CSI Brough Memorial Church, located in the heart of Erode town at the Panner Selvam Park Circle, is a church built and consecrated in 1930 by Rev. A.W. Brough, a missionary from New South Wales in Australia, for His glory. 

Brough Memorial Church Architecture:

• An intriguing architectural feature of the Church is that the basement’s depth corresponds to the height of the walls above the ground level.
• It is worth mentioning that lime mortar was used instead of cement during the construction process.
• To achieve a polished appearance, the walls were meticulously plastered with a blend of lime and polished using egg.
• Additionally, the Church procured its stones, doors, and windows from Karur, which is situated approximately 60 kilometers away from Erode.

Community Engagement:

Over the years, the Brough Memorial Church has become an integral part of the local Christian community in Erode. It hosts regular religious services, events, and activities that serve the spiritual and social needs of its congregation.

Working Hours of Brough Church:

The church is known for its accessibility and openness to the public. The main entrance to the church is typically open from 6:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m., allowing people to visit, pray, and participate in worship services during these hours.

How to reach CSI Brough Memorial Church :

• By Road : Local transportation options such as auto-rickshaws, taxis, public buses ,personal vehicle can be used to reach St. Mary’s Catholic Church.
• By train : The nearest railway station is Erode Railway station.
• By Air : The nearest airport is Coimbatore International Airport (approximately 90 kilometers from Erode).

Saint Mary’s Church is an esteemed Catholic institution in Erode, revered by the local Christian community. This place of worship is a testament to the significance of Saint Mary, a central figure in Catholicism and the revered mother of Jesus Christ.

Architecture of Saint Mary’s Church:

The architecture of Saint Mary’s Church is notable, harmonizing colonial and Gothic styles.Its towering spires, stained glass windows, and intricate details enhance its aesthetic charm.Inside the church, religious artwork and statues adorn the space, creating a serene and spiritual ambiance for both visitors and worshippers.

Erode Saint Mary’s Church Ceremonies:

Saint Mary’s Church serves as a hub for regular religious services, including Mass and other ceremonies. Moreover, it plays a vital role in the cultural and social life of the local Christian community, often hosting events, festivals, and charitable activities that contribute to the well-being of the community.

Saint Mary’s Church Mass timings:

Weekdays : 6 to 7 am, 6:30 to 7:30 pm
Sunday : 6 to 7:30 am, 8 to 9:30 am, 5:30 to 7:30 pm

How to reach Erode Saint Mary’s Church:

• By Road : Local transportation options such as auto-rickshaws, taxis, public buses ,personal vehicle can be used to reach St. Mary’s Catholic Church.
• By train : The nearest railway station is Erode Railway station.
• By Air : The nearest airport is Coimbatore International Airport (approximately 90 kilometers from Erode).

The Arulmigu Kondathu Kaliamman Temple, situated in Pariyur near Gobichettipalayam within TamilNadu’s Erode district, is a sacred Hindu shrine. This temple venerates Goddess Kali, believed to be the guardian deity of the region, and boasts a history spanning over 1500 years.

Pariyur Kondathu Kaliamman Temple Architecture:

This temple is renowned for its Dravidian-style architecture and intricate pillar carvings. Its prominent feature is the five-story main Gopuram located at the southern corner. The outer mandapam, encircling the inner sanctum, is constructed from black marble. The goddess Kali faces north, donning a fiery crown. She is depicted triumphing over a demon beneath her feet, with Rudra believed to reside on her head.

Festival at Pariyur Kondathu Kaliamman temple:

The renowned ‘Firewalking Ceremony,’ featuring a 40-foot-long Kundam, draws thousands of devotees annually during the month of January. Furthermore, the temple observes various other festivals, including the Car Festival, Navratri, Pongal, Tamil New Year (Chithirai Kani), and Adi Perukku.

Puja and Pariyur kondathu kaliamman temple timings:

The temple is open from 6 am to 1 pm and from 4 pm to 8 pm.
Abhishekam is performed for the Goddess at 6.15 am, 11.15 am and 5 pm,. There are 6 pujas held at 7 am, 9 am, 10.30 am, 12 pm, 5 pm and 7 pm.

How to reach Pariyur kondathu kaliamman temple:

• The temple is located in Pariyur, well-connected by road. You can easily reach Pariyur by taking a bus or hiring a taxi from nearby towns such as Gobichettipalayam or Erode.
• Gobichettipalayam Railway Station is the nearest railway station. From there, you can conveniently reach the temple by taxi or auto-rickshaw.
• The closest airport is Coimbatore International Airport. Upon arrival at the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the temple.

The Bannari Amman Temple, nestled near Sathyamangalam in Tamil Nadu’s Erode district, stands as a venerable shrine dedicated to Goddess Mariamman. This sacred place of worship venerates Goddess Mariamman as the deity of rain, often regarded as an incarnation of Goddess Parvathi.

History of Bannari Amman Temple:

The villagers of this area typically take their goats and cows to the nearby forest for grazing. Every morning, they drive the cows to graze, and in the evening, they return them to the stalls. The cows are milked twice a day, in the morning and evening, and the milk is given to the owner of each cow.The cowherd discovered that when a cow went to milk from a bar, it didn’t have a place to milk and couldn’t feed her calf.

The following day, he continued to follow the cow. Every day, He witnessed the cow pouring milk spontaneously at a specific location under a banyan tree surrounded by ganja grass. On seeing this event, the next day he told the details to the local villagers and the elders of the village and called them all and continued to follow the cow and showed the cow milking at a certain place (cow).

Everyone was mesmerized seeing this kind of event.While all the people were cleaning the place, they saw a mound surrounded by Kanang grass and near it Swayambulinga Thiruvuru under a banyan tree. Then they started praying the Thiruvuru as Bannari Amman.

Bannari Amman Temple Festivals:

Throughout the year, the temple hosts a multitude of festivals, with one of the most prominent being the Panguni Kundam festival, celebrated in March-April. This vibrant celebration draws lakhs of devotees from various directions. Notably, female devotees partake in the Thiruvilakku pooja on the last Friday of every Tamil month.

Bannari Amman Temple Timings:

Bannari Amman Temple is open from 06:00 AM to 12 :00 AM and 04:00 PM to 09:00 PM.

How to reach Bannari Amman Temple :

• Traveling by Air: For those considering air travel, the closest airport to Bannari Amman Temple is Coimbatore International Airport, situated at a distance of approximately 66.5 km.
• Traveling by Rail: If you prefer train travel, the closest railway station is Mettupalayam Railway Station, situated approximately 45.8 km from Bannari Amman Temple.
• Traveling by Road: Bannari boasts excellent road connectivity to various major cities, ensuring convenient access to the temple through direct bus services.

Bannari Amman Temple Official Website:

The official website of bannari amman temple is https://bannarimariamman.hrce.tn.gov.in/.

Location and Overview of Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve:

Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve is the largest wildlife sanctuary in Tamil Nadu and the third-largest tiger reserve in the state.It was declared a tiger reserve in 2011, and since then, it has gained recognition as one of the most vital and ecologically diverse regions in southern India.
The Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve is a protected area and tiger reserve located in the Erode district of Tamil Nadu, India. The reserve is situated at the merging point of both the Western and Eastern Ghats, covering an area of 1,408.6 km².

Home for the Majestic Tiger:

One of the primary reasons for the reserve’s establishment was to protect and conserve the tiger population. The reserve is home to a significant number of Bengal tigers, a critically endangered species. These magnificent creatures roam freely in this natural haven, offering visitors a rare opportunity to witness them in their natural habitat.

Conservation of the Tiger:

The tiger population in the reserve increased from 25 individuals in 2011 to 80 individuals in 2018. In recognition of its remarkable growth in tiger population, the reserve was honored with the prestigious TX2 award by the World Wide Fund in collaboration with wildlife conservation agencies in 2022.

Visiting hours of Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve:

The visiting hours for the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve are as follows:

• Morning Batch: 7:30 am to 10:00 am
• Afternoon Batch: 3:30 pm to 6:00 pm

How to reach Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve:

The nearest airport is the Coimbatore International Airport (103.2 km away). From where the taxi can be hired to reach the reserve.The nearest railway station is the Erode Railway station (90.8 km away).Bus, Taxis and rental cars can be used to reach the sanctuary if travelled by Road.

The Vellode Bird Sanctuary, situated near the temple town of Erode in Tamil Nadu, offers a picturesque setting for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers. This sanctuary, established by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India in 1996, spans approximately 0.3 square miles and is renowned for its diverse avian population. It is centered around the serene Periyakulam Lake, enhancing its appeal to visitors.

Unique Habitat of Vellode Bird Sanctuary:

• Setting it apart from other bird sanctuaries in Tamil Nadu, the Vellode Bird Sanctuary is built around a tank rather than a woodland.
• This distinctive feature makes it an attractive destination for both migratory and non-migratory birds, providing them with rest, nesting sites, and a rich source of food.
• The sanctuary serves as a haven for thousands of birds, with migratory species arriving between October and December, while the monsoon season sees an abundance of fish, a vital food source for these avian visitors.

Community Conservation Efforts for Birds:

The Vellode Bird Sanctuary is surrounded by nearly eight villages whose residents have made a remarkable commitment to bird conservation.These communities have voluntarily refrained from celebrating Diwali with fireworks for over 15 consecutive years, recognizing the potential disturbance to the birds in the sanctuary.This inspiring initiative showcases the harmonious coexistence of humans and wildlife in the region.

Visitor Experience at Vellode Bird Sanctuary:

• Visitors to the sanctuary are in for an enriching experience. They can indulge in birdwatching from observatory towers strategically placed around the sanctuary, gain insights into the avian species at the interpretation center, and relish a meal at the tourist canteen.
• The sanctuary staff also provide binoculars upon request, ensuring a more immersive birdwatching experience.
• The ideal time to visit is from November to February when the sanctuary teems with a wide array of bird species.
• Entry Fee to visit bird sanctuary is Rs. 25 for adults and Rs. 1 per head for student groups and the visiting hours are from 8 AM to 6 PM.

How to reach Vellode Bird Sanctuary:

To reach the Vellode Bird Sanctuary, there are multiple transportation options.

• Travelers can take a bus from Erode bus station or hire a taxi from Erode Junction railway station.
• The Coimbatore International Airport, situated approximately 90 km away from Erode, offers convenient access for those arriving by air.

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.