Tamil Nadu Temple Tours
Embark on an enchanting temple tour through the heartland of Tamil Nadu and immerse yourself in the spiritual ambiance of these ancient temples.
(Click on program below for itinerary)
MADURAI – TRICHY – TANJORE – KUMBAKONAM – RAMESHWARAM – MADURAI
5 NIGHTS / 6 DAYS
DAY 1 : ARRIVAL IN MADURAI
On arrival in Madurai, you will be received and transferred to your hotel. Later visit Thiruparankundram Subramanian Temple and Meenakshi Amman Temple. If interested you may also visit Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal. Overnight stay at the hotel.
DAY 2 : MADURAI TO TRICHY (130 KM)
Today after breakfast, checkout and proceed to Trichy. Enroute visit Azhakar Kovil Temple and Pazhamudircholai Murugan Temple. On arrival at Trichy, check into your hotel. Early evening visit the famous Jambukeswarar-Akilandeswari Temple & Srirangam Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple. Overnight in Hotel.
DAY 3 : TRICHY – TANJORE – KUMBAKONAM (60+40 KM)
Today you may visit Uchipillaiyar Temple on top of Rock Fort. This involves 437 steps to be climbed. Else check out after breakfast and visit Samayapuram Mariamman Temple and later proceed to Tanjore. On arrival visit Sri Brihadeeswarar Temple, Tanjore Maratha Palace and Royal Palace Museum (based on timings). Later drive to Kumbakonam for overnight stay.
DAY 4 : KUMBAKONAM
After breakfast, visit Airavatesvara Temple, Sri Chakrapani Temple, Sarangapani Temple, Adi Kumbheshwarar Temple & Sri Someshwarar Temple. You will also visit the Maha Maham Sacred Pond and Potramarai Sacred Pond. Afternoon you may return to hotel to take rest. Later early evening visit Swaminatha Swamy (Subramanian) Temple at Swamimalai and then drive to Gangaikonda Cholapuram to visit the temple. Overnight at Hotel.
DAY 5 : KUMBAKONAM – RAMESHWARAM (285 KM)
After breakfast checkout and drive to Rameshwaram. On arrival check into your hotel. By evening visit Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple.
DAY 6 : RAMESHWARAM – MADURAI (DEPARTURE) (175 KM)
Today after breakfast check out and you may visit Dhanushkodi and Kothandaramaswamy Temple enroute. Later drive to Madurai to connect your train/flight home.
CHENNAI – KANCHEEPURAM – THIRUVANNAMALAI – CHIDAMBARAM – KUMBAKONAM – TANJORE – TRICHY – MADURAI
7 NIGHTS / 8 DAYS
DAY 1 : CHENNAI – KANCHEEPURAM (70 KM)
On arrival in Chennai, you will be received and transferred to Kancheepuram. Check in to your hotel and later proceed to visit Sri Kamakshi Temple, Ekambareshwar Temple and Kailasanathar Temple. Overnight stay at the hotel.
DAY 2 : KANCHEEPURAM – MAHABALIPURAM & BACK (70 + 70 KM)
Today after an early breakfast, drive to Mahabalipuram. Here you visit Five Rathas, Shore Temple, Mahishasuramardini Cave Temple & Arjuna’s Penance. Later return to Kancheepuram by evening. Visit Varadaraja Perumal Temple. Overnight stay at the hotel.
DAY 3 : KANCHEEPURAM – THIRUVANNAMALAI (120 KM)
Today after an early breakfast, drive to Thiruvannamalai. On arrival check into your hotel. Later procced to Ramana ashramam and Arunachaleshwar Temple. Overnight stay at the hotel.
DAY 4 : THIRUVANNAMALAI – CHIDAMBARAM – KUMBAKONAM (150 + 70 KM)
Today after breakfast, checkout and drive to Chidambaram. Visit Thillai Nataraja Temple and Thillai Kali Amman Temple . After darshan, drive to Kumbakonam and check in at your hotel. Later in the evening drive to Swamimalai to visit Sri Swaminatha Swamy Temple. Overnight stay at the hotel
DAY 5 : KUMBAKONAM
After breakfast, visit Airavatesvara Temple, Sri Chakrapani Temple, Sarangapani Temple, Adi Kumbheshwarar Temple & Sri Someshwarar Temple. You will also visit the Maha Maham Sacred Pond and Potramarai Sacred Pond. Afternoon you may return to hotel to take rest. Later early evening drive to Gangaikonda Cholapuram to visit the temple. Overnight at Hotel.
DAY 6 : KUMBAKONAM – TANJORE – TRICHY (60+40 KM)
Today check out and drive to Tanjore. Visit Sri Brihadeeswarar Temple, Tanjore Maratha Palace and Royal Palace Museum (based on timings). By noon proceed to Trichy. On arrival, check in at your hotel. Early evening visit Sri Ranganathawswamy Temple, Srirangam and Samayapuram Mariamman Temple. Overnight stay.
DAY 7 : TRICHY – MADURAI (130 KM)
Early morning you may plan to visit Uchipillaiyar Temple on top of Rock Fort. This involves 437 steps to be climbed. Else check out after breakfast and visit Jambukeswarar-Akilandeswari Temple. Later proceed to Madurai. Evening visit Thiruparankundram Subramanian Temple and Meenakshi Amman Temple. If interested you may also visit Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal. Overnight stay.
DAY 8 : MADURAI (DEPARTURE)
Have an early breakfast and visit Azhakar Kovil Temple and Pazhamudircholai Murugan Temple. Later return to hotel and check out (by 11am) and proceed to Railway Station/Airport for your departure.
Know more about the temples in each destination (click to know more)
MADURAI Tirupparankundram is a significant religious hub housing one of the six special abodes devoted to Lord Murugan, also known as Lord Subrahmanya. Legend has it that Lord Indra was pleased by the victory of Subramanian over the demon Surapadma and he offered his daughter Devayani to Lord Subrahmanya. Their wedding took place in this holy site. The cave shrine of Tirupparankundram was constructed by the Pandiyans during the 8th century. The innermost chamber of the temple is sculpted from a single rock, featuring captivating carvings embellishing the walls and pillars. Revered as the fourth pilgrimage site of Muruga, the temple is referenced in various classical Tamil scriptures as the southern Himalaya, where the gods assemble. [Darshan Timing : 5AM – 1PM, 4PM – 9PM] One of the largest temple complexes in India, Sri Meenakshi-Sundareswarar Temple is the most famous spiritual site in Madurai. Featuring two shrines, over 10 towering gateways or gopurams, numerous mandapas and a giant pool, make up the structure of the temple, which is adorned with beautiful carvings inside and outside. One of the halls of the temple is famous as the "Hall of a 1,000 pillars" though only 985 of them exist today. It's said that regardless of the viewing angle, these pillars always appear perfectly aligned. The temple's most enchanting feature is its outer corridor housing musical pillars, each producing distinct musical tones when struck. While one of the sanctorums, Sundareswarar, is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the other is devoted to Goddess Meenakshi, his consort. The tale of Meenakshi commences with King Malayadhwaja and Queen Kanchanmala of the Pandyan dynasty, who conducted a yagya to beg the gods for a son. Unexpectedly, a girl emerged from the flames of the ritual. This princess was believed to embody the goddess Parvati but was born with three breasts. Advised by the gods, the royal couple raised their daughter as the rightful successor to the throne, with astrologers predicting that her third breast would vanish upon meeting her destined husband. Following her father's demise, young Meenakshi ascended to the throne and embarked on a series of conquests, venturing northwards. Leading her army, she conquered numerous kingdoms until she reached Kailasa, where she clashed with the deities. As victory seemed to elude them, the gods implored Shiva to intervene. When Shiva appeared on the battlefield, Meenakshi's third breast disappeared, signaling that she had found her husband. She requested Shiva to marry her, and he graciously consented. Shiva instructed her to return to Madurai and await his arrival. Eight days later, Shiva appeared in his resplendent form as Sundareswarar, the Handsome Lord, and wed the exquisite Meenakshi in a grand ceremony known as Thirukalyanam. [Darshan Timing : 5AM – 12:30PM, 4PM – 10PM] Thirumalai Nayak Palace, this majestic palace stands as a fine blend of Islamic and Dravidian styles of palace architecture. Originally designed as the king's residence by an Italian architect, the palace complex was four times larger than what remains of it today. Known for beautiful stucco work, especially on its arches and domes, this palace is a visual treat for visitors. [Entry Timing : 9AM – 1PM, 2PM – 5PM] Famous for its captivating architecture and intricate sculpting, the Azhagar Koyil Temple is one of the most attractive temples in the region, nestled at the foothills of Alagar Hills Set amidst lush green surroundings, the temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and holds immense religious significance. According to legend, the temple was visited by the Pandava brothers, Yudhishtir and Arjun, during the Mahabharata period. [Darshan Timing : 5AM – 1PM, 4PM – 9PM] Pazhamudircholai Murugan Temple is one of the six of the holiest of Murugan shrines referred to as the Aarupadai Veedu. It is also known by the name Solamalai Murugan Temple. Legend has it that Avvaiyar, a renowned Tamil poet and devout follower of Murugan, visited this temple when her wisdom was tested by Murugan in the guise of a young boy. This event is believed to have occurred near a tree by the temple, which continues to be venerated today. At this sacred site, Murugan is worshipped alongside his consorts Valli and Devayani, representing Iccha Shakti and Kriya Shakti respectively, while he embodies Jnana Shakti. The idol of Murugan, depicted in a standing posture with four hands, is placed amidst his consorts' idols. The Vel (spear) of the lord made up of stone is of special significance and is worshipped with a great veneration by devotees. At the hill's summit lies a natural spring known as Noopura Ganga, accompanied by a temple dedicated to Raakkayi Amman. Pilgrims often take a dip in this sacred spring, believed to have originated from Lord Vishnu's anklet, for blessings of wealth and health. Nearby flows the Silambar River. [Darshan Timing : 5AM – 1PM, 4PM – 9PM]
TRICHY Situated on the outskirts of Tiruchirappalli lies the river island town of Srirangam. Bordered by the Cauvery river on one side and its tributary Kollidam on the other, the town is renowned for the ancient and majestic Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple. Covering an area of 600 acres, with 156 acres dedicated to the temple complex, Srirangam is considered the most significant among the 108 main Vishnu temples (divyadesams) and the foremost of the eight self-manifested shrines (Swayam Vyakta Kshetras) in the country. The temple compound comprises seven prakaras (enclosures), enclosed by massive and thick rampart walls surrounding the sanctum. [Darshan Timing : 9AM – 12PM, 1:15PM – 6PM, 6:45PM – 9PM] Also known as Thiruvanaikoil, Thiruvanaikaval, a stone’s throw from the city, is home to the Jambukeswarar-Akilandeswari Temple. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is one of the panchabhoota sthalam (shrines representing one of the five elements of nature) and represents water. Legend says, there were two disciples of Lord Shiva who lived in Kailash: ‘Malyavan’ and ‘Pushpadanta’. Constantly at odds with each other, their conflict reached a peak when Malyavan cursed Pushpadanta to become an elephant, while Pushpadanta retaliated by cursing Malyavan to become a spider on Earth. Both of them came to Jambukeswaram temple and worshipped Lord Shiva. Each day, the elephant would perform ablutions on the Lingam with water from the Cauvery river, while the spider diligently spun its web over the Shivalingam to shield it from dust and sunlight. However, the elephant mistakenly interpreted the spider's web as dust and continued to pour water over it, much to the spider's dismay. Frustration reaching its peak, the spider crawled up the elephant's trunk and fatally bit it, leading to the demise of both creatures. Pleased by their unwavering devotion, Lord Shiva granted them release from their curses. The origins of the name "Jambukeswarar" stem from a tale involving a sage named "Jambu Munivar". After offering a sacred 'Venn Naaval' fruit to Lord Shiva, the deity consumed it and spat out the seed. Jambu Munivar, considering the seed sanctified by the Lord's touch, ingested it, leading to the growth of a "Naaval" tree atop the sage's head. Upon Jambu Munivar's plea, Lord Shiva consented to reside beneath the tree. Over time, Goddess Akilandeswari performed penance and worshipped Lord Shiva under the same tree, prompting the deity to manifest before her and establish his abode under the Jambu Tree. Thus, he became known as "Jambukeswar. The tree became “Sthala Vrikhsham” (Temple’s sacred tree), and is still present in the temple, being hundreds of years old. The Shivalinga is place under the Jambu Tree in this temple [Darshan Timing : 5:30AM – 1PM, 3PM – 9PM] Uchippillaiyar Temple, Rock Fort towers over the city of Tiruchirappalli and was built by the Nayaks, who ruled between the 14th and 15th centuries. About 437 steps carved into rocks lead the way into the fort. The main attractions are three Hindu temples - Manikka Vinayakar Temple, Ucchi Pillaiyar Temple and Thayumanavar Temple. The Manikka Vinayakar Temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha and is located at the base of the hill, while the 7th century Ucchi Pillayar Temple is perched on the hilltop and is also dedicated to Lord Ganesha. The Thayumanavar Temple is the biggest of the three temples and is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is worshipped in the form of a lingam. Legend says, Sri Rama gifted Vibhishna, am idol of Sri Ranganatha and on his way to Sri Lanka, he was mesmerized by the beauty of Cauvery. He stopped to take bath and handed over the idol to a boy near the river. After waiting for long, the boy placed the idol nearby and left. On returning after his bath, Vibhashina was furious to see the idol on the ground. He was unable to lift it and the idol got fixed to the ground which later became the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple. Vibhishana found the boy on top of a him and angrily went there and gave know on his head (Uchi). The boy was none other than Lord Ganapathy. Lord Ganapathy blessed Vibhishna and the temple came to be known as Uchipillaiyar. [Darshan Timing : 6AM – 8PM for Uchippillaiyar Temple, 6AM to 12PM & 4PM to 8PM for Thayumanavar Temple, 5:30AM to 12PM & 4PM to 8PM for Manikka Vinayagar Temple] The pilgrim town of Samayapuram is located on the outskirts of Tiruchirappalli. The town has developed around Samayapuram Mariamman Temple, which is dedicated to Goddess Mariamman. Goddess Mariamman is known to cure diseases and is revered as the Goddess of fertility. [Darshan Timing : 5:30AM – 9PM]
TANJORE Built in 1010 AD by Raja Raja I, a great Chola ruler, the Brihadeeswara Temple has been listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. I is also known as Peruvudaiyar Kovil or the ‘Big Temple’. The temple houses inscriptions that give detailed accounts of the town and its life from a 1,000 years ago. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is a towering structure at 212 ft, and houses one of India's tallest shivlings, about 13 ft high. Another highlight is India's second-largest monolith of Nandi (bull god), which is 12 and a half ft high, eight ft long and five ft wide. It stands at the entrance of the temple, as a protector of the land. The Big Temple celebrated its 1000th year of construction in 2010. [Darshan Timing : 6AM – 12:30PM, 4PM – 8:30PM] Tanjore Royal Museum, Tanjore Maratha Palace & Art Gallery [Entry Timing : 9AM – 5PM]
KUMBAKONAM According to legend, the Airavatesvara temple was named after the white elephant who prayed in this temple, Airavat, who belonged to the king of heaven, Indra. One myth says that Airavat was cursed by the rishi Durvasa during the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean by the gods and demons together) such that its white skin became black. Then while praying and washing in this temple’s tank, the myth says that Airavat regained his lost white colour. According to another myth, Yama (the god of death) was cursed by a rishi to have a never-ending burning sensation but by praying here and bathing in the temple tank, he was able to free himself from the curse [Darshan Timing : 8AM – 12 PM, 4PM – 8PM] Sri Chakrapani Temple : According to the legends associated with the temple, it is believed that Lord Vishnu once dispatched Sri Sudarsana to vanquish the demon Jalandasura in the nether-world (patal-loka). Upon completing this task, Sri Sudarsana emerged from beneath the earth at Kumbakonam, on the banks of the Kaveri River, and encountered Lord Brahma who was bathing in the river at that time. Delighted by Sri Sudarsana's accomplishment, Brahma consecrated an image of Sri Sudarsana at that spot and began worshipping him. Meanwhile, Surya, the Sun God, filled with conceit due to his own radiance, noticed that Sri Sudarsana's popularity surpassed his own. To humble Surya, Sri Sudarsana absorbed his brilliance, rendering Surya dim and powerless. Seeking to regain his splendor, Surya surrendered to Sri Sudarsana. Legend has it that on the full-moon day of the month of Vaikasi (May-June), Sri Chakrapani, adorned with eight arms and a third eye on his forehead, and with a fiery complexion, restored Surya's lost radiance. Grateful for the restoration of his brilliance, Surya requested that the place be named Bhaskara Kshetra after him, and his wish was granted by Sri Sudarsana. The location where Sri Sudarsana emerged from below the earth is known as Chakratirtham and Chakra paditthurai. [Darshan Timing : 7AM – 12PM, 4PM – 8PM] Sarangapani Temple is one of the Divya Desams, the 108 temples of Vishnu. Lord Vishnu, appeared for a sage Hema Rishi, who performed penance in the bank of Potramarai tank. The penance was performed to obtain Lakshmi, the consort of Vishnu, as his daughter. Vishnu was pleased by the penance and he wished the sage to get Lakshmi as his daughter. Lakshmi emerged from the Potramarai tank among thousand lotuses and was thus named Komalavalli (the one who emerged from lotus). Vishnu descended to earth as Aravamudhan in a chariot drawn by horses and elephants from his abode Vaikuntam. He stayed in the nearby Someswaran Temple to convince Lakshmi to marry him and the couple eventually got married. The name Sarangapani ("one who has the bow in his hand") derives from the Sanskrit word Sarangam meaning bow of Vishnu and pani meaning hand. [Darshan Timing : 7AM – 12:30PM, 4:30PM – 9PM] According to Hindu mythology, at the end of every “yuga”, there is a huge flood that leads to the destruction of all living beings in the earth. This is called the “Pralayam”. Lord Shiva, through Lord Brahma, arranged for the seeds of all living organisms and four Vedas and Puranas to be put in a pot (“Amutha Kalas” or Kumbham or Kudam in Tamil) filled with nectar (“amirtham”). This was decorated with flowers and cloth and a string was tied to it. This was kept on top of the Mount Kailash. When the Maha Pralayam started, it destroyed all living creatures on the earth. The Amutha Kalas also got displaced and started floating on the seas for years. Eventually when the Pralayam stopped, the Kalas settled in Kumbakonam. Then Lord Shiva took the form of a hunter (Kiratha Murthy) and split open the pot with his arrow. The life on earth started flourishing again. It is believed that when Lord Shiva opened the pot with his arrow, the pot broke and the decorative items on it fell in various places across the earth. Each of these pieces became Shivalingams (Adi Kumbheshwarar Temple, Sri Someshwarar Temple etc). The nectar is believed to have fallen in two places - the Mahamaham tank and the Potramarai tank.This event is now commemorated in the Mahamaham festival held every 12 years. Sri Swaminathaswamy Temple, Swamimalai is the fourth Padaiveedu (army camp) of Lord Muruga. There are 60 steps to reach thehill temple representing the 60 Tamil years. Brahma the creator bypassed Lord Muruga when he came to meet Lord Shiva. Muruga intercepted Brahma and demanded the meaning of the Pranava Mantra Om. The creator could not answer. By then the whole process of creation went in disarray. Soon Lord Shiva requested Muruga to set Brahma free and asked his son to explain the meaning of Om. The young son explained the meaning in detail but secretly close to father’s ears as this is such a holy mantra which the righteous and wise alone should know. This event took place in this sacred soil. [Darshan Timing : 5AM – 11PM, 4PM – 8PM] Gangaikondacholapuram was the capital of Rajendra Chola (1012-1044 AD), the son of Raja Raja Chola. When Rajendra Chola settled down here, 70 km away from Thanjavur, he also built a temple for Lord Shiva on ground, equivalent in magnificence to the Big Temple in Thanjavur. Legend states that once, during his travel, when he had conquered several northern kingdoms, the king brought back water from the holy River Ganga here in a golden pot as a sacrifice to Shiva. As a mark of celebration, he also established a liquid pillar of victory called Jalamaya Sthamba. Rajendra Chola was bestowed with the name Gangaikondan (the one who brought the Ganga). The town was then named after him. [Darshan Timing : 6AM – 12PM, 4PM – 8PM]
RAMESHWARAM The legend behind the Ramanathaswamy temple is linked to the most famous Indian Epic Ramayana in which Lord Rama Kills the Asura King Ravana, who ruled the kingdom of Lanka which is now Sri Lanka. After winning the epic battle at Lanka, Lord Rama while returning to his kingdom at Ayodhya wanted to worship Lord Shiva to liberate from his Karma as he killed a Brahmana during War. He asks Hanuman to bring the image of Viswanathar, the Kashi Lingam from Kashi. As hanuman delayed in his quest, Goddess Sita, consort of Lord Rama made a Shivalinga using sand by her own bare hands and he did the pooja using it. This Shiv Linga is the Ramanathaswamy Lingam or Rama Lingam worshipped at Rameswaram Temple. This is one of the 12 jyotirlingas (special devotional shrines of Lord Shiva). The temple has 22 theerthams or sacred baths, in which, as per belief, taking a dip washes away one's sins. This [Darshan Timing : 5AM – 1PM, 3PM – 9PM]
KANCHEEPURAM Sri Kamakshi Temple : This location is recognized as one of the Shakti Peethas, where the Navel or Nabhi of Goddess Sati landed following the touch of Lord Vishnu's Sudarshana Chakra upon her body. The name "Kamakshi" signifies Goddess Saraswati (patron of education) and Goddess Lakshmi (patron of wealth), with 'ka' representing Saraswati, 'ma' symbolizing Lakshmi, and 'akshi' denoting eye. The grand temple venerates Goddess Kamakshi (regarded as the ultimate manifestation of Goddess Parvati). Unlike the traditional standing posture, the deity in this temple assumes the yogic padmasana position. She holds a sugarcane bow and five flowers in her lower arms, while a pasha (lasso) and an ankusha (goad) are grasped by her upper arms. Rishi Durvasa found relief from his curse through devotion to and prayers to Kamakshi. He subsequently established the Sri Chakra here and authored Saubhagya Chintamani Kalpa, also known as Durvasa Samhita. [Darshan Timing : 5:30AM – 12pm, 4PM – 8PM] Ekambareshwarar Temple is one of the Pancha Bhootha temple representing the element earth or Prithvi. According to legend, the lingam housed within the Ekambareswarar Temple was both crafted and revered by Goddess Parvati herself. The story goes that once, in a playful gesture, Goddess Parvati covered Shiva’s eyes, casting the world into sudden darkness. With Shiva temporarily blinded, even the Sun and Moon were shrouded in darkness. Witnessing the unintended consequences of her action, Parvati was filled with remorse and sought penance to absolve her karmic debt. Reincarnating as Kamakshi, she undertook rigorous penance, made a Shiva linga from sand and revering Lord Shiva in the form of the Prithvi Lingam (Lingam made of earth) beneath an ancient mango tree within the temple premise. During this period of penance, Shiva, tested Kamakshi's devotion, caused a flood while she was deeply engrossed in her worship. Fearing for the safety of the Lingam, Kamakshi clung to it tightly, her unwavering love and devotion melting Shiva's heart, causing him to manifest in human form and marry her. The ancient temple mango tree, under which Kamakshi worshipped the Shiv Lingam, remains standing to this day, boasting an age of over 3500 years. It serves as a revered symbol within the temple, with each of its four branches symbolizing one of the four Vedic texts and bearing fruits of four distinct flavors. [Darshan Timing : 6:30AM – 12:30pm, 4PM – 7:30PM] The Kanchi Kailasanathar temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, stands as the oldest architectural marvel in Kancheepuram. Its centerpiece is a remarkable Shiva lingam towering at 10 feet in height. Constructed in the 7th century AD by Pallava king Rajasimha, also known as Narasimhavarman II, this temple is renowned for its splendid Vimana and the towering gopuram that adorns the sanctum sanctorum. The artistic treasures within, from the temple's sculptures to its intricate architecture, are a testament to the flourishing artistry of the Pallava reign. Built upon granite foundations, the temple's superstructure is meticulously crafted from sandstone, exemplifying the mastery of ancient craftsmanship. [Darshan Timing : 6:30AM – 12:30pm, 4PM – 7:30PM] Varadaraja Perumal Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is one of the divya desam temples, the 108 temples said to have been visited by the 12 poet saints or Alwars. As per the legends, Lord Brahma performed Yajna here to purify himself with His consorts Gayatri and Savitri by ignoring Goddess Saraswathi. Goddess Saraswathi became enraged by this and attempted to flood the entire area with high tides in the form of Vegavathi, a swift-moving river. On the request of Lord Brahma, Lord Maha Vishnu laid himself in a reclining position to check the floods. When Lord Brahma’s Yajna was concluded, Lord Vishnu emerged dazzling with the sparkling of a thousand suns from the Yajna fire. Iravath (God Indra’s vehicle) lifted Lord Varadaraja as a mount, the Athi mount. There are 24 steps to Atthigiri Temple. [Darshan Timing : 7AM – 12:30pm, 3:30PM – 8:30PM]
MAHABALIPURAM Shore Temple is the oldest, free-standing temple in the vicinity of Mamallapuram. Within the temple, are three sanctums with shrines, two of which are dedicated to Lord Shiva and one dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The Shore Temple, two-towered, stands magnificently in rock-cut elegance and is surrounded by gardens and ruined courts. There are several other smaller shrines in the vicinity complementing this huge building. You can also visit the Sthala Sayana Perumal Temple nearby. Mahishasuramardini Cave Temple is noted for its reliefs that have been intricately carved into walls. One of these depicts Lord Vishnu sleeping on top of the coils of the king of serpents, Adisesha, while another relief displays Goddess Durga, atop her lion, fighting with the demon Mahishasura. Apart from these two bas-reliefs, the shrine in the centre of the temple holds an idol of Lord Murugan, seated between Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Arjuna's Penance (tapas) depicts a scene from the epic Mahabharata, where Arjuna is praying hard and performing penance to Lord Shiva to ask him for his powerful and divine bow. It is said that Arjuna needed this bow in the battle of Mahabharata to defeat the Kauravas. Panch Rathas (five chariots) are five spectacular rock temples, named after the Pandava brothers and their wife. Krishna’s Butter Ball is an immense boulder, about 16 ft high, is one of the prominent tourist sites in Mamallapuram. Defying gravity, the boulder is balanced precariously on a narrow base. It is symbolic of Lord Krishna's love for butter.
THIRUVANNAMALAI As one of the Pancha Bhoota Stalams, which signify the five fundamental elements of existence—Earth, Fire, Water, Air, and Sky—the Arunachaleswarar Temple holds a special place as a sacred shrine representing the element of Fire. Accordingly, Lord Shiva is revered here in the form of Agni Lingam, symbolizing the fiery aspect of divinity. The tale surrounding this temple recounts the manifestation of Lord Shiva as a pillar of light or fire, symbolizing the eradication of ego from humanity. It commences with a dispute between Lord Vishnu, the preserver, and Lord Brahma, the creator, each vying for supremacy among the Trimurtis. Claiming seniority, Lord Brahma asserts his dominance, while Lord Vishnu counters by stating that Brahma emerged from his navel. Amidst their contention, Lord Shiva intervenes, materializing as a fiery column between them, challenging them to ascertain its limits to determine the most supreme among the Trimurtis. Lord Vishnu, assuming the form of a boar, and Lord Brahma, as a swan, embark on separate quests. However, Brahma, upon encountering a Thazhambu flower, coerces it into bearing false witness to Shiva, claiming to have reached the end of the column. Enraged by this deceit, Shiva curses Brahma, decreeing that no temple shall worship him on Earth, and curses the flower to be unsuitable for rituals. Lord Vishnu, acknowledging the futility of his pursuit, humbly bows to Shiva. This fire column is said to be represented by the Arunachala Hills next to the Arunachaleswarar Temple. Arunachaleswarar Temple houses eight lingams known as ashtalingam, which are positioned at different locations facing different directions. These lingams are named as Indralingam (East), Agnilingam (South East), Yamalingam (South), Niruthilingam (South West), Varunalingam (West), Vayulingam (North West), Kuberlingam (North) and Esanyalingam (North East) (representing each directions of earth). [Darshan Timing : 5:30AM – 12:30pm, 3:30 – 8:30PM] One of the most tranquil spaces in town, Ramana Ashram, is noted for the divine sermons and simple meditation practices of the 20th century South Indian sage, Ramana Maharishi. As you enter the main gate, you will come across a 400-year-old iluppai tree. Right next to it, lie two imposing towers, one surmounts the shrine of Matrubhuteswara, raised over the tomb of Ramana Maharishi's mother, the second tower is over New Hall. The hall houses a life-sized statue of Ramana Maharishi. A small Nirvana room located to the east of New Hall was used by Ramana Mahirishi during his last days. [Entry Timing : 5AM – 12:30pm, 2:00 – 9PM] Girivalam – a religious practice where devotees circle around the Arunachala Hill which is a 14km path chanting Arunachala mantra and walking bare foot can be performed. It takes around 4hrs and needs to be done early morning. Ideally an additional night stay will be preferred if you wish to do the same else the next day schedule will have to be reworked.
CHIDAMBARAM Chidambaram is one of the five Pancha Bootha Sthalams, the holiest Shiva temples each representing one of the five classical elements; Chidambaram represents akasha (aether).The legend says, Lord Shiva, accompanied by Mohini (an incarnation of Lord Vishnu), wandered into the Thillai forests. These woods were inhabited by a community of sages who believed in the power of enchanting mantras to control the divine. Mesmerized by the radiance and beauty of Shiva and Mohini, the sages and their wives became enchanted. In response to their wives' enchantment, the infuriated sages invoked serpents by chanting mystical mantras. Lord Shiva then adorned these serpents as ornaments, further fueling the anger of the ascetics. Subsequently, the sages summoned a tiger, whose skin Lord Shiva draped around himself as a shawl. As the sages grew increasingly wrathful, they pooled their spiritual strength and conjured a mighty demon, symbolizing arrogance. In response, Lord Shiva mounted the demon's back and performed the Ananda Thaandava, the cosmic dance, revealing his true divine form. This revelation prompted the ascetics to realize that this Lord transcended all mantras and rituals, embodying ultimate truth. Chidambaram temple embodies the following characteristics : •This temple is located at the Center Point of world ‘s Magnetic Equator. •Among the “Pancha bootha” temples, Chidambaram denotes the Space. Kalahasthi denotes Wind. Kanchi Ekambareswar denotes land. All these 3 temples are located in a straight line at 79 degrees 41 minutes Longitude. •Chidambaram temple is based on the Human having 9 Entrances denoting 9 Entrances or Openings of the body. •Temple roof is made of 21600 gold sheets which denotes the 21600 breaths taken by a human being every day (15 x 60 x 24 = 21600) •These 21600 gold sheets are fixed on the “Vimanam” (Roof) using 72000 gold nails which denote the total no. of Nadis (Nerves) in the human body. •“Ponnambalam ” is placed slightly tilted towards the left. This represents our Heart. To reach this, we need to climb 5 steps called “Panchatshara padi ” “Si, Va, Ya, Na, Ma ” are the 5 Panchatshara mantras. There are 4 pillars holding the Kanagasabha representing the 4 Vedas. •Ponnambalam has 28 pillars denoting the 28 “Ahamas “as well as the 28 methods to worship Lord Shiva. These 28 pillars support 64 +64 Roof Beams which denote the 64 Arts. The cross beams represent the Blood Vessels running across the Human body. •Kalasas on the Golden Roof represent the 9 types of Sakthi or Energies.The 6 pillars at the Artha Mantapa represent the 6 types of Sashtras. •The 18 pillars in the adjacant Mantapa represents 18 Puranams. [Darshan Timing : 6AM – 12PM, 5PM – 10PM] Thillai Kali Amman Temple : An argument arose regarding the superiority between 'Sivam' (Lord Shiva) and Shakthi (Parvathi). To settle this dispute, they arranged a dance competition at Chidambaram, in the presence of Lord Vishnu, Lord Brahma, and other deities. During the dance, it seemed that Lord Shiva was on the verge of defeat. However, fully aware of the situation, Lord Shiva performed the "Oorthuva Taandava," raising one leg above his head—a posture that women could not replicate due to their modesty and shyness. Parvathi, unable to match this posture, gracefully accepted her defeat. As a consequence, she retreated beyond the town's borders, humbled by the experience, to impart the lesson that both Sivam and Shakthi are equally significant in life. 'Thillai Kali' represents a deity of anger, which was appeased by Brahma through the chanting of Vedas and praising her. Through Brahma's penance, 'Kali' transformed into a serene form. Thus, the Goddess 'Thillai Amman' in this temple is depicted with four faces, symbolizing this transformation. [Darshan Timing : 6AM – 12:30PM, 4:30PM – 8:30PM]