RAMESWARAM

 

  Rameswaram, a small island in the Gulf of Mannar, is a major pilgrim centre. It is connected Mandapam on the mainland by road and rail bridges. Every devout Hindu hopes to pray at Rameswaram at least once in his lifetime. Rameswaram is holy because Sri Rama offered his thanks to  Lord Siva here, as soon as he set foot on Indian soil on his return from Sri Lanka. The place is thus equally sacred to both Vaishnavites and Saivites.

Legend has it that on reaching Rameswaram, Sri Rama sent Hanuman to Mount Kailas to bring a Lingam for worship. The auspicious time for the Puja drew near and Hanuman had not returned. So, Sita molded a Lingam from sand (The Ramanatha), and prayers were offered at the right time. When Hanuman returned late with the Lingam from Kailas, he was distressed. Sri Rama in a typically generous gesture, in all rituals and worship. 

The Ramanatha Swamy Temple which is closed to the sea on the eastern side of the island is renowned for magnificent corridors with massive sculptured pillars lining it. The corridor is the longest in India. It is 197 meters long (East-West), 133 meters in length (South-North). The temple has a tower (Gopuram) 38.4 meters high. The temple as it stands today was built by different rulers at different periods from the 12^th century A.D. onwards.

AGNITHEERTHAM:

          The Ramanath Swamy Temple faces east. The sea here, about 100 meters from the main entrance to  the temple, is very calm. The water at this place is considered sacred and is known as “Agnitheertham”, where people bathe.

THE GANDAMADANA PARVATHAM (hillock):

            It is  situated to the north of the temple on the highest point in the island. It is a two-storied Mandapam where the imprint of Lord Rama’s feet (Padam) are placed on a chakra. It is 3 Kms from the main Temple.

DHANUSHKODI

          The southernmost tip of the island Dhanushkodi was completely washed away by the 1964 Cyclone. But the  Kothandaramaswamy Temple north of here remains intact, and can be reached by road from Rameswaram. Icons of Sri Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, Hanuman and Vibishna are here. This  place is 18 Kms from Rameswaram.

KURUSADI ISLAND:

 

          About 23 kms from Rameswaram via Mandapam, (5 kms from Mandapam), the island lies to the west of the Pamban Bridge. It is a paradise for biologists. There are a number of other islands in the area.

 RAMANATHAPURAM:

           It is  the headquarters of the district. This is an ancient town from where the Sethupath’s ruled their territory. The Ramalinga Vilasam Palace with good paintings is worth visiting. The tomb of Thayumana Swamigal, a philosopher saint, is located here.

THIRUPULANI:

           Also known as Dharbasayanam. It is 14 kms from Ramanathapuram. There is a Vishnu temple here dedicated to  Lord Adi Jagannathaperumal. Sri Rama is said to have worshipped the deity here and secured a bow to fight Ravana. It is also said that Rama lay on Dharba grass bed for seven days in order to pray for a safe passage to Sri Lanka. About 4 kms from here, the  famous pilgrim center Sethukarai.

DEVIPATTINAM:

          Also known as Navabashanam. It is a costal village 15 kms from Ramanathapuram where perform their penance. Nine stones installed by Rama in the sea here represent nine planets. There is also a temple dedicated to Devi who is said to have killed the demon Mahishasura at this spot.

UTHIRAKOSAMANGAI:

      It is 18 Kms from Ramanathapuram and 32 Kms from Paramakudi. There is  an ancient Siva temple dedicated to Lord Nataraja. A deity here is carved in EMERALD. The annual “festival in December attracts a large number of devotees.

  

ERWADI:

  It is 8 Kms from Keezhakarai and 24 kms from Ramanathapuram. The tomb of Ibrahim Syed Aulia is visited by the Muslim pilgrims from India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Singapore. The annual festival in honor of this Muslim saint, takes place in December.

UPPOOR:

           There is a Vinayagar temple at this place. It is 30 kms from Ramanathapuram. It is said that Sri Rama worshiped  the Vinayagar here on his way to Sri Lanka.

  

VALINOKKAM :

           It is  90 Kms from Rameswaram. A seaside with a verdant beach and natural scenery. The sea here is very calm.

PUDUKKOTTAI

Pudukkottai town is the headquarters of the District of the same name. Once a Princely State, the area, Which comprises the district, is of absorbing interest to historians, anthropologists, Archaeologists and lovers of art.  The numerous dolmens, stone circles and other forms of megalithic burials in the district indicate the antiquity of this region dating back to pre-historic and proto-historical times. This tract is mentioned in the Sangam classics. The archaeological and cultural remains at Kodumbalur, Narthamalai, Kudumianmalai, Kunnandarkoil, Sittannavasal, Thirumayam and Avudaiyarkovil are proof of its rich cultural heritage. The origin  of Pudukkottai as Princely State in the 17^th  Century A.D. is only an aspect of the region’s colorful past.

Pudukkottai town lies on the Chennai-Rameswaram railway line. It is 395 kms from Chennai, 50 kms form Triruchirapalli and 57 kms from Thanjavur. The rulers of Pudukkottai have built several beautiful palaces and also constructed tanks and canals. The Collectorate of the  district is functioning in one of the palaces.

SRI KOKARNESWARAR TEMPLE:

          The rock-cut cave temple of Sri Kokarneswarar Brahadambal at Thirukokarnam is of Mahendravarma Pallava’s Period.

          Situated at  Thirukokarnam, the museum is at a distance of 5 kms from Pudukkottai station. The rare collections in the sections of Geology, Zoology, Paintings, Anthropology, Epigraphy, Historical Records etc. are very interesting. The fine sculptures and bronzes of various periods are the attractive items of the Museum.

SITTANNAVASAL:

 

        

          This ancient abode of JAINS dating back to the 2^nd Century B.C. is about 16 kms from Pudukkottai. The rock-cut cave temple with its  beautiful fresco painting in natural colors as in Ajanta, stone beds known as Eladipattam, and a cave in which the Jain Monks were said to have sought refuge in those days, are the main attractions. There are a few sculptures of Jain Theerthangaras in the Ardhamandapa and the inner shrine of the cave temple. The ceiling of Ardhamandapa contains fresco paintings of the 9^th Century A.D. The cave temple excavated earlier was renovated by Ilangowthaman, a Jain monk under the auspices of the Pandya King Srimara Srivallabha of 9^th Century A.D.

 

     It is easily approachable by  road and transport facilities are available. This centre is developed under the District Excursion Centre Project. In the area around Sittannavasal there are many pre-historic burial sites consisting of Kurangupattarai. Cairns, Burial Urns, Cists, etc.

KUDUMIANMALAI:

          Kudumianmalai is 20 kms from Pudukkottai. There are beautiful sculptures and a thousand- pillar-hall in the temple. The presiding deity is Sikhagireeswarar. The  temple is noted for numerous inscriptions. Remarkable among them is the one relating to a musical treatise of the Mahednra Varma Pallvan, who experimented the Sapthaswara in a Veena called “Parivadini” with 8 strings. There is also a rock-cut cave temple called Melakkoil, which was excavated during the time of Mahendravarma Pallavan. The agricultural farm and agriculture research institute are the other interesting features of this place.

KODUMBALUR:

          Also known as Moovarkoil, it is 36 kms from Pudukkottai and 42 kms form Tiruchirapalli. It was formerly the seat of Irukkuvelirs., who were related to the Cholas. Of the three shrines of Moovarkoil only two exist now. These temples were built by Boodhi Vikramakesari in the 10^th Century A.D. The architecture of the temple is unique among South Indian temples. The sculptures of Kalarimurthi, Gajasamharamurthi, Ardhanari, Gangadaramurthi etc., are interesting masterpieces of art. Nearby is the Muchukundewarar temple of the early Chola period.

VIRALIMALAI:

          The temple of Lord Subramanya at this place is on a hillock and  is said to exist before 15^th Century A.D. There is a peacock sanctuary. It is 30 kms from Tiruchirapalli and 40 kms from Pudukkottai. The principal idol is seated on a peacock with consorts on either side.

NARTHAMALAI:

          It is a place of historical importance. Vijayalaya Choleeswaram, a structural stone temple. Circular in shape built by the Mutharyars. Besides the structural stone Temple built by the Mutharayars the  life size sculptures carved out of the rock during the Chola King Vijayalayan known as Vijayalaya Choleeswaram. There are also two cave temples here known as Pathinen Boomi Vinnagaram and Paliyili Eswaram. There is also another stone temple near the Kadambarmlai on the plains north of the village.

AVUDIYARKOIL:

          The place is  40 kms from Pudukkottai. The Athmanathaswami temple situated here contains graceful life-size sculptures, which are of absorbing interest. The car of this temple is renowned for its wood carvings. The temple is noted for Zephyr (Granite roof) work. The sanctum sanctorum is covered with copper plate and is similar to the Chidambaram Natarajar temple.

THIRUMAYAM:

          The place is 19 kms from Pudukkottai. The Fort, the Siva and Vishnu temples are the tourist attractions here. The fort played an important role in the history of Tondaiman rules of Pudukkottai and the British. The erection of this 40 acre-wide fort in 1687 A.D. is attributed to Sethupathi Vijaya Ragunatha Thevar, the Sethupathi of Ramanathapuram. On the hill there is a Rock Cut Siva temple with music inscription and the relics of a fort. At the foot of the hill also Vishnu and Siva shrines are found. The Vishnu temple is one of the most complete and the largest Anantasayi groups in India. It is a natural Cavern, which has been changed into a shrine.

AVUR:

          The place is 28 kms from Pudukkottai. To old chapel here was constructed in 1547 A.D. by Father John Venantius Bouchet and the new Roman Catholic Church was constructed in 1747 A.D. The Tamil Scholar Rev.Father Joseph Beschi (Veerama Munivar) also served in this church. The Easter Passion play followed by Car Festival, takes place in summer, which attracts people of all faiths.

KUMARAMALAI:

          It is 10 kms from Pudukkottai. Atop a small mount is a Murugan temple. The tarn water of this  mount is considered to by holy.

PALLIVASAL:

          It is 30 kms from Pudukkottai. One of the Islamic Pilgrim Centers, this is located on the Thirumayam-Madurai highway. Both Hindus and Muslims visit this place. Annual “Urs” takes place in the month of Rabiyul Ahir.

VENDANPATTI:

          It is 40 kms from Pudukkottai, on the way of Ponnamaravathi. The Nandi known as Nei Nandi in the Arulmighu Meenakshi Chokkewarar Temple is very well known. Though made of black granite, it now shines like marble due to  frequent “abishekam” with pure ghee. Another interesting features is the absence of flies and ants in spite of the nandi being showered with pure ghee every day. A large number of devotees flock daily to this temple.

 

THANJAVUR:

          It is 57 kms from Pudukkottai. Once the capital of the Cholas, it is known for the Brahadeeswarar Temple, built by the great Chola King:Raja Raja-1. The palace, art gallery, Saraswathimahal library. Schwrtz Church and the  Sivaganga tank are other places of interest.

         

         

         

         

முற்று

விசையுடன் சென்ற கல்
நீரின் மேற்பரப்பை கிழித்து
மௌனித்து ஆழமாக ஊடுருவியது
விழுந்து ஊடுருவிய வேகத்தில்
எம்பி குதித்தே -நீரும் அமிழ்ந்தது
அமிழ்ந்த நீரின் அதிர்வுகளை சமன் செய்து
மேற்பரப்பில் விரிந்து பரவியது
ஒவ்வொரு வளையமும் வானமும்
வளையங்கள் தடுப்புகளின்றி
எங்கு முடிவடைந்து செல்கிறதென்று
இலக்கு அறியாது.

                                                                         கி.சாந்தகுமார்.

KANNIYAKUMARI

At  the southernmost tip of India, where the Arabian sea, the Indian ocean and the Bay of Bengal meet lies Kanniyakumari, and important pilgrim center.

The Kumariamman Temple here is dedicated to Parvathi as Devi Kanya the virgin goddess who did penance to obtain the hand of Lord Siva.

Two rocks reach out of the ocean, south-east of the Kumari Amman temple. One of these is Sri Padaparai, where the footprints of the virgin goddess are to be seen. On this rock, Swamy Vivekananda sat in long and deep meditation; and here stands the Vivekananda Rock Memorial built in 1970.

 Near the Kumari Amman Temple is the Gandhi Memorial. On the Mahatma’s birthday on October 2^nd, the sun’s rays fall on the sport where his ashes were placed before immersion.

The Kanniyakumari beach is famous for its spectacular sunrise and sunsets, especially on Full Moon days. The beach itself has multicolored sands which stretch into infinity in a blaze of colour.

NAGERCOIL:

This Place is  Kanniyakumari District Head quarter. The Nagaraja temple situated here in unique in many respects. Though Nagaraja (Serpent God) is the presiding deity, the images of Lord Siva and Ananthakrishna (Vishnu) are also enshrined.  The Nagaraja is installed on the ground where it was originally found and the sands are scooped out and given as Prasadam to the devotees. The entrance to the temple is reminiscent of the Chinese architecture of Bhuddha Vihara. Nagercoil is 19 Kms from Kanniyakumari on the way to Trivandrum (Kerala).

VATTAKOTTAI (Circular Fort)

        This eighteen century fort over looking the sea is worth visiting. It is located at a distance of 6 kms from Kanniyakumari. It is also a fine picnic spot. Here the sea is calm and suitable for bathing.

SUCHINDRUM:

        The Thanumalayam temple here is a repository of art treasures belonging to many kingdoms. The presiding deity in the form of a Linga denotes  Siva, Vishnu and Brahma. Inscriptions said to be of the 9^th century A.D. are  found in this temple. Suchindrum is 13 kms from Kanniyakumari by road and rail on the way to Trivandrum. Musical pillars and a huge Hanuman statue, 18 feet high, are proofs of the artistic skill of the time.

UDAYAGIRI FORT:

        Built during the regime of King Marthanda Varma (1729-1758 A.D.), this fort also had a foundry for casting guns. De Lennoy’s tomb is in this fort. De Lennoy was one of the 24 European prisoners taken by King Marthanda Varma in 1741 when he defeated the Dutch at Colachel. He joined King Marthanda Varma and become a trusted General. He trained soldiers in the European method of fighting. The fort  is located 34 kms from Kanniyakumari, 14 kms from Nagercoil and 54 kms from Trivandrum. Rest House with two suites available here.

THIRUPPARAPPU WATER FALLS:

 This lovely spot is 60 kms from Kanniyakumari. It also has in its vicinity an ancient Mahadevar Temple.

THIRUVATTAR:

        This place is 60 kms from Kanniyakumari, the Siva temple here is one of the finest specimens of Keralite architecture. The paintings on the walls of the temple are beautiful.

MUTTAM :

        This Excellent picnic spot is 32 kms from Kanniyakumari. A fine beach and light house is famous.

TIRUCHENDUR:

        It is 99 kms from Kanniyakumari on the  way to Rameshwaram East Coats Road (ECR). The temple here is one of the six Abodes of Lord Subramaniya. Situated on the seashore, it attracts thousands of pilgrims.

 

PADMANABHAPURAM:

        Capital of Travancore until 133 A.D., it is situated on the Kanniyakumari-Trivandrum road at a distance of 45 kms form Kanniyakumari. There is a place inside the fort which covers an area of 6 acres. On display in the place are many objects including armory of the royal family. In the Ramaswamy temple adjoining the palace, scenes from the Ramayana have been carved in 45 panels. The palace is open to the public from 9 am. To 5 pm. Monday holiday.

CHIDARAL (Thirucharanathu Malai)

        This place is 55 kms form the Kanniyakumari, This Jain sculptures are worth seeing. It is a fine picnic spot.

PECHIPARAI AND PERUNJANI DAMS:

        This dam sites are very good picnic spots. Boating facility and dormitory-type accommodation available. Direct bus service from Kanniyakumari available, pechiparai and perunjani dams, 74 kms and 85 kms from Kanniyakumari.

       

       

Chinnamanoor Poolanandheswar Temple

TIRUCHIRAPALLI

Rock Fort-Trichy

      The Triruchirapalli lies 320 Kilo meters to the South of Chennai, on the banks of the Cauvery. The City is dominated by the Rock Fort, perched on a massive rock that soars 83 meters upwards form the flat surrounding plains.

The present fort was build by the Nayaks of Madurai and was the scene of Carnatric battle as late as the 18th century. However, there has been a fort on the Trichirapalli rock from before the Christian era. Some of the cave inscriptions here, date from the reign of Mahendra Varma I (600 to 630 AD).

Triruchirapalli has bustling bazaars and is a good place to buy cigars, hand-woven fabrics, sarees, lungis, brassware and other handicrafts.

ROCK FORT:

The view from the fort is spectacular. The Vinayaka temple at the top is reached by climbing 437 steps cut into a tunnel in the rock. Halfway up is the Sri Thay umanaswamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Siva. It has 4 100 pillar hall and a Vimana Covered in gold leaf.

On the southern face of the rock are several beautifully carved rock-cut cave temple of the Pallava Period over 1300 years old.

THIRUVANIAKKAVAL TEMPLE:

The temple here has a Siva Lingam almost submerged in water, which flows from a subterranean spring in the sanctum. His name Jambukeswarar is derived from a legend that an elephant once worshipped him under the holy Jambu tree.

SRIRANGAM TEMPLE:

The Ranganathaswamy Temple is the nucleus of the temple town of Srirangam, 10 kms away form Trichirapalli. The town and the temple are set on a 250 hectare island in the Cauvery, connected to the mainland by a bridge. The 13th century temple has 21 towered entrances (Gopurams) and is surrounded by seven concentric walls, within which the town is located. The temple complex is very well preserved and has beautiful carvings and painted walls and ceilings. The temple is open from 6.15 am to 1.00 pm and from 3.30 to 8.45 pm.

MUKKOMBU (Upper Anicut):

18 kms from Triruchirapalli, where the river Kollidam branches off from the Cauvery, is another picnic spot with lush greenery and a park.

GRAND ANICUT (Kallanai)

An irrigation dam built across the Cauvery by KARIKALA CHOLAN in the second century AD. This picnic spot is 24 kms from Triruchirapalli.

VAYALOOR:

8 Kms from Triruchirapalli, there is a Small Lord Murugan temple set in the midst of lush green vegetation.