Velankanni Beach is a popular coastal destination located in the town of Velankanni, in the Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu, India. Velankanni is renowned as a significant pilgrimage site, primarily due to the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health, which is a major attraction in the area. The beach in Velankanni is an extension of the town’s charm and offers visitors a place to relax and enjoy the scenic beauty.
Religious Significance:
Velankanni is famous for the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health, commonly known as the Velankanni Church. It is a prominent Catholic pilgrimage site and draws thousands of devotees and tourists each year, especially during the annual Feast of Our Lady of Good Health, which is celebrated from August 29th to September 8th.
Historical Context:
The history of the Velankanni Church dates back to the 16th century when Portuguese sailors erected a chapel in honor of the Virgin Mary. This chapel later became the Basilica, which stands today as a symbol of faith and devotion.
Boat Rides:
Velankanni Beach typically offers a variety of boat rides, including paddle boats, speedboats, and catamaran rides. The type of boat ride you choose will depend on your preference and the availability at the beach. Sunset boat rides are particularly popular at Velankanni Beach. They offer a unique opportunity to witness the stunning sunset over the Bay of Bengal, creating a memorable and romantic experience.
Duration and Cost of Boat Rides:
The duration and cost of boat rides may vary depending on the type of boat and the operator. It’s a good idea to inquire about the duration and pricing before you embark on your ride. While enjoying boat rides, it’s important to adhere to safety guidelines provided by the boat operators. This includes wearing life jackets and following the instructions of the boat crew.
Local Cuisine of Velankanni Beach:
The local cuisine in Velankanni Beach and the surrounding area reflects the rich culinary traditions of Tamil Nadu, which are known for their diverse and flavorful dishes. Given its coastal location, Velankanni is an excellent place to enjoy fresh and delectable seafood. You can relish dishes like Fish Curry, Crab Masala, Prawn Fry, and Squid Fry at local restaurants.
How to reach Velankanni Beach:
- By Air:
- The nearest airport is Tiruchirapalli International Airport (Trichy Airport), which is located about 150 kilometers (93 miles) from Velankanni.
- From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Velankanni. The journey by road typically takes a few hours.
- By Train:
- The nearest railway station is Velankanni Railway Station, which is well-connected to various cities in Tamil Nadu.
- Alternatively, you can also reach Nagapattinam Railway Station, which is approximately 12 kilometers from Velankanni. From Nagapattinam, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to Velankanni.
- By Road:
- If you prefer to travel by road, you can drive to Velankanni or hire a taxi from nearby cities like Nagapattinam, Chennai, or Trichy. The town is well-connected by road, and the journey offers scenic views of the coastal region.
Poompuhar Beach, also known as Kaveripoompattinam Beach, is a famous coastal area located in Poompuhar town in the Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu, India. It is situated along the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal.
Image Attribution : @2n_traveler from instagram
Historical Significance:
Poompuhar was an ancient port city that existed for centuries. It is believed to have been a flourishing maritime trade center during various periods of Indian history. It was situated along the east coast of India, facilitating trade with other parts of the world.
Poompuhar is prominently mentioned in Sangam literature, particularly in the Tamil epic “Silappathikaram.” This epic, written by the Tamil poet Ilango Adigal, provides valuable insights into the culture, society, and trade that thrived in Poompuhar during the early centuries CE. The epic’s narrative is set in and around Poompuhar.
The city’s cultural significance is further emphasized in ancient Tamil literature, where it is portrayed as a hub of arts, music, and dance. The Chola and Pandya dynasties, which ruled over parts of Tamil Nadu, had a strong influence on the culture and history of Poompuhar.
Silappathikaram Art Gallery:
Near the beach, there is an art gallery that houses sculptures and artifacts related to the Silappathikaram, a famous Tamil epic. The gallery provides insights into the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Tharangambadi Fort:
The historic Danish fort, also known as Fort Dansborg, is located nearby. It’s a significant attraction for those interested in colonial history.
Dhanushkodi:
Poompuhar is also a starting point for pilgrims visiting Dhanushkodi, a place of religious significance. Dhanushkodi is about 20 kilometers from Poompuhar and is known for its pristine beaches and temples.
Tsunami of 2004:
In more recent history, Poompuhar Beach gained worldwide attention due to its vulnerability to natural disasters. The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami severely impacted the area, highlighting the city’s historical significance and the need for preservation and conservation efforts.
How to reach Poompuhar Beach:
By Air: The nearest major airport to Poompuhar is Tiruchirapalli International Airport (also known as Trichy Airport), which is approximately 160 kilometers away from Poompuhar. You can book a flight to this airport and then proceed to Poompuhar by road.
By Train: Mayiladuthurai Junction is the nearest railway station to Poompuhar, situated about 24 kilometers away. You can take a train to Mayiladuthurai Junction from various major cities in Tamil Nadu and other parts of India. From the railway station, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Poompuhar Beach.
By Road: Poompuhar is well connected by road, and you can travel to Poompuhar by bus or by hiring a taxi or private vehicle. Here are some key points to keep in mind if you are traveling by road:
- From Chennai: Poompuhar is approximately 275 kilometers from Chennai. You can take the East Coast Road (ECR) and National Highway 45 (NH45) to reach Poompuhar. The journey will take around 6-7 hours by road.
- From Trichy: If you are coming from Tiruchirapalli, you can take NH36 and NH67 to reach Poompuhar. The distance is around 160 kilometers, and the journey takes about 3-4 hours.
- From Pondicherry: Poompuhar is approximately 90 kilometers from Pondicherry. You can take NH32 to reach Poompuhar in around 2-3 hours.
Thirumanancheri Temple, also known as the Sri Kalyanasundareswarar Temple, is a venerable Hindu shrine in the Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu, India. This sacred site is dedicated to Lord Shiva and holds great significance as a venue for conducting marriage ceremonies. It is widely regarded as a potent place for bestowing marital happiness and addressing marital challenges.
Image Attribution : @mr_r_naveen_kumar from instagram
Deities of Thirumanacheri Kalyanasunderaswarar Temple:
Lord Kalyanasundareswarar (Shiva): The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Kalyanasundareswarar, an aspect of Lord Shiva. Kalyanasundareswarar translates to “The Lord who blesses with a prosperous marriage.” Devotees visit this temple to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva for a happy and successful married life. The deity is often depicted in a wedding posture, symbolizing marital bliss.
Goddess Kokilambal: Goddess Kokilambal is the consort of Lord Kalyanasundareswarar. She is considered a powerful deity who grants the prayers of devotees related to marriage. Kokilambal is often depicted with a parrot (kokila) on her shoulder, and she is believed to represent the ideal wife and a symbol of marital harmony.
Story behind the Thirumanancheri Temple:
Once, Lord Shiva and Parvati engaged in a celestial game of dice, which escalated into a heated quarrel. In a fit of impulsive anger, Shiva transformed his beloved wife into a cow. Realizing his mistake, Shiva sought the assistance of Lord Vishnu to restore Parvati to her original form. Vishnu, assuming the guise of a cowherd, protected his “sister” and lifted the curse at a location called “Thiruvaduthurai.”
Parvati then purified herself by bathing in the Kaveri River and assumed the identity of Bharatha Muni’s daughter in that region. Eventually, the sage presented the girl to Lord Shiva, who joyfully proposed marriage once more. This momentous event took place at the site now known as “Thirumanancheri.”
Significance of the Thirumanancheri temple:
A visit to this temple is often regarded as a profound and transformative experience for individuals facing challenges in finding a suitable life partner. Through the observance of prescribed religious rituals, individuals frequently discover a renewed sense of hope on their matrimonial journey. Furthermore, it is customary for married couples to visit the temple together and offer sacred gifts, known as prasadam, at the temple pond.
The unwavering faith in the temple’s effectiveness draws pilgrims from far and wide, all in search of the divine blessings of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati to ensure prosperous marriages. This tradition has its roots in a captivating legend starring Manmathan, the God of Love. During a period when Lord Shiva was deeply engrossed in meditation, Manmathan inadvertently released one of his love-infused arrows at Shiva, disturbing His profound concentration. In a fit of anger, Shiva responded by unveiling his third eye, ultimately reducing Manmathan to ashes.
Rati, the grief-stricken consort of Manmathan, implored Shiva for mercy and the restoration of her beloved’s life. Touched by her fervent pleas, Shiva not only revived Manmathan but also bestowed “Mangalya Pichai” upon Rati, reuniting the divine couple. Since then, it is believed that Manmathan himself offers prayers to Shiva at this hallowed site, a testament to the enduring power of love and forgiveness.
Thirumanancheri Temple Timings and Poojas:
During its operating hours, the temple offers free darshan tickets, and it also conducts daily Astottaram and Sahasra Namarchana from 6:30 am to 8:30 pm. If you’re interested in participating in a pooja, you can conveniently purchase tickets online for various offerings, including daily darshan, special pooja/puja, sevas, abhishekam, and accommodation, through the official Thirumanancheri Temple website.
The priest conducts marriage poojas from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm and again from 3:30 pm to 8:30 pm on weekdays (Monday to Friday). On weekends (Saturdays and Sundays), these poojas are performed from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm.
How to reach Thirumanancheri Temple:
The closest railway stations to Thirumanancheri Temple are Kuttalam, Mayiladuthurai, and Kumbakonam. The nearest airport, Tiruchirapalli, is situated approximately 115 km away from the temple. Thirumanancheri is accessible via road or train from these significant locations, and both railway stations offer regular train services connecting to major towns and cities throughout Tamil Nadu.
Thiruvenkadu Temple, also known as Swetharanyeswarar Temple, is a prominent Hindu sanctuary located in the village of Thiruvenkadu, nestled within Tamil Nadu’s Nagapattinam district, India. This revered temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is widely recognized for its profound connection with the Navagrahas, the nine celestial bodies that play a pivotal role in Hindu astrology. There is a separate Sannidhi for Bhudhan (mercury).
Image Attribution: @jgshodophile from Instagram
Architecture of Thiruvenkadu temple:
Upon entering the temple complex, visitors are greeted by an impressive and towering gopuram, a beautifully adorned gateway tower. Within the temple precincts, one can explore multiple prakarams, enclosed areas featuring pillared corridors.
The central deity revered in this temple is Lord Swetharanyeswarar, a divine incarnation of Lord Shiva. Furthermore, the temple complex houses a variety of mandapams, specially designed halls used for the conduction of rituals, ceremonies, and performances. These mandapams are known for their intricately carved pillars and ceilings, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship.
Within the temple complex, there are two sacred ponds known as the Surya Pushkarini (associated with the sun) and Chandra Pushkarini (associated with the moon). These ponds are considered holy, and pilgrims often take ritual baths in them to cleanse themselves spiritually.
Deities of Thiruvenkadu Temple:
The presiding deity of the temple, Lord Swetharanyeswarar, is a form of Lord Shiva. He is revered as the principal deity and is represented as a swayambhu lingam, which means a self-manifested lingam.
The consort of Lord Swetharanyeswarar is Goddess Brahmavidya Nayaki. She is worshipped alongside Lord Shiva and is considered the divine feminine energy.
Thiruvenkadu Temple is particularly known for its association with the Navagrahas, the nine planetary deities. Each planet has its dedicated shrine within the temple.
Religious Significance:
Thiruvenkadu is particularly associated with the planet Mercury (Budhan), and the temple is often referred to as the “Budhan Sthalam.” Devotees who believe they are affected by the ill-effects of Mercury in their horoscopes visit the temple to seek remedies and blessings.
Many people visit the temple to seek relief from astrological issues, as it is believed that offering prayers to the Navagrahas can help alleviate planetary afflictions and bring about positive changes in one’s life. It is destination for those seeking spiritual solace and remedies for astrological problems.
Thiruvenkadu Temple Rituals and Festivals:
The temple celebrates various festivals, including Maha Shivaratri, Thai Poosam, and Panguni Uthiram,Natarajar Abhishekam in Uthram Star, Navratri, among others. These festivals are marked by special pujas, processions, and cultural events, attracting devotees and tourists alike.
Thiruvenkadu Temple Timings:
The visiting hours of the temple are as follows:
Morning Hours: 6:00 am – 12:00 pm
Evening Hours: 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm
How to reach Thiruvenkadu Temple:
By Train: The nearest railway station to Thiruvenkadu is Mayiladuthurai Junction. You can take a train from Chennai or other major cities to Mayiladuthurai. From Mayiladuthurai, you can hire a taxi or use local transportation to reach Thiruvenkadu, which is about 40 kilometers away.
By Air: The nearest airport is Tiruchirapalli International Airport (Trichy Airport). From there, you can hire a taxi or take a connecting flight or train to reach Trichy and then proceed by road to Thiruvenkadu.
By Road: The temple is situated about 28 km from Mayiladudurai (Mayavaram) in the direction of Sirkazhi, and it’s also approximately 10 km from Sirkazhi itself.
The Velankanni Church also known as the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health is located in the town of Velankanni. Velankanni Church, situated around the Coromandel Coast around 12 kilometres south of Nagapattinam, is considered one of the most prominent Christian pilgrimage centres in India.
More about Velankanni Church
Officially spelt as ‘Vailankanni’, this church is revered for its Roman Catholic shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health. The Shrine of Our Lady of Velankanni is also known as “the Lourdes of the East”.
The Velankanni church is dedicated to Virgin Mary and the Heavenly Mother. It is believed Virgin Mary appeared at this place along with Infant Jesus around the end of 16th and the beginning of the 17th century. After this, Velankanni is said to have become a revered site for the followers of Christianity.
The first apparition of Mother Mary was at Matha Kulam (or Our Lady’s Tank) to a milk vendor boy. The second apparition is believed to be at Naduthittu to a lame boy. Our Lady is also said to have miraculously saved Portugese sailors from violent sea at Velankanni.
There are no written records or attested statements that support the various apparitions attached to the shrine. The Holy See (jurisdiction of the Bishop of Rome) has not approved the alleged apparitions or phenomena, yet the cult of the Lady of Velankanni persists.
Architecture of the Velankanni Church
The Velankanni Church is an imposing structure with three chapels within its confines. The church was extended on the southern side in the year 1928 while the northern side underwent extension in the year 1933. However, an extension was made to the Basilica in the year 1974-75 keeping in mind the design of the Basilica in Lourdes in France.
Within the premises of the church is found the Shrine Basilica Main Church, Our Lady’s Tank, Lower Basilica, Upper Basilica Morning Star Church and Naduthittu Church.
Velankanni Church Opening Timings
The church is open on all days from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Daily service at Church includes masses given in Tamil, Malayalam and English. Devotees can also attend Novena Prayers, Rosary and Evening prayers.
Velankanni Church Mass Timings
Shrine Basilica Main Church
- 5:40 AM – Morning Prayer
- 6:00 AM – Mass in Tamil
- 6:45 AM – Matha Blessing (Every Saturday)
- 3:00 PM – Eucharistic Adoration Daily
Our Lady’s Tank
- 7:00 AM – Mass in Tamil (Every Saturday)
- 6:30 PM – Mass in Tamil (Lent Season only)
Lower Basilica
- 7:00 AM – Mass in Tamil
- 7:30 AM – Mass in Tamil (Sunday only)
- 10:00 AM – Mass in English
- 12:00 Noon – Mass in Tamil
- 4:00 PM – Mass in Konkani (Every Tuesday)
- 5:00 PM – Mass in Tamil (Sunday Parishners Mass)
Upper Basilica
- 8:00 AM – Mass in Telugu
- 11:00 AM – Mass in Hindi
- 4:00 PM – Mass in Malayalam (Every Sunday)
Morning Star Church
- 9:00 AM – Mass in Malayalam
- 4:00 PM – Mass in Tamil (Monday to Saturday)
- 8:00 PM – Mass in Konkani
Naduthittu Church
- 7:00 AM – Mass in Tamil (Last Saturday of the month)
How to reach Velankanni Church
Velankanni Church is located at a distance of 12 kilometres from Nagapattinam and 350 kilometres south of Chennai. Local transportation such as buses and taxis can be easily accessed to reach the church. The nearest railway station to Velankanni Church is at Nagapattinam. Trichy Airport (160 kilometres away) and Chennai International Airport (350 kilometres away) are the nearest terminals to the church.
Epilogue
Velankanni Church has been declared as a holy city by Pope and attracts devotees in large numbers from across the world. The church is revered by people of different nationalities irrespective of their caste, creed and religion.
Located in the coastal town Nagore in Nagapattinam district is the Dargah built over the tomb of Sufi saint Shahul Hameed. Nagore Dargah is known by different names – Nagoor Dargah, Syed Shahul Hameed Dargah or Nagore Andavar Dargah.
There are three Nagore shrines that are situated at Nagore, Vanjur and Silladi, Nagore being the prime shrine.
Image Attribution : Sundaramrajaraman
About Saint Syed Shahul Hameed
Nagore Miran, the 16th century Muslim Sufi saint was born as Shahul Hameed in Manikhpur in North India. He took to spiritualism early in his life and travelled through West Asia to Mecca, to Burma and on to China before he reached Ceylon and the South Indian coast.
Saint Shahul Hameed was venerated locally as Nagore Andavar (meaning the ‘God of Nagore’). He is believed to have performed many miracles in Nagore and cured a 16th century Hindu ruler of Thanjavur, King Achutappa Nayak, of his physical ailment due to sorcery or black magic. Local lore has it that Shahul Hameed believed that a needled pigeon in the palace was the cause of the king’s misery and so removed the pins from the pigeon. This resulted in the king’s improvement in health conditions. In remembrance of this event, the custom of setting pigeons free is still continued in the dargah.
The mysticism of the saint touched the lives of people across faiths, from the rulers to commoners.
History of Nagore Dargah
Once King Achutappa Nayak was cured of his affliction, he donated 200 acres of land to the followers of the Saint. The Dargah was built on a part of the land so donated.
Shahul Hameed is believed to have predicted his death and advised his adopted son Yusuf about his burial location. A mausoleum was built over his grave. The Dargah was built by ardent devotees of Shahul Hameed, with a major contributions from Hindus.
Architecture
Nagore Dargah covers an area of 5 acres enclosed by a compound wall. The main complex has four entrances, one in each direction. The Dargah has five minarets in different heights. The tallest one has a height of 131 ft. The other four minarets are Sahib Minara (77 ft), Thalaimattu Minara (93.5 ft), Muthubaq Minara (93.25 ft) and Ottu Minara (80 ft). The central part of the tomb houses the tomb of Saint Shahul Hameed. The tomb can be approached through seven thresholds, three of which are made of gold and the remaining four of silver. The dargah houses the tombs of Shahul, his son Yusuf and his daughter-in-law Saeeda Sultana Biwi.
Nagore Dargah Timings & Festivals
The outer doors of the dargah are always kept open, while the inner doors are open from 4:30 AM to 7:00 AM and from 6:25 PM to 9:30 PM. The inner doors are open additionally from 12 Noon to 2:30 PM on Fridays alone.
‘Kanduri Urs’ festival is celebrated in commemoration of the anniversary of the saint’s death. It is a 14-day event observed once in a year that includes saffron flag-carrying ceremony, procession in streets, recitation of Quaranic verses and observance of Fatiha.
How to reach Nagore Dargah
There are regular buses to Nagore from Nagapattinam (4 kilometres away), Karaikkal (12 kilometres away), Thanjavur (78 kilometres away) and Chennai (90 kilometres away). The nearest railway station is at Nagapattinam. The nearest airport is at Trichy, around 150 kilometres from Nagore.
Epilogue
Nagore Dargah marks a prominent and common place of worship for devotees of varying religions who flock to the dargah where the Sufi mystic lies buried. It is believed by Hindu fishermen that Nagore Andavan rescues them whenever there is turbulence in the sea and their life is at risk. It’s a noteworthy fact that fishermen living around 300 kilometres north of Nagore still name their boats after their patron saint of the seas. Considered as the ‘Ajmer of South India’, the shrine of Nagore attracts many devotees from different religions and communities, throughout the year.
Ettukudi Sri Subramanya Swamy Temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan. The temple is located at Ettukudi in Nagapattinam district. The chief deity of the temple is Lord Shiva in Lingam form as Soundara Nayakar.
More about Ettukudi Sri Subramanya Swamy Temple
According to popular folklore, the idol of Lord Murugan has been sculpted by the same person who carved the sculpture at Sikkal and Engan Murugan Temple.
Ettukudi Murugan temple gained popularity through reverence in songs, including the hymns by Saint Arunagirinathar (14th century Tamil poet).
What stands out about the temple is the position of the peacock, the mount of Lord Murugan. The head of the peacock in all Murugan temples is seen facing the right, however in Ettukudi it is seen facing the left.
Dating back to around the 14th century, the temple is in the architectural style of the Chola period. The monolithic sculpture is Lord Murugan with 3 faces and 12 arms is seated on a peacock facing north.
Legend behind the Temple
There are many variants to the story behind the temple that are more or less very similar. In a village by name Porulvaithaseri, there once lived a sculptor who was an ardent devotee of Lord Murugan. He incessantly chanted the glory of Lord Murugan through the mantra ‘Om Saravana Bhava’.
He sculpted an idol of the Lord with six faces. Such was the beauty of the idol that an envious Chola king cut off the thumb of the sculptor so that such beauty cannot be resculpted. The sculptor still continued to make idols enduring all the pain. The first idol was installed at Sikkal, the second at Ettukudi and the third idol at Enkan.
Lord Murugan in the temple appears in different forms (as a child, an adolescent or an elderly person) to the eyes of the devotees based on their imaginations about the Lord.
Temple Timings of Ettukudi Sri Subramanya Swamy Temple
The temple remains open from 4:30 AM to 12:30 PM and from 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM.
Ettukudi Sri Subramanya Swamy Temple Festivals
Chithirai Pournami is a 10 day festival celebrated during the Tamil month of Chithirai (April-May). Devotees throng in thousands during this festival. Other noted festivals religiously celebrated are Skanda Sashti, a six day festival observed during the Tamil month of Aipasi (October-November) and Vaikasi Vishakam during the Tamil month of Vishakam (May-June).
How to reach Ettukudi Sri Subramanya Swamy Temple
The temple is located 30 kilometres from Nagapattinam on the Thiruthuraipoondi Road and 28 kilometres from Thiruvarur on Thiruvarur- Thiruthuraipoondi National Highway. Buses are an easy way of access to Ettukudi. The nearest railway station is at Nagapattinam (around 30 kilometres away) and the nearest airport is at Trichy (around 134 kilometres away).
Located in the town of Vedaranyam in Nagapattinam district is the Vedaranyeswarar Temple. The temple is an ancient one dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Vedaranyeswarar Temple is one of the temples built by Aditya Chola along the banks of river Kaveri. The temple is administered and maintained by Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department.
Vedaranyeswarar Temple – Legend
According to the legend associated with the temple, the Vedas worshipped Lord Shiva in this place and so the name Vedaranyam was given to it.
Another legend states that Lord Rama (the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu) is believed to have visited Vedaranyam to absolve himself from his sins.
History of Vedaranyeswarar Temple
The inscriptions found in the Vedaranteswarar Temple furnishes with a glimpse into the history of the temple and the city of Vedaranyam. The inscriptions date from the reign of Chola kings at different periods of time indicating various grants to the temple.
Reference to Literature
Vedaranyeswarar Temple is classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam and has reference in the 7th century canonical work, the Tevaram written by the Nayanars.
Architecture of Vedaranyeswarar Temple
Vedaranyam Temple has a five-tiered Rajagopuram (temple tower) and three Prakarams (precincts/outer part of the sanctorum). The chief deity of the temple is Vedaranyeswarar in the form of Lingam made of granite. The hall leading to the sanctum houses the granite images of Lord Ganesha, Lord Murugan, Nandi and Navagraha. The first precincts or walls around the sanctum have the shrines of Dakshinamurthy, Goddess Durga and Saint Chandikeswarar.
Vedaranyeswarar Temple is one of the temples that depict the dance styles regarded as Saptha Vidangam or seven dance moves. The temple falls under the category of Bhuvanivividangar Temple, known for Hamsapthanathaanam dance pose (meaning dancing with the gait of a swan).
Temple Timings in Vedaranyeswarar Temple
The temple remains open from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM and from 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM.
Pooja Timings of Vedaranyeswarar Temple
| Pooja | Timings |
|---|---|
| Usha kalam | 5:30 AM |
| Kalasanthi | 8:00 AM |
| Uchikalam | 10:00 AM |
| Sayaratchai | 5:00 PM |
| Irandan Kalam | 7:00 PM |
| Arthajamam | 8:00 PM |
Temple Festivals
- Rituals undertaken on a daily basis on a weekly basis are Somavaram (Monday rituals) and Sukravaram (Friday rituals).
- Fortnightly rituals observed include Pradosham.
- Monthly festivals observed are Amavasai (new moon day), Kiruthigai (third of the 27 nakshatrams as per Hindu astrology), Pournami (full moon day) and Sathurthi (fourth day of a lunar month).
- Festivals celebrated during the full moon days of Tamil months Aadi (July-August) and Thai (January-February) attracts a large number of devotees.
How to reach Vedaranyeswarar Temple
Vedaranyam is located at a distance of 68 kilometres from Nagapattinam, 80 kilometres from Thanjavur and around 317 kilometres from Chennai. Frequent buses connect Vedaranyam to Thanjavur and Nagapattinam. Employing a four wheeler is an ideal way to reach Vedaranyam. The place is connected by rail from Thanjavur, Nagapattinam and Velankanni.
Trichy is the nearest airport (around 135 kilometres away).
Epilogue
Vedaranyeswarar Temple is a spiritual and divine place one cannot miss to visit in Vedaranyam. The temple’s amazing history and architecture draws numerous pilgrims throughout the year.
Sikkal Singaravelan Temple is a traditional and popular Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Murugan. The temple is located in the village of Sikkal in Nagapattinam.
The temple is believed to have been built by Muchukunda Cholan, associated with the Tiruvarur legend. Singaravelan Temple is found in the premises of Sikkal Navaneetheswarar Temple which is the main temple. One very unique feature of the temple is that it houses the shrines of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva.
Legend behind the Sikkal Singaravelan Temple
A myth associated with the temple states that Kamadhenu, the Goddess with a cow’s trunk lived in this place which was once a jasmine forest. When once Kamadhenu got cursed by Lord Shiva for eating meat, she managed to get rid of the sin by taking a bath in the holy water of the temple. She later offered her milk and the pond came to be known as Parkulam (meaning the milk pond).
The Parkulam of the temple is where Sage Vashistha is believed to have performed a pooja by making a Lingam with the butter from the Parkumal. When he tried moving the Lingam after completion of his pooja, it never moved and got stuck to the place. This is the reason the sage regarded the place as sikkal (getting stuck).
It is also believed that Lord Murugan had got his divine weapon (Vel) from his mother Parvathi at Sikkal. He used this weapon to kill the demon Surapadman.
Deities in the Temple
The presiding deity is Lord Shiva manifested as Navaneetheswarar and Goddess is worshipped in the form of Velnedunganni. Lord Murugan is worshipped here as Singaravelavar. The other deities found in the temple
complex are that of Ganapathi, Mahalakshmi, Nataraja, 63 Nyanmars, Bhairava, Surya and Chandra.
The seven tiered Rajagopuram adorning the entrance to the temple is 80 feet high.
Temple Timings – Sikkal Singaravelan Temple
The temple is open for worship from 5:30 AM to 12:30 PM and from 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM in the evening.
Pooja Timings – Sikkal Singaravelan Temple
| Pooja | Timings |
|---|---|
| Usha kalam | 5:30 AM |
| Kalasanthi | 9:00 AM |
| Uchikalam | 12:30 PM |
| Sayaratchai | 4:30 PM |
| Irandan Kalam | 8:00 PM |
| Arthajamam | 9:00 PM |
Festivals of Sikkal Singaravelan Temple
The most important festival observed by the temple is Soora Samharam- killing of the demon Soorapadman during the Tamil month of Aipasi (October-November). Brahmottsavam is celebrated with religious pomp for Lord Shiva during the Tamil month of Chittirai (April-May).
How to reach Sikkal Singaravelan Temple
Sikkal is situated about 5 kilometres from Nagapattinam and 18 kilomteres in the east from Tiruvarur. The nearest railway station is located at Sikkal less than a kilometre away from the temple. The nearest airport is at Chennai (300 kilometres away).
Other popular places to visit in Nagapattinam district:
Nagapattinam district in Tamil Nadu is renowned for its cultural and spiritual significance, alongside stunning coastal attractions. Velankanni Church, known as the “Lourdes of the East,” attracts pilgrims worldwide for its serene ambiance and miracles. Nagore Dargah, a revered Islamic shrine, reflects harmony and history. Explore Kodikkarai Wildlife Sanctuary (Point Calimere), a haven for migratory birds, wild horses, and scenic landscapes. The Soundararajaperumal Temple in Thirunagari showcases exquisite Dravidian architecture. Beach lovers can relax at Nagapattinam Beach, offering tranquil views of the Bay of Bengal. History buffs will enjoy the Dutch Fort at Tranquebar, a blend of colonial charm and local heritage. With its unique mix of spirituality, nature, and history, Nagapattinam is a must-visit destination.
- Shri Kayahorana Swami Neelayathatchi Amman Temple
- Soundararaja Perumal Temple
- Vedaranyeswarar Temple
- Ettukudi Murugan Temple
- Nagore Dargah
- Velankanni Church
Noted one among the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is the beautiful Soundararaja Perumal Temple located in Nagapattinam. Lord Vishnu is worshipped in the temple as Soundararaja Perumal and his consort Lakshmi as Soundaravalli. The temple is administered and maintained by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu.
About Soundararaja Perumal Temple
The temple is constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture. The temple has been praised in the Divya Prabhandha, a collection of Tamil verses composed by the Alwar saints.
The temple is believed to have been built by the Medieval Cholas of the late 8th century AD. Later contributions were made to the temple by the Thanjavur Nayaks.
The beautiful temple tower is five-tiered and is enclosed within a granite wall. The other deities in the temple are Goddess Gajalakshmi, Lord Narasimha, guardian deities Lord Sumba and Lord Nigumba.
It is stated that during the four yugas (in accordance with the Hindu Philosophy), various divine legends have performed severe penance at this place to attain the vision of Lord Vishnu. And it is believed that Soundararaja Perumal has appeared to Dhruva (a prince in Tretha Yuga), Sage Markendeya (during Kritha Yuga), King Saleesa Chola (during Kali Yuga) and also to Goddess Bhooma Devi.
Temple Timings – Soundararaja Perumal Temple
The temple remains open from 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM and from 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM.
Pooja Timings – Soundararaja Perumal Temple
| Pooja | Timings |
|---|---|
| Usha kalam | 7:00 AM |
| Kalasanthi | 8:00 AM |
| Uchikalam | 12:00 Noon |
| Sayaratchai | 6:00 PM |
| Irandan Kalam | 7:00 PM |
| Arthajamam | 10:00 PM |
Soundararaja Perumal Temple Festivals
The festivals observed in the temple are:
- Chittirai Utsavam – during the Tamil month of Chitirai (April to May)
- Nammazhwar Utsavam – during the Tamil month of Aani (June to July)
- Navaratri – during the Tamil month of Purattasi (September to October)
- Vaikunta Ekadasi – during the Tamil month of Margazhi (December to January)
- Vijayadasami – during the Tamil month of Purattasi (September to October)
- Uthirayanapunyakalam – during the Tamil month of Thai (January to February)
- Panguni Peruvizha – during the Tamil month of Panguni (March to April)
How to reach Soundararaja Perumal Temple
The temple is located about 3 kilometres south of Nagapattinam new bus stand. Nagapattinam is well connected to all major cities that include Chennai, Madurai, Tiruchirapalli and Thanjavur. Nagapattinam Railway station is located very close to the temple. Trichy Airport is the nearest terminal (around 145 kilometres away).
