poigai Azhwar, Bhoodathazhwar and Peyazhwar reached Tirukkovilur separately by different routes. They found all houses shut, all choultries locked up except a narrow passage in the front portion of an ashram belonging to Mrigandu Maharshi. The first to reach was Poigaiazhwar, prepared to spend the night lay down. Sometime later, Bhoodathazhwar too discovered the same place. The space which was just enough for one to lie down is now just enough for two to sit. Later the third Azhwar, Peyazhwar also arrived in seeking shelter and now the three could at least stand comfortably. The famous phrase ‘Oruvar padukka, Iruvar amara and Moover nirka’ refers to this incident.
All of a sudden, they felt rather tight pressed. Where they were standing comfortably earlier, they now felt that the available space had diminished, as if a fourth person had entered the narrow passage and was crowding them. Apparently, someone had sneaked into the already constricted space without announcement and was standing as one with them. Later they found that it was none other than the Paramatma Sriman Narayana with Sri Mahalakshmi adorning his broad chest.
The three azhwars, inspired by the grand spectacle of Emperuman’s glorious form in their midst, poured out their devotion in a hundred beautiful verses each, brimming over with bhakthi. These are the Pasurams which served as forerunners of the “Four thousand nectarine verses” that were to be composed by the other azhwars.
Links: Location
VeeratteswararTemple
Significance:
- One of the 8 Veeratta Stalams of Shiva
- One of the 275 sacred temples glorified by the Thevara hymns
Location: The temple is located in a place called Kizhur or Kizhaiyur.
Legend: The eight Veeratta Sthalams are where Lord Shiva vanquished various demons. Here He vanquished Andakasuran. The Periyanai Ganapathi shrine here had been worshipped by Poet Avvaiyar. Since it was getting late for the Poet to go to Kailayam, this Vinayagar is said to have lifted her up and placed ahead of Sundarar en route Kailayam.
The Temple: The moolavar here is a big Swayambu lingam. During the Kumbabhisheha work, when the area around the lingam was dug up, the base of the lingam was going well below 25 feet and so it was left untouched further. Although much in need of repair, frescos on ceilings are of interest. The Rajagopuram is about 70 ft in height and the temple has 2 praharams. Inscriptions from the Pallava, Vijayalaya I and Paranthaka Chola I periods are found here.
Durgai koshta God is here is very special since Her eyes appear with white eyeballs as real eyes though the idol has been sculptured in black granite stone. It’s a wonder indeed! The Ambal temple is located separately.
Links: Location Travelogue
Kabilar Kundru
This place, being maintained by the state Archaeological Department, is near the Veeratteswarar temple and is situated in the middle of the river Pennayar. After the death of Pari, the King who is said to have given his chariot to a jasmine creeper for its support to grow, his daughters Angavai and Sangavai had suffered a lot. The saint poet Kabilar, a good friend of Pari and the caretaker of the girls could not bear the pain of the sufferings of the girls had immolated himself on this rock.
Links: Location
Gnananandha Thapovanam
The history of the Matam, takes us back to the times of Adhi Shankara. Adhi Shankara established four Peetams of which Jyotir Matam is one, with Thotakacharya as the main functionary (Thotakacharya was Sankara’s disciple). In this lineage the Fifth Peetathipathi was Sri Sivaratna Giri Swamiji. Sri Gnanananda Giri Swami was his principal disciple viz. Sixth Peetathipathi.
When His Guru attained Samadhi on a Chitra Pournami day, Sri Gnanananda Giri Swami was unable to bear the separation of his Guru and so left the Peetam and went to Manasarour, handing over the charge to his disciple. At Manasarovar, he practised vigorous penance for a number of years and travelled by foot to a number of places in India, Malaya (now Malaysia), Burma (now Myanmar) and Sri Lanka, and interacted and blessed his devotees. At last he reached Thirukkovilur and established the Ashram at the Thapovanam. He is a Siddha Purusha, transcending time and space.
Links: Location Travelogue Webink
Sri Rahothama Swami Moola Brindhavan
The Samadhi of Swami Ragothama, worshipped by the followers of Madhwas and others is situated on the bank of the river South Pennai.
Links: Location
Other places:
- Kugai Namachivayar Samadhi in the North street
- Aadhi Madalayam near the Veerateswarar temple
Excellent work. Inspiring travel and very detailed descriptions. My ancestors are from Chetlur and according to my knowledge chetlur existed near Tirupathi. After sultan’s vistory in 1650 over vijayanagar empire people have scattered from there to other regions carrying the name of the village and that is the reason why people claim that chetlur is in Mysore or in Thnajavur. Srvaishnavas from Chetlur have settled in Tiruvahindapuram and Salem also whereas Samarthas have mostly gone to Mysore.
By: C P Chandrasekaran on April 25, 2013
at 4:38 pm
Dear Sir,
I felt immense happiness after I visited your site. The interest in you of the work you do, the knowledge you possess and mainly the knowledge transfer you do is simply great. I find no words to express my appreciation for the work you carry on, giving each and every details of the temple, directions, timings and the various other informative details you keep under several tabs. I keep this site and the furnished details under the same as my prospectus and started to visit the temples and other places of worship, which I haven’t heard so far. I wish you to continue doing this GOOD DEED. May Your karma account with the Almighty get accumulated with good deeds and you shall be benefited with all those you wish and long for and be the very blessed one.
Best Regards,
Baijnath AK
By: Baijnath AK on March 8, 2013
at 2:48 pm
Thank you Sir. I value these blessings and wishes very highly.
By: raju0704 on March 9, 2013
at 10:01 am
I want to know whether “URUPATUR” is a family name or village name? also like to know about “CHETLOOR”
By: S.Vijayaraghavan on October 26, 2012
at 11:47 am
Finally i could reach the sannidi of Lord Arunachaleshwara. This site was very helpful. For those who love Andhra meals, here is the contact no# +919150551700 (name: Murali garu). The food is very tasty, very economical (just 40-50 rupees) and eat as much as you can for the same amount.
By: Kalyan Pulipaka on September 1, 2012
at 9:31 pm
Great Work Mr Raju. It is very true that Tiruvannamalai dist has numerous Shiva temples and that is why the Mahaperiava never used to travel by foot in the district , i heard!
By: Viswanathan V on June 13, 2012
at 10:38 pm
Dear Mr.Raju,
I hail from Alampoondi village in Gingee Taluk, Villupuram Dist. The recently renovated temple here is Arulmigu Aalakaala Easwaran Thirukoil and His consort is A/M. Mangalambigai. This temple is around 800 years old and was fully ruined by passage of time. We formed a Trust, got it registered and with contributions from devotees we could fully renovate and add more deities to suit the followings of different sects, all within a period of just 18 months. Kumbabishekam was celebrated in December 2008. This temple is being visited by devotees from far and wide as prayers here are answered fully by Mangalambigai and Aalakaala Easwaran. We are in the process of adding more facilities for devotees, like erect a Kalyana Mandapam in the frontage of Mangalambigai sannathi. Devotees can collect more information from me by contacting through email: V.Dhandapany, Secretary, Aalakaala Easwaran Thirukoil Trust, Alampoondi Village, Gingee Taluk, Villupuram Dist. Pin code 604151 email:dhandapanyld@yahoo.co.in. God bless you for your sincere service. You may contact me on mobile 9840073718 if you desire to have full details with photos, I am on a pilgrimage and will be available in the village by end of June. Other members of the Trust are available in the village to help you if you wish to visit. Greetings.Dhandapany.
By: V.Dhandapany on May 15, 2012
at 8:44 am
whether its setlur or sethur? because in mayiladuthurai and kuthalam sethur village is there
By: MAHESH on May 14, 2012
at 3:47 pm
DONORS REQUESTED FOR CONSTRUCTION OF SRI RUNAHARESHWARAR TEMPLE AT PERANAMBAKKAM , THIRUVANNA MALAI DISTRICT
An ancient lord Shiva Temple – Mangalambika samedha Sri Runahareshwarar temple under construction starting stage at Peranambakkam Village, Polur Taluk ,Thiruvannamalai district.
The temple was identified by prasannam . It seems to be 500 years old temple.
We are looking for donors to construct the temple. Donors may contribute by material also. Donors may please contact Srihari @ 9840237966 or through email runahareshwarar@gmail.com.
You may search in you tube with Runa hareshwarar for photographs.
By: Srihari on April 18, 2012
at 12:00 pm
Raju,
Can you please inform about the temple timings of singavaram ranganathar perumal temple.
regards
Mahesh
By: MAHESH on April 2, 2012
at 9:55 am
Dear Mr.Mahesh,
For time being temple timing is as belows:
8 to 10 AM in the morning – Monday to Saturday
8 t0 10 AM and 4 PM to 6 PM – Sunday
You can call 995249661 – Archagar VijayaKumar Battachar.
By: Gobinath on May 7, 2012
at 11:42 am
Hello Sir,
Excellent work you have done.
Also I request you to give guidelines about what are the MAIN temples one MUST visit and how to start from particular main city and then one by one in the same route….Murugan.V. Manamadurai.
By: Murugan.V on February 24, 2012
at 8:25 pm
Dear Raju,
As per our astrologer we have to visit Panaiyur, near Vanda vasi to fulfil certain vows . Can you give dtails of amman koil in Panaiyur Tiruvannamal dist?
Please
By: viji on February 23, 2012
at 7:47 pm
i am from setlur iyengar parampara.
Please will help me to findout the correct location of Setlur Village.
By: Balaji Srinivasan on February 14, 2012
at 8:13 pm
Dear Balaji, I also hail from the same setlur parampara and am unable to locate this .If u come to know of any info please update me also. Seni setlur santhanakrishnan
By: S.Santhanakrishnan on May 11, 2012
at 2:56 pm
Setlur is near Papanasam in Tanjore District.
I know one Mr V Murali s/o P.S Varadachari Iyengar who was Principal at Madura College Madurai during 1969-1972.
P stands for Papanasam and S for setlur.
By: S.Mahalingam on October 16, 2012
at 3:22 pm
Dear Santhanakrishnan and Balaji
I, too, belong to your tribe (!) – Setalur, Chetlur or Setlur – many variations. I was born in one of our 108 Divya Desams – Pullaboothangudi village (very close to Swamimalai or Umayalpuram) in Papanasam Taluk. But there is no village by the name Setlur. I have heard that there is something near Injangudi in Thiruvannamalai. I also heard that there is a village named Setlur near Melkote, Mysore. If you guys come across more info, please do include me in the news.!
Thanks!
Setalur Srinivasachariyar Ranganathan
rnathan@ranganathan.org
By: kosmo on December 19, 2012
at 10:59 am
Brahma Rishi Hill Temple Malaysia
For more information you can contact
1. Mr.Morthy H/P: 0133901441 or 0192244000
2. Mr. Selvaraj H/P: 0166354246 Bukit tinggi, Pahang
3. Mr. Fong Sifu H/P: 0163149188
WEBSITE & INFORMATION IN FACEBOOK:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Brahma-Rishi-Hill-Temple-Malaysia/154758767928251?sk=friendactivity
By: kevin on February 3, 2012
at 4:30 pm
very nice and peaceful temple
By: sujith kumar on January 2, 2012
at 11:43 am
please let me know where is chetlur village with a temple for mariamma .
balasubramanian
By: balasubramanian on December 16, 2011
at 6:00 pm
Dear Mr Raju.
Thanks for information provided by you about various village. It is very excellant and rare activity. Also a very rare habit of sharing these valuable informations with others.
MAY GOD BLESS YOU SIR to continue this great work.
CSK
By: cs.kumaraswamy on November 20, 2011
at 12:01 am
Sir
Thanks for the information about our village Mandakolathur. At this moment i am proud enough to mention that the I am grandson of Mahamahopadhyaya Sironmani Chninnaswamy sastrigal who was one of the notable persons hailed from this village.
CSK
By: cs.kumaraswamy on November 19, 2011
at 11:58 pm
Dear Raju
I am also S. Raju S/o Seetharaman. A.G. read your details of various temples. Excellent information given by you. thanks
regards
raju. S
By: S. Raju on October 15, 2011
at 2:03 pm
Dear RAJU,
Great job.I wish that you should have visited some small villages
where good old temples which were being renovated by the village people.
For example two temples were at THANDARAI village,about 8 kms from Cheyyar in Cheyyar-mambakkam-Arani road.In Thandarai Arulmighu VENUGOPALA SWAMY temple has been renovated and SAMPROKSHANA will be held on 14th NOVEMBER 2011.Another temple of SHIVA is to be taken up next.Both the temples were more than 600 years old build by
Sambhuvrayar dynastry. Please make a trip.
Thandarai Vijayaraghavan Venugopal.
04-10-2011.
By: T.V.VENUGOPAL on October 4, 2011
at 5:07 pm
Raju,
In recent past we haven’t seen any blog with granual details.externally
you have taken us there. Thanks for your effrots.
Sudheer Tangella
By: Sudheer Tangella on August 25, 2011
at 11:56 am
Sir,
Great Job, God Bless You, I request you to add in Sugumara janani Sametha Sri Mahadeveswarar Temple in Polur Taluk in Thiruvannamalai Dt Also in this Website Pls.
Thanks & Regards.
G.Kandhan.
By: G.Kandhan on August 23, 2011
at 8:52 am
I am uable to find history and details about Ekambareswar Koil at Vilage:Parvati Agaram,near Kalambur. Can you please helpout?
By: Sridhar Iyer on August 19, 2011
at 8:22 am
Sir, Have you visited the sathuragiri hills from thaaniparai. I had the opportunity to visit the hills for 15kms walk up the hill with a guide friend from vathraippu village. He guided us twice in 2010. we had walked 30kms up and down to have darshan of lord sundara mahalingam and lord sandhana mahalingam. there are 18 siddhars in the top of the hill in the temple. we stayed in the hills in a room provided by the temple priest. No electricity. If the siddhars wish, they will come in any form to give darshan in the darkness. we had the darshan of a line of light emitting insects around 10 to 15 in numbers encircling the darkness in the forest and then they came into the room were we were staying and left. the temple cows sleep around the room near us to give us protection. the doors are kept open and it is very chill and pleasant to energize our body and mind. we get free food from the temple and mineral water from the akaasha gangain water falls near the sandhana mahainga swamigal. Next day early in the morning we had the opportunity to walk further into the forest around 3 kms and had darshan of the vanadurgai who protects the hills. history says there are 4 vanadurgai in 4 corners You also get the sambarani which is vavailable only in sathuragiri hills. so friends, we go to sathuraigir on the next day to powrnami and return so not much of rush. do you know that on aadi ammavasai 6 lakhs devotees climb the hill. we went one day earlier and stayed there. we took 4 bags of rice for annadhanam with us to offer to the lord and vasthiram to the 18 sidhars. we attended the sanipradhosham at sundara mahalingam temple. Giving vasthiram to the lord is very good for the family. Any of the devotees are interested to come to sathuragiri for darshan can accompany us with our guide. please send your information to ksaravanakumar43@gmail.com. with best regards. k saravana kumar.
By: jayamsharavanakumar on August 15, 2011
at 11:24 pm
We have visited many temples in Chennai and near Chennai after reading your blog. In fact we visited the Puri Jagganath temple yesterday. thanks for that wonderful experience we got becuase of the info provided by you.
I wish to bring my aged mother to Injimedu. Is the temple on the hill or on the ground level. Appreciate your early reply
By: Usha on August 7, 2011
at 5:36 pm
The Narasimha Swamy Koil which is a part of the PADAVEDU is the most sincerely maintainted temple I have ever come across. The priest Mugundan treats every body alike whether you drop Re 1 or Rs 10000. you are given same respect. Poojas are done very sincerely. On my first visit (from bangalore) i was not knowing that there are not a single hotel in the vicinity . The priest , knowing that I was from other city, handed me a packed sarkarai pongal and standard pongal at 1 PM . All that i dropped on the karpooram plate was Rs 10/- . Imagine any other priest in any other temple treating a commoner like this. I was astonished during a visit to this temple that several Iyengar ladies ( in traditional 9 yards saree ) serving food to villagers – all other “castes” on plaintain leaves and with so much dedication – asking kindly whether they are satisfied with the food . Even the Iyengar priests were serving them. In all other temples these priests & their families dont even come near “other castes”.
By: N.N. BALA on July 24, 2011
at 6:19 pm
Hi Raju,
Your blog is very informative. In tiruvannamalai there is a small village of historical significane. The name is “Sathyavijayanagaram” . This village comes 2 kms before arani . It is called SV Nagaram locally. This village has the the temple of Veera Anjaneya concercated by Sri Vyasaraja and the brindavanam of Sri Sathya Vijaya tirtha , a saint in the lineage of Sri Madhwacharya. This place was the capital and 300 villages in and around arani was ruled by my wife’s ancestors called arni jagir for 300 years till 1951. More info can be had from http://www.arnijagir.com . They were marathi madhwa brahmins and this village was once a brahmin settlement having around 850 families. Today people have disbursed to many places. The annual aradhana of Sri Sathyavijaya swamy happens in arpil-may. The village SV Nagaram has two palaces built aroud 300 years ago . The current condition is higly bad and the government has taken no efforts to up keep the place. You can see the present condition of the palaces at http://indhiya-suttrum-vaaliban.blogspot.com/2009/06/sv-nagaram-aranmanai-arani.html. If you intend to visit this place please call Sri Sathyavijayachar at 9944463550 before you visit the place
By: Viswapriya Anand on July 24, 2011
at 9:50 am
Dear Raju,
For the past 2 years i have been a regular visitor to your site. whenever i plan to go for some town, immediately would see your site to plan for the places to visit temples, ancient sites etc. Even i have suggested this site to my parents, friends etc. Due to which we have visited adhirangam when we visited TV malai, on a weekend went to area around periyapalayam as per the route suggested and also around vandavasi. Great work. In depth details with clear route plan.
By: prakash on July 13, 2011
at 12:04 pm
Can anyone help me in knowing the exact loction of the Paadal Petra Sthalam- Thirunelvennai Temple. I understand that it is near Ulunderpet , which is about 40 kms from Villupuram. But I want the correct route for the temple. Please help
Man
i
By: Mani on July 10, 2011
at 3:56 pm
Sir
Thiruvamoothur is just 6 km from Villupuram towards gingee.
subbu
By: subbuasp on June 27, 2011
at 9:44 am
No words to appreciate. May God be with you in all your good activities.
With Very Best Regards.
K.N. Sankara Narayanan
Bangalore
By: K.N. Sankara Narayanan on June 26, 2011
at 2:49 pm
I am your great fan and due to death of my father during jan i can not able to go to any temple other wise i will visit the temples near by chennai and Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu Dist details came to my mail thro you. A LOT OF THANK YOU TO KNOW OUR VALUABLE PLACES IN & AROUND TAMILNADU.THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
By: Chandrasekar on June 25, 2011
at 7:42 am
you and me are gifted
please let me know on living siddhss on yr way?
i have visited more than 200 jeeva samadhis
thanks a ton…
bala
By: n balasubramanian on June 25, 2011
at 7:14 am
Hi BALA,
Could you pls advise if any Jeeva samadhi temples in kedah Malaysia.?
Looking forward for your reply.
Vengadesh
By: Vengadesh on June 27, 2012
at 5:11 am
dear sir, v need ur help to find the mode of transport from chennai for the sri varadaraja perumal -perundevi nayaki temple in thiruvannamalai district.
By: jayapriyaa on April 8, 2011
at 4:42 pm
respected sir,
please send me ur phn no. and address as i want to contact u and have some more information about the temples.
By: devender mittal on March 7, 2011
at 9:33 am
dear mr.raju,
excellent work..indeed..
i need your help to locate a temple in a place called kolathur..the temple has a tall gopuram and is set amidst green fields..
the name kolathur could be kulathur..it could be an ancient name as well..
the hallmark of the temple is a tall gopuram..
most grateful if could help..it could be located anywhere in the south..
many thanks
keep up the great work..
ram
By: ram on March 4, 2011
at 11:44 pm
Superlative effort. Keep it up.There are no words to praise more than this Please accept my heartiest WISHES
By: swaminath on October 26, 2010
at 11:00 am
We had gone on a pilgrimage visit to narasimhar temples and also visited Thirukoiloor divya desam and taken the blessings of Lord Trivikrama. Also we got a chance to see the Lord in Vamana posture in Thirukoiloor divyadesam backside of the main deity praharam. We need to take assistance from the Bhattarchariar for seeing Lord Vamana.
By: Aruna Sridhar on September 17, 2010
at 1:45 pm
A LOT OF THANK YOU TO KNOW OUR VALUABLE PLACES IN & AROUND TAMILNADU.THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
By: K.SELVAKUMAR on September 2, 2010
at 1:35 pm
Hi everyone,
This is certainly an educational page for Hindus and those who are interested in the great historic affluence of the religion and its impact on society from time immorial. I seek assistance from anyone from tamil nadu who is aware of a temple ( most probably a village temple) with the main diety called uthira muthachi amman/ uthira devi amman. I have ancestoral link with this temple and I trying to locate this temple, as my ancestors left India 100 yrs ago. Pls. assist.
By: Ganesh on August 4, 2010
at 7:06 pm
Your coverage on Hindu temple locations along with the historical background is very informative and interesting.
In fact I traced your travelogue from the website
http://www.filepie.us/?title=Maduranthakam
which described as -”Maduranthakam
Sri Prasanna Varadharaja Perumal Koil, Morapakkam village (near . …. So, if you need to touch ECR from tiruvannamalai, You need to touch Tindivanam … find even now the names of their original home such as Setlur, kethandapatti, …. new mambakkam post, maduranthakam taluk, kancheepuram district 603 306 contact …
http://www.filepie.us/?title=Maduranthakam – Cached”
I was looking for the location of the village “Setlur”.
Can you help me?
By: V.Viswanathan on July 4, 2010
at 6:52 am
Hello
Some more details about my native place Mandakolathur-a great place to live in.
1.It has got beauty of nature
2.Very peaceful village
3.Temples for Siva -Dharmanatheswara ( said to be worshipped by Dharma of Mahabharatha)and Kunteeswara ( dilpidated condition now–Said to be worshipped by Kuntidevi of Mahabharatha)
3.Village donated to graet vedic scholars by Sambuvaraya after won in the war so it is called Mankonda Kolathur –in the name of Vendru Mankonda Sambuvarayar–now termed as Mandakolathur
4.The great Second supreme court chief justice of India Mr.M.Patanjali sastri hailed from this place..pls visit–mandakulathur.com , mandakolathur .com and also mandakulathur,com
By: M S Ramesh on June 14, 2010
at 11:07 am
pl visit Sidhars; jeeva samadhis and write
By: RA C M ISWARA on May 30, 2010
at 12:24 pm
Hi Naveen,
It is the Budhan sthalam of Thiruvengadu
By: raju0704 on May 25, 2010
at 5:54 pm
Hi Raju, sorry .i want to know the name & location of the temple with tank you are representing on this page above.
By: Naveen on May 26, 2010
at 9:52 am
Thanku Raju.
By: Naveen on May 26, 2010
at 4:58 pm
Fine, Andhili is a created land mark by Vedhanithi thertharu a madhwa saint lived in 17th century. Is there any record to know its necessity to create this village?
By: SUBBARAJ on March 13, 2010
at 9:58 pm
dear raju,
please send me any details you have about adhirengam temple.
nalini
By: nalini on March 8, 2010
at 2:20 pm
I visited Melamalayanur Angala Parameshwari temple on the Gingee-Arani road belonging to SEMBADAVARS. Before going to that temple I was told by many people that the AMMAN is in a lying (huge) position & children are taken & kept on the lap as their “NERTHIKADAN”
Sorry to say that I DID not SEE any such IMAGE of the GODDESS in lying position.
Anybody can clarify on this point please.
By: Seenoo on March 7, 2010
at 7:08 pm
The amman with your description is present in Sri Angala Parameswari temple at Putlur near Thiruvallur. I haven’t visited Mel Malayanoor yet
By: raju0704 on March 31, 2010
at 7:35 am
dear raju,
i am very impressed with your temple blogs.
i have visited many of the temples after reading your blog.
i have a request for you.
can you please mention the temple timings and contact ph nrs in future?
i am planning to visit adhirangam next week.
do you have the timings for this temple.
i am living in south chennai and will start from here
thank you
nalini
By: nalini on March 6, 2010
at 7:55 pm
Normal timings only, as per teh directions given in this blog visited tirukovilur & adhirangam in day. usual temple timings only with closure in the afternoon,, Great old temple with superb. long reclining posture of lord… even bigger than Srirangam, was told by the priest…
By: prakash on July 16, 2011
at 11:58 am
dear sir,
SRI VALLI DEVASENA sametha SRI SUBRAMANIYA SWAMY TEMPLE, PASUMALAI,
gingee (taluk) villupuram(dist) the temple is 410 steps upstairs in pasumalai hill. pls mention this temple details in your website.if you need any details of this temple pls contact me 9962344722.
By: Ramkumar.v on February 23, 2010
at 6:43 pm
namaste,
have you done girivalam. If so, come write your experiences –
http://arunachala-girivalam.blogspot.com\
People are finding that as they relive and write their girivalam experiences for us, more insights are being revealed to them
By: Puthur Shiva on February 9, 2010
at 5:27 pm
Hello Priya,
You can very well cover these 3 temples in a day and more also. You can include uthiramerur Perumal temple (nine perumals in 3 tiers), the ancient murugan temple next to the perumal temple and Vandavasi Jalagandeswarar temple. I suggest you to first go to Devikapuram straight. There are two temples there and I think the hilltop temple will be open only during the mornings.
By: raju0704 on January 30, 2010
at 8:16 am
Thank you for the information given by you.Its a very useful site.Planning to visit all the temples mentioned by you.
By: T.S.Sudha on February 1, 2013
at 5:27 pm