Viralimalai, also known as Viralimalai Murugan Temple, is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Murugan, a popular deity in the Hindu pantheon. The temple is located in Viralimalai, a town in the Pudukkottai district of Tamil Nadu, India. It is situated on a small hillock, and the temple is known for its scenic surroundings.

Primary deity of Viralimalai Murugan Temple:

The primary deity of the temple is Lord Murugan, also known as Subramanya or Kartikeya. He is considered the God of War and Victory in Hinduism. Lord Murugan is often depicted as a youthful and handsome warrior god riding a peacock and wielding a spear or lance called “vel” in his hand.

Architecture of Viralimalai Murugan Temple:

The temple has traditional South Indian temple architecture with intricately carved sculptures and pillars. Within the sanctum sanctorum rests the idol of Lord Murugan. South Indian temples often have a monumental entrance tower called the Rajagopuram. This tower is adorned with intricate sculptures and carvings depicting various mythological stories. Temples feature pillared halls or mandapams for devotees to gather, perform rituals, and witness religious ceremoniesTop of Form

Religious Significance of Viralimalai Murugan temple:

Devotees visit the Viralimalai Murugan Temple to engage in various spiritual practices, including prayers, rituals, and offerings. Special pujas and ceremonies are conducted during festivals and auspicious occasions, providing devotees with opportunities to express their devotion and seek divine blessings.

Peacock Sanctuary at Viralimalai :       

Viralimalai is unique in that it serves as a peacock sanctuary. The temple premises are home to a significant number of peacocks, and these birds are considered sacred. The association with peacocks is particularly significant as the peacock is the traditional mount (vahana) of Lord Murugan.      

Festivals of Viralimalai Murugan Temple:

The celebration of festivals is an integral part of the religious significance of the temple. Thaipusam, Skanda Sashti, and Panguni Uthiram are among the major festivals celebrated at the Viralimalai Temple. These festivals attract devotees from the region who come to participate in the festivities and seek the divine grace of Lord Murugan.

Visiting Hours of Viralimalai Temple:

The temple remains open from 6 am to 12 pm and from 4pm to 8 pm.

How to reach Viralimalai Temple:

By Air: The nearest airport is Tiruchirapalli International Airport (IATA: TRZ), which is well-connected to major cities in India. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or use other local transportation to reach Viralimalai.

By Train: The nearest major railway station is Tiruchirapalli Junction (Station code: TPJ), which is well-connected to various cities in Tamil Nadu and other parts of the country. From Tiruchirapalli Junction, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Viralimalai.

By Road:

1. From Tiruchirapalli (Trichy): Viralimalai is approximately 30 kilometers away from Tiruchirapalli. You can take a taxi, hire a private vehicle, or use public buses to reach Viralimalai from Trichy.
2. By Bus: Viralimalai is well-connected by road, and there are regular bus services from nearby towns and cities. You can check with the local bus station or use private buses to reach Viralimalai.
3. By Car: If you’re driving, you can use GPS navigation or follow road signs to reach Viralimalai. The town is well-connected by roads, and the journey may take about an hour from Tiruchirapalli, depending on traffic and road conditions.

Narthamalai, a small town located 25 km from Trichy on the Trichy – Pudukottai highway in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is a place of both historical significance and natural beauty. The town is renowned for the Vijayalaya Choleeswaram temple, an ancient temple constructed in the 9th century. This hidden gem is home to ancient rock-cut temples, lush landscapes, and a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu.

Temples within Narthamalai cave complex – Vijayalaya Choleeswaram Temple:

• Vijayalaya Choleeswaram Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva is one of the oldest stone temples in South India which showcases the Dravida style of architecture and rock-cut architecture.
• On the way here there is a headless lion. Also there is a Kudaivara temple cut for Lord Shiva at a depth of about 15 feet. Inside this sunai there is a beautiful lingam carved in a cave in the temple of Jirahareshwarar
• In the central hall of Narthamalai, there are six impressive and meticulously carved depictions of Lord Vishnu. A life-sized portrait of Lord Vishnu within the hall is bound to astonish visitors with the extraordinary skill, painstaking effort, and the considerable time invested in its creation.
• The Sattanathar Temple, the Thayumanaswamy Temple, and the Adinathar Temple are the other temples within the Narthamalai complex.

Architecture of Narthamalai Cave Temples:

• Rock-cut temples : These temples are carved out of natural rock formations, which allows for a harmonious blend of architecture with the surrounding environment.
• Intricate Carvings: The carvings depicted various deities, mythological stories, and celestial beings is a testament to the artistic prowess of the craftsmen of that era.
• Pillared Halls: The Pillared halls with beautiful carved columns were used for various religious ceremonies and gatherings.
• Frescoes: Some of the temples also have remnants of ancient frescoes on their walls and ceilings.
• inner sanctums: Inside the temples, visitors can explore the inner sanctums, which were once the focal points of religious activities. These sanctums often house the main deity of the temple and are considered sacred spaces.
• Gopurams (Entrance Towers):While the rock-cut temples do not have towering gopurams like traditional South Indian temples, they do feature modest entrance towers that are adorned with decorative elements, including sculptures and ornamental designs.

Natural Beauty of Narthamalai:

Narthamalai, surrounded by lush greenery and gentle hills, is an ideal spot for nature lovers and trekkers. Hiking up the hills gives you beautiful views of the nearby countryside and a sense of peace and quiet, which is very different from the busy cities nearby.

How to reach Narthamalai:

Narthamalai is accessible from various nearby towns and cities. The closest major city is Trichy, which has an airport and railway station. From Trichy, it’s approximately a two-hour drive to Narthamalai. Buses and taxis are readily available for the journey.

Chitannavasal, situated near the town of Pudukottai, is a fascinating archaeological site located in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is renowned for its rock-cut cave temple complex that showcases the architectural and artistic brilliance of ancient India.

Overview of Chitannavasal Cave Temple:

• The primary attraction at Chitannavasal is the Jain rock-cut cave temple, which dates back to the 9th century CE.
• These caves served as a haven for Jain monks, providing them with a place for meditation, worship, and artistic expression.
• The site is of great historical importance as it offers insights into the thriving Jain culture that once flourished in the region.

Architecture of Chitannavasal Cave Temple:

The cave temple complex at Sithanavasal comprises a series of rock-cut shrines adorned with exquisite painting. These paintings primarily depict scenes from Jain mythology, showcasing the lives of Tirthankaras (spiritual leaders) and other important Jain figures. The use of vibrant colors and intricate detailing is a testament to the artistic skills of the period. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has taken measures to safeguard the site and its artwork from further deterioration.

Chitannavasal Paintings:

The Chitannavasal frescoes are a collection of paintings discovered in the rock-cut temple of Chitannavasal, located in the Pudukkottai district of Tamil Nadu, India. These frescoes are believed to have been created by Jain monks who lived in the temple during the 9th century AD. The frescoes depict various scenes from Jain mythology and are considered to be one of the earliest examples of South Indian mural art. Sithanavasal Paintings are unique attractions of Sithanavasal Cave Temple.

The frescoes are known for their vibrant colors and intricate details. The pigments used in these frescoes were made from natural materials such as minerals, vegetables, and animal products. The frescoes have been preserved well over time and are a testament to the artistic and cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu.

Visting hour and Fee structure of Chitannavasal temple:

The temple’s visiting hours are from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM. The admission fee is Rs. 5/- for Indian nationals and Rs. 100/- for foreign tourists per person.

How to reach Sithanavasal Cave Temple:

The temple is conveniently accessible via buses or taxis. The closest airport is Trichy Airport, located 45 kilometers away, and the nearest railway station is Pudukkottai Railway Station, situated 18 kilometers away.

Kudumiyanmalai is a village located at a distance of 20 kilometres from Pudukkottai on the Pudukkottai-Kodumbalur road. The cave temples at Kudumiyanmalai are a highlighting feature of the place.

Kudumiyanmalai is also famous for The Shikanathar Temple on a hillock dedicated to Lord Shiva and the Agricultural College owned and administered by the Government of Tamil Nadu.

Kudumiyanmalai Rock Cut Cave Temple:

The cave temple excavated on the eastern side of the hillock is believed to have been excavated in the early seventh century.

• This monolith cave temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva worshipped as Shikanatheeswarar and Goddess Parvathi as Akhilandeswari.
• The Maha Mandapam (great gathering hall) of the temple has aesthetically carved pillars and ornate sculptures belonging to the Nayaka period.
• Another noted feature of the temple is the rock cut stretch with carved figures of 63 Nayanmars with figures of Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvathi and Nandi in the middle.
• On the inner wall of the temple is the figure of Lord Valampuri Ganesha (with the trunk twirling towards right).
• There are around 120 inscriptions found in the cave temple that helps in tracing the history of the temple and town. However, the most significant is the inscription donating grammatical notes of Carnatic music that is engraved to the right of the temple (on the south of the temple mandapam).
• To the right of this inscription, there is a five feet high carved image of Lord Idampuri Ganesha (with the trunk twirling toward).
• The temple complex has subsidiary shrines of Akhilandeshwari and Soundara-Nayaki Amman shrine.

Temple Timings and Festivals:

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

Maha Shivarathri is the main festival celebrated during the Tamil month of Masi (February-March). Other festivals observed include the Thirukalyanam in the Tamil month of Aippasi (October–November) and Thiru Karthigai in the Tamil month of Karthigai (November-December).

How to reach Kudumiyanmalai

Pudukkottai and Trichy are the nearest towns where one can avail accommodation facilities. The nearest railway station is at Pudukottai (20 kilometres away). The nearest airport is at Tiruchirapalli (around 49 kilometres away).

The Government Museum located in Thirugokarnam in Pudukkottai District was started in the year 1910 and was undertaken by the Government in the year 1950. The Museum has different sections that cover Zoology, Geology, History, Archaeology, Anthropology, Paintings and Sculptures.

The museum has a total of 18 galleries exhibiting some of the rare artefacts and antiques.

Interesting Facts about the Museum

Each of the section in the museum offers a galore of artefacts and inscriptions for tourists to explore.
The Ethnology section exhibits a fine collection of arms, armours and musical instruments.The Archaeological section has a collection of rare relics and artefacts propounding historical insights. Collection of sculptures and illustration of prominent monuments of the city also form a part of the gallery.The Numismatic gallery has a rare collection of Indian coins.Other galleries of the museum include natural history, economic, reference library, arts and industries.
The galleries in the museum also house some glorious arts and artefacts, rare bronze and stone sculptures and various historical paintings.
Other highlighting features of the museum are the exhibits of embalmed wildlife creatures which is a must watch for kids. The exhibits include that of:

• Monitor Lizards – The specimens of the most commonly found variety of monitor lizards found in India, the Indian monitor, is exhibited here.
• Tyrannosaurus – A working model of Tyrannosaurus that lived around 66-68 million years ago is displayed in the museum.
• Stone Sculpture of Arthanareeswarar – Arthanareeswarar is a half male, half female depiction of Lord Shiva with his wife Goddess Parvathi.
• Mollusks are soft bodied animals usually with a protective outer shell into which they withdraw themselves.
• Arthropods include a majority of known species of animals. They include crabs, shrimps, insects, lobsters, spiders, millipedes and centipedes.
• Falconiformes Birds of Prey form a part of the carnivorous group of animals with strong beaks and feet with powerful claws.
• Saw Fishes have distinct features such as saw-shaped prolongation of the snout bearing tooth like projections.
• Flamingos are commonly found in Vedaranyam, Ran of Cutch and Pulicat.

This Government Museum is the second largest museum in Tamil Nadu and is a must see attraction site for history buffs, school kids and tourists alike.

Timings of Pudukkottai Government Museum:

The museum is open on all days except on Fridays and National Holidays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Entrance Fee of Pudukkottai Government Museum:

Visitors are charged a nominal entrance fee of Rs. 5 per head for adults and Rs. 3 per child.

How to reach Pudukkottai Government Museum:

The Government Museum is located very close to Pudukkottai New Bus Station (2.7 kilometres away) and Pudukkottai Railway Station (3.2 kilometres away). The nearest airport to the Museum is at Trichy (around 45 kilometres from Pudukkottai town).

Thirumayam Fort, located at a distance of 18 kilometres from Pudukkottai is a place of immense historical importance. The Fort comes under the supervision of the Archaeological Survey of India.

Facts about Thirumayam Fort

• The Thirumayam Fort is said to have been built in 1687 AD by the Raja of Ramnad, Vijaya Raghunatha Sethupathi.
• It was later on handed over to his brother in law, Raghunatha Raya Tondaiman.
• The Fort was constructed in a ring shape with seven concentric walls surrounded by a broad moat. The Fort, however, has only four walls surviving now.
• The Fort currently stands on a 40-acre wide fortress, the original structure being two times larger that what it is today.
• The Fort has been renovated to a great extent in the year 2012, it being one of the prominent tourist attractions of Pudukkottai District.
• The fort has three entrances from the north, south and east directions.
• The top of the rock has a bastion with a cannon of British origin
• There are three rock-cut temples on the other side of the rock, two of them dedicated to Lord Shiva and the third one dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
• A Durbar Hall with carved inscriptions and a pillared corridor, shrines dedicated to guardian deities Lord Hanuman, Ganapathi, Karuppar and Goddess Sakthi (towards the southern side), a natural pond (to the northwest side) and a tank (to the southeast) forms a part of the structure.
• Lord Shiva is worshipped in the temple in the form of Bhairava.

Fort timings

The Fort is open to the public from 6:00 AM to 12 NOON in the morning and from 4:00 AM to 6:00 PM in the evening.

How to reach Thirumayam Fort

Thirumayam Fort is located in Thirumayam on the Pudukkottai-Karaikudi Highway in Pudukkottai District. Pudukkottai town is well connected by road to major cities in Tamil Nadu. The nearest railway station is at Pudukottai (19 kilometres away). The nearest airport is at Tiruchirapalli (around 67 kilometres away).

Thirugokarnam Temple or Kokarneswarar Temple

Thirugokarnam or Kokarneswarar Temple is located in the heart of Pudukkottai city. The chief deity of the temple is Lord Shiva worshipped as Gokarneeswarar and his consort Goddess Parvathi is worshipped as Bragadambal. This rock cut temple, built by Pallava king Mahendravarma is one of the oldest temples in South India dating back to the 7th century A.D. Later additions to the temple were made at different periods of times by Pandyas, Cholas and Thondaman Dynasty.

Legend behind the Temple

The Lord here is known as Gokarneswarar, meaning ‘the Lord of the cow’s ears’. According to the legend of the temple, it is believed that Kamadhenu, the holy cow on being cursed by Lord Indra started worshipping Lord Shiva at this place. She used to bring water from Ganges by holding it in her ears and perform Abhishekam (ablution of deity) to Lord Shiva.

One day, while she was bringing Ganges water in her ears, she was confronted by a tiger that was determined to kill her. When she pleaded with the tiger to let go of her, the tiger agreed on the condition that she would come back after performing Abhishekam to the Lord. Kamadhenu returned as promised, only to see that the Tiger was transformed to Lord Shiva and Parvathi. She was blessed by them and attained salvation after which she returned to Heaven.

More Facts about the Kokarneswarar Temple

• The sanctum sanctorum of the temple is rock cut which hosts the chief deity of the temple Lord Gokarneeswarar in Lingam form.
• Another main deity of the temple is Lord Vakulaveneswarar or the Lord of Vakula tree.
• The Goddess Bragathambal shrine is east facing and is relatively a recent one.
• Just before entering Lord Gokarneswarar’s shrine, to the left is the images of the Saptha Kannigal (the seven virgins in the world).
• The entrance of the temple has Lord Ganesha as is customary for every Hindu temple, after which follows a long corridor that is decked with carved pillars and sculptures.
• The pradakshina veranda (circumambulation path) has idols of 63 Nayanmars and shrines of Maha Gnapathi, Rishaba Rudra and Kasi Lingam.
• The temple has an upper tier that houses shrines of Lord Subramanya, Goddess Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswathi, Annapurani, Rudraksha Lingam, Brahma, Bhairava, Surya and Nalvars (Gnanasambandar, Thirunavukkarasar, Sundarar and Manickavasagar).

Thirugokarnam Temple Timings

The temple is open for devotees from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM in the morning
and from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM in the evening.

Thirugokarnam Temple Festivals

The major festivals observed in the temple include-

• Thai Poosam – in the Tamil month of Thai (January-February)
• 10 day Chithirai Festival – in the Tamil month of Chithirai (April-May)
• 11 day Aadi Pooram Festival – in the Tamil month of Aadi (July-August)
• Vinayakar Chaturthi – in the Tamil month of Aavani (August-September)
• 10 day Navarathri Festival – in the Tamil month of Purattasi
  (September-October)
• Skanda Shasti Festival- in the Tamil month of Aippasi
  (October-November)
• Karthigai Deepam Festival – in the Tamil month of Karthigai
  (November-December)

How to reach Thirugokarnam Temple

The temple is located at the heart of Pudukkottai town that is well connected by road to major cities in Tamil Nadu. The nearest railway station is at Pudukottai (3 kilometres away). The nearest airport is at Trichy (around 45 kilometres away).