61 Best Pilgrimage Sites in Tamil Nadu

Tenkasi is the second largest town in the Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu. Situated on the Madurai - Kollam highway, it is one of the popular places to visit near Trivandrum, and among the top Tamilnadu places to visit. It is situated about 109 km from Trivandrum, 132 km from Kanyakumari, and 160 km from Madurai.

Tenkasi is famous for numerous waterfalls spread around the region including the famous Courtallam Falls, among the must include places in Tenkasi packages. River Chittar flows through this picturesque destination favoured amongst tourists.

The Word Tenkasi means Kasi of the South referring to the Kasiviswanathar temple situated in the town. Kulasekaranathar Temple, Kannimaramman Temple, Anggalap Parameshwari Temple, and Esakki Amman Kovil are the other prominent Tenkasi tourist places.

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At a distance of 2.5 km from Srirangam Temple and 11 km from Trichy Railway Junction, Sri Thiruvanaikoil or Thiruvanaikaval, is famous for Jambukeswarar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple was built by Kochengon, one of the Early Cholas around 1800 years ago on Srirangam Island.

Thiruvanaikoil Temple is one of the five major Shiva Temples known as Panchabhoota Sthala representing element of water. The sanctum has Shiva Lingam in the form of Appu lingam (water lingam). The sanctum of Lord Jambukeshwara has an underground water stream and one can see water coming out of that stream all the time. The presiding goddess is Devi Akilandeswari Amman.

According to legend, Parvathi performed penance in the form of Akilandeswari in the Jambu forest. She made the lingam out of the water of river Kaveri, installed it under the Venn Naaval tree evolved out of Saint Jambu and commenced her worship. Lord Siva at last gave darshan to Devi Akhilandeswari and taught her Siva Gnana.

According to Sthala Purana, there were two Siva Ganas by name Malyavan and Pushpadanta. They always quarrel with each other and fight for one thing or other. On top of all in one fight Malyavan cursed Pushpadanta to become an elephant and the latter cursed the former to become a spider. Both the elephant and the spider came to Jambukeshwaram and continued their Shiva worship. The elephant collected water from river Cauvery and conducted Abhishekam to the lingam under the Jambu tree daily. ...

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At a distance of 17 km from Mayiladuthurai, 27 km from Chidambaram, 45 kms from Karaikal, 54 km from Kumbakonam and 94 km from Thanjavur, Vaitheeswaran Koil is town in Nagapattinam district which is famous for the Vaidyanatha Swamy Temple. The temple is also known as Pullirukkuvelur.

Vaidyanatha Swamy and Thaiyalnayaki are the presiding deities of this temple. The Selva Muthukumara Swamy shrine here is also considered to be of important. There are Shiva lingas said to have been worshipped by Rama, Jatayu, Skanda, Surya and Angaraka. It is believed that Rama and his brother Lakshmana cremated the vulture king Jatayu who was killed by Ravana when he tried to prevent the abduction of Sita at this place. There is a pond at this temple called Jatayu kundam.

It is one of the Navagraha temples associated with the planet Mars (Angaraka). According to legend, Planet Mars was once afflicted with leprosy and was cured by Vaidyanatha Swamy and from then on it is treated as Angaraka sthalam.

The temple has a five-tiered gopura and large enclosures. Lord Vaitheeswaran is worshipped as Shiva linga in the inner sanctum. The first enclosure around the sanctum has the image of Subramanya, worshipped here as Muthukumara Swamy. The other metal images in the sanctum are of Nataraja, Somaskanda, Angaraka and stone sculptures of Durga, Dakshinamoorthy, Surya and Jatayu. The shrine of Thaiyalnayaki who stands with the medicinal oil ...

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About Palani

At a distance of 41 Km from Kodaikanal, 108 Km from Coimbatore, and 122 km from Madurai, Palani or Pazhani is a temple town located in the Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu, India. The town of Palani is renowned for Palani Murugan Temple or Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple. Dedicated to Lord Murugan, it is one of the six revered temples of Lord Murugan in Tamil Nadu, that are collectively referred to as the Arupadaiveedu and is an important pilgrim centre for Hindus that one must visit as part of Kodaikanal tour packages. Situated on a hill overlooking the town of Palani, the temple is visited by more than 7 million pilgrims each year.

History of Palani

According to the Sangam literature, Palani was recognized as the southernmost region of Kongu Nadu, and historical edicts refer to it as Vaiyapuri Nadu, governed by King Vaiyapuri Kopperumpekan. A significant clan that established itself in this area was the Aviyarkudi. Following the Sangam period, the Chera Dynasty intermittently exerted control over the region. The hill temple dedicated to Murugan is believed to have been built by the Chera king Cheraman Perumal. During the medieval era, the Pandyas of Madurai held sway over the area. Numerous inscriptions can be found on the outer shrine wall of the Murugan temple. Subsequently, the region came under the influence of the rulers of Coimbatore and Madurai. In the 18th century, ...

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At a distance of 23 km from Karaikal, 23 km from Mayiladuthurai, 44 km from Chidambaram and 57 km from Kumbakonam, Thirukkadaiyur is a popular temple town located on the east coast of Tamil Nadu in the Nagapattinam district. The Amritaghateswarar - Abirami Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva is the most famous temple in Thirukkadaiyur.

The presiding deity of this temple is Sri Amirthalingeswara and his consort is Sri Abirami. Thirukkadaiyur is one of the 8 Veera Sthalas, where Yama was clashed with Lord Shiva. It is believed that this is the place where Lord Shiva protected Markandeya, son of Mrikandu, from Yama. The scar caused by the Yama's rope is visible on the Linga during abisheka times.

The temple was built by Chola kings in 11th century in the traditional Chola architectural style. Spread over 11 acres, the temple has great architecture and has five enclosures, huge towers and spacious mandapas. Based on the inscriptions seen here, the main shrine (sanctum) was in existence before early 11th century. The brick walls of the temple were replaced with stonewalls and the front mandapa was constructed during the period of Kulottunga Chola I. According to legend, when devas and asuras churned milk ocean to get Amritham, they forgot to worship Lord Ganesha. Lord Ganesha hurt and stole the pot of Amritham and kept at Thirukkadaiyur. While there, Ganesha created a Shiva Lingam and poured some of the Amritham over it. ...

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About Thirukandiyur

At a distance of 12 km from Thanjavur and 35 km from Kumbakonam, Thirukandiyur is a temple town situated in Tamilnadu. The major attraction of Thirukandiyur is the Kandeeswarar Temple. It is one of the most prominent pilgrimage sites near Trichy. In this temple, Lord Shiva is worshipped as Kandeeswarar, represented by a lingam, while his consort Parvati is depicted as Mangalanayagi. The presiding deity is celebrated in the 7th-century CE Tamil Saiva canonical text, the Tevaram, composed by the revered Tamil poet saints known as the nayanars, and is classified as a Paadal Petra Sthalam. Additionally, Goddess Saraswathi is honored alongside Lord Brahma, adding to the temple's importance for devotees.

The Hara Saabha Vimochana Perumal Temple in Thirukandiyur is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. This temple is glorified in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham, an early medieval Tamil canon authored by the Alvar saints between the 6th and 9th centuries CE. It is recognized as one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped here as Hara Saabha Vimochana Perumal, with his consort Lakshmi revered as Kamalavalli Nachiyar. The town derives its name from Lord Shiva, who is believed to have visited this site to pray to Lord Vishnu for the absolution of a sin.

History of Thirukandiyur

According to locals, Kandiyur Sivanthi Adithan founded this town. During ...

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About Thiruparankundram Temple

At a distance of 8 km from Madurai Junction Railway Station, Thiruparankundram Temple, also known as Tirupparamkunram Murugan Kovil is a 8th century rock cut cave temple situated at Thiruparankundram. Dedicated to Lord Murugan, also known as Subrahmanya, it is one of the major places to visit as part of the Madurai pilgrimage tour. The Thiruparankundram Murugan Temple is recognized as one of the six revered temples of Lord Murugan in Tamil Nadu, that are collectively referred to as the Arupadaiveedu. These temples are regarded as the foremost places of worship for followers of Lord Murugan, with each temple possessing significant religious and historical value.

History of Thiruparankundram Temple

As per the historical records, the Murugan temple existed much before the 6th century. Initially known as the Kudaivari temple, it was established during the era of the earlier Pandya Kings and saw significant development under the later Pandya Kings. Records indicate that Sattan Ganapathi, a resident of Karavanthapura and minister to the king in the 8th century, oversaw the reconstruction of the Thirukovil and the Sree thadagam. The shrines dedicated to Durga Devi and Jyeshtha Devi were built by Nakkan Kotri, Sattan Ganapathi's wife. The compound wall and main entrance tower were completed in 1505 AD under the direction of Veerappa Nayakar. The temple underwent ...

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At a distance of 37 km from Kumbakonam, 37 km from Karaikal and 42 km from Chidambaram, Mayiladuthurai is a town and headquarters of the Mayiladuthurai Taluk in Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu. Mayiladuthurai is known for the Mayuranatha Swamy Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is one among the six temples which are compared as equivalent to the temple in Varanasi. The other 5 Shivasthalams are Tiruvenkaadu, Chaayaavanam, Tiruvaiyaru, Tiruvanchiam and Tiruvidaimarudur.

This temple was reconstructed with stone in 10th century during the period of Sembiyan Mahadevi. However, the renovations from the 19th century have destroyed some of the older structures and the inscriptions. Some of the stone sculptures of Vinayakar, Natarajar, Dakshimamurthy, Lingodbhavar, Brahma, Ganga Visarjanamurthi, Durga and Bhikshatanar from the period of Sembiyan Mahadevi have been well preserved.

The main diety is in the form of lingam called Mayuranathar and his consort Abhayambika appears as a peacock worshipping the Lord here. According to legend, Daksha, father of goddess Parvathi, conducted a Yagna but intentionally didn't invite Lord Shiva to humiliate him. Lord Shiva did not want Parvathi also to attend the Yagna. But Goddess Parvathi attended the function and was humiliated by Daksha. Lord Shiva in Veerabadra form and destroyed the Yagna. As Parvathi ignored Lord's advice, she was cursed to become a peacock. She came ...

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About Alagar Koil

At a distance of 21 km north-east of Madurai, Alagar Koil, or Kallazhagar Temple is a beautiful Hindu temple situated at Alagarkoil village in the Madurai district of Tamil Nadu. Situated at the foothills of Alagar hills, it is one of the major pilgrimage sites near Madurai. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is worshiped as Kallalagar and his consort Lakshmi as Tirumamagal. Here Lord Vishnu presides as Meenakshi's brother 'Azhagar'.

History of Alagar Koil

Alagar Koil Temple, with origins tracing back to the early Sangam period, is an essential destination for those embarking on a Madurai tour. This temple is celebrated in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham, a significant early medieval Tamil scripture composed by the Alvar saints between the 6th and 9th centuries CE. It holds a distinguished position from the time of the Pandyan dynasty. The magnificent main tower at the entrance is believed to have been built by the Pandyan Kings. Jatavarman Sundara Pandyan (1251-1270 AD) adorned the 'vimana' with gold plates, enhancing its splendor. Furthermore, during the reign of the Vijayanagar monarch Krishnadeva Raya, the temple received substantial financial support for the organization of regular festivals. Inscriptions from the era of King Ashoka have also been discovered at this site, and it is ...

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About Thiruvarur

At a distance of 2 km from Thiruvarur Junction, 40 km from Kumbakonam, and 62 km from Thanjavur, Thiruvarur is a famous temple town situated at the tip of three rivers: Valaiyar, Sukumar, and Odambokki Rivers in Tamil Nadu. The town is wellknown for Sri Thyagaraja Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is also classified as Saptha Vidangam, meaning the seven temples having unique dance moves by Thyagaraja, and among the most prominent places to visit as part of Thanjavur pilgrimage tour packages.

Thiruvarur is mentioned in the saiva canonical work, Tevaram by Thirugnana Sambanthar, Tirunavukkarasar and Sundarar, the foremost Saivite saints of 18th century CE and classified as Padal petra sthalam. Thiruvarur has historically served as a prominent hub for distinguished figures in the realms of religion, arts, and science. Among the 63 nayanmars of the Saivite tradition, two significant figures, Kalarsinga Nayanar and Tandiyadigal Nayanar, hailed from Thiruvarur. Furthermore, the town has been recognized as a traditional center for music and dance. Thiruvarur is also celebrated as the birthplace of the Trinity of Carnatic music: Thyagaraja (1767-1847 CE), Muthuswami Dikshitar (1775-1835 CE), and Shyama Shastri (1762-1827 CE).

History of Thiruvarur

Thiruvarur served as one of the five historical capitals of the Chola Empire, and its history closely linked ...

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At a distance of 20 kms from Kannyakumari (situated in Nagarcoil town, on Trivandrum - Kanyakumari road), The Nagaraja Temple is a simple thatched shed, with mud walls.

It enshrines the King of Serpents. Tradition states that a King of Kalakkad was cured of leprosy when he performed penance in the temple. He then rebuilt it in the Kerala style. He might have been Bhuthalavira Sri Vira Udaya Marthandavarma, who ruled Venad, with Kalakkad as the capital. It is believed that snakebite is not fatal within a kilometer of the temple.

Temple timings: 5.30 AM - 10 AM & 5 PM - 7 PM

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About Velankanni

At a distance of 11 km from Nagapattinam, 31 km from Karaikal, and 93 km from Thanjavur, Velankanni is a panchayat town in the Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu. Lies on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal, the town is home to the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health., one of the most visited Latin Catholic shrines in India, and among the most prominent Christian pilgrimage sites near Pondicherry as well as Thanjavur. Besides, Velankanni has been chosen as one of the heritage cities for the Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY) scheme of the Government of India.

History of Velankanni

The origins of Velankanni are deeply intertwined with the belief that the Virgin Mary manifested to a Hindu boy during the 16th century. In honor of this apparition, the boy constructed a thatched chapel at the location of the event. Several years later, Our Merciful Mother intervened to save a group of Portuguese merchant sailors from a fierce storm that had caused their ship to capsize. In gratitude for their deliverance, the sailors erected a small permanent chapel upon their return. With each subsequent visit, they made enhancements to the structure. It was designated as a parish church in 1771 and, on 3 November 1962, was elevated to the status of a Minor Basilica by Pope John XXIII, merging with the Major Basilica of Mary in Rome.

In 2004, Velankanni ...

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At a distance of 59 km from Tirunelveli, 35 km from Tuticorin and 92 km from Kanyakumari, Thiruchendur is a small coastal town in the Toothukudi district of Tamil Nadu and is a popular pilgrimage destination situated in the Gulf of Mannar.

Thiruchendur Murugan Kovil is the prime attraction of the town. This temple is considered to be one of the six Padai Veedu (Battle Camps) of Lord Murugan, the others being Thiruparamkundram, Palani, Swamimalai, Thiruthani and Pazhamudhircholai. This temple is known as the second Padai Veedu of Lord Muruga. Lord Muruga won the battle with the demon Surapadma and worshipped Lord Shiva at this sacred place. It is believed that the temple existed since the Vedic period, as it is mentioned in many ancient scripts.

The main entrance to the temple faces south although the sanctum faces east. The 133 feet Rajagopura, built close to the shores of Bay of Bengal, is an outstanding example of Dravidian architecture. The Gopura consists of 9 storeys there are nine Kalasas at the top of the gopuram. This is the only Murugan temple situated on the sea shore. This temple was built by three holy saints.

Lord Murugan is represented in various forms in the temple, the presiding deity (Moolavar) being Balasubramanya in standing posture. The other forms are Shanmugar, Jayanthinathar, and Kumaravidanga Perumal. The temple has two large enclosures. Adjacent to the sanctum is the Panchalingam ...

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About Srivilliputhur Andal Temple

At a distance of 80 km from Madurai and 100 km from Tirunelveli, Srivilliputhur Andal Temple is an ancient Hindu temple situated at Srivilliputhur in the Virudhunagar district of Tamilnadu. This is one of the popular pilgrimage sites in Tamil Nadu. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is worshipped as Vatapatrasayi and his consort Lakshmi as Andal. The temple is regarded as the one of the 108 divya desams of Lord Vishnu. The Rajagopuram at Srivilliputhur Andal Temple is 192-194 feet. It is one of the tallest temple gopurams in India and is also the state symbol of Tamil Nadu.

History of Srivilliputhur Andal Temple

Srivilliputhur Temple is intricately linked to the life of Andal, who was discovered beneath a Tulsi plant in the garden of the Vatapatra Sayanar Temple. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is worshipped as Vatapatrasayi and his consort Lakshmi as Andal. It is regarded as the birthplace of two prominent Alwars, Perialwar and his foster daughter Andal. The Alwars flourished in the 8th century, suggesting that the Vatapatra Sayanar temple's origins predate this period; however, epigraphic evidence is only available from the 10th century CE.

The temple features inscriptions from the Chola, Pandya, and Vijayanagar Nayakkar dynasties, covering a timeline from the 10th to the 16th centuries. The construction of Vatapatra Sayanar Temple ...

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At a distance of 500 m from Thirubhuvanam Bus Station, 9 km from Kumbakonam and 50 km from Thanjavur, Thirubhuvanam is well known for Kampahareswarar Temple, also known as Sarabeswarar temple. It is an ancient temple situated in Thirubhuvanam on Mayiladuthurai - Kumbakonam road.

The Kampaheswarar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva; the temple enshrines Kampaheswarar as the presiding deity, worshipped in the form of a Shiva Linga. According to legend, Shiva is believed to have relieved Kampa (quaking) of a king haunted by evil spirits on account of the king killing a Brahmin by mistake. This led to the name of Kampaheswarar.

The temple was built by Kulottunga Chola III (1178-1216), to celebrate a military victory. However, Pandyan kings have completed the construction of this temple. The architecture of the temple resembles Brihadeshwarar Temple of Thanjavur, Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram and Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple. It is believed that the temple was the last holy place to have been built by the Chola Kings.

The temple follows the Dravidian style of architecture. Similar to Brihadeswarar Temple, the vimana of the temple is extremely high compared to the Rajagopura. The 130 ft high tower (gopuram) of the sanctum sanctorum boasts several exquisitely carved sculptures. There are two gopuras and two enclosures, inner sanctum, artha mandapa, maha mandapa and mukha mandapa. The inner sanctum is a square-shaped structure. The Vimana has six ...

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At a distance of 13 km from Arakkonam, 44 km from Kanchipuram, 86 km from Chennai and 65 km from Tirupati, Thiruthani is a holy town located in Tiruvallur District of Tamil Nadu and is famous for the Murugan Temple. This temple is one among the six Padai Veedus (Battle Grounds) of Lord Murugan, other five are Palani, Swamimalai, Tirupparangunram, Pazhamudircholai and Thiruchendur. This place represents the site where Subramanya stayed after destroying the demon Surapadman.

Tiruttani is also said to be the place where the Lord Subramanya married Valli - one of his two consorts. This temple has been mentioned in the Sangam period work Tirumurugaatruppadai composed by Nakkeerar. According to legend, Devayani, daughter of Indra married Lord Murugan and was presented Indra's elephant Airavatam as part of his dowry offering. Upon Airavatam's departure Indra found his wealth waning. Lord Subramanya is said to have offered to return the white elephant, however Indra refused to accept a gift that he had made and instead requested that the elephant face his direction, hence the image of the elephant in this temple also faces the east.

The hill temple is reachable by a motorable road and is also accessed through a plight of 365 steps. The temple has 4 enclosures and a series of temple towers. There is a shrine to Aapat Sahaaya Vinayakar who helped the Murugan in winning Valli's hand in marriage. The processional image of Murugan is housed in a Rudraksha tower. The large ornament ...

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At a distance of 16 km from Thirumalpuram and 56 km from Tirunelveli, Sri Sankaranarayana Swamy Temple is a famous Hindu temple situated at Sankarankovil in Tirunelveli district of Tamilnadu. It is one of the top pilgrimage places to visit in Tirunelveli region and also one of the popular temples in Tamilnadu.

The temple is dedicated to Sankaranarayanar, who is the combined manifestation of Shiva and Vishnu. This temple was built by Ukkira Pandiya Thevar in the 11th century AD. This temple also called as Avudaiamman Kovil or Davasu Kovil. According to mythology, once the devotees of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva quarreled with each other to determine whose god is powerful. Then Lord Shiva appeared as Sankaranarayanar to mark his devotees to understand that both Hari and Shiva are one and the same. So it is held sacred by Saivites and Vaishnavites as well. Hence this temple depicts the concept of Hari and Haran being one God.

The temple of Sankaranarayana is situated on 4.5 acre site in the heart of the Sankarankovil Town. It is one of the Pancha Bootha Sthalas in the South Pandiya country. With an imposing Rajagopuram, rising to a height of 135 feet with nine tiers, this temple is surrounded by high walls and the tower has many beautiful images.

Lord Sri Sankaranarayana is the main deity in this temple. The right portion of the idol has sandal and indicates Lord Siva, with cobra around his neck & moon above his head. The left side of the idol indicates Lord Vishnu ...

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At a distance of 12 km from Kanyakumari, Suchindram is a holy place located on the bank of the river Pazhayar in Tamilnadu. Situated on Trivandrum - Kanyakumari road, it is one of the famous places to visit during your Kanyakumari trip.

Suchindram is known for the Thanumalayan Temple dedicated to Sri Sthanumalayan. The Thanumalayan Temple is of importance to both Shaivaite and Vaishnavite sects of Hinduism, as the name Stanumalaya denotes Trimurtis; 'Stanu' means Siva; 'Mal' means Vishnu; and the 'Ayan' means Brahma. It is one of the popular places to visit near Kanyakumari.

Suchindrum means the place where Indra attained 'Suchi' i.e., purification. The Sthalapurana has it that Indra suffered a curse from sage Gowthama and offered worship to Lord Shiva at this place. Relieving Indra of his curse, Lord Shiva granted him of his wish that the place where he attained purification should henceforth be called 'Suchindrum'.

The present masonry structure was built during the Chola dynasty in the 9th century, while later expansions are attributed to Thirumalai Nayak and the Travancore Maharajas. The temple complex covers around two acres and has two gateway towers known as gopurams. The tallest is the eastern tower, with 11 stories and a height of 44 m. The temple has numerous shrines, with those of Sthanumalayan and that of ...

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At a distance of 15 km from Ramanathapuram, and 65 km from Rameshwaram, Devipattinam is a beautiful coastal village situated in the Ramanathapuram district of Tamilnadu. It is one of the popular Rameshwaram places to visit.

Devipatnam, along with Rameshwaram and Thiruppullani are associated with the Hindu sacred epic Ramayana. Also known as Navapashanam, this holy town is famous for the Navagraha Temple. According to the legend, Lord Rama when going to war to kill Ravana had worshipped navagrahas by installing nine different stones, each symbolizing the nine celestial bodies to calmed the sea. It is said that since then, 9 navagraha stones are located in the sea, at a distance of about 100 meters from the seashore. These can be seen in the morning when the level of seawater is low; however in the evenings when the tides are high, most of the navagraha stones are submerged in the water.

This small village also has a temple dedicated to Devi. It is said to be the place where Mahishasura was killed by Goddess Durga Devi. There are two other temples here, one dedicated to Thilakesava and the other to Jagannatha. The Thilakeshwar Temple is dedicated to Shiva and Parvathi (Durga). Shiva here is known as Thilakeswarar and the Goddess is known as Soundaryanayaki. Devotees at the temple offer nine varieties of grains to the Gods and Goddesses. The beach is full of multicolored shells and corals ...

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At a distance of 9 km from Kumbakonam and 37 km from Thanjavur, Swamimalai, situated on the banks of river Cauvery, is known for Sri Swaminatha Swami Temple dedicated to Lord Murugan. Swamimalai is famous for being one of the six Padai Veedugal (Battle Camps) of Lord Murugan, the others being Thiruparamkundram, Thiruchendur, Palani, Thiruthani and Pazhamudhircholai.

The temple of Swaminatha is very ancient one and believed to be existed before 2nd century BC. It is said that Parantaka Chola I upgraded this temple. The temple was greatly damaged during the Anglo-French war between Hyder Ali and British in 1740.
The presiding deity Lord Murugan is depicted here as expounding the meaning of Pranava mantra 'Aum' to his father Lord Shiva. According to legend, Brahma disrespected Murugan at the time of visiting Mount Kailash. The child Muruga got angry with Brahma and asked him how he was creating living beings. Brahma said that he was creating with the help of the Vedas. On hearing the reply, Muruga asked Brahma to recite the texts from Vedas. At that time Muruga stopped Brahma and asked him to explain the meaning of the Pranava Mantra. Brahma could not reply and hence Muruga got him imprisoned and took up the role of the creator. Devas requested Shiva to negotiate with Muruga to release Brahma.

Shiva came to Muruga and asked him to release Brahma from imprisonment. Muruga refused to release him stating Brahma was ...

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At a distance of 15 km from Ambasamudram and 47 km from Tirunelveli, Papanasam is a small town in Ambasamudram Taluk of Tirunelveli district in Tamilnadu. It is one of the popular picnic spots in Tirunelveli.

Papanasam has a famous temple called the Papanasam Sivan Temple which lies on the banks of Thamirabarani River. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the holy shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati who are worshipped as Papanasanathar and Ulagammai respectively. This is the place where Saint Agasthiyar got the Kalyana dharshan of Lord Shiva and Parvati along with his wife Lopamudra.

The Shiva lingam of the temple is completely made up of Rudraksha. Of the nine Kailash Kshetras - Nava Kailash, Papanasam is the first place and is attributed to Sun God. Hence, the place is known as Surya Kshetra and Surya Kailash. Devotees strongly believe that Lord Shiva in this temple is most powerful and cures all kind of diseases. The temple is famous for its Chittirai Peruvila where the festivities used to happen for 13 days.

Another attraction of this village is the Papanasam Dam, also known as the Thamirabarani River Dam. It is believed to have been built during the British era and is surrounded by high mountains and huge trees. The dam is about 240 m high, 5.4 m wide and 265 m long and has a total catchment area of around 147 sq. km. Boating is possible in the lake but swimming is strictly prohibited as it is populated with crocodiles. ...

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At a distance of 15 km from Ramanathapuram, and 66 km from Rameshwaram, Thirupullani is a temple town situated near Rameshwaram. It is one of the prominent places of pilgrimage in Tamilnadu, and among the must-visit places during your Rameshwaram Trip.

The town is known for Aadi Jagannatha Perumal Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Popularly known as Thirupullani Temple, it is one of the 108 Divya Desam temples of Lord Vishnu. It is also known as Dharbasayanam as Rama took rest on a couch of grass at this place. Other names of this place are Thiruvadanai, Pularanyam, Adhisethu and Ratnaharam.

This ancient temple not only attracts visitors because of its sacredness but also for its historical background and architectural excellence. Built during the reign of Cholas, various contributions were made to this temple during Pandyan rule and the rule of Sethupathy Kings. It is now maintained by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of Tamil Nadu Government.

Built-in the Dravidian style of architecture, the presiding deity of the temple is Lord Dharba Sayana Rama. The specialty of this temple is that Lord has been shown in a reclining posture. There are also separate shrines for Goddess Padmasini, who is the consort of Lord Adi Jagannatha, Goddess Shridevi, Goddess Bhudevi, Lord Krishna.

Timings: 7 AM - 12.30 PM & 3.30 PM - 8.30 PM

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At a distance of 8 km from Kumbakonam Junction Railway Station, the Vellai Pillaiyar Temple is an ancient temple situated in Thiruvalanchuzhi. Situated near Swamimalai, it is one of the must-include places in Kumbakonam pilgrimage tours.

Vellai Pillaiyar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, revered here as Sri Kapartheeswarar or Sri Karpaganatheswarar, alongside goddess Periyanayaki. This temple ranks as the 88th among the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Sthalams devoted to Lord Shiva and is the 25th temple located on the southern banks of the Cauvery River. The deity of this temple is represented in the form of a Swayambhu Lingam.

The temple is renowned for its White Ganapathi idol, which is small in size and is believed to be crafted from sea foam, leading to the alternate name of Vinayakar as Norai Pillayar. The temple's origin story recounts how the Devas commenced the churning of the ocean using Mandara Mountain as the churning stick and the serpent Vasuki as the rope. During this process, Vasuki released venom into the ocean, posing a threat to the world's existence. In their desperation, the Devas sought Lord Shiva's assistance, who instructed them to worship Lord Vinayaka. Consequently, the Devas returned to Palkadal, fashioned an idol of Lord Vinayaka from sea foam, and offered their prayers. Their devotion led to the successful acquisition of 'amruth' from the ocean, thus earning him the title ...

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At a distance of 20 km from Kumbakonam, Garbarakshambigai Temple is a revered Hindu temple situated in Thirukarukavur near Kumbakonam. It is one of the prominent places to visit in Kumbakonam.

Located on the banks of the beautiful Vennaru River, the Garbarakshambigai Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, revered here as Mullaivananathar, and his consort Parvathi, known as Garbarakshambigai. The principal deity is revered in the 7th-century Tamil Shaiva scripture - the Tevaram, composed by the Tamil saint poets referred to as the Nayanmars, and is recognized as a Paadal Petra Sthalam. This temple is also one of the five Pancha Aranya Sthalams, often referred to as Mullai Vanam, which translates to a jasmine garden.

It is believed that the temple was constructed during the Chola dynasty in the 7th century. There are 31 inscriptions from the Chola era, attributed to the reigns of Koperi Varman, Rajaraja I, Rajendra Chola I, and Kulothunga Chola. These inscriptions document the royal grants made to the temple and can be found on the temple's walls, sanctum, and various halls. Currently, the temple is maintained and overseen by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu.

The name Thirukarukavoor derives from the Tamil words Karu, meaning fetus; Ka, meaning to save; and oor, meaning village. This nomenclature reflects the belief that the temple deity safeguards ...

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At a distance of 70 km from Rameshwaram and 15 km from Ramanathapuram. Uthirakosamangai is famous for an ancient Siva temple considered to be 3000 years old. This is the place where Siva transferred the secrets of Vedas to Parvati. Uthiram means (updesham) kosam (secrets) Parvati (Mangai) hence this place is known as Uthira Kosa Mangai.

The main deity here is Mangalanathar (Siva) and his consort is Mangleshwari. The main attraction of this temple is a statue of Natarajar made of emerlad which is about 51/2 feet tall. This idol is known as Margatha Natarajar and the deity is always covered with sandal paste. Only in the Tamil month of Margazhi on Tiruvathira nakshtram the sandal paste gets removed and there is abhishekam for the idol and this special darshan is known as Arudhra darishanam.There is a Nandi just outside the sanctum and a bigger Nandi in the outer prakaram known here as Pradosha Nandi. Special poojas are conducted here on Pradosham days in the evenings as it is believed that Siva dances between the horns of Nandi during that time.

Annual 'Arudhra' festival in December attracts a large number of devotees on this day and on the next day again the idol gets smeared with sandal paste.

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At a distance of 17 km from Vellore, Ratnagiri Balamurugan Temple is an ancient temple located on top of a hillock in Ratnagiri on Vellore - Chennai National Highway. It is one of the important places of pilgrimage in Tamilnadu, and among the must-visit places as part of Vellore tour.

The Ratnagiri Temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan. This temple was built in the 14th century by Arunagiri Nathar. It was renovated in the year 1980 by Bala Muruganadimai Swamy. The temple boasts a huge tower at the entrance. One of the special features of this temple is that the poojas are conducted in Tamil instead of common Sanskrit. The 14th Century poet Arunagirinathar has sung about this temple as Murugan, the God of Devas resides in Ratnagiri.

According to the locals, the divine power in the temple manifests its blessings in three forms. First is in the form of the Lord Murugan idol installed inside the sanctum, the second is in the form of Balamurugan and the third is in the form of a devotee. The idol of the main deity Bala Murugan was installed in a chariot that is made of granite. The garbhagriha is made of granite and is modeled according to the Chola architecture. The wall surrounding the shrine has small idols of Ganesha, Dakshinamurthy, Murugan, Brahma, Durga, and Chandikeswarar. There are 2 temples for Lord Vinayaka, one on top of the hill and another at the bottom ...

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At a distance of 1 km from Samayapuram Bus Stand, 11 km from Srirangam, 19 km from Trichy, 66 km from Thanjavur & 317 km from Chennai, Sri Mariamman Temple situated at Samayapuram on NH-45 is one of the popular temples in the state of Tamil Nadu.

Sri Mariyamman Temple is dedicated to Samayapurathal or Mariamman, an incarnation of Goddess Shakti. The main deity in the sanctum is made of sand and clay and hence there are no abhishekams conducted to the main deity, but instead the abishekam is done to the small stone statue in front of it.

According to legend, the present deity was at the Ranganathaswamy temple at Srirangam, and one of chief priests of the temple believed that the idol caused him illness and hence asked it to be removed from the temple. It is a common belief that such local deities have immense powers and they must always be satisfied by proper offerings and sacrifices.

According to history, King Vijayaraya Chakaravarthi built the present day temple in 17th century. The Goddess Mariamman has enormous powers over curing illnesses and hence, it is a ritual to buy small metallic replicas made with silver or steel of various body parts that need to be cured, and these are deposited in the donation box. Devotees also offer mavilakku, a sweet dish made of jaggery, rice flour and ghee. Persons affected by Chickenpox and Smallpox come to this place, stay here and pray the Goddess for speedy recovery. Abisheka Theertham is sprinkled on them after Pooja.

Car ...

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At a distance of 10 km from Vellore, 70 km from Kanchipuram, 120 km from Tirupati, 146 km from Chennai, and 212 km from Bangalore, Sripuram Golden Temple is a sacred Hindu temple situated in Tirumalaikodi at Southern Vellore, Tamil Nadu. It is one of the popular pilgrimage sites near Bangalore, and among the must visit places during Vellore trip.

Sripuram Golden Temple is dedicated to the goddess Mahalakshmi. Constructed in the year 2007, The temple is built in 100 acres area of land and constructed by Vellore-based Sri Narayani Peetham, headed by spiritual leader Sri Sakthi Amma. The Vimana and Ardha Mandapa have been coated with gold both in the interior and exterior. Sripuram is the biggest structure made out of gold as one and a half tonnes of gold has been used for the construction of the temple with a cost of 600 crores. This is one of the prominent Vellore places to visit.

The temple is built in Dravidian style with wonderful artwork. Sripuram design represents a star-shaped path (Sri chakra) running a length of over 1.8 km. The temple is positioned in the middle of a wonderfully maintained lush green landscape. One has to walk along the star path to reach the temple in the middle.

One needs to walk about 1 km to reach the central gopuram from the main temple ...

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About Nagore

At a distance of 9 Km from Nagapattinam, 14 Km from Karaikal, 85 Km from Thanjavur, Nagore is a town in the Nagapattinam District of Tamil Nadu, India. This is a place of unparalleled grandeur where history, culture, and spirituality merge to create a truly divine experience. It is the border line town between Tamilnadu and Pondicherry. The prime attraction of the town is the Nagore Dargah Shareef dedicated to the 16th century saint Meeran Sahib. This 16th century Islamic shrine attracts millions of pilgrims irrespective of caste, creed or religion as part of Thanjavur luxury tour packages.

History of Nagore

Achutappa Nayak, the ruler of Thanjavur in the 16th century, generously allocated 200 acres (81 hectares) of land to the followers of Shahul after the saint alleviated the king's suffering. A dargah was subsequently established on a portion of this donated land. It is believed that Shahul Hamid foresaw his own demise and provided guidance to his adopted son, Yusuf, regarding his burial site and the rituals to be observed posthumously. Following these instructions, Yusuf chose to reside at the location for the remainder of his life, and a mausoleum was erected over the grave. Devotees of Shahul, who maintained their faith in his spiritual abilities even after his passing, revered the burial site. Initially modest in size, the shrine gradually gained significance. Pratap ...

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About Vedaranyam

At a distance of 47 Km from Nagapattinam, and 106 Km from Thanjavur, Vedaranyam is a town in Nagapattinam district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Located near Point Calimere, the town is famous for Vedaranyeswarar Temple dedicated to Shiva, and goddess Vedanayaki. The town is named after the presiding deity of the Vedaranyeswarar Temple. It is one of the famous places to visit as part of the Thanjavur packages. The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu.

History of Vedaranyam

The historical account of Vedaranyam can be traced back to the medieval Chola era in the 9th century. Throughout its history, it has been governed at various times by the Medieval Cholas, Later Cholas, Later Pandyas, the Vijayanagara Empire, and the British. Notably, Paranjothi Munivar, a 13th-century saint, who wrote the book Thiruvilaiyadal Puranam, was born at Vedaranyam. During the struggle for India's independence, C. Rajagopalachari, who would later serve as the first Governor-General of independent India, initiated a salt march in Vedaranyam, which occurred concurrently with Gandhi's Dandi March in 1930, aimed at opposing the salt extraction tax. Until 1991, Vedaranyam was part of Thanjavur District, after which it became incorporated into Nagapattinam District.

Mythology of Vedaranyam

Vedaranyam derives ...

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At a distance of 19 km from Coimbatore, Sri Anubhavi Subramaniar Temple also known as Anuvavi Subramaniar Temple is a Hindu temple located at Anuvavi Hills in Periya Thadagam in the outskirts of Coimbatore. It is one of the ancient temples in Coimbatore, and among the must-visit places as part of Coimbatore Tour Packages.

Located on the Anaikatty highway, Sri Anuvavi Subramaniar Temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan and is one of the religious shrines in the region. In earlier days, this place was actually called Hanu Bhavi where the word Hanu stands for Sri Anjaneya, and Vavi means Water Source in Tamil. As per the mythology, Sri Anjaneyar felt thirsty while passing through this hill with the Sanjeevi mount. He prayed to Lord Muruga here for water. Lord punched a place here with His Vel from where water sprang up and flowed like a river. Till now, the origin of the spring in the temple could not be discovered. As Kumara-Muruga helped Hanuman, the hill is also praised as Hanumakumaran Malai.

It is believed that the sanctum sanctorum of the temple was built by Karikala Chola in the early Christian Era. The Ardha Mandapa and Mahamandapa were built during the Kongu Chola Period (11th to 13th centuries). From 14th to 17th centuries, the Hoysala, Vijayanagar, and Nayaka kings gave endowments. The famous Kanaka Sabhai was built by Alagadri Nayak of Madurai in the 17th century. Tippu Sultan of Mysore attached half of ...

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At a distance of 15 km from Coimbatore, Arulmigu Eachanari Vinayagar Temple is a Hindu temple located at Eachanari near Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India. Situated on Coimbatore - Pollachi Main Road, it is one of the prominent temples in Coimbatore, and among the must-visit places during your Coimbatore Tour.

Eachanari Vinayagar Temple is dedicated to elephant god Ganesha. There is an interesting little legend to this temple. It is said that when the idol of Lord Vinayagar was being transported from Madurai in a cart for installation at Perur Pateeswarar Temple, the axle of the cart broke. When the devotees tried to move the idol, the efforts did not materialize and this is how this temple came into being. The construction of the temple was done around 16 century AD, and it has been an important religious center ever since.

The temple follows typical Dravidian-style architecture. The temple tower rises in layers, with many Hindu gods and goddesses and sacred animals and other motifs inscribed on it. The main deity's idol is about 6 feet in height and is 3 feet in diameter. The deity's face is black with a tilak on the forehead - typical to idols in the South Indian temple. The body of the deity was plated with bright gold in 2004.

The main attraction of the Eachanari Vinayagar Temple is the daily Ganapathi Homam held everyday early morning at 5.30 PM, and is a costly affair, to both perform the offerings as ...

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At a distance of 38 km from Pollachi, Thirumoorthy Hills is one of the charming outdoors near Pollachi. A part of the Anamalai range of the Western Ghats, it is one of the famous places to visit in near Pollachi.

At the foot of the hills is the Thirumoorthy Temple, also known as Sri Amanalingeswarar Temple. A perennial stream flows by the side of the temple. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu trinity, Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Brahma. Legend says that Athri Maharishi and his wife Anasuya Devi resided in these hills, and the Gods of the Hindu trinity had come down to test their devotion. The Gods asked Anasuya Devi to make their offerings in nudity. She agreed and changed the Gods as babies with her devotion, fed them & put them to sleep in a cradle. Athri came back afterward and hearing the story from Anasuya praised the three gods sleeping in the cradle. Later, the Trinities come back to their original form and give a boon to Anasuya. According to her wish, three children were born to her - Shiva is born as Sage Durvasa, Vishnu as Dattatreya, and Brahma as Chandra (Moon). Hence, this region is named as Thirumoorthy Hills.

Thirumoorthy Dam has been constructed adjoining the Thirumurthy Hill near Amanalingeswarar Temple. The panorama of the Anamalai Hills surrounding the shimmering blue waters of the reservoir is a sight to behold. This area is a popular spot for shooting films thanks to the beauty of the region. It is the perfect place for tourists who love ...

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At a distance of 7 km from Marthandam and 45 km from Kanyakumari, Sri Adikesava Perumal Temple is a Hindu temple located in Thiruvattaru. It is one of the 108 divya desams of Sri Vaishnavas and also one of the popular places of pilgrimage in Kanyakumari.

The temple is dedicated to Sri Adikesava Perumal, meaning 'Foremost Friend'. According to the legend, Lord Adikesava defeated the demon Kesi. The demon's wife prayed to the River Ganges and River Thamirabarani and created destruction. They came in spate to wash off the Lord. Mother Earth simply raised the ground level where Perumal was reclining. Both Rivers went round the Lord, prayed to Him and continued to flow round as two garlands. Thus, the formation of the rivers made in a circle came to be known as Thiruvattaru.

The temple was built in Dravidian style architecture with wooden pillars, doors and roofs. The presiding deity here is in reclining posture along with Goddess Maragathavalli Nachiar. Though there are similarities between the Anantha Padmanabhaswamy Temple of Thiruvananthapuram, the Thiruvattar temple is older. The gigantic idol of the Lord stands at 22 feet, bigger than Anantha Padmanabhaswamy. The presiding deity is made of mustard, lime powder and jaggery. The lord is lying on his snake couch and has to be viewed through three doors. Adikesava Perumal's feet is on the left and head on the right; it is the reverse in Anantha Padmanabhaswamy Temple. A Shiva lingam is situated near Lord Adikesava ...

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At a distance of 10 km from Madurai Junction Railway Station, Samanar Hills is a rocky stretch of hills located near Keelakuyilkudi village in the Madurai District of Tamil Nadu, India. Also known as Samanar Malai or Amanarmalai or Melmalai, it is one of the prominent places to visit as part of Madurai heritage packages.

Situated at the intersection of NH-44 and NH-85, the Samanar Hills, characterized by their rocky terrain, begin near the village of Keelakuyilkudi and extend eastward towards southern Madurai. These hillocks are significant for housing numerous Jain and Hindu monuments. The Archaeological Survey of India has designated the Samanar Hills as a protected site. The name 'Samanar' translates to Jain in Tamil, while 'malai' means hill.

The Samanar Hills feature a range of monuments that date from the 2nd century BC to the 12th century CE. Among these, two notable collections of Jain monuments stand out - Settipodavu site & Pechchipallam site. The Settipodavu site, located at the southwestern slope, includes a Jain cave from the 10th century, which is accessible via a short ascent from the base. This site has an image of Lord Mahavira, the last Tirthankara of Jainism, along with flat stones that served as resting places for Jain monks.

On the southeastern slope, at a higher elevation, lies the Pechchipallam site, which contains eight Jain sculptures, including those of Bahubali, Mahavir, ...

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At a distance of 12 km from Papanasam and 47 km from Tirunelveli, Sri Sivasailanathar Paramakalyani Temple is a 500 year old Saivaite temple situated on the banks of River Gadana at Sivasailam in Tamilnadu. Popularly called as Sivasailam Temple, this is one of the famous Shiva temples near Tirunelveli.

The Sivasailam Temple is dedicated to Lord Sivasailanathar and Goddess Parvati. Built by Pandiyas, the temple is surrounded by Velli malai, Mulli malai and Podhigai hills. It is believed that the Shiva Lingam in the sanctum is swayambhu lingam. At the back of the statue, there are lines that appear like hair, so he is also called Sadaiappar. This can be seen through a hole while strolling around the sanctum sanctorum. This is visible only when the Archakar gives Aarathi at the back of the lingam.

The temple is huge with many mandapams and carved pillars. The principle gopuram has five stories and is embellished with numerous statues. The specialty of the temple is the huge statue of Nandi. Legend says that the Nandi was sculpted so beautifully that if came to life and started to lift off. Hence, the sculptor had to stroke it on its back so that it remained seated. The mark of the stroke can be seen today. Besides Lord Shiva, Vinayakar, Murugan, 63 Nyanmars, Dakshina Moorthy, and Natarjar are the other deities in this temple. There is a separate shrine for Goddess Paramakalyani which is situated next to the main sanctum.

There are also some stone inscriptions ...

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At a distance of 41 km from Madurai, the Sacred Heart Shrine is a Catholic church in Idaikattur in Tamil Nadu. It is one of the famous churches in Tamil Nadu, and among the top places to visit near Madurai.

The Sacred Heart Shrine, commonly known as Idaikattur Church, was established in 1894 by French missionary Father Ferdinand Celle, following the guidance of a French Anglican woman named May Anne. She had been afflicted by a severe illness which doctors weren't able to cure. According to the narrative, she devoted nine consecutive days to prayer for the Sacred Heart of Jesus and subsequently experienced a complete recovery. In gratitude for this miracle, she contributed 2,000 francs towards the construction of the Sacred Heart Church in Idaikattur. The church underwent further expansion during the period of British rule.

The church's architecture is remarkably captivating, attracting numerous tourists to the serene village of Idaikattur. It is recognized as a replica of the Reims Cathedral in France, yet it distinctly incorporates Indian architectural elements. Designed in the Gothic style, the church features a vaulted ceiling supported by columns with cantilever beams. These columns are linked to a circular terracotta ring adorned with garlands, flowers, and beads. The structure is composed of approximately 200 different types of tiles and molded bricks.

The main altar stands out as the ...

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At a distance of 16 km from Ambasamudram and 30 km from Tirunelveli, Narubunatha Swamy Temple is an ancient Hindu temple situated at Thirupudaimaruthur near Veeravanallur in Ambasamudram Taluk of Tirunelveli district, Tamilnadu. Situated at the merging place of Gadana River & Thamirabarani River, this temple is one of the oldest temples in Tirunelveli region.

Also known as Thirupudaimaruthur Temple, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is more than 1200 years old. Maravarman, the king of Madurai and his son had built a small temple in 650 BCE. After that, Pandiyas, Vijayanagara Kings and Kalakkad Kings expanded the temple. The sanctum sanctorum has a huge Shiva lingam, which is known as Pudaar Jeeneshwarar or Narumbunathar. The Shiva lingam leans slightly towards the left side and has marks of scratches made by deer and sickle cut.

According to the legend, the region was under the rule of Maravarman then. He came to this place dense with Marudha trees for hunting. He targeted a deer which hid itself in the hole of a tree. The king ordered to cut the tree to get the deer out. But blood came out of the tree where the king found a Shiva lingam with a hit on the head caused by the instrument. He heard a voice saying that Shiva himself graced them through the deer. He built the temple as directed by the Lord.

Situated in 6 acres of land, Thirupudaimaruthur Temple's compound walls measure 575 feet in length. The temple gopuram has five tiers. There are many ...

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At a distance of 20 km from Madurai, ISKCON Temple Madurai is a revered Hindu temple situated in the Mani Nagaram Main Road in Madurai. It is one of the revered Pigrimage sites near Madurai.

The Thirumohoor Kalamegaperumal Temple, also referred to as Thirumohoor or Tirumogoor Temple, is a significant Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is recognized as one of the 108 Divya Desams, where Vishnu is revered as Kalamega Perumal, alongside his consort Lakshmi, known as Mohanavalli Thayar. The temple has a rich history and was originally constructed during the reign of Pandyan King Sadaiya Varman Sundara Pandiyan. The current structure, which features various enhancements, was established during the era of the Madurai Nayaks. Inscriptions within the temple provide insights into its construction and history. The temple is currently overseen by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Tamil Nadu Government.

According to Hindu mythology, the presiding deity is said to have manifested as the enchanting Mohini to entice the asuras to aid devas during the Samudra Manthanam. The temple is also referred to as Mohanapuram and Mohanakshetram. Numerous esteemed poets and saints, including Manavala Mamunigal, Thirumangai Azhwar, Nammazhwar, Pillai Perumal Iyengar, Kalamega Pulavar, and Thiruninravur Tirumalai, have composed verses in praise of this temple. Additionally, Thirumohoor is mentioned in revered ...

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About Punnai Nallur Mariamman Temple

At a distance of 6 from Thanjavur, the Punnai Nallur Mariamman temple is Hindu temple located in Punnai Nallur village near Thanjavur in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. Dedicated goddess Mariamman, it is one of the famous temples in the Thanjavur district, and among the most sacred places to visit near Trichy.

Goddess Mariamman, an incarnation of Shakti, has been venerated here in the form of an anthill for a long time. The goddess cures her devotees of all physical ailments. A charismatic yet considerate form is seen here. Mud replicas of the different parts of the human body are placed in the temple as offering and pleading the mother for cure.

History of Punnai Nallur Mariamman Temple

The origins of the temple can be traced back to the era of the Maratha leader, Chatrapati Venkoji Maharaja Bhonsle, who governed Thanjavur in the late 17th century. The king was on a pilgrimage to the Samayapuram Mariamman Temple near Tiruchirapalli in 1780. Upon his return to Thanjavur, he experienced a vision in which Mariamman disclosed her presence in the Punnai forest, situated 5 kilometers east of Thanjavur. Inspired by this divine message, the King rushed to the location and found a Puttru, or white anthill, around which he subsequently built a small temple with a single prakara for Goddess Mariamman around the anthill. King Thulaja worshiped at this ...

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At a distance of 45 km from Nagercoil, 46 km from Tirunelveli and 49 km from Kanyakumari, Thirukkurungudi is a holy place for Hindus situated on the banks of Nambi River at the foot hills of Mahendragiri in Tamilnadu.

There are five Nambis in this Kshetram. They are Ninra Nambi (Standing posture), Irundha Nambi (Sitting posture), Kidandha Nambi (Sleeping posture), Thiruparkadal Nambi and Thirumalai Nambi. Of these, Ninra Nambi Temple is the main temple and is located in the center of the town flanked by four big Mada Veethis. The Nambi Rayar Temple or Thirukkurungudi Temple is 1300 years old. It is also called as Vaamana Kshetram and is one among the 108 divya desams of Lord Vishnu.

According to the legend, Goddess Bhudevi was abducted by the demon Hiranyaksha and hid her deep under the ocean. All the deities and sages prayed to Lord Vishnu to retrieve Mother Earth from the demon. Lord Vishnu transformed into a wild boar and plunged into deep under the ocean. Lord Varaha had fierce battle with Hiranyaksha and saved Mother Earth. After this glorious incident Lord Vishnu along with Goddess Bhudevi arrived on this sacred land. He passionately looked upon Goddess and shrunk his terrifying size into normal. Thus, this place has got in its name 'Thirukkurungudi'.

Covering an area of 18 acres, the temple has five prakarams, and is surrounded by a massive wall, crowned with a five tiered gopuram. The Vijayanagara rulers and the Nayaks of Madurai have made several ...

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At a distance of 12 km from Papanasam and 61 km from Tirunelveli, Arulmigu Sorimuthu Ayyanar Temple is situated between Papanasam and Karaiyar Dam in Tirunelveli district of Tamilnadu. Located on the bank of River Thamirabarani, this is one of the 6 important Sastha Temples in South India.

The presiding deity of the temple is Mahalinga Swamy. Lord Dharma Sastha appears with his left leg bent and the right hanging down. Sorimuthu Ayyanar is a kuladevata for many families in the area. Families that are not aware of their kuladevata are also welcome here. As it is the first Ayyappan temple, people who resolve to begin the Sabarimala yatra, come here to wear their mala. The name of the temple is derived from 'Pon Soriyum Muthiar', which means the Lord who pours down golden rain on the plateau.

Here, Muthianar is worshipped along with his two consorts - Pushkala and Poorna. Ayyappa's lieutenants, Sangili Bhootham, Thoosi Madan, Thulasi Madan, Pechi, Isakki and Pattavarayan are also worshipped here. There are also shrines dedicated to Vinayaka, Bhairava and Devi. Interestingly, this temple has many unique offerings. Here, devotees offer wooden legs and cloth dolls to the deity with humble prayers. People who suffer from leg and joint ailments offer wooden legs. Couples without children come here to pray for progeny by presenting rag dolls to express their desire. People offer bronze bells to Bhoothanathar and chappals to Valai Pagadai.

Ashada Amavasya is celebrated ...

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At a distance of 29 km from Tirunelveli and 39 km from Thoothukudi, Sri Vaikuntanatha Perumal Temple is an ancient temple situated at Srivaikuntam in Thoothukudi district of Tamilnadu. Located on the banks of the river Thamirabarani, this is one of the 108 divya desams of Lord Vishnu and the first of the Navatirupathis.

Also called Srivaikuntam Temple and Kallapiran Temple, Sri Vaikuntanatha Perumal Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in the form of Vaikuntanathar. It is believed that this temple was used as a fort in the fight between the legendary freedom fighter Veerapandiya Kattabomman and the British in the 1800s. The temple is classified as a Navatirupathi, the nine temples revered by Nammazhwar located on the banks of Thamirabarani River. This is the first in the series of these nine Tirupathi Temples.

There are many legends associated with this temple. According to one legend, Somuka, a demon stole the four Vedas from Lord Brahma. Brahma was helpless and he did severe penance on the banks of Thamirabarani River seeking favour from Lord Vishnu. Pleased with the penance of Brahma, Vishnu agreed to help Brahma. Vishnu killed the demon and restored the Vedas to Brahma. Lord Vishnu set his abode as Srivaikuntam and resided there as Vaikuntanathar. Another story goes that the Lord, disguised as the thief, presented himself before the King to save the thief Kaaladhushakan, an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu. Hence, the Lord here is also known as 'Kallapiran'.

The ...

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At a distance of 1 km from Sri Vaikuntanatha Swamy Temple, 30 km from Tirunelveli and 39 km from Thoothukudi, Sri Kailasanathar Temple is another important Hindu temple situated in Srivaikuntam town of Tamilnadu.

Sri Kailasanathar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This is the 6th Nava Kailasam temple which is dedicated to Planet Saturn. The temple is originally believed to be built by the Pandiya king, Chandrakula Pandiya. He built the central shrine and vimana of the temple. Veerappa Nayak (1609-23 AD), a ruler of Madurai Nayak dynasty built the Yagasala, flag staff and Sandana Sababathy hall.

According to the legend, Sage Romasa wanted to install the Shivalingas on the banks of the Thamirabarani. So, he asked his guru Agasthiya about this, who advised to throw flowers used for Shiva puja on the river and do the installations wherever the flowers reached the shores. Based on his advice, sage Romasa threw lotus flowers, nine of these flowers reached the bank. One lotus flower reached Srivaikuntam and is dedicated to one of the planets Sri Sani Bhagawan.

The temple was constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture. It has three precincts. Shiva is worshipped as Kailasanathar and his consort Parvati as Sivakami. Sri Sani Bhagawan Sannidhi is situated separately. Those who are affected by Sani dosha pray to Sri Kailasanathar and Sri Sani to get the curse relieved. It is a belief that this is equal to Thirunallaru Sani Bhagawan temple. A guardian deity, ...

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At a distance of 36 km from Kumbakonam, 45 km from Thanjavur and 96 km from Trichy, Sri Rajagopalaswamy Temple is a Vaishnavite shrine located in the town of Mannargudi, Tamil Nadu.

Sri Rajagopalaswamy Temple is dedicated to Rajagopalaswamy, an incarnation of Lord Krishna. The temple was first constructed by Kulothunga Chola I. Successive kings of the Chola Empire, Rajaraja Chola III, Rajendra Chola III and kings of Thanjavur Nayaks, Achyuta Devaraya expanded the temple. The temple contains inscriptions of the Hoysala kings and some Vijayanagara grants and many records of the later Nayaks and Marathas. The Thanjavur Nayaks made the temple as their dynastic and primary shrine and made significant additions.

The temple is spread over an area of 23 acres and is one of the important Vaishnavite shrines in India. The temple is called Dakshina Dwarka along with Guruvayoor by Hindus. The sanctum of the temple enshrines a 7 feet high image of Vaasudeva with his consorts Sri Devi and Bhoodevi. The Utsava murthi idol is of exquisite beauty and is adorned with precious jewellery and colourful flowers. Along with him are his consorts Rukmani and Satyabhama.

The temple also has 24 shrines, 7 mandapams, 9 theerthams, 16 gopurams and 7 prakarams that were constructed by Kulothunga Chola I. The temple complex has intricate carvings and depicts the architecture grandeur of Cholas and Thanjavur Nayaks. The present shrine along with a 1000-pillard hall and the big compound wall ...

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At a distance of 15 km from Kumbakonam, Ramalingaswara Temple is a Hindu temple located at Papanasam in the Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu, India. Located near the south bank of the Kudamurutti river, it is one of the prominent places to visit as part of Kumbakonam Pilgrimage Tour.

Papanasam Ramalingaswara Temple is a sacred temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, featuring a total of 108 Shiva Lingas. According to mythology, after defeating Ravana, Rama performed the brahmahathi dosha nivaranam puja at Rameswaram. In addition, he sought to appease Lord Shiva to atone for the sins incurred from the slaying of Kara and Dooshana, leading him to halt at this location. Here, he established 107 lingams and instructed Hanuman to retrieve one Lingam from Kasi to complete the total of 108. Consequently, the principal lingam is referred to as Ramalingaswami, while the one brought by Hanuman is known as Hanumanta Lingam. This site is also recognized as East Rameswaram or Keezh Rameswaram.

The term Papanasam translates to 'Destruction of Sins' in Tamil, and it is widely believed that worshipping Lord Shiva at this temple absolves devotees of their sins. The main deity, Lord Ramalingaswami, resides in the central shrine. Within the hall, there are 106 Shiva Lingas arranged in three rows. Notably, the shrine is oriented towards the west, which deviates from traditional Hindu temple architectural guidelines, and ...

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At a distance of 36 km from Thiruvannamalai, Parvathamalai is a mystical mountain situated at Thenmathimangalam village in the Tiruvannamalai District of Tamilnadu. Located in the Eastern Ghats of Tamil Nadu, it is one of the top pilgrimage places near Chennai, and among the best places to visit near Madurai.

Parvathamalai holds great spiritual significance and is known for its natural beauty. The name Parvathamalai means Mountain of the Goddess in Tamil, highlighting its connection to Hindu mythology and spirituality. At the peak of Parvathamalai stands the Parvatha Malaiyappan Temple, dedicated to Lord Mallikarjuna Swamy, an incarnation of Lord Shiva, believed to have been established by Siddhars, individuals with extraordinary spiritual abilities known as siddhi. The temple has no door and remains open at all times, showcasing the divine powers of the deity.

Legend has it that the hill is a fragment of the Sanjeevani Mountain carried by Lord Hanuman to revive Lakshmana, Lord Rama's brother, containing potent herbs capable of curing deadly diseases. Wise saints decided to construct a temple atop the hill for meditation purposes. Parvathamalai is considered a place of hidden supreme powers where miraculous events occur. Locals and pilgrims alike believe that Siddhars reside in and around the hill, engaging in meditation and occasionally granting darshan to fortunate visitors.

Devotees embark ...

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At a distance of 34 km from Srirangam Railway Station, and 41 km from Trichy, Vadivazhagiya Nambi Perumal Temple, also known as Sundararaja Perumal Temple is a HIndu temple situated at Anbil village in the outskirts of Tiruchirappalli in Tamilnadu. It is one of the best places to visit near Trichy, and among the must-visit tourist places in Srirangam tour .

Also known as Thiru Anbil, Vadivazhagiya Nambi Perumal Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams of Lord Vishnu, who is worshipped here as Sundararajan and his consort as Sundaravalli. The temple is mentioned in the Naalayira Divya Prabandham, the ancient Tamil canon of the Alvar saints from the 6th-9th centuries CE.

Located on the northern bank of the river Kollidam, the temple is believed to have been constructed by the Medieval Cholas of the late 8th century CE, with later contributions from Vijayanagara kings and Madurai Nayaks. Inscriptions on copper plates found in Anbil reveal the generous support provided by the Chola kings to this temple. Presently, the temple is maintained and overseen by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu.

According to legend, the Hindu god of creation Brahma believed that he was the most handsome individual in the world as he created all the human beings. Upon learning this, Lord Vishnu cursed Brahma to be born as an earthly being. Brahma worshiped Vishnu for ...

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At a distance of 43 km from Mahabalipuram, Eri Katha Ramar Temple is a Hindu temple located in the town of Maduranthakam, Tamil Nadu, India. It is one of the most popular places to visit as part of Mahabalipuram pilgrimage packages.

Sri Eri Katha Temple is dedicated to Lord Rama, revered here as Ramanujar. Constructed during the Pallava period, the temple is approximately 1600 years old, making it one of the oldest Rama temples in South India. The temple features inscriptions that attest to the generous donations made by Chola king Parantaka I. This site gained prominence during the Chola dynasty, known as Maduranthaga Chaturvedi Mangalam, named after the Chola ruler Madurantaga Uttama Chola (973-985 CE). The temple is also referred to by various names, including Vaikunda Varthanam, Thirumathurai, Thirumanthira Tirupathi, and Karunagara Vilagam.

The temple is renowned for its association with the legend of Lord Rama safeguarding the Madurantakam Lake from flooding during intense rainfall. It is honored by figures such as Ramanujar and Thirumalisai Alvar and is recognized as one of the 108 Abhimana Kshethrams within the Vaishnavite tradition. This location is significant as it is where the presiding deity was named Ramanuja, and Thirumalisai Alvar achieved enlightenment here. Additionally, Sri Ramanujar received the Pancha Samskara Mantram at this site.

The temple is constructed in the ...

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At a distance of 17 km from Kumbakonam, and 37 km from Thanjavur, Apatsahayeswarar Temple, or Guru Sthalam or Tiru Irum Poolai is a Hindu temple located in the village of Alangudi near Kumbokanam. It is one of the significant places to visit during your Kumbakonam tour packages.

Apatsahayeswarar Temple is dedicated to Shiva, who is worshipped here as Apatsahayeswarar, the one who consumed the poison of Vasuki Nag to protect humanity during samudra manthan.His consort Parvati is depicted as Elavarkuzhali in this temple. Originally built by the Cholas, the current structure dates back to the Nayak period in the 16th century. The temple is revered as Paadal Petra Sthalam by the Nayanmars in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram.

Alangudi Temple is also known for being the holy abode of the planet Jupiter or Brihaspati, Often referred to as the 'Guru Sthalam', this is one of the Navagraha Temples in Tamilnadu where Lord Guru is worshipped as Sri Dakshinamurthy. Thousands of devotees visit Alangudi, especially during Jupiter's transit, seeking protection from Guru Bhagavan.

Spanning over two acres, Apatsahayeswarar Temple is surrounded by three holy rivers namely, Cauvery, Kolidam, and Vennaru. The temple has a 5-tier rajagopuram surrounded by two prakarams. The main deity, Apatsahayesvarar, is in the form of Lingam and is believed to be Swayambulinga. Alangudi Temple is unique for its ...

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At a distance of 25 km from Kotagiri, Rangaswamy Peak is a famous mountain in the Eastern Ghats of Tamil Nadu near Kotagiri. It is one of the best places for trekking in Ooty Adventure packages.

Rangaswamy Peak stands at an elevation of approximately 5,885 feet (1,794 meters). The peak is enveloped by a verdant landscape and features a temple dedicated to Lord Rangaswamy, making it a revered location for the Irula, Badaga, and Kurumba tribes of The Nilgiris. The devotees are allowed to visit the temple for only one month in the Tamil year (Puratasi).

The Rangaswamy Peak Trek offers a stunning visual experience, showcasing the breathtaking beauty of nature and is considered one of the most exhilarating treks in Kotagiri. A scenic drive from Kotagiri to Kil (lower) Kotagiri via Kodanad Road leads to the trek's starting point, from which adventurers can embark on their journey to Rangaswamy Peak. The 5 km trek is moderately challenging, featuring a path of stone steps that wind through the vibrant tea estates. From this vantage point, trekkers can relish a magnificent view of the surrounding scenery, including dense forests, valleys, and nearby mountains.

To the northwest of the peak, one can observe the impressive Rangaswamy Pillar, and is named in honor of Colonel J.C. Rangaswami, a European explorer who uncovered this remarkable site. The 400-foot-tall pillar is revered by the locals. The picturesque view of the shimmering waters of Upper Bhavani Reservoir, ...

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