Varadharaja Perumal Temple located in the holy city of Kancheepuram is one of 108 Divya Desams (Divine Abode) dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple forms a part of the Vishnu Kanchi, a suburb of Kancheepuram. The temple is believed to have been visited by the Alwars (the 12 poetic saints).

The temple is located on the west of Gandhi Road, beside Vedapureswarar Temple and comes under the administration of same Trust.

Image Attribution : Nithi Anand

Varadharaja Perumal Temple – Religious Importance

The Varadharaja perumal Temple built during the reign of the Chola Kings in 1053 is one of the most sacred places for Vaishnavites. The temple along with Ekambareswarar Temple and Kamakshi Amman Temple in Kancheepuram is collectively known as Mumurtisivam or the abode of trio. It is believed that once upon a time, one of the greatest Hindu scholars Ramanuja resided in this temple.

The temple was originally known by the names Hastigiri and Attiyuran. The temple gets the name Hastigiri in association of Gajendra Moksham, from the myth that Indra elephant Airavatam in the form of a fill bears the image of Lord Vishnu. The name Attiyur is derived from the fact that the original image of Varadharaja Perumal was made from Attimaram (fig tree).

The Temple – Legend

The legend associated with the temple states that after the Lord created the universe, Lord Brahma wanted Lord Vishnu to come down to earth. He performed Ashwamedha Yagna with his other consorts Gayatri and Savitri, without his wife Goddess Saraswathi. The enraged Goddess flowed in spate as River Vegavati. At the end of the yagna, The Lord himself along with his consort appeared out of flames as Lord Varadharaja and granted Lord Brahma’s wish.

Varadharaja Perumal Temple Architecture

The Varadharaja Perumal Temple is a huge one built on a 23-acre complex. It has a magnificent hall of 100 pillars. The temple is a beautiful structure lying inside three grand circles. It was constructed at various stages by various kings.

The Lord of this temple is Swayambhu (self manifested form). The idol of the Lord is 40 feet long in reclining posture. The Goddess of the temple is worshipped as Perundevi Taayaar. The other shrines of the temple include the Alwars, the Acharyas, Ramar, Andal and Varaaha Perumal.

One of the unique features of the temple is that the temple tank is drained once in every 40 years revealing a huge wooden statue of Lord Vishnu that is worshipped for 48 days.

The East Gopuram (temple tower) is 125 feet high and 99 feet wide. The West Gopuram is 96 feet and 92.5 feet wide. The engraved lizard carvings and ancient inscriptions add to the main attractions of the temple.

Varadharaja Perumal Temple – Timings & Pooja Details

The temple is open on all days from 6:00 AM to 12:30 Noon and 3:30 PM to 8:30 PM. Poojas are performed as below:

Pooja Details	Pooja Details
Vishwaroopa Darsanam	6:00 AM
First Thiruvadhanam	6:30 to 7:30 AM and 7:30 to 9:00 AM
Second Nivedanam	10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Thirukkapu Sathudal (Closing of Sannidhi)	12:30 PM to 3:30 PM
Sarva Darshan	3:30 PM to 6:00 PM
Third Thirumalai Sathupadi & Nivedanam	6:00 PM to 6:30 PM
Fourth Thiruvadanam	7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Manna Senai Theermanam	8:00 PM to 8:30 PM

The Varadharaja Perumal Temple – Festivals

• Brahmotsavam Festival (10 days) in the month of Vaikasi (May-June)
• Navarathri in the Tamil month of Purattasi (September-October)
• Vaikunda Ekadasi in the Tamil month of Margazhi (December-January)

How to reach Varadharaja Perumal Temple

The temple is easily accessible by bus or taxi from Kancheepuram. Kancheepuram is connected to major cities by road and is at a distance of about 75 kilometres from Chennai. Varadharaja Temple is located at a distance of 5 kilometres from Kancheepuram Railway Station. Chennai International Airport is the nearest airport to the temple at a distance of about 60 kilometres.

Epilogue

The Varadharaja Temple is an important religious center in the holy city of Kancheepuram and one of the well-visited temples in Tamil Nadu. Tourists are sure to get mesmerized by the intricate carvings and the majestic architecture of the temple in a serene atmosphere.

Kancheepuram Kailasanathar Temple

One of the prominent places highlighting the historical glory of the district of Kancheepuram is the Kailasanathar Temple. One of the oldest temples in Kancheepuram, Kailasanathar Temple is built in the Dravidian architectural style during the Pallava dynasty that ruled over the region.

The temple with its intricate design was built under the reign of the Pallava ruler Narasimhavarman II (Rajasimhar), during the period of 680 AD to 705 AD.

The temple located on the banks of Vegathy River at Pilayar Palayam is dedicated to Lord Shiva worshipped here as Lord Kailasanathar. The temple is referred to as the Sand Temple owing to the sandstone used in its construction.

Currently, the temple is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Image Attribution : Sridharan Sivakumar Ji

The Temple and its Structure

The temple consists of around 60 shrines with its prime attraction being tits innermost pathway that circles the shrine of Lord Kailasanathar. The main shrine of Lord Kailasanathar in the Shiva Lingam form has the feature of having 16 faces and is 10 feet high. The 8 Meditation Caves at the temple are found in front of the main temple with 8 shrines of Shiva Lingam installed in them.

The main temple has a blue wooden door in the front with two large-sized Lord Shiva sculptures on either side. At the feet of the sculptures are the animal lions that are the signature stamp of the Pallava dynasty. The temple tower or Shikara is as captivating as the temple itself.

The Parikrama or circumambulatory path that goes around the sanctum is very narrow and one has to crawl over the pathway and climb up steps to reach the exit. This pathway signifies the entrance of a person and his exit from Paradise symbolizing life and death.

The Nandi Mandap facing the sanctum is about 100 metres away from the temple.

Temple Timings in Kailasanathar Temple

The temple is open for worship on all days from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

Temple Festivals of Kailasanathar Temple

Maha Shivarathri is celebrated with great grandeur in the temple, in the Tamil month of Maasi (February). A visit to the temple during this time is considered highly auspicious and also to experience the temple is all its glory.

How to reach Kailasanathar temple

The temple is located at a distance of 5 kilometres from Kancheepuram bus stand from where one can avail buses to major cities including Bangalore, Chennai, Tirupati, Vellore etc. Kancheepuram is located just about 75 kilometres from Chennai.

Kancheepuram Railway Station (3 kilometres away), Arakonnam Railway Station (29 kilometres away) and Chennai Railway Station (around 75 kilometres away) are the nearest rail heads. Chennai International Airport (around 70 kilometres away) is the nearest airport.

Epilogue

The Kailasanathar temple with its serene holy ambience and beautiful architectural style attracts tourists from all over the country. The temple is an ultimate epitome of divinity and is hence a must visit place.

The intriguing and unique architecture is a paradise for art lovers and students of architecture. Photography enthusiasts could spend a quality time with their camera in the beautiful backdrop of the temple. Devotees in huge numbers visit this temple due to its alluring structure and religious eminence.

Kancheepuram Kamakshi Amman Temple

Kamakshi Amman temple is located in the traditional city of Kancheepuram. The temple dedicated to Hindu Goddess Kamakshi, a form of Goddess Parvati is an important religious worship center in the state of Tamil Nadu. The temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peetam in the country.

Temple Legend

Kamakshi Amman is worshipped in the temple as Parabrahma Swaroopini. The Goddess is said to have become Shantha Roopani (she was initially depicted as furious in the form of Ugra Swaroopini) after the great philosopher Jagadguru Adi Shankaracharya personified the Goddess and installed Sri Chakra in the place in front of the Goddess deity.

According to the temple history, Goddess Kamakshi meditated on a Lingam made of sand for gaining Lord Shiva’s hand in marriage. Lord Shiva pleased with her devotion married Goddess Kamakshi.

Temple Architecture

The main deity inside the sanctum sanctorum is that of Kamakshi Amman in seated posture bounded by the trinity Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. The temple occupies an area of 5 acres and has four entrances. The temple also house smaller shrines of Bangaru kamakshi, Adi Shankara and Maha Saraswathi.

The main entrance to the the temple is marked by the shrines of Mahishasura Mardhini (Goddess Durga) on the right and Kala Bhairavar (fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva) on the left. At the centre of the entrance is the huge Dwajasthamba and moving further, one can see the shrine of Lord Vinayagar.

Goddess Kamakshi Amman is surrounded by shrines of Ayyappan, Saraswathi, Annapoorani and Adi Shankaracharya on its outer prakaram. The sanctum of the Goddess is surrounded on the Gayathri Mandapam by the shrines of Varahi, Arupalakshmi Kalvarperumal, Roopalakshmi and Arthanariswarar.
The temple tank is found inside the temple. The temple premises have a gallery of Adi Shankaracharya’s life history.

Goddess Kamakshi Amman

The Goddess is in a sitting posture or the Padmanasana in the temple. The Goddess holds a lotus and parrot in her upper right arm and a sugarcane bow in her upper left arm. The Goddess also holds the divine chakras called Pesa and Angusa in her arms and a moon shaped structure in her forehead.

Temple Timings in Kamakshi Amman temple

The temple is open in the morning from 5:30 AM to 12:15 PM and in the evening from 4:00 PM to 8:15 PM. The temple is open until 9:30 PM at night on Fridays and until 10:30 PM on Pournami (full moon) day.

Pooja Details of Kamakshi Amman temple

The temple follows the below mentioned pooja timings, the timings however is subject to changes on festive days.

Pooja Details	Pooja Details
Abhishekam (3 times in a day)	5:30 AM, 10:30 AM and 4:00 PM
Sahasranama Archana (everyday)	9:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Ashtotthara Archana (everyday)	7:00 AM to 12 Noon and 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Chandana Alankara (on Wednesdays and Saturdays)	4:30 PM
Navavarana Pooja (on Pournami/Full Moon days every month)	After 9:30 PM
Swarna Ratha (on Fridays, Full Moon Days, New Moon Days, and 1st Day of Tamil months)	7:30 PM

Temple Festivals in Kamakshi Amman temple

The annual festival is held during the Tamil month of Masi (February-Mid), suring which the Ther (chariot) festival and Theppam (float) festival is celebrated. Other festivals observed in the temple include Aadi and Aippasi Pooram, Navarathri, Sankara Jayanthi and Vasantha Utsavam.

How to reach Kamakshi Amman temple

Kancheepuram city is well connected of the state through national highways and roads. The main bus stand is located at a distance of less than one kilometer from the temple. Kancheepuram Railway Station (3 kilometres away), Arakonnam Railway Station (29 kilometres away) and Chennai Railway Station (around 75 kilometres away) are the nearest rail heads. Chennai International Airport (68 kilometres away) is the nearest airport to the temple.

Epilogue

The spirituality of this historical temple is an experience in itself and its scenic beauty should be witnessed especially during early mornings and at night. The temple with its sculptures and bright lights at night make it an excellent site for photography.

Tiruchendur Murugan Temple

Arulmigu Subramanya Swamy Temple is located in the town of Tiruchendur along the shores of the Bay of Bengal. The temple is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Murugan. It is one of the six sacred abodes (Arupadaiveedu) of Lord Murugan.

Legend

According to the legend, Tiruchendur is the place where Lord Murugan (the second warrior son of Lord Shiva) defeated the demon Surapadman. It is further believed that the divine demigods wanted to worship Lord Murugan in a place marked by the expanse of mountains, sea and river and hence Tiruchendur was chosen.

The Temple Structure of Tiruchendur Subramanya Swamy Temple

The Raja Gopuram (temple tower) is built on the western side of the temple, unlike other temples where the Raja Gopuram is erected on the eastern side, the reason being that the sea is very close in the eastern side.

The Gopuram is nine-tier that is 138 feet high. The sanctum sanctorum of the temple has Lord Subramanyam in a standing posture. To his left is the shrine of Sivalinga Jagannatha.

Temple Festivals of Tiruchendur Subramanya Swamy Temple

• Brahmotsavam is held twice in a year during the Tamil months of Masi (February-March) and Aavani (August-September). The festival is held for 12 days and is witnessed by thousands of worshippers every year.
• The Vasantha Festival is a 10 day festival held in the Tamil month of Chittirai (April-May).
• Vaikasi Visagam (May-June)
• Skanda Sasti Festival is a 7 day festival held in the Tamil month of Aippasi (October-November)

Temple Timings in Tiruchendur Subramanya Swamy Temple

Temple is open on all days from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

Pooja Details of Tiruchendur Subramanya Swamy Temple

Pooja Name	Pooja Timing
Suprabatam	5:10 AM
Viswaroopa Darshanam	5:30 AM
Dwajasthamba Namaskaram	5:45 AM
Udaya Marthanda Abhishekam	6:15 AM
Udaya Marthanda Deeparadhanai	7:00 AM
Kalasandhi Pooja	8:00 to 8:30 AM
Kalasha Pooja	10:00 AM
Uchikala Abhishekam	10:30 AM
Uchikala Deeparadhanai	12:00 Noon
Sayaratchai Pooja	5:00 PM
Arthasama Abhishekam	7:15 PM
Arthasama Pooja	8:15 PM
Ekanda Seva	8:30 PM
Ragasia Deeparadhanai	8:45 PM
Nadai Thirukappiduthal	9:00 PM

How to reach Tiruchendur Subramanya Swamy Temple

The temple is located at a distance of 60 kilometres south-east of Tirunelveli, 40 kilometres from Tuticorin and 75 kilometres north-east of Kanyakumari.

Tiruchendur is well connected with many major cities across South India. Thoothukudi Railway Station is the nearest station to the temple at a distance of around 42 kilometres. The nearest airport is at Madurai (around 99 kilometres away).

Mahimaliswarar Temple is located at 2 kilometres from the central bus stand of Erode town. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva worshipped as Mahimaliswarar and is revered for its great historical importance.
The temple is believed to have been built in the 12th century during the reigning period of Narasimha Pallava King.

Mahimaliswarar Temple

The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Shiva. The shrine of Goddess Parvathi worshipped as Mangalambigai adds to the divinity of the temple. The other shrines found in the temple are that of Lord Ganesh and Lord Brahma. The shrines of 63 Nyanmars (celebrated devotees of Lord Shiva) and 16 Shivalingas have been installed adding significance to the temple.
The Rajagopuram (temple tower) stands majestically at 35 feet high.

History of Mahimaliswarar Temple

One of the stories associated with the history of temple is that of Mali, Sumali and Mahimali who belonged to the Lanka Dynasty and were ardent devotees of Lord Shiva. On the way back to their homeland after seeking blessings of Lord Shiva, they stopped over to perform evening prayers on the banks of River Cauvery. They completed their ritual by creating a six feet tall Shiva Lingam. It is this Shiva Lingam that was installed in the temple and having been worshipped by Mahimali, the Lord was named as Mahimaliswarar.

Another story from the history states that a part of Kongu region was ruled by Mahimali during the 10th century who built this temple, and hence the place was named Mahimaliswaram.

Temple Timings in Mahimaliswarar Temple

The temple is open on all days from 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Temple Festivals of Mahimaliswarar Temple

Chithirai Sadhya Ther Thiruvizha (Chariot Festival) is celebrated with great pomp in the month of Chithirai (April-May). The wedding festival of Lord Mahimaleeswarar and Goddess Mangalambigai is also celebrated in a grand manner.

How to reach Mahimaliswarar Temple

The temple is located at about 2 kilometres from Erode bus stand. Erode Railway Station is the nearest railway station and the nearest airport is at Coimbatore.

Erode Kasthuri Aranganathar Temple

Kasthuri Aranganathar Temple located about four kilometres from Erode bus stand, is one of the ancient and sacred temples of Erode. The temple belonging to the Chola period was constructed by the first Paranthaka Chola King around 1,080 years back.

The temple is dedicated to Lord Kasthuri Aranganathar and Goddess Kamalavalli.

Features of Kasthuri Aranganathar Temple

The temple overlooks the Arudra Kabaleeswarar Temple and is truly magnificent. The temple has inscriptions that denote that it was built around the 10th century. The presiding deity Kasthuri Ranganathat Perumal is found reclining on Adisesha with Sreedevi and Bhoodevi on his side. The two Dwarapalakas or guards of the Lord are found at the feet of the Lord.

The temple has other shrines such as Andal, Srinivasa Perumal, Venugopal Swamy with his consorts, Chakrathazhwar and Lord Hanuman. There are various inscriptions in the temple that talk about the various grants offered to the temple at different periods in time.

History of Kasthuri Aranganathar Temple

According to the legend, Sage Durvasa once got angry with Lord Brahma and cursed him. Lord Brahma came to this place and worshipped Lord Vishnu and was lifted of his curse. True to this story, the Lord has one arm outstretched as to pacify Sage Durvasa and the other arm which holds Lord Brahma. Sage Durvasa can be seen only by peeping a little further into the sanctum.

Temple Timings in Kasthuri Aranganathar Temple

The temple is open on all days from 6:00 AM to 12:00 Noon and 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM.

Festivals in Kasthuri Aranganathar Temple

• Chitra Pournami in the Tamil month of Chithirai (April-May)
• Brahmotsavam in the Tamil month of Puratasi (September-October)
• Garuda Sevai in the Tamil month of Panguni (March-April), Maasi (February-March) and Thai (January-February)

How to reach Kasthuri Aranganathar Temple

The temple is located at about 4 kilometres from erode bus stand and 3 kilometres from Erode railway Station. The nearest airport is at Coimbatore (91 kilometres away).

Erode Arudra Kabaleeswarar Temple

Arudra Kabaleeswarar Temple is located in Erode, a town known for its rich heritage and religious sites. The temple is one of the most popular temples in Erode dedicated to Lord Shiva worshipped as Lord Kabaleeswarar and his consort Parvathi worshipped as Karpagambai. It is considered to be the first-ever temple in the state of Tamil Nadu.

The temple is around 1000 years old and is believed to have been constructed during the Kongu Chola dynasty (1004 – 1280). The temple is classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam and has reference in 7th-century canonical work, the Tevaram written by the Nayanars. The temple is administered and maintained by Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department.

Erode Arudra Kabaleeswarar Temple Structure

The Temple has been built in ancient Dravidian architectural style. The five-tyre Rajagopuram (temple tower) is spectatular and the entrance to the Maha Mandapam is marked by Dwajasthambam (sacred flagpole), Nandhi (the divine vehicle of Lord Shiva) and Bali Peedham.

The inner and outer Prakarams (precincts of the sanctorum) have shrines of Sun God and his consorts Usha Devi and Chaya Devi, Gajasamharamoorthy, Moola Vinayagar, Temple tree with Lord Ganesha and Goddess, Navagraha, Kala Bhairava, 63 Nayanmars, Goddess Durgai, Saptha Matthakal (7 Divine Mothers) and Naalvar.

Near to the entrance of the sanctum sanctorum are the shrines of Lord Dakshinamurthy, Lord Brahma and Goddess Vishnu Durga. The temple complex also has Goddess Varanambigai as a separate shrine.

The shrine of Lord Arudra Kabaleeswarar is found inside the sanctum sanctorum in the form of Lingam to bless devotees. The speciality of the Lingam is that as many as one hundred and eight Shivalingas is carved on the main deity in Lingam form. On the 25th, 26th and 27th days of the Tamil month of Masi (February-March), the sun rays directly fall on the presiding deity.

History of Arudra Kabaleeswarar Temple

According to legend, Arulmigu Arudra Kabaleeswarar temple was constructed by the Chola king Lakshmikanthan. The King had once decided to perform a Yagna (sacrifice) for which several pots of milk were brought. It so happened that the milk got spilled at a particular spot. The King ordered his men to dig the spot, and in the process a Lingam was discovered from which blood started oozing out. The King built a temple at the spot where the Lingam was so found.

Another story in relation to the temple states that Lord Kabaleeswarar once went to his devotee Thandavan’s house who was a poor weaver in his absence. The Lord dressed as an old man begged the weaver’s wife for a piece of cloth to protect from the biting cold outside. The wife asked the old man for his address and assured him some help. She was told that he would be outside the Arudra temple. The wife, on return of Thandavan, related of what had happened. Thandavan immediately got a piece of cloth on credit and gave it to the old man. Next morning, the temple priest was surprised to see a new piece of cloth on the Lord. When the news spread, Thandavan recounted what had happened but nobody believed him.

When the weaver was punished by the villagers, Lord Shiva sent a word through a small boy that no matter what troubles one undergoes, one should be ready to serve the helpless.

Temple Timings in Arudra Kabaleeswarar Temple

The temple is open on all days from 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Pooja Timings in Arudra Kabaleeswarar Temple

• Ushakala Pooja – 6:00 AM
• Kaalasandhi Pooja – 7:00 AM
• Uchikala Pooja – 12:00 Noon
• Saayaraksha Pooja – 6:00 PM
• Ardhajama Pooja – 8:00 PM

Temple Festivals of Arudra Kabaleeswarar Temple

• Brahmotsavam- Annual Festival during the Tamil month of Panguni (March-April)
• Mahashivarathri (February-March)
• Margazhi Thiruvadhirai (December-January)

How to reach Arudra Kabaleeswarar Temple

Erode is the nearest bus stand to the temple. Erode is well connected with all major towns in the state. Erode Railway Station is just 3 kilometres from the temple. The nearest airport is at Coimbatore (around 91 kilometres away).

Pachaimalai Subramanya Swamy Temple is located on top of a small hillock in the town of Gobichettipalayam in Erode District. The temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan.

The temple got its name ‘Pachaimalai’ from the presence of a spring beneath the presiding deity at the sanctum sanctorum. The temple shares many similarities with that of the Palani temple – both temples have the Lord in the form of Bala Dhandayuthapani, the shrines at both the temple face towards west and the Kadamba Tree is the temple tree at both temples.

History of Pachaimalai Subramanya Swamy Temple

Sage Dhurvasa, while offering his prayers to Lord Shiva at Modachur (outskirts of Gobichettipalayam), had wished to have a darshan of Lord Subramanya. In search of a temple around, he discovered a small hillock wherein he installed Lord Subramanya as Balakurama facing west following the advice of Lord Shiva.

The temple is more than 3000 years old. The structure that is seen today was renovated by P.K. Kuppuswamy Gounder in the year 1956.

Architecture & Deities of the Temple

The temple has a five-storey main Gopuram built in the Dravidian style of architecture. The presiding deity of the temple is Balamurugan, the child form of Lord Murugan. The deity measured 40 feet and is one of the largest Senthil Andavar stutues in the state.

The temple also houses various other shrines that include Vidya Ganapathy, Maragatheeswarar and his consort Maragathavalli, Kalyana Subramanyar with his consorts Valli and Deivanai, Maragatha Venkatesa Perumal with his consorts Sreedevi and Bhoodevi, Dhakshinamurthi, Bhairavar and the Navagraha.

Temple Timings – Pachaimalai Subramanya Swamy Temple

The temple is open on all days from 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Pooja Details – Pachaimalai Subramanya Swamy Temple

Special poojas are conducted every Tuesday, New Moon Day (Amavasya), Sankatahara Chathurthi (Waning Period), Pradhosham, Full Moon Day (Pournami), Thiepirai Bhairavar Yaagam, Shashti and Kiruthigai. The temple is populary knows for its traditional customs and rituals followed, Vaasthu Pooja being one among them.

The poojas are conducted on an everyday basis at seven times during a day.

Temple Festivals – Pachaimalai Subramanya Swamy Temple

• The Brahmotsavam Festival during the Tamil month of Panguni (March-April). It is a seven day festival celebrated with much grandeur marking the culmination of festival on the Panguni Uthiram day.
• Skandha Shashti Soorasamharam Festival (October-November)
• Thirukalyana Utsavam (October-November)
• Thai Poosam (January-February)
• Vaikaasi Visaagam ‘Latcharchanai'(May-June)
• Karthigai Deepam Festival (November-December)

How to reach Pachaimalai Subramanya Swamy Temple

Pachaimalai is situated near Pudupalayam in the outskirts of Gobichettipalayam. Gobichettipalayam is well connected with major cities and direct buses are available from Gobichettipalayam to the temple. Erode is the nearest railway station (around 40 kilometres away). The nearest airport is at Coimbatore (around 85 kilometres away).

Epilogue

The aura of the festivals conducted in the temple and the grand manner in which Lord Murugan is adorned during the festivals is a sight to behold and immerse oneself in pure devotion.

Peria Mariamman Temple is located opposite to the Erode Corporation Building in the city of Erode. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu Goddess Mariamman. The temple is believed to have been built by the Kongu Cholas around 1200 years ago.

The area covered by the temple complex is 3500 sq. ft. The temple of Goddess Mariamman is believed to have the power to cure ailments such as chicken pox, small pox and high temperatures.

Erode Peria Mariamman Temple Timings

The temple is open on all days from 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Pooja Details of Erode Peria Mariamman Temple

Pooja to the main deity Mariamman is performed everyday as follows:

• Kalasandhi – 7:00 AM
• Utchikala – 12:00 AM
• Sayarakshai – 7:30 PM

Temple Festivals of Erode Peria Mariamman Temple

The festivals observed in the temple are as follows:

• Panguni Festival (March-April)
• Kambam Naduthal
• Maa Vilakku
• Pongal
• Therottam (Temple Car procession)
• Manjal Neerattu

The celebrations starting from Kambam Naduthal to Manjal Neerattu takes 20 days and is celebrated with all pomp and gaiety.

How to reach Erode Peria Mariamman Temple

The temple is located at around 2.6 kilometres from the Erode bus stand. Salem is 60 kilometres and Coimbatore is 100 kilometres away from the temple. Erode Railway Station (1.6 kilometres away) is the nearest station. The nearest airport is at Coimbatore (around 92 kilometres away).

Overview of Basilica of Our Lady of Snows Church – Tuticorin

Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Snow or Our Lady of Snows Church in Tuticorin is dedicated to Mother Mary. The place is believed to have been graced by the visit of Saint Francis in the year 1542. The church was built by the Portuguese on a cliff in the year 1711 and was opened in the year 1713. The church houses the statue of Our Lady that was bought to Tuticorin in the year 1555. The shrine was later raised to the statue of Basilica.

Architecture of Basilica of Our Lady of Snows Church

Our Lady of Snows, built in an ancient architectural style is a famous Christian religious center in Tuticorin. The beautiful church boasts a magnificent Portuegese architecture and an impressive carving of the shrine of Our Lady of Snows. The church is a prominent Catholic pilgrimage site and also one of the top tourist attractions in Tuticorin. The place is thronged by a large crowd of devotees during the annual festival days.

History of Basilica of Our Lady of Snows Church

The history of the church is connected with the conversion of about 22 villages constituting around 30,000 people who embraced Christianity. These native people of the Pearl Fishery Coast had a sharp dispute with the Muslims regarding the right of Pearl Fishing. They converted to Christianity as a token of gratitude to the Portuguese who rescued them from the cruelties of Muslims.

There are many miracles associated with the statue of Our Lady of Snows. According to history, the statue was taken away and installed in a nearby island for a few years. It was returned to the church in the year 1610.
She is fondly referred to as the Mother of Refuge for the coastal villages Vembar, Vaippar, Tuticorin, Punnaikayal, Virapandian patinam, Thiruchendur and Manapad.

The Basilica of Tuticorin

Basilica is a Greek term signifying a Royal Hall, which in time has come to mean a large and beautiful hall. It is the greatest honour for a church to be raised to the status of a Basilica. The 400th Anniversary of the Church of Lady of Snows was marked by Paul John Paul II raising it to the status of Basilica through his apostolic letter dated 30th July 1982.

The Shrine Basilica at Tuticorin has pointed arches, buttresses and ribbed vaults in Portuguese architectural style.

Mass Timings in Basilica of Our Lady of Snows Church

The church is open on all days. The mass timings are as below:

• All Days – 5:30 AM, 6:30 AM and 5:30 PM
• Saturdays – Novena Mass at 11:30 AM and Novena and Benediction at 6:30 PM
• Sundays – 5:00 AM, 6:30 AM, 8:00 AM, 9:30 AM ad 5:30 PM

How to reach Basilica of Our Lady of Snows Church

Tuticorin is well connected by road to all major cities across South India. The nearest railway station and airport to the Church is at Tuticorin.