Temples around Vandavasi
These temples are closer to chennai and without much of long travel, there is an opportunity to visit such wonderful temples. Most of them appear to be unexplored and hence it will be nice to visit the temples, pray and get the blessings.
Do not forget to give your inputs after you travel so that we can make the blog more useful for future travellers.
Sri Pandurangan temple, Thennangur
Temple timings : 6.00 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.
Phone : 91-4183-225 808.
An unique temple. A 12 feet tall Lord Panduranga is in the sanctum sanctorum.
- Resembles the design of Puri Jagannath temple
- 120 feet tall tower, Gold Kalasams of 9.5 feet with Sudarsana Chakra above and a saffron flag flying
- 16 pillared Maha Mandap.
- Baghwan Garuda in centre
- Lord Govindaraja Perumal graces the kalyana utsavam on all days except on Saturdays.
- An unique temple with a 12 fee tall Lord Panduranga in the sanctum made of saligrammam
- The orthodox system of South and the Bajan Sampradaya of North are given equal prominence here
The Brindavan of His Holiness Gnanananda Swamigal adds more sanctity to the temple. It is unique deities related to Sri Chakra – Maha Shodasi, Rajarajeswari, Saraswathi, Lakshmi, Brahmma, Vishnu, Rudra, Easwara, Vinayaka, Bala, Annapoorani, Ashwaruda, Rajamadhangi, Varahi, Pratyangara, Sarabeswara, Chakkarathazhwar, Yoga Narasimha, Agoramurthy, Vanadurga, Parasaraswathi, Medha Dakshinamurthy, Subramanya, Chandi Mahalakshmi, Brahmi, Maheswari, Gaumari, Vaishnavi, Mahendri, Chamunda, Mahalakshmi are in the temple in idol forms.
Mother Raghumayee’s beauty is a sight to behold. Lord Panduranga appears as King of Mathura on Sundays, in a simple form showing His Lotus feet on Thursdays, with silver coverings on Fridays and as Lord Thirumalaivasa on Saturdays.
Lord blesses in fruit decoration called Vishu Kani utsav on the Tamil New Year day. On Gokhulashtami day, Sri Vaishnava Muthagi Sevai is followed. It is a treat for the eyes that Panduranga blesses the devotees in many captivating appearances as Rajagopala, Giridhari holding the Govardhana Hill, as Geethacharya, as Parthasarathy and Radhakrishna. It is believed that the Lord played his flute under the Thamala tree (the sacred tree of the temple) in Dwapara Yuga drawing Radha to Him. Its amazing that this Thamala tree has been brought to South. Panchaloka Dwarapalaka idols are not to be missed.
The structure of the temple resemble Maharashtra’s Pandaripuram temple. Lord Panduranga with Mother Raghumayee blessing devotees. The temple was built by His Holiness Haridasgiri Swamigal, the disciple of His Holiness Gnanananda Swamigal and managed by His Holiness Namanandagiri Swamigal..
All the deities related to Sri Chakra worship are in this temple. It is the uniqueness of the temple that Nama Sangeerthana principles are followed in worship here as without doubt Music is the route God.
Venguneswarar Temple at Vengundram
This Shiva temple is a km from Thennangur, enroute to Vandavasi Found atop a big and steep hill, the temple is visible from the road..
It’s a tough hill to climb most part of it don’t have proper steps. It will be an adventure to climb this touch hill without proper steps. For safety reasons, better to trek as a group. Weak and children should avoid this climb. A person comes once in a month to this open temple to conduct pooja for the Shivalingam but other than there is not a soul seen and nothing is available. Murugan, Vinayagar and some other deities are seen. Better to visit in the very early part of the day.
Seeyamangalam Kugai Kovil, Seeyamangalam,
Timings : 7 a.m. to 10.00 a.m.
Phone : 9578160058
Built by Mahendravarman I, this rocku cut emple has Lord Shiva as Deity facing west,who is known as Thoon Andar or Stambeshwara meaning Lord of Pillars Name comes due to the presence of two pillars in front of this cave temple with two dwarapalakas with Trisula prongs guarding the entrance to the Sanctum sanctorum. Do not miss Lord Shiva carved in the temple pillars as Lord Nataraja and Lord Vrishbhantika froms. This temple has Lord Natarajar without the dwarf Muyalaka.
In the Vandavasi-Chetpat road, once you reach Mazhaiyur cross road, turn left turn and after travelling for around 7 kms via Desur, we can reach the awesome Seeyamangalam cave temple facing west. Cholas, Pandyas and Vijayanagara dynasty have added structuresSome Jain relief works are found in the slopes of hillock near the temple, believed to be of Pallava age
Thirumalpadi Sri Ranganathar (Hill) Temple
Timings : 7.00 am to 10.30 a.m. 5.00 p.m. to 7.30 p.m.
Phone : 99429 37169 / 98654 54998
East facing Ranganathar temple constructed in the 12th century atop a hill of 100 steps is located south-west of Seeyamangalam.
Moolavar : Sri Ranganathar
Thayar : Sri Ranganayaki
Some of the important features of this temple are...
There is a 3 tier Rajagopuram is on the south with the urchava mandapam on left. The mandapam is said to be 500 years old with relief on pillars on Krishna, Iyannar, Vinayagar, dancing ladies etc,.
While the sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum, antarala, arthamandapam and a mahamandapam, Sri Ranganathar is seen reclining on Adhisheshan. Thayar’s symbol, a triangle is on Sri Ranganathar’s chest and his head is resting on a marakal similar to Srirangam. His right hand's three fingers are touching the head while the other two fingers are in folded condition. His face looks a little inclined towards devotees, in a blessing posture called Boga syanam. Sridevi & Bhoodevi are seen bu his side while Bhaktha Prahalatha and Sukabrahma Rishi are in prayers. Urchava Perumal with Sridevi, Bhoodevi and Lakshmi are seen in front of moolavar.
There are separate sannidhis for Thayar Sri Ranganayaki, Andal, Anjaneyar and Alwars. Bramhothsavam is not conducted and only important functions like Chitra Pournami, Garuda seva, Krishna Jayanthi, Karthikai Deepam, Vaikundaekathesi are celebrated. Pongal is also observed. No Vahanas are found in this temple and Urchavar are taken on procession during festivals.
Madam Shiva temple – Thadagapureeswarar temple
Phone : 9942264556/9443131119/9344871762
Located 5 kms away from Thirumalpadi Ranganathar temple, this big temple with five tiered damaged Gopuram and Nandhi has sahasra and 108 lingam.
A madam was constructed for the benefits of devotees and holy men who were on pilgrimage towards tiruvannamalai. Over a period of time, the place came to be called as madam.
The temple has two prakarams, Balipeedam and Dwajasthambam. While the Sanctum sanctorum has the Artha Mandapam, Maha Mandapam and Sanctum.
Many dynasties including Cholas and Pandias besides others have contributed to this temples. Nandavanams and lands have been endowments of these kings.
Madam Temple is also called as Thadagapureeswarar temple. The main deity is Thadagapureeswarar and the mother is Brihannayagi. The main deity also goes by Agneeswaramudaiyar, Srikulathai Andar and faces south. Mother is in a separate shrine holding lotus in one hand where as the other gives Abhayam and Varada hastha. When there was an initiative to dig a pond, during the process the Lingam was found and hence the name of the Lord.
Around the sanctum, we can find Vishnu, Brahma, Narthana Ganapathy, Dakshinamurthy with veena and other Koshta idols. A 88 pillared Vasantha mandapam can be seen. One can see Nataraja, Ganesha and Muruga with 6 faces and 12 hands and his consorts in the temple.
Moorthies of karakandeswarar, Ulaganthaar, Vilvanathar, Sahasra, Suyambu and 108 lingams, Saptha matha Saambandar, kamakshi are seen
The Navagraham sannidhi is built during recent times.
Yoga ramar temple, Nedungunam
Temple timings 6.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.
Phone ; 6380947204 94452 15776
Badhri Bhattachar 94452 15776
One of the biggest, this temple was built by kings about 700 years ago and is a representation of several periodical specialties and uniqueness. Sri Rama sits as 'Yoga Ramar' without bow and arrow and with the right hand positioned close to his heart in a 'Gnana Muthirai'.
This is also one of the biggest Vaishnav temple of Vellore and Thiruvannamalai districts. Separate sannadhis for Sri Sengamalavalli Thayar, Sri Anjaneyar, Sri Sudarsanar with Sri Narasimhar and Srivenkatesaperumal are seen.
It is only in this temple that Rama can be seen looking calm in a sitting posture, hand on the chest, eyes closed and without any weapons. While Mother Sita with a lotus in the right hand and left points to the feet of Rama guiding the devotees that they seek refuge safe at His feet. Lakshmana is standing by the right side of Sri Rama and Hanuman is seen chanting the Vedas with all respects sitting before the Lord.
There is a very tall Rajagopuram and a tall Kiligopuram present in the temple. The mountain present in front of the temple looks like a head of a parrot which coincides with Sugabramha maharishi.
Pleased with the penance of Sugabrahma Maharishi for his darshan, Sri Rama while returning to Ayodhya, spent a day with Him. In his honour, the second gopuram called Kili Gopuram stands as a hill adjacent to the temple. This hill which looks like a head of a parrot, is called Dheergachala (long hill). Sri Padham of Lord Rama along with Sanku Chakram (Conch and Discus) can be found on the top of the hill, as a testimony that Lord Rama gave darshan to Sukabrahma Maharishi.
One of the ancient Ramar temple in Tamil Nadu and built by Krishnadeva Raya in 8 acres area.
Performing abishek with milk, curd, turmeric cosmetic powder, honey, sandal paste etc and offering garlands made of Tulsi, Dhoti. Sari, flowers, jewels etc. to mother is a practice.
Sri Dheerkajaleswarar temple, Nedungunam
Timings : 6.00 a.m. to 10 a.m. 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Dheerkajaleswarar Temple is dedicated to Hindu God Shiva located in Nedungunam Village in Thiruvannamalai District of Tamilnadu. The Temple is situated at the Esanya corner of Nedungunam village near the Yoga Ramar Temple. The Presiding Deity is called as Dheerkajaleswarar and Amman (Thayar) is called as Balambika. The temple is very ancient. Since The Lord appeared as a hill, he is called Dheerkajaleswarar
Sri Varadaraja perumal temple, Alliyandal
Timings : 91 94440 22548,99625 22548
Yajna Samrakshana Ramar Temple located at Injimedu has the Rama, Lakshmana, Seetha, Garuda and Hanumar sculpted 1500 years ago. Madabhushi Bharadwaja Gotras, the purvikas of the village performed many yajna all round the year. Please with this, Ramar along with Lakshmana Seetha, Garuda and Hanuman appeared and blessed the villages that he will stay in this village for the Yajna Samrakshana.
Ramar has since been known as “Yagna Samrakshana Kalyana Ramar”. It is unique and found only in this place that the Bow top head is molded with “Narasimhar’s face” (Lion face). The Hanuman here, though a brahmachari, is famous for solving marriage issues, Issue less etc. Sashta Parankusha Yatheendra Maha Desikan of Srimath Ahobila renovated and reconstructed this village and temple along with constructing the “Sri Lakshmi Narasimhar Sannathi”. He also gave another name as “Narasimha Puram”.
Despite many rulers and Invaders ransacked these temples, the Ramar temple alone was left intact. This is the birth place of two Jeeyars of Sri Ahobila Math: the 34th Pontiff Sri Satakopa Ramanuja Yatheendra Mahadesikan and the 42nd Pontiff Sri Sriranga Satakopa Yateendra Mahadesikan. HH 42nd Azhagiyasingar of Sri Ahobila Mutt, Sri Sri Ranga Sadagopa Yatendra Mahadesikan later renovated the existing temple in addition to constructing a new temple for Sri Perundevi Nayaki Sameta Sri Varadarajar in 1950s.
People born in Moola, Aayilyam stars can get the issues resolved by visiting this sthalam. Though earlier known as Yagnamaedu, as the days progressed, this sthalam came to be known as "Injimedu".
Sri Tirumanicherai Udayar Temple temple, Injimedu
Timings : 6.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m
The place is considered sacred for performing Srardham for the departed ancestors.
Sage Silathiar had the boon from Lord Shiva to reach Kailash in human form. Devarishi Naradha advised that his ancestors were wandering here and there in space for food and water, without Srardham being offered. Silathiar immediately picked up the Ilanji grass (Darba grass) and did the pooja for his ancestors and hence the place is called Injimedu and the practice of offering shrardhas to departed elders began here.
Abishek to Navapashana Linga is performed with the spring water only.
There was a mountain as tall as the Himalayas called Peria Malai in South which sank when sage Agasthya placed his feet on its peak. Later, a sage was doing penance on Lord Shiva here. When he was in his meditation, an elephant brought water from nearby spring and spilled on him. Since he was not disturbed, the animal tried to reach the sage but was stopped by a fire circle. Pleased, when Lord Shiva appeared before him, The sage sought that the Lord should stay here and grace people. Then he made the Navapashana Linga and installed it here.
Sri Thirukarai Easwara temple, peranamallur
Timings : 6.00 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from 5.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.
Phone : +91 94867 26471
The name of the place derives from the story that two kings fought against the other in this place. This place was Peranimallur in the beginning and change in due course of time, to Peranamallur. It is also said that as a dam was later built across the Panai River, it was named Peranamanallur. During his journey to Pazhayarai, Chola King had stayed here briefly. During chola times, this was the capital for many surrounding villages.
Lord Shiva, as a swayambumurthy graces from a shrine of Gajabrushta design. There is a story that a spider with the blessings it earned from Lord Shiva, was born as Kochengat Chozha. That the temple was built by him is evidenced from the spider and elephant symbols on a pillar. The sacred tank also is named after the king. The pillars contain many epigraphic details. There are Naga figures on the upper wall of the Vidhana. The main entrance of the temple is on the southern side. The lamp post outside the temple, has trident of Lord Shiva, besides Sun, Moon, Nandhi and Vinayaka and Lord Muruga sculptures. There is also an idol of Kamadenu pouring its milk on Lord Shiva.
There is also a Vinayaka sculpture very ancient belonging to Pallava period in a sitting form. Aipasi Annabishekam takes place in October-November. Special pujas are performed on full moon and pradosha days. In the corridor-prakara of Lord Shiva, are shrines for Lord Muruga, Navagrahas the nine planets, Bhairava. Sri Jeshtadevi, sister of Mahalakshmi also appears as a carved sculpture in a sitting form. She is holding the crow flag and donkey vahan.
Panaiaru river was flowing through this place dense with trees and the chola king built the temple on the banks of the river. A shrine was also built for Mother Tiripurasundari. As the temple is on a river karai (bank) and also treated as the destination for a devotee to reach the shores of salvation, Lord Shiva is named as Tirukarai Easwarar.
Sri Varada Anjaneyar temple, Pernamallur
Timings : 6.00 a.m. to 10.00 a.m. and from 6.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.
The temple enjoys an equal reputation of Girivalam – circumambulating the hill – as in Tiruvannamalai, which devotees feel very important for their wellbeing. They undertake this commitment on the new moon day to gain mental courage, relief from adverse Sani Bhagwan aspects and fulfilment of other wishes.
A farmer couple living in this beautiful and natural environment was sad as they had no child for years after marriage. While tilling his land, the farmer’s plough stuck at a point and he could not move it further. Digging the place, he found an idol of Sri Anjaneya. He installed the idol with the help of the villagers and began worshipping Him and were blessed with a child next year.
Veetrirundha Perumal Temple, Peramanallur
Sridevi Budevi Sameadha Sri Veetrirundha Perumal Temple is situated in the Pernamallur town, Vandavasi taluk of Thiruvannamalai district. The temple is nearly 800 years old built in chola’s temple archi-style with a Karbhagraha, Kalmandappam, Kal-garuda, Palipeetam and a unique 24 ft. high single stone Deepasthampam (deepam pillar).
The name of the place derives from the story that two kings fought against the other in this place. This place was Peranimallur in the beginning and change in due course of time, to Peranamallur. It is also said that as a dam was later built across the Panai River, it was named Peranamanallur. During his journey to Pazhayarai, Chola King had stayed here briefly. During chola times, this was the capital for many surrounding villages.
The temple is east facing with a single prakaram comprising of sanctum sanctorum and the shrtine.
Vaikunta ekadesi is the most unique festival of this temple. On the day of Vaigunda Egadesi (dec-jan of every year) Sri Veetrirundha perumal with sridevi and bhudevi will offer his blessings to the devotees of pernamallur in each and every streets of the locality. Annadhaanam and Special Poojas will also happen on this day.
Nava Narasimhar Temple, Avaniyapuram – Dhakshina Ahobilam
Timings : 6.00 a.m. -12 noon 3 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Mobile: +91 9486046206 / 9629540448 / 9941756271
Nava Narasimhar Temple also called Dakshina Ahobilam, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu located at Avaniyapuram Village in Thiruvannamalai District of Tamilnadu.. It is a small hill with temples with 2 tiers and about 200 steps than can be scaled easily.
The steps are painted with colorful painting and the either side of the walls are marked with Narayana tiru Namam in blue background adding to its beauty one climbs 70 steps to reach the first deity, Lord Narasimha found in a small cave (Kudavarai koil), and ascend another 114 to have a Dharshan of Lord Venkateswara.
The first tier has Lord Lakshmi Narasimhar, Alarmel Mangai Thayar and Pancha Narasimhar Sannadhis with. Lord Narashima in a sitting posture and Mahalakshmi Thayar seated on his left thigh. His left arm is around his consort and his right hand is in abhaya Hastha position. The Chakra is in his upper hands holding the chakra and conch. Here Lord has no face and Thayar having the Lion Face which she got from the Lord and is celebration event once in 60 years. Another Narasimhar can be found below the Moolavar.
For Brighu maharishi, Lord Narasimhar is said to have appeared here in the form of five Divyadesam lords. The Uthsava Moorthy of lord Narasimhar had a face of lion. with four hands and in standing position, he is flanked on either side by Sri Devi and Bhoodevi. The small Garuda Sannadhi is inside the temple and while Anjaneya Sannadhi is outside the main Sannadhi in the first tier. On the right side of the prakaram, here is a “Pancha Narashimar” enclave. The small temple for Siriya Thiruvadi can be found in the mid-way while climbing steps.
The second tier has Sannadhis for Lord Srinivasar, Sholingur Narasimhar, Varadaraja perumal and Ranganatha perumal. Similar to Tirupathi, where Lord Venkateshwara is in Tirumala and Alarmelmangai Thaayar is at Tiruchanur, here Lord Venkateshwara is in the first tier, while the Thaayar is found at the lower tier. Lord Venkateswara is a Swayambhu Moorthy standing armed with chakra and conch.
There are totally nine Narasimhars here (out of which five are in a row) like Ahobilam and hence is called Dakshina Ahobilam. Behind the Srinivasa Perumal temple, there is a separate sannidhis in a cave - Lord Ranganatha with his Consort Ranganayaki on his Serpentine bed, Sri Perundevi Sametha Sri Varadaraja Perumal, Sri Yoga Narasimhar and Sholingur Yoga Narasimha is in a sitting position along with Amirthavalli Thayar. Thus once can have darshan of all the main Pancha Divya Desa moorthies – Ahobilam, Kanchi, Sholingur, Srirangam and Tirumala.
There was a huge rock formation in the form of a lion with face, eyes, nose, mane and a raised right leg. The temple is believed to have been built during the Pallava regime. The shrine is well maintained
Avaniyapuram Avaneeswarar temple
Avaneeswarar Temple is dedicated to Hindu God Shiva located at Avaniyapuram Village in Thiruvannamalai District of Tamilnadu. This temple has Maragatha Lingam installed by Aadhi Sankarar. Located at the base of the Avaniyapuram hill at about 16 kms away from Arani, located on the Vandavasi - Arani highway.
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