Temple Visit Visiting Travel Tour of Ashok Route Distance Go To Blog ( templeashok@yahoo.co.in)

Trip to Bhadrachalam Ram Rama Temple:

2009-08-14T09:33:00.000-07:00

Trip to Bhadrachalam Ram Rama Temple:

You can write to me on templeashok@yahoo.co.in for any clarifications /doubts.. I shall try my best to be of use to u so that u have a good dharshan..you can also write to me on the mail id above for adding anything more to make it more useful and informative every small info will help as it has probably helped you so please write in..…

About General Place: http://wikitravel.org/en/Bhadrachalam

India code for Phone call by people outside of India- +91

STD Code of Bhadrachalam- 08743

Hotels:

We stayed at Hotel Ratan ph no 0873 233384/85. 9885584181, 9866277341. It costs Rs 850 for a non ac double room which was fairly neat. There are also ac rooms. They take reservations on the telephone. It is just opposite the bhadrachalam bus stand and so very convenient. There is a hotel kalki very next door where you get good tiffen and meals etc.

You also have a ap tourism hotel for the same tariff. 850 rs non ac and 1400 for AC Rooms.Again very neat.ph no 08743 231463,231481. you can mail for reservations there in nd@aptdc.in

Apart from this you can reserve by sending dd’s with the devasthan office. Use link below.

http://www.bhadrachalarama.org/accommodation.htm

Details about the temple through links:

Official Website: http://www.bhadrachalarama.org/

Photos of temple: http://www.bhadrachalarama.org/photogal-main.htm

Temple Phone Number and Contact:

Additional info and guides:

Std Code- Phone Number :
Other Links:

http://www.sitaramaswamy.com/visiting_places.htm

boat ride-this is interesting...http://www.go2india.in/ap/godavari-launch-journey.php

How I went:

I traveled to Hyderabad from Coimbatore. From there I was joined by my cousin and we took a train at 10.45 pm that goes to Machilipatnam. (normally departs from platform 10 from secunderabad station. So you can ask auto drivers to drop you at the rear entrance on platfrorm 10. Midway they dismantle the coach and attach to a different train and the train reaches Bhadrachalam Road otherwise also called Kotthagudam by localites at 4.50 am. ( if by any chance you miss this station don’t worry the train terminates 50 km from there in a place called manuguru about 1 hr from bhadrachalam road from where you need to retrace)From there you just can walk out 50 meteres from station and take a bus to bhadrachalam proper. It takes 45 minutes to an hour to reach bhadrachalam from bhadrachalam road by bus.

Note: If you are landing there between march and june it is one of the hottest places in India and you will do well to have a AC room.

Once we settled in at Hotel Ratan we took an auto for Rs 15 to take us to the temple. The temple is on a small hillock and you need to climb about 100 steps. The place where the steps end on your left you find an office where you can get ticket for archana to lord anjaneya/hanuman separately Rs.20 and a separate rs 20 or rs 50 special darshan ticket to lord rama. There is also a free darshan que. IF you take Rs 50 ticket you can sit near the lord and offer your pooja. Don’t carry any camera or video inside temple as it is not allowed. Before you enter the main temple you have lord hanuman right near the place where the steps end. Please worship him and seek his blessings and then visit lord rama. There are smaller gods and goddesses around the temple inner path. Out of this lord lakshmi is so beautiful. You will do well to offer poojas to her. Towards the right of the steps once you climb towards the temple is a Prasad counter where you can buy tamarind rice,laddoos etc. Its good. No where you need to pay anything extra etc. After this we retired to the room. I had a good buffet lunch at hotel APTDC. Then in the evening right opposite the temple for Rs 20 from hotel rattan or bus stand you can ask the auto guy to drop you on banks of river godavari for a good bath. From there the temple is 200 meteres away and you can reach temple by walk or by auto again for Rs. 10. Then we rested and took a bus to kothegudam or bhadrachalam road(normally from platform no 2 but please ask couple of people as everything is written in telugu). The buses have a request stop right in front of railway station. From the place you get down near railway station there is a broad road opposite railway station where if you walk 75 meteres on the right (when you walk down opposite railway station not towards it) ask for annapoorna in a small lane with stairs going up. You get good lunch and dinner there which is more like home made stuff. We then boarded the train to secunderabad by 10 pm to reach secunderabad by 4.45 am. Its just a overnight journey.

Places of interest around the place: http://www.sitaramaswamy.com/visiting_places.htm

How to reach

Nearest Airport – Hyderabad.

Nearest Rail Head/ Railway Station – Bhadrachalam road otherwise called Kothagudam by localites

Preferred travel base: Secunderabad,Bhadrachalam

Railway Station code for MAS(central station) for all trains bound north east and west and MS(egmore)for all trains from Chennai to southern towns, Bangalore SBC, New Delhi –NDLS,DLI or NZM, Kolkatta- HWH, Mumbai –DR,CSTM,LTT, Karaikudi-KKDI
HYB Hyderabad, SC- Secunderabad, BDCR for bhadrachalam road.

For Internet/ Mobile Railway ticket Booking in India use

www.irctc.co.in

For Travel by Private bus to and fro to any major town in India and some interstate destinations use the links below for bus booking through internet.

http://www.redbus.in/

blog, dharshan, India, pilgrimage, plan, sight seeing, south india, temple, temple visit, temples, temples near, tour, travel, visit, visiting temples,trip, kumbakonam, kumbakkonam, Divyadesam,Divya Desam,Nava, hotels,lodges,arupadaiveedu, aru padai veedu, aalayam, alayam, worship, paadal petra sthalam, kovil,koil, heritage, hindu
blog, dharshan, India, pilgrimage, plan, sight seeing, south india, temple, temple visit, temples, temples near, tour, travel, visit, visiting temples,trip, kumbakonam, kumbakkonam, Divyadesam,Divya Desam,Nava, hotels,lodges,arupadaiveedu, aru padai veedu, aalayam, alayam, worship, paadal petra sthalam, heritage, hindu

Visit to Shiva Siva temple Avanashi,Avinashi

2009-03-29T01:54:00.001-07:00

In Process....

Visit to Marudamalai Murugan Temple

2009-03-29T01:52:00.000-07:00

In Process....

Visit to Perur Shiva,Siva temple Coimbatore

2009-03-29T01:51:00.001-07:00

In Process....

Trip to pattamangalam guru dakshinamurthy temple

2008-10-22T07:37:00.000-07:00

Trip to Pattamangalam Dakshinamoorty Guru:

You can write to me on templeashok@yahoo.co.in for any clarifications /doubts.. I shall try my best to be of use to u so that u have a good dharshan..you can also write to me on the mail id above for adding anything more to make it more useful and informative every small info will help as it has probably helped you so please write in..…

About General Place:

This place is one a very powerful place to worship planet Jupiter as guru

Hotels:

You should stay with travel base as Karaikudi.

From here you can take a bus to tirupathur and thenanother bus to pattamangalam. Travel time is about 1 hr 20 minutes from karaikudi.

Details about the temple through links:

Official Website:

Photos of temple:

Temple Phone Number and Contact:

Additional info and guides:

Std Code- Phone Number :
Other Links:

How I went:

I traveled to trichy from coimbatore by shatapdi train. Started at 7.15 am and the train reached by 11.30 am. From here I took a bus to karaikudi(2.5 hrs away). From here I boarded a bus next day morning to tirupattur about 3/4 hour away. From here took a bus to pattamangalam about 25 min away.

Lor dakshinamoorthy is situated in separate shrine inside. There is a very big banyan tree behind him. You have a path around the lord covering tha banyan tree( with many ariel roots ) to go around him.Some people were doing 108 rounds around the shrine. You can do a minimum of 3 rounds.

Places of interest around the place: http://www.karaikudi.com/othertemples.htm

How to reach

Nearest Airport – Madurai,Trichy

Nearest Rail Head/ Railway Station – Karaikudi

Preferred travel base: Virudhunagar

STD Code of -

Railway Station code for MAS(central station) for all trains bound north east and west and MS(egmore)for all trains from Chennai to southern towns, Bangalore SBC, New Delhi –NDLS,DLI or NZM, Kolkatta- HWH, Mumbai –DR,CSTM,LTT, Karaikudi-KKDI

For Internet/ Mobile Railway ticket Booking in India use

www.irctc.co.in

For Travel by Private bus to and fro to any major town in India and some interstate destinations use the links below for bus booking through internet.

http://www.redbus.in/

blog, dharshan, India, pilgrimage, plan, sight seeing, south india, temple, temple visit, temples, temples near, tour, travel, visit, visiting temples,trip, kumbakonam, kumbakkonam, Divyadesam,Divya Desam,Nava, hotels,lodges,arupadaiveedu, aru padai veedu, aalayam, alayam, worship, paadal petra sthalam, kovil,koil, heritage, hindu
blog, dharshan, India, pilgrimage, plan, sight seeing, south india, temple, temple visit, temples, temples near, tour, travel, visit, visiting temples,trip, kumbakonam, kumbakkonam, Divyadesam,Divya Desam,Nava, hotels,lodges,arupadaiveedu, aru padai veedu, aalayam, alayam, worship, paadal petra sthalam, heritage, hindu

Shiva, dakhshinamoorthi,dakshinamurthy,guru

Trip to Kundrakudi

2008-10-22T07:33:00.000-07:00

in process

Trip to Sathuragiri, Sadhuragiri:

2008-10-14T00:47:00.000-07:00

You can write to me on templeashok@yahoo.co.in for any clarifications /doubts.. I shall try my best to be of use to u so that u have a good dharshan..you can also write to me on the mail id above for adding anything more to make it more useful and informative every small info will help as it has probably helped you so please write in..…

About General Place:

This place is one where it is believed all the siddhars congregate and worship Lord shiva till today.

Read more on them in link below

http://www.sathuragiri.com/

In this temple

Shiva is called: Sundara Lingam andSanthana Lingam

Ambal (Ambe)is called : She is supposed to have sat on a rock near Santhana lingam and performed tapasya on Lord Shiva.

Hotels:

You should stay with travel base as Virudhunagar or Sriviiliputur or Watrap. There isno hotel or lodge on top of mountail though the temple authorities have a few eating halls where you can sllep for night. They also serve you free food on top of mountain.

You could go by bus from Virudhunagar to watrap and get down at thaniparai on the way and take an auto at Rs 10 per person to foot hills. O

Details about the temple through links:

Official Website: http://www.sathuragiri.com/

Photos of temple:

Refer gallery tab in above site

Temple Phone Number and Contact:

Additional info and guides: http://www.sathuragiri.com/index1.htm

Std Code- Phone Number : agnilingam@yahoo.com
Other Links:

How I went:

I traveled to Virudhunagar and from there took a bus to watrap. These busses stop at Thani parai. From there I took and auto for Rs 10 to foothills. It was 4 pm. I started my climb. I reached the top by 9 pm. Just before that you have a temple to Pilavadi karuppar a local deity who you are supposed to worship for getting his and shiva’s blessings. There are many streams on the way. You should be careful not to venture alone on the climb as well as near waterholes.as jungle animals are there. There are showers in open for you to have a bath. I did that and then prayed then had free meals in the annadhana and slept in open. It was full moon day. Generally amavasya and full moon days are very crowded. The climb is tough but not so very difficult. Picking up a stickthat are strewnall alongthe way helps in climbing. Next day again did a darshan and climbed down. The way down cld be managed in 3hrs. about 1 hr into the climb you reach valukku parai(so calledbecause during rains it is slippery since it is a single holdless big rock face. Thereyou get some tea/ ginger coffee and something to eat. It is best to carry your own water(very imp) and food. On top in morning you do get some shops who may serve some breakfast. Free food from temple is available.

Places of interest around the place:

How to reach

Nearest Airport – Madurai

Nearest Rail Head/ Railway Station – Virudhunagar,Krishnankoil,Srivilliputur

Preferred travel base: Virudhunagar

STD Code of -

Railway Station code for MAS(central station) for all trains bound north east and west and MS(egmore)for all trains from Chennai to southern towns, Bangalore SBC, New Delhi –NDLS,DLI or NZM, Kolkatta- HWH, Mumbai –DR,CSTM,LTT, Virudhunagar-VPT

For Internet/ Mobile Railway ticket Booking in India use

www.irctc.co.in

For Travel by Private bus to and fro to any major town in India and some interstate destinations use the links below for bus booking through internet.

http://www.redbus.in/

blog, dharshan, India, pilgrimage, plan, sight seeing, south india, temple, temple visit, temples, temples near, tour, travel, visit, visiting temples,trip, kumbakonam, kumbakkonam, Divyadesam,Divya Desam,Nava, hotels,lodges,arupadaiveedu, aru padai veedu, aalayam, alayam, worship, paadal petra sthalam, kovil,koil, heritage, hindu
blog, dharshan, India, pilgrimage, plan, sight seeing, south india, temple, temple visit, temples, temples near, tour, travel, visit, visiting temples,trip, kumbakonam, kumbakkonam, Divyadesam,Divya Desam,Nava, hotels,lodges,arupadaiveedu, aru padai veedu, aalayam, alayam, worship, paadal petra sthalam, heritage, hindu

Trip to Aaachalpuram

2008-05-03T23:01:00.001-07:00

You can write to me on templeashok@yahoo.co.in for any clarifications /doubts.. I shall try my best to be of use to u so that u have a good dharshan..you can also write to me on the mail id above for adding anything more to make it more useful and informative every small info will help as it has probably helped you so please write in..…

About General Place:

This place is one of the 276 Siva temples most famous in south and sung on by one of the four major shiva poets of south. They are Appar, Thirugyana Sambandar, Manickavasagar and Sundarar.Read more on them in link below

http://www.geocities.com/profvk/WOVpage11.html

Some temples are sung on by all four of them( eg Thiruvannamalai).

This temple has found mention in Sanbandar’s works. Normally most of the hymns were sung by the above after visiting the place and the poetry is a live experience of how they saw Lord Siva and his consort Parvati in that temple. Normally each temple has Siva and Parvati known by a separate name in that particular temple.

It is believed that the marriage of Sambandar was held here and all who attended the wedding got salvation to shiva’s feet.

In this temple

Shiva is called: Shivalokatyagar

Ambal (Ambe)is called : Tiruvenneerammai, Uma Devi

http://www.templenet.com/Tamilnadu/s159.html

Hotels:

You should stay with travel base as Chidambaram (http://templevisitsofashok.blogspot.com/2007/05/trip-to-chidambaram-natarajar-nataraja.html)

Hotel: I have given two below
I stay in hotel Vandyar very near busstand and for Rs.250 you get very decent double bed room. AC room is Rs 500. Ph 04144 225374, 225375
Slightly more costly is Hotel Saradharam Non ac double is Rs.550 and Ac is 1000.
ph 04144 221336
both are very near bus stand
some more link to hotel:

http://www.hotelstamilnadu.com/chidambaramhotels.htm

http://www.vegetarian-restaurants.net/India-Guide/IndianStates/Tamil-Nadu/Chidambaram.htm

You could go by bus from here in 45 minutes though the frequency is little low. Alternatively you can go to a place called kollidam and travel from there.

Auto from Chidambaram can cost Rs.250 to and fro with 1 hour wait.

I would recommend Mr.Raja. Very nice person. Very reasonable with rates. Do agree on rates before hand. You can call from outstation on +91-9976866781 or dial 0 and then the number or if calling from chidambaram itself dial the number straight

Details about the temple through links:

Official Website: NA

Photos of temple:

http://www.templenet.com/Tamilnadu/s159.html

Temple Phone Number and Contact: Not available .However the priest there is

Mr.Mahalingam (alias Mani as he is known here) Gurukkal. Ph No 04364 277620.
His son is Mr.Ravi Gurukkal.

Std Code- Phone Number :
Other Links:

http://www.templenet.com/Tamilnadu/s159.html

How I went:

I traveled to Chidambaram by bus from Chennai. It is a 5 hour ride. I stayed a vandyar hotel near bus stand and after early morning bath took an auto to the place. I have given the priests number below. Little further down is a must visit temple called mahendrapaali which found a mention in my previous blog. Please do visit the same. Today happened to be sani (Saturn ) pradosh a very important pradosh day among the daily and monthly pradosh. I had been longing to do pradosh pooja for 15 years in some famous temple but never could do it. So today was the day shiva had in mind to give me that blessing and had decided on this very important temple also. I did pradosh pooja in this temple with lot of abhishek and to my hearts content.

http://www.shaivam.org/siddhanta/Pradhosham.html

Places of interest around the place:

How to reach

Nearest Airport – Chennai or Trichy

Nearest Rail Head/ Railway Station – Kumbakonam,Trichy

Preferred travel base: Chidambaram

STD Code of -

Railway Station code for MAS(central station) for al trains bound north east and west and MS(egmore)for all trains from Chennai to southern towns, Bangalore SBC, New Delhi –NDLS,DLI or NZM, Kolkatta- HWH, Mumbai –DR,CSTM,LTT, Allahabad-ALD

For Internet/ Mobile Railway ticket Booking in India use

www.irctc.co.in

For Travel by Private bus to and fro to any major town in India and some interstate destinations use the links below for bus booking through internet.

http://www.redbus.in/

blog, dharshan, India, pilgrimage, plan, sight seeing, south india, temple, temple visit, temples, temples near, tour, travel, visit, visiting temples,trip, kumbakonam, kumbakkonam, Divyadesam,Divya Desam,Nava, hotels,lodges,arupadaiveedu, aru padai veedu, aalayam, alayam, worship, paadal petra sthalam, kovil,koil, heritage, hindu
blog, dharshan, India, pilgrimage, plan, sight seeing, south india, temple, temple visit, temples, temples near, tour, travel, visit, visiting temples,trip, kumbakonam, kumbakkonam, Divyadesam,Divya Desam,Nava, hotels,lodges,arupadaiveedu, aru padai veedu, aalayam, alayam, worship, paadal petra sthalam, heritage, hindu

Trip to Mahendrapalli

2008-05-03T23:00:00.000-07:00

Trip to Mahendrapalli:

You can write to me on templeashok@yahoo.co.in for any clarifications /doubts.. I shall try my best to be of use to u so that u have a good dharshan..you can also write to me on the mail id above for adding anything more to make it more useful and informative every small info will help as it has probably helped you so please write in..…

About General Place:

This place is one of the 276 Siva temples most famous in south and sung on by one of the four major shiva poets of south. They are Appar, Thirugyana Sambandar, Manickavasasagar and Sundarar (read more on them in link below

http://www.geocities.com/profvk/WOVpage11.html

Some temples are sung on by all four of them( eg Thiruvannamalai).

This temple has found mention in Sanbandar’s works. Normally most of the hymns were sung by the above after visiting the place and the poetry is a live experience of how they saw Lord Siva and his consort Parvati in that temple. Normally each temple has Siva and Parvati known by a separate name in that particular temple.

Every year Panguni 7th to 13th ( approx March 19th to 26th) Sun’s rays fall on Shiva linga at about 6am approx for 15 minutes. Soorya is supposed to be worshipping him.

In this temple

Shiva is called: Tirumeniaz(l)hagar, Somasundareswarar
Ambal (Ambe)is called : Vadivambikai

http://www.templenet.com/Tamilnadu/s226.html

Hotels:

You should stay with travel base as Chidambaram (http://templevisitsofashok.blogspot.com/2007/05/trip-to-chidambaram-natarajar-nataraja.html)

Hotel: I have given two below
I stay in hotel Vandyar very near busstand and for Rs.250 you get very decent double bed room. AC room is Rs 500. Ph 04144 225374, 225375
Slightly more costly is Hotel Saradharam Non ac double is Rs.550 and Ac is 1000.
ph 04144 221336
both are very near bus stand

Some more links to hotel:

http://www.hotelstamilnadu.com/chidambaramhotels.htm

http://www.vegetarian-restaurants.net/India-Guide/IndianStates/Tamil-Nadu/Chidambaram.htm

You could go by bus from here in 45 minutes though the frequency is little low. Alternatively you can go to a place called kollidam and travel from there.

Auto from Chidambaram can cost Rs.250 to and fro with 1 hour wait.

I would recommend Mr.Raja. Very nice person. Very reasonable with rates. Do agree on rates before hand. You can call from outstation on +91-9976866781 or dial 0 and then the number or if calling from chidambaram itself dial the number straight

Details about the temple through links:

Official Website: NA

Photos of temple:
http://www.templenet.com/Tamilnadu/s226.html

Temple Phone Number and Contact: Not available .However the priest there is

Mr.Gurusamy Gurukkal. Ph No 04364 292309.

Std Code- Phone Number :
Other Links:

http://www.templenet.com/Tamilnadu/s226.html

How I went:

I traveled to Chidambaram by bus from Chennai. It is a 5 hour ride. I stayed a vandyar hotel near bus stand and after early morning bath took an auto to the place. I have given the priests number below. Please check on his availability to open the temple as he is the only one looking after the temple. On the way there is a temple at Aachalpuram which will find a mention in my next blog. Please do visit the same. Today happened to be sani (Saturn ) pradosh. We have daily pradosh and I donated 1 litre cows milk and bilva patra (leaf) mala to the priest and asked him to use the same in abhishek and use the bilva garland after shiva is fully adorned between 4.30 and 6 pm.

http://www.shaivam.org/siddhanta/Pradhosham.html

Places of interest around the place:

How to reach

Nearest Airport – Chennai or Trichy

Nearest Rail Head/ Railway Station – Kumbakonam,Trichy

Preferred travel base: Chidambaram

STD Code of -

Railway Station code for MAS(central station) for al trains bound north east and west and MS(egmore)for all trains from Chennai to southern towns, Bangalore SBC, New Delhi –NDLS,DLI or NZM, Kolkatta- HWH, Mumbai –DR,CSTM,LTT, Allahabad-ALD

For Internet/ Mobile Railway ticket Booking in India use

www.irctc.co.in

For Travel by Private bus to and fro to any major town in India and some interstate destinations use the links below for bus booking through internet.

http://www.redbus.in/

blog, dharshan, India, pilgrimage, plan, sight seeing, south india, temple, temple visit, temples, temples near, tour, travel, visit, visiting temples,trip, kumbakonam, kumbakkonam, Divyadesam,Divya Desam,Nava, hotels,lodges,arupadaiveedu, aru padai veedu, aalayam, alayam, worship, paadal petra sthalam, kovil,koil, heritage, hindu
blog, dharshan, India, pilgrimage, plan, sight seeing, south india, temple, temple visit, temples, temples near, tour, travel, visit, visiting temples,trip, kumbakonam, kumbakkonam, Divyadesam,Divya Desam,Nava, hotels,lodges,arupadaiveedu, aru padai veedu, aalayam, alayam, worship, paadal petra sthalam, heritage, hindu

Trip To Thirucherai,Tirucherai Saraparameswarar Temple,Koil

2008-05-03T22:59:00.000-07:00

Double click on the image to magnify it after downloading and view it in full bright screen.

Trip To Thirucherai,Tirucherai Saraparameswarar Koil Temple

Trip to Thirunarayur,Nachiyar koil

2008-05-03T22:57:00.001-07:00

Trip to Thirunarayur,Nachiyar koil Ramanathaswamy Ramanathaswami,Ramanathasamy Koil.

Trip to Allahabad Triveni Sangam:

2008-02-10T03:42:00.000-08:00

Trip to Vindyanchal Vindyavasini

2008-02-10T03:40:00.002-08:00

Trip to Vindyanchal Vindyavasini
:

You can write to me on templeashok@yahoo.co.in for any clarifications /doubts..i shall try my best to be of use to u so that u have a good dharshan..you can also write to me on the mail id above for adding anything more to make it more useful and informative every small info will help as it has probably helped you so please write in..…

About General Place:
One of the famous and prominent Shakti Peeths, Vindhayavasani Devi Temple, Asthbhuja Devi Temple and Kalikhoh Devi Temple.
By train you need to get down at Mirzapur. You can then take a share auto. Vindhyanchal is 8km from here.
http://mirzapur.in/RELIGION.HTM

Hotels:

UPSTDC Hotel Janhavi, near Shastri Bridge, Mirzapur Tel.: 264262,263494
UPSTDC Yatri Niwas, Vindhyachal
Book UP Tourism accommodation on line:
log on to : www.up-tourism.com

I stayed at Allahabad. This place is just 93 km away and took ataxi to reach this place and back. From Varanasi it is just 70 km and you can again take a taxi from there. Read my varanasi blog for taxi travel no. There is also a pankaj Pandeyfor taxi. Ph no 9838692170. A good driver.

Stdcode of Allahabad is: 0532. If any phone numbers are not reacheable try adding a 2 before the phonenumber given and then dial.

I stayed at Hotel Milan on Leader Road which is the road leading left from Allahabad main station and is about 300 meters away. A cycle rickshaw can drop you there at Rs 5.

Ph No 0532-2403776

There is a hotel Arjun(opp Milan) and New Sangam(100 mts before Milan) too.

A little higher end hotel is suncity ph 0532-2405130,2405372

Other hotels refer link below

http://www.vegetarian-restaurants.net/India-Guide/IndianStates/Uttar-Pradesh/Allahabad.htm

http://allahabad.nic.in/entrypage.htm

http://www.allahabadtoday.com/tourist/hotels.html

Details about the temple through links:

Official Website:

Photos of temple:

Temple Phone Number and Contact:

Std Code-Phone Number :
Other Links:

How I went:

I traveled to from Allahabad by taxi in 1.5 hrs. I was guided by one Mr.Aashish Pandey. Ph No. 9836085543 There are three temples tosee in this place as given above.

Places of interest around the place:

How to reach

Nearest Airport – Allahabad or Varanasi

Nearest Rail Head/ Railway Station – Mirszapur

Preferred travel base: Allahabad or Varanasi

STD Code of Vindyanchal –

Railway Station code for MAS(central station) for al trains bound north east and west and MS(egmore)for all trains from Chennai to southern towns, Bangalore SBC, New Delhi –NDLS,DLI or NZM, Kolkatta- HWH, Mumbai –DR,CSTM,LTT, Allahabad-ALD

4
MZP
MIRZAPUR
1
12:43
12:45
0080
1

5
BDL
VINDHYACHAL
1
12:58
13:00
0088
1

For Internet/ Mobile Railway ticket Booking in India use

www.irctc.co.in

For Travel by Private bus to and fro to any major town in India and some interstate destinations use the links below for bus booking through internet.

http://www.redbus.in/

blog, dharshan, India, pilgrimage, plan, sight seeing, south india, temple, temple visit, temples, temples near, tour, travel, visit, visiting temples,trip, kumbakonam, kumbakkonam, Divyadesam,Divya Desam,Nava, hotels,lodges,arupadaiveedu, aru padai veedu, aalayam, alayam, worship, paadal petra sthalam, kovil,koil, heritage, hindu
blog, dharshan, India, pilgrimage, plan, sight seeing, south india, temple, temple visit, temples, temples near, tour, travel, visit, visiting temples,trip, kumbakonam, kumbakkonam, Divyadesam,Divya Desam,Nava, hotels,lodges,arupadaiveedu, aru padai veedu, aalayam, alayam, worship, paadal petra sthalam, heritage, hindu

Trip to Patna Patan pattan devi bada bari

2008-02-10T03:40:00.001-08:00

Trip to Patna Patan pattan devi bada bari:

You can write to me on templeashok@yahoo.co.in for any clarifications /doubts..i shall try my best to be of use to u so that u have a good dharshan..you can also write to me on the mail id above for adding anything more to make it more useful and informative every small info will help as it has probably helped you so please write in..…

About General Place:

http://wikitravel.org/en/Patna

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patna

http://discoverbihar.bih.nic.in/pages/patna_place.htm

Hotels:

You could stay at Patna. Always first find whether retiring rooms at railway station is available.

Stdcode of Patna is : 0612. If any phone numbers are not reacheable try adding a 2 before the phonenumber given and then dial.

I had stayed at Hotel Windsor. Ph 0612 2203250 to 58. Fax 22122428. Email info@hotelwindsorpatna.com Website: hotelwindsorpatna.com

Link for other hotels - http://www.vegetarian-restaurants.net/India-Guide/IndianStates/Bihar/Patna.htm

Details about the temple through links: There are two devi temples- one is bari patan devi and the other choti patan devi temple in patna. One should visit both. Together they form a Shakti peet.

Official Website: NA

Photos of temple:

Temple Phone Number and Contact:

Std Code-0612 Phone Number :
Other Links:

http://www.mandirnet.org/temples_list/templedetails.php?country=India&state=Bihar&city=&ID=371&HNETSEID=271eb06050bd540356a1ecbe0598c75b

http://www.india9.com/i9show/Choti-Patan-Devi-Temple-55481.htm

How I went:

I traveled from bokaro after seeing chinnmastika to Patna. It is a overnight train.

Places of interest around the place:
http://wikitravel.org/en/Patna

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patna

http://discoverbihar.bih.nic.in/pages/patna_place.htm

How to reach

Nearest Airport – Patna

Nearest Rail Head/ Railway Station – Patna

Preferred travel base: Patna

STD Code of Indore -0612

Railway Station code for MAS(central station) for al trains bound north east and west and MS(egmore)for all trains from Chennai to southern towns, Bangalore SBC, New Delhi –NDLS,DLI or NZM, Kolkatta- HWH, Mumbai –DR,CSTM,LTT, Patna-PNBE, Bokaro- BKSC

For Internet/ Mobile Railway ticket Booking in India use

http://www.irctc.co.in/

For Travel by Private bus to and fro to any major town in India and some interstate destinations use the links below for bus booking through internet.

http://www.redbus.in/

blog, dharshan, India, pilgrimage, plan, sight seeing, south india, temple, temple visit, temples, temples near, tour, travel, visit, visiting temples,trip, kumbakonam, kumbakkonam, Divyadesam,Divya Desam,Nava, hotels,lodges,arupadaiveedu, aru padai veedu, aalayam, alayam, worship, paadal petra sthalam, kovil,koil, heritage, hindu
blog, dharshan, India, pilgrimage, plan, sight seeing, south india, temple, temple visit, temples, temples near, tour, travel, visit, visiting temples,trip, kumbakonam, kumbakkonam, Divyadesam,Divya Desam,Nava, hotels,lodges,arupadaiveedu, aru padai veedu, aalayam, alayam, worship, paadal petra sthalam, heritage, hindu

Trip to Chinnamastak, Chinnmastika, Chinmasta, Rajrappa Chhinnamastika, Chhinnamasta, Chinnamasta, Chinnamastika:

2008-02-10T03:38:00.000-08:00

Trip to Chinnamastak, Chinnmastika, Chinmasta, Rajrappa Chhinnamastika, Chhinnamasta, Chinnamasta, Chinnamastika):

You can write to me on templeashok@yahoo.co.in for any clarifications /doubts..i shall try my best to be of use to u so that u have a good dharshan..you can also write to me on the mail id above for adding anything more to make it more useful and informative every small info will help as it has probably helped you so please write in..…

About General Place:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bokaro_Steel_City

The famous Maa Chhinmastika temple is situated here. A little off the Ramgarh - Golla highway, it is situated on the confluence of Damodar and Bhairavi rivers. During Kalipuja many rituals and ceremonies are performed here.

Hotels:

You could stay at Bokaro. By taxi the temple is 2 hrs distance and the taxi charges to and fro would be about Rs.850. If you say rajrappa temple they will understand better.

Stdcode of Bokaro is : 06542. If any phone numbers are not reacheable try adding a 2 before the phonenumber given and then dial.

I stayed at hotel limcs 06542 270889,277953,270800,288613 fax 242082. It cost me rs 1500. It is 20 min 12km drive from station to here(main bokaro city where you have the hotels).

There is a parent hotel of this called Limcas hotel which is much costlier.Ph no is 240896 to 902.

Details about the temple through links:

Official Website:

Photos of temple:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/tags/chinnamastika/

Temple Phone Number and Contact:

Std Code-Phone Number :
Other Links:

How I went:

I traveled to Bokaro by train from Jasidih near devgarh. Took a hotel in Bokaro,hired a taxi to rajrappa.

Priest/Panda: Please Contact Santosh Panda – 9835535743, 9934141589
I had paid Rs.100 after his services. He was real sweet. Tell him ashok from Chennai who had used his servies had referred.

Places of interest around the place:

How to reach

Nearest Airport – Kolkatta

Nearest Rail Head/ Railway Station – Bokaro Steel City about 12 km away from main city bokaro.

Preferred travel base: Thanjavur

STD Code of Bokaro -06542

Railway Station code for MAS(central station) for al trains bound north east and west and MS(egmore)for all trains from Chennai to southern towns, Bangalore SBC, New Delhi –NDLS,DLI or NZM, Kolkatta- HWH, Mumbai –DR,CSTM,LTT, Allahabad-ALD

For Internet/ Mobile Railway ticket Booking in India use

http://www.irctc.co.in/

For Travel by Private bus to and fro to any major town in India and some interstate destinations use the links below for bus booking through internet.

http://www.redbus.in/

blog, dharshan, India, pilgrimage, plan, sight seeing, south india, temple, temple visit, temples, temples near, tour, travel, visit, visiting temples,trip, kumbakonam, kumbakkonam, Divyadesam,Divya Desam,Nava, hotels,lodges,arupadaiveedu, aru padai veedu, aalayam, alayam, worship, paadal petra sthalam, kovil,koil, heritage, hindu
blog, dharshan, India, pilgrimage, plan, sight seeing, south india, temple, temple visit, temples, temples near, tour, travel, visit, visiting temples,trip, kumbakonam, kumbakkonam, Divyadesam,Divya Desam,Nava, hotels,lodges,arupadaiveedu, aru padai veedu, aalayam, alayam, worship, paadal petra sthalam, heritage, hindu

Trip to Devgarh Deogarh Baidyanath Dham :

2008-02-10T03:37:00.000-08:00

Trip to Devgarh Deogarh Baidyanath Dham :

You can write to me on templeashok@yahoo.co.in for any clarifications /doubts..i shall try my best to be of use to u so that u have a good dharshan..you can also write to me on the mail id above for adding anything more to make it more useful and informative every small info will help as it has probably helped you so please write in..…

About General Place:

http://www.babadham.org/reach.php

Layout of temple
http://www.babadham.org/maintemple/maintemple.php

Hotels:

Get down at Jasidih. This is a midway place between Howrah and Patna.Take an auto to Devgarh. Auto cost is Rs50.

Stdcode is : 06432. If any phone numbers are not reacheable try adding a 2 before the phonenumber given and then dial.

I stayed at Hotel yashodha – 06432-225387

Details about the temple through links:

Official Website: www.srithiyagarajatemple.org

Photos of temple:

Click on darshan of all deities in link below

http://www.babadham.org/maintemple/maintemple.php

Temple Phone Number and Contact:

Baba Baidyanath Temple, Deoghar, Jharkhand, INDIA Tel 91 6432 232295
Contact Persons

Mr. Manish Ranjan (I.A.S.), Deputy Commissioner Deoghar and Chief Executive OfficerBaba Baidyanath Temple Management Board, Government of Jharkhand, Jharkhand, INDIAPhone: (91-6432) 232680 (Office), 232720 (Residence)

Mr. Binod Shankar Mishra, District Supply Officer-cum-Temple MagistrateBaba Baidyanath Temple Management Board, Government of Jharkhand, Jharkhand, INDIAPhone: (91-6432) 232680 (Office), 232295 (Temple)Mobile: 9430730663

Fax: (91-6432) 232967Email: dcdgr@rediffmail.com, contact@babadham.org

Std Code-06432 Phone Number :
Other Links:

How I went:

I traveled to Jasidih and took an auto to this palce. Put up at yashodha hotel. Organised a guide for myself. Even otherwise from hotel it is about 1 km by walk to temple.

Priest/Panda: Please Contact Yoga Baba a very nice man aged about 60 +. If you stay in hotel yashoda you can ask the hotel for his services or call on 9835385436. The phone will be picked by his son Mr.Balkrishen. Ask him to put you on to Mr.Yoga baba his dad for taking you around the temple and doing the pooja. I had paid Rs.100 after his services. He was real sweet. Tell him ashok from Chennai who had used his servies had referred.

Places of interest around the place:

http://www.babadham.org/otherplaces/otherplaces.php

How to reach

Nearest Airport – Howrah,Patna

Nearest Rail Head/ Railway Station – Jasidih

Preferred travel base: Devgarh,Deogarh.

STD Code of Indore -06432

Railway Station code for MAS(central station) and MS(egmore)for all trains from Chennai to southern towns, Thanjavur- TJ, Bangalore SBC, New Delhi –NDLS,DLI or NZM, Kolkatta- HWH, Mumbai –DR,CSTM,LTT, Patna – Pnbe,Jasidih-JSME

For Internet/ Mobile Railway ticket Booking in India use

www.irctc.co.in

For Travel by Private bus to and fro to any major town in India and some interstate destinations use the links below for bus booking through internet.

http://www.redbus.in/

blog, dharshan, India, pilgrimage, plan, sight seeing, south india, temple, temple visit, temples, temples near, tour, travel, visit, visiting temples,trip, kumbakonam, kumbakkonam, Divyadesam,Divya Desam,Nava, hotels,lodges,arupadaiveedu, aru padai veedu, aalayam, alayam, worship, paadal petra sthalam, kovil,koil, heritage, hindu
blog, dharshan, India, pilgrimage, plan, sight seeing, south india, temple, temple visit, temples, temples near, tour, travel, visit, visiting temples,trip, kumbakonam, kumbakkonam, Divyadesam,Divya Desam,Nava, hotels,lodges,arupadaiveedu, aru padai veedu, aalayam, alayam, worship, paadal petra sthalam, heritage, hindu

Trip to Pudukottai Bhuvaneswari Bhuvaneshwari,Bhuvaneswari:

2008-01-20T21:20:00.000-08:00

Trip to Pudukottai Bhuvaneswari Bhuvaneshwari,Bhuvaneswari:

You can write to me on templeashok@yahoo.co.in for any clarifications /doubts..i shall try my best to be of use to u so that u have a good dharshan..you can also write to me on the mail id above for adding anything more to make it more useful and informative every small info will help as it has probably helped you so please write in..…

About General Place:

Pudukkotai is located about 57 km from Thanjavur

Hotels:

You could stay at Thanjavur..

Stdcode is : 04362. If any phone numbers are not reacheable try adding a 2 before the phonenumber given and then dial.

http://www.tanjore.net/hotel.htm

Details about the temple through links:

Official Website:

Photos of temple:

Temple Phone Number and Contact:

Std Code-04322 Phone Number :221440,222128
Other Links:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pudukottai

How I went:

I traveled to Thanjavur by train and then took a bus to pudukottai.

You can alsotake a train direct from Chennai whose details are given below It will reach thanjavur at 6.15 am. Then you can take a bus.

1
6177
ROCK FORT EXP
22:30
07:30
M T W TH F S SU

The temple has godess bhuvaneswari as main deity and judge swamigal Samadhi also inside temple. There is 18 handed durga lakshmi, 5 faced anjaneya, and many other deities inside the temple. It is of recent origin but very powerful. There is also a powerful srichakra meru here. It is a very neat temple.

Please read the link elow of the guru who created the temple.

http://www.omsriskandhashramam.org/swlife4.html

Places of interest around the place:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pudukottai

How to reach

Nearest Airport – Trichy

Nearest Rail Head/ Railway Station – Thanjavur

Preferred travel base: Thanjavur

STD Code of Pudukkotai -04322

Railway Station code for MAS(central station) and MS(egmore)for all trains from Chennai to southern towns, Thanjavur- TJ, Bangalore SBC, New Delhi –NDLS,DLI or NZM, Kolkatta- HWH, Mumbai –DR,CSTM,LTT

For Internet/ Mobile Railway ticket Booking in India use

www.irctc.co.in

For Travel by Private bus to and fro to any major town in India and some interstate destinations use the links below for bus booking through internet.

http://www.redbus.in/

blog, dharshan, India, pilgrimage, plan, sight seeing, south india, temple, temple visit, temples, temples near, tour, travel, visit, visiting temples,trip, kumbakonam, kumbakkonam, Divyadesam,Divya Desam,Nava, hotels,lodges,arupadaiveedu, aru padai veedu, aalayam, alayam, worship, paadal petra sthalam, kovil,koil, heritage, hindu
blog, dharshan, India, pilgrimage, plan, sight seeing, south india, temple, temple visit, temples, temples near, tour, travel, visit, visiting temples,trip, kumbakonam, kumbakkonam, Divyadesam,Divya Desam,Nava, hotels,lodges,arupadaiveedu, aru padai veedu, aalayam, alayam, worship, paadal petra sthalam, heritage, hindu

Pudukottai,Bhuvaneswari,Bhuvaneshwari,Bhuvaneswari

Trip to Sikal Sikkal Singaravelan, Singaravelar,Muruga, Murugan Kartikeya:

2008-01-20T20:47:00.001-08:00

Trip to Sikal Sikkal Singaravelan, Singaravelar,Muruga, Murugan Kartikeya:

You can write to me on templeashok@yahoo.co.in for any clarifications /doubts..i shall try my best to be of use to u so that u have a good dharshan..you can also write to me on the mail id above for adding anything more to make it more useful and informative every small info will help as it has probably helped you so please write in..…

About General Place:

Sikkal is located about 18km from Thiruvarur

Hotels:

You could stay at Tiruvarur. Many hotels surround the bus stand.

Stdcode is : 04366. If any phone numbers are not reacheable try adding a 2 before the phonenumber given and then dial.

Sekar (222525),

President (222748)
.Hotel Selvies (222080; fax 222424),

Royal Park (221020; fax 221024)

Details about the temple through links:

Official Website:

Photos of temple:

Temple Phone Number and Contact:

You can get it from S Sekar Gurukkal 04365 245452
Std Code-04365 Phone Number :
Other Links:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sikkal_Singaravelan_Temple

http://www.murugan.org/temples/sikkal.htm

http://nagapattinam.nic.in/sikkal.html

How I went:

I traveled to Thanjavur by train and then took a bus to tiruvarur from there to sikkal by another bus. The bus will drop you very near the temple. Please keep the bus conductor informed. Nay bus to nagapattinam from tiruvarur or thanjavur will pass through this place

You can alsotake a train direct from Chennai whose details are given below It will reach thanjavur at 6.15 am. Then you can take a bus.

1
6177
ROCK FORT EXP
22:30
07:30
M T W TH F S SU

The temple has Shiva and his consort as main deties. But lord Muruga or Kartikeya gets high importance here. There is also a Vishnu or Narayan temple here.

Places of interest around the place:

Tiruvarur,Nagapattinam

How to reach

Nearest Airport – Trichy

Nearest Rail Head/ Railway Station – Thanjavur

Preferred travel base: Thanjavur

STD Code of Sikkal -04365

Railway Station code for MAS(central station) and MS(egmore)for all trains from Chennai to southern towns, Thanjavur- TJ, Bangalore SBC, New Delhi –NDLS,DLI or NZM, Kolkatta- HWH, Mumbai –DR,CSTM,LTT

For Internet/ Mobile Railway ticket Booking in India use

http://www.irctc.co.in/

For Travel by Private bus to and fro to any major town in India and some interstate destinations use the links below for bus booking through internet.

http://www.redbus.in/

blog, dharshan, India, pilgrimage, plan, sight seeing, south india, temple, temple visit, temples, temples near, tour, travel, visit, visiting temples,trip, kumbakonam, kumbakkonam, Divyadesam,Divya Desam,Nava, hotels,lodges,arupadaiveedu, aru padai veedu, aalayam, alayam, worship, paadal petra sthalam, kovil,koil, heritage, hindu
blog, dharshan, India, pilgrimage, plan, sight seeing, south india, temple, temple visit, temples, temples near, tour, travel, visit, visiting temples,trip, kumbakonam, kumbakkonam, Divyadesam,Divya Desam,Nava, hotels,lodges,arupadaiveedu, aru padai veedu, aalayam, alayam, worship, paadal petra sthalam, heritage, hindu

Sikal Sikkal Singaravelan, Singaravelar,Muruga, Murugan Kartikeya

Trip to Tiruvarur Thiruvarur :

2008-01-20T20:44:00.000-08:00

Trip to Tiruvarur Thiruvarur :

You can write to me on templeashok@yahoo.co.in for any clarifications /doubts..i shall try my best to be of use to u so that u have a good dharshan..you can also write to me on the mail id above for adding anything more to make it more useful and informative every small info will help as it has probably helped you so please write in..…

About General Place:

Tiruvarur, located about 55km from Thanjavur

Hotels:

You could stay at Tiruvarur. Many hotels surround the bus stand.

Stdcode is : 04366. If any phone numbers are not reacheable try adding a 2 before the phonenumber given and then dial.

Sekar (222525),

President (222748)
.Hotel Selvies (222080; fax 222424),

Royal Park (221020; fax 221024)

Details about the temple through links:

Official Website: www.srithiyagarajatemple.org

Photos of temple:

Temple Phone Number and Contact:

The Executive OfficerSri Thiyagaraja TempleThiruvarur - 610001Tamilnadu - IndiaPH: 04366-242343Email:info@srithiyagarajatemple.org
Std Code-04366-242343 Phone Number :
Other Links:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiruvarur

How I went:

I traveled to Thanjavur by train and then took a bus to tiruvarur.

You can alsotake a train direct from Chennai whose details are given below It will reach thanjavur at 6.15 am.

1
6177
ROCK FORT EXP
22:30
07:30
M T W TH F S SU

Generally the temple is closed from 1 pm to 4 pm . There are two shivas and two consorts. The main temple inside would open at 5 pm. Thiagarajar Siva(right near themoolavar or main shiv ling) will openat 6 pm. I had reached there by afternoon 2 pm. There is a small café called sr or mr inside the busstand. This is run by women. It had quite good food. So went to the temple tank on the west side(auto from busstand would cost rs 20. Took bath in it is is one of the largest tanks. Then went inside the outer prakaram of temple and slept for2 hours. Then had dharshan. One major fact here is that navagrahas normally found in a square matrix are standing in a line here. Rinavimosakar is a special siva here who specifically heals bad health problems and debts etc. You have to light 11 lams and make 11 rounds with a salt plate and put itafter that into abox provided for salt. Pray for whatever you want in the 11 rounds. If your wish is fulfilled you cancome to temple on any day at 6 am and pay rs.300 at office andperform abhishegam to the lord.

It is a very big temple and there are many shiv lings installed by various rishis here. Shiva here has enacted 56 different dharshans here for his ardent devotees.

Places of interest around the place:

Sikkal Muruga Kartikeya, Nagapattinam

How to reach

Nearest Airport – Trichy

Nearest Rail Head/ Railway Station – Thanjavur

Preferred travel base: Thanjavur

STD Code of Indore -04366

Railway Station code for MAS(central station) and MS(egmore)for all trains from Chennai to southern towns, Thanjavur- TJ, Bangalore SBC, New Delhi –NDLS,DLI or NZM, Kolkatta- HWH, Mumbai –DR,CSTM,LTT

For Internet/ Mobile Railway ticket Booking in India use

www.irctc.co.in

For Travel by Private bus to and fro to any major town in India and some interstate destinations use the links below for bus booking through internet.

http://www.redbus.in/

blog, dharshan, India, pilgrimage, plan, sight seeing, south india, temple, temple visit, temples, temples near, tour, travel, visit, visiting temples,trip, kumbakonam, kumbakkonam, Divyadesam,Divya Desam,Nava, hotels,lodges,arupadaiveedu, aru padai veedu, aalayam, alayam, worship, paadal petra sthalam, kovil,koil, heritage, hindu
blog, dharshan, India, pilgrimage, plan, sight seeing, south india, temple, temple visit, temples, temples near, tour, travel, visit, visiting temples,trip, kumbakonam, kumbakkonam, Divyadesam,Divya Desam,Nava, hotels,lodges,arupadaiveedu, aru padai veedu, aalayam, alayam, worship, paadal petra sthalam, heritage, hindu

Tiruvarur,Thiruvarur Siva,Shiva

Trip to Kohlapur Mahalakshmi, Mahalaxmi Temple:

2008-01-08T08:08:00.000-08:00

Trip to Ujjain Mahakaleswar and Kali Temple:

2008-01-08T08:07:00.000-08:00

Trip to Omkareshwar Omkareswar Temple:

2008-01-08T08:06:00.000-08:00

Trip to Ambaji and Modhera Sun Temple:

2008-01-08T08:05:00.000-08:00

Trip to Thiruvotriyur, Tiruverkaadu, Thirumullaivayil,, Thiruvalithaayam, Thiruvanmiyur Thirumayilai MylaporeTemples Chennai

2007-11-27T18:30:00.001-08:00

Trip to Thiruvotriyur, Tiruverkaadu, Thirumullaivayil,, Thiruvalithaayam, Thiruvanmiyur Thirumayilai MylaporeTemples Chennai:

You can write to me on templeashok@yahoo.co.in for any clarifications /doubts..i shall try my best to be of use to u so that u have a good dharshan..you can also write to me on the mail id above for adding anything more to make it more useful and informative every small info will help as it has probably helped you so please write in..…

About General Place: The above 5 Shiva Siva Sivan Temples are in Chennai

Hotels:

There are many rooms available between Rs 150 to Rs.300 near temple.

Details about the temple through links:

Official Website:

Photos of temple:

Temple Phone Number and Contact:

Std Code-044 Phone Number :
Other Links:

Tiruvotriyur - http://templenet.com/Tamilnadu/s051.html

Tiruverkaadu - http://templenet.com/Tamilnadu/s272.html

Thirumullaivayil - http://templenet.com/Tamilnadu/s239.html

Tiruvallithaayam - http://templenet.com/Tamilnadu/s246.html

Thiruvanmiyur - http://templenet.com/Tamilnadu/s254.html

Thirumayilai Mylapore -http://templenet.com/Tamilnadu/s225.html

How I went:

I took a bus at 6 am to thiruvotriyur. Got down at theradi. The godess is better known than siva. Ask for Vadivudaiamman. There is a dakshinamoorthy(guru) temple (call ph 044 25727951, 9841711001 for quries on temple it is not temple no) before going into the temple on the left. Did archana to him. The temple is fantastic. Thre is patinathar’s Samadhi here. He is a very great saint who has sung praises of Siva.

From there I took a bus to Thiruverkadu. This place is famous for two temples. One is Siva temple and the other is Mariamman temple.(open through out the day also better to enquire in the ph no given below so that you can see this temple between `1 and 3 pm when other temples are closed) First I went to Siva temple about 1 km away from mariamman temple offered my prayers then went to the older mariamman temple called aadhi(first) mariamman temple very near it. Then I visited tiruverkadu mariamman temple. Ph no is 044-26800430, 26800487.

Came to koyambedu bus stand and took a bus to tirumulaivayil temple.. Reached there by 4.30. Offered prayers.

Then on the way visited padi tiruvalithayam temple. Here too there is temple for dakshinamoorthy(guru). Ph no 044- 26540706

From here took a bus to tiruvanmiyur siva temple and from there to mylapore luz where I prayed to kabaleeswarar and returned home. Kapaleeswarar temple Ph No is 24641670 I have earlier gone similarly in scooter and car. You can cover all in a day. Take care to avoid being in temple between 1 pm and 4 pm in any other siva temple except tiruverkadu as they may be closed)

Places of interest:

How to reach

Nearest Airport – Chennai

Nearest Rail Head/ Railway Station – Chennai

Preferred travel base: Chennai

STD Code of Chennai -01364

Railway Station code for Hyderabad HYB Secunderabad-SC, KCG(this is also another station in Hyderabad) Chennai- MAS, Bangalore SBC, New Delhi –NDLS,DLI or NZM, Kolkatta- HWH, Mumbai –DR,CSTM,LTT,BCT

For Internet/ Mobile Railway ticket Booking in India use

http://www.irctc.co.in/

For Travel by Private bus to and fro to any major town in India and some interstate destinations use the links below for bus booking through internet.

http://www.redbus.in/

blog, dharshan, India, pilgrimage, plan, sight seeing, south india, temple, temple visit, temples, temples near, tour, travel, visit, visiting temples,trip, kumbakonam, kumbakkonam, Divyadesam,Divya Desam,Nava, hotels,lodges,arupadaiveedu, aru padai veedu, aalayam, alayam, worship, paadal petra sthalam, kovil,koil, heritage, hindu
blog, dharshan, India, pilgrimage, plan, sight seeing, south india, temple, temple visit, temples, temples near, tour, travel, visit, visiting temples,trip, kumbakonam, kumbakkonam, Divyadesam,Divya Desam,Nava, hotels,lodges,arupadaiveedu, aru padai veedu, aalayam, alayam, worship, paadal petra sthalam, heritage, hindu

Trip to Srisailam Siva Shiva and Bhramaramba Devi Temple:

2007-10-20T05:02:00.000-07:00

The above is the leaflet for going to certain places around Srisailam and hotel reservation.

The above is the image of leaflet for going to Srisailam from Chennai by bus

CLICK ON THE ABOVE IMAGES AND USE FULL BRIGHT SCREEN MODE

Trip to Srisailam Siva Shiva Jyotirlinga and Brahmaramba Devi Temple:

You can write to me on templeashok@yahoo.co.in for any clarifications /doubts..i shall try my best to be of use to u so that u have a good dharshan..you can also write to me on the mail id above for adding anything more to make it more useful and informative every small info will help as it has probably helped you so please write in..…

You need to stay at Hyderabad or Secunderabad to go to Srisailam. You could stay at railway retiring room if u have a railway ticket.

See link below to know more on hotels and sight seeing at Hyderabad.

http://www.vegetarian-restaurants.net/India-Guide/IndianStates/Andhra/Hyderabad.htm

Please also visit the link below for local sight seeing at Hyderabad and for other tourist locations in Andhra Pradesh.

http://www.aptdc.in/

Have given some hotels and ph nos.

Yatri nivas, S.P RoadSecunderabad,Andhra Pradesh, IndiaPhone: 040-27816375 04027893100

Urvasi Residency (next to Yashodha Hospital Secunderabad)
040-39122222 –Tariff between Rs.800- 1600

Budget Hotel- Secunderabad –Hotel Padmini -04027805460,39185460 –Rs-200 to Rs.1600

Other hotels in Hyderabad - http://www.miceindia.org/wrtourismguide/ap2.html

About General Place:

It is one of Shiva’s Jyotirlinga. http://www.templenet.com/jyotir.html

Hotels:

Srisailam:

Hotel Ilapuram 08524 -288199

Hotel Punami - 08524 288311.

http://www.srisailamtemple.com/Srisaila_devasthanam/Accommodation.HTM

Details about the temple through links:

Official Website: http://www.srisailamtemple.com/Srisaila_devasthanam/index.htm

It is both a Shiva Jyotirlinga and one of the 18 shakthi peet (See ASTADASA MAHA SAKTHI-PEETHAS in link

http://www.srisailam.co.in/

Photos of temple:

http://www.srisailamtemple.com/Srisaila_devasthanam/Photo%20Gallery.HTM

Temple Phone Number and Contact:

Executive Officer
Srisaila Devasthanam
Srisailam – 518101,
Phone: 08524(Std Code) - 288883,288885,288886,288887,288888.
E-mail: eo@srisailamtemple.com

Std Code-08524 Phone Number : 288883,288885,288886,288887,288888
Other Links:

http://www.vegetarian-restaurants.net/India-Guide/IndianStates/Andhra/Srisailam.htm

http://www.templenet.com/Andhra/sailam.html

http://www.srisailam.co.in/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Srisailam

http://wikitravel.org/en/Srisailam

How I went:

You will have to reach to reach Hyderabad/Secunderabad(twin cities jus 10 km away)) or Kacheguda or Kachiguda(as is also locally known). This is also another station in Hyderabad.

You can either take a taxi or go by bus from here to Srisailam. It is 6.30 hrs away(230 km) some of which is in ghat section on hill. The other important info is that if you are enroute and you have not reached mannaor about 2 hrs away from srisailam from where hills section or ghat road starts you will have to stay put and proceed only next day as there are wild animals in this area and the gate or entry point at mannanoor is closed. Though they say 6.30 hrs is the total journey time I feel 7 to 7 ½ hrs is the real time with the city traffic conditions.

I traveled by APSRTC(Andhra govt ) bus. Given below is the time table link.

Bus timing link to Srisailam:

http://apsrtc.gov.in/TIME-TABLES/Hyderabad-JBS.htm

Bus timing link from Srisailam:

http://apsrtc.gov.in/TIME-TABLES/Srisailam.htm

JBS(Jubilee Bus Stand) bus stand is about 1.5 km from Secunderabad station. From here the bus starts and goes via MGBS bus stand which is in Hyderabad. There is a 20 min stop there. So for people who are staying in Hyderabad MGBS bus terminus is nearest boarding point and for people staying in Secunderabad JBS is the nearest boarding point.

I boarded from Secunderabad. You will do well to book tickets in advance in these bus stands though there are busses every half hour. Choice is yours. I would say you will be able to get tickets even without booking in advance. Choice is yours

If you want to do any special abhishek to shiva or godess, you get the tickets for Rs 600 and Rs.350 at 6.30 am for that particular day. I did special abhishekam for shiva and kum kum archana to Srichakram both. All pooja materials are supplied by temple itself. You need not take anything. But if you want to you can take. You can do pooja to Shiva linga on your own. You can touch the linga too. I did about 16 abhishekams

1)Gingily oil
2)Turmeric
3)Raw Rice powder
4)Milk
5)Curd
6)Panchamrit(misxture of mashed banana, Gur or Jaggery, Honey,Ghee, Raw sugar rough crystals(kalkandu),dates

7)Honey
8)Sweet lime Juice
9)Tender coconut
10)Abhishek powder
11)Sandal
12)Javvadhu(a scent)
13)Rose Water
14)Vibhuthi(Sacred Ash)
15 Gangal Water
16)Bilwa Leaf garland

Did aarti after that.

See link below for details

http://www.srisailamtemple.com/Srisaila_devasthanam/Sevas%20&%20Poojas.HTM

Places of interest:

List is given below. Jeeps and autos are available. I visited 5 places for Rs 100 by an auto. They are Sikharam, Hathakeswaram, Phaladhara-Panchadhara, Sakshi Vinayaga, Lalitambika temple

http://www.srisailamtemple.com/Srisaila_devasthanam/Other%20Visiting%20Places.HTM

You can call auto driver Mallikarjuna on 9989770469 for local sight seeing ..found him to be good...you can refer my name ash ashok from chennai

How to reach

Nearest Airport – Hyderabad. Actually the airport is nearer to Secunderabad railway station.

Nearest Rail Head/ Railway Station – Hyderabad/Secunderabad (TwinCities).

This is only preferable. Just as a matter of info, the nearest railway stations are at Kurnool and Markapur(90km) on the Guntur-Hubli Section

Preferred travel base: Hyderabad

STD Code of Hyderabad -040 and Srisailam -08524

Railway Station code for Hyderabad HYB Secunderabad-SC, KCG(this is also another station in Hyderabad) Chennai- MAS, Bangalore SBC, New Delhi –NDLS,DLI or NZM, Kolkatta- HWH, Mumbai –DR,CSTM,LTT

For Internet/ Mobile Railway ticket Booking in India use

http://www.irctc.co.in/

For Travel by Private bus to and fro to any major town in India and some interstate destinations use the links below for bus booking through internet.

http://www.redbus.in/

blog, dharshan, India, pilgrimage, plan, sight seeing, south india, temple, temple visit, temples, temples near, tour, travel, visit, visiting temples,trip, kumbakonam, kumbakkonam, Divyadesam,Divya Desam,Nava, hotels,lodges,arupadaiveedu, aru padai veedu, aalayam, alayam, worship, paadal petra sthalam, kovil,koil, heritage, hindu
blog, dharshan, India, pilgrimage, plan, sight seeing, south india, temple, temple visit, temples, temples near, tour, travel, visit, visiting temples,trip, kumbakonam, kumbakkonam, Divyadesam,Divya Desam,Nava, hotels,lodges,arupadaiveedu, aru padai veedu, aalayam, alayam, worship, paadal petra sthalam, heritage, hindu

Trip to Naimisaranya Naimisharanya Naimisharanyam Naimisaranyam Temple

2007-09-30T02:45:00.000-07:00

You can write to me on templeashok@yahoo.co.in for any clarifications /doubts..i shall try my best to be of use to u so that u have a good dharshan..you can also write to me on the mail id above for adding anything more to make it more useful and informative every small info will help as it has probably helped you so please write in..…

About General Place: Naimisarnyam

Hotels:

I stayed at Lucknow –hotel sagar(room rent Rs.1580pn no 0522- 2206601 to 05, fax 0522-2206644, email mailto:info@hotelsagar.com,%20hotelsagar@satyam.net.in Website-www.hotelsagar.com) and took a taxi to this place and back at Rs1000. You can also stay at sitapur and come to this place.

Other hotels: Use link - http://www.vegetarian-restaurants.net/India-Guide/IndianStates/Uttar-Pradesh/Lucknow.htm

Details about the temple through links:

http://divyadesamonline.com/hindu/temples/kolkota/naimisaranyam-temple.asp

NaimisaranyaThis is where the Srimad Bhagavatam was spoken. It is said that a pilgrimage to Badrinath and Kedarnath is incomplete without a visit to Naimisaranya. In the Mahabharata it is said, “Anyone who fasts, prays, and attains perfection at Naimisaranya finds happiness in all the worlds.”
When Lord Brahma contemplated a great wheel that would span the entire universe, the wheel’s center was at xe "Naimisaranya" Naimisaranya. Naimisaranya has a parikrama (circumambulation) path of 16km, in which all the sacred places in India are believed to be located.
Lord Balarama, Dadhici Muni, the Pandavas, Prabhu Nityananda, and Ramanujacharya all came here. The Pandavas are said to have come here when they were in exile. This is the place where the demigods came to ask Dadhici for his body, to be able to create a weapon that would be able to kill the demon Vritrasura. Lord Rama is said to have performed a sacrifice here for killing Ravana.
It is said that if you bathe in Chakra-tirtha Kund and make an offering to the presiding deity, Lalita, on a full moon day that falls on a Monday, you will wash away all the sins committed in a lifetime. About 10,000 people come for this. Lalita Devi, the presiding female deity of Naimisaranya, is said to grant fulfillment of desires.
InformationIt takes about two or three hours to see the major places here. I hired a guide for Rs 100 for two hours. He did not speak very good English, but he knew all the places. These places would have been difficult to find without him, as almost no one here spoke English and the places are spread out.
If you would like to walk around Chakra-tirtha, which is what most of the pilgrims do, remember to bring clothes for bathing.
Chakra Tirtha KundAt the junction of Dwapara and Kali-yuga, 80,000 sages headed by Saunaka Rishi wanted to perform a sacrifice to hold off the effects of the oncoming age of Kali. They asked Lord Brahma where they should hold the sacrifice, and he told them he would send his disc to the earth and they should perform the sacrifice where it hit. It struck the earth at Naimisaranya. The disc passed through the earth at this spot, Chakra-tirtha.The Bhagavat Purana says there is no holy place on earth that compares to this one.
Chakra-tirtha is said to be the center of the universe. It is said that the large sweet-water spring that marks the location of Chakra-tirtha has no bottom. The British wanted to disprove this as mythology, so they brought a cable and attempted to find the bottom. After more than 1000 metres (3300 ft) they ran out of cable and gave up.
Vyasa GaddiClose to Chakra-tirtha is where Vedavyasa is said to have divided the Vedas into four parts and written the Puranas. There is a big banyan tree here which is said to be over 5,000 years old and the place where Vyasa sat. In the temple there is a deity of Vyasadeva.
Hanuman Garhi & Panch PandavaThere is a 5½m (18 ft) self-manifested Hanuman deity here. In the Ramayana it says that Ravana captured Rama and Laksman and kept them in Patalaloka at the bottom of the universe. Hanuman came and rescued them. When he came back to earth he arrived at Naimisaranya. There is a deity of Hanuman, with Rama on one shoulder and Laksman on the other. Pilgrims buy big sweets and put them in his mouth.Panch Pandava is a temple dedicated to the Pandavas.
Other PlacesSuta Gadi is where Suta Goswami sat while instructing the sages 5,000 years ago. He spoke the Srimad Bhagavatam here.
There is also the Narada Deva Temple with 108 altars and the 1008 Siva-linga Temple, containing copies of the four Vedas and Puranas, including Srimad Bhagavatam (Bhagavat Purana).Where to Stay and EatYou would normally come here for a day trip from either Lucknow or Sitapur. It is best to bring your own water, as I did not see any place that sold bottled water or cold drinks. There is a decent basic Government Bungalow here, which usually does not have electricity.
TravelNaimisaranya is about 80km northwest of Lucknow and 60km from Sitapur. To get here you would normally go first to Lucknow or Sitapur.
From Lucknow there are regular buses (3 hr) from the Kasierbagh Bus Stand. It could be a good idea to take a taxi to Naimisaranya from Lucknow, as the bus trip is long and painful. You can also take a passenger train from Lucknow to Sitapur, and then get a bus to Naimisaranya from there. This complete trip would take four or five hours one way. There are regular buses to and from Sitapur (2 hr).
The bus stand in Naimisaranya is about an eight-minute rickshaw ride from Cakra-tirtha. The bus stand is a little off the road.

Photos of temple

Temple Phone Number:

Std Code----- Phone Number :

How I went:

I stayed at Lucknow and took a taxi to this place and back at Rs1000. You can also stay at sitapur and come to this place. The taxi service phone no is Mr.Shafi -9839071274.

Visited Chakra Tirtha first, Go(cow thirtha) jus adjacent when you do a circumambulation of chakratheertha. There is a shiva temple on chakrathirtha which you can worship. Next I went sakthi shakthi peet of godess Lalita and then to gomti river, vyas gufa, hauman temple and finally to Narayan temple which is a 108 divya desam temple.

The place is very old and has lot of link to vedic age.

How to reach

Nearest Airport – Lucknow

Nearest Rail Head/ Railway Station – Lucknow or Sitapur.

Road Access: By local busses from Lucknow or Sitapur

Preferred travel base: Kolkata

STD Code of Kolkatta -033

Railway Station code for Lucknow – LKO ,Sitapur – STP and for Chennai MAS

For Internet/ Mobile Railway ticket Booking in India use

http://www.irctc.co.in/

http://www.redbus.in/

blog, dharshan, India, pilgrimage, plan, sight seeing, south india, temple, temple visit, temples, temples near, tour, travel, visit, visiting temples,trip, kumbakonam, kumbakkonam, Divyadesam,Divya Desam,Nava, hotels,lodges,arupadaiveedu, aru padai veedu, aalayam, alayam, worship, paadal petra sthalam, kovil,koil, heritage, hindu
blog, dharshan, India, pilgrimage, plan, sight seeing, south india, temple, temple visit, temples, temples near, tour, travel, visit, visiting temples,trip, kumbakonam, kumbakkonam, Divyadesam,Divya Desam,Nava, hotels,lodges,arupadaiveedu, aru padai veedu, aalayam, alayam, worship, paadal petra sthalam, heritage, hindu

Visit to Ayodhya Temple

2007-09-30T02:44:00.002-07:00

Trip to Ayodhya Temple:

You can write to me on templeashok@yahoo.co.in for any clarifications /doubts..i shall try my best to be of use to u so that u have a good dharshan..you can also write to me on the mail id above for adding anything more to make it more useful and informative every small info will help as it has probably helped you so please write in..…

About General Place: Ayodhya

http://www.vegetarian-restaurants.net/India-Guide/IndianStates/Uttar-Pradesh/Ayodhya.htm

Hotels:

Use Link - http://www.vegetarian-restaurants.net/India-Guide/IndianStates/Uttar-Pradesh/Ayodhya.htm

Details about the temple through links:

http://divyadesamonline.com/hindu/temples/delhi/ayodhya-temple.asp

Photos of temple

Temple Phone Number:

Std Code-05276 Phone Number :

How I went:

I came here from Mathura in the mathura patna express starting from mathura at 10 pm and reaching here by 12 in stead of 9 10 am which was the scheduled arrival time.Kept my luggage at clock room at station after taking a pair of towels, clothers for changing. Took a cycle rickshaw for Rs 150 for 3 hrs to visit important places.

You can refer my name as Ashok from Chennai to the rickshaw fellow. Was a very good guy. His name is Ranjit Jha and mobile no is 09935735920.

First went to Ram ghat (ram ki podi like hari ki podi in haridwar)(there are many ghats where you can take bath like varanasi on river saryu. It is a very big river like ganges. Took bath in Newghat on Saryu river. Changed to new clothes. Prayed to lord shiva at nageshwar temple nearby. Went to ram shila where they are redying the stones to be used in final consturuction of temple. There is a model of temple too. From here we went to Hanuman Garhi temple and from there to Ayodhya temple at 2pm.

The ayodhya main temple of rama is open till 11 am and then opens again only at 2 pm. The security is tight and very near entrance there is a place to deposit all your belongings and you really can carry anything except money. Security is tight and there is security check at 6 places on the way to temple. There is a long winding cage like path leading to the temple. The temple is a small moorthy visible from 50 meters away(security allows viewing only from that distance). After viewing for half minute u r asked to leave. Again you walk 1 km to get out of the highly guarded site.

There are many places to be seen. Actually there are char(four) dhams here within 25 km radius to be seen. You would do well to keep one full day or 1 ½ days for this place to see all important places.

How to reach

Nearest Airport – Lucknow. From here it is 5 hrs to ayodhya

Nearest Rail Head/ Railway Station – Faizabad(junction 5 km away from ayodhya) or Ayodhya itself.

Road Access: Busses from lucknow.

Preferred travel base: Lucknow

STD Code of Ayodhaya -033

Railway Station code for Lucknow – LKO, Ayodhaya-Ay, Faizabad-FD

For Internet/ Mobile Railway ticket Booking in India use

http://www.irctc.co.in/

For Travel by Private bus to and fro to any major town in India and some interstate destinations use the links below for bus booking through internet.

http://www.redbus.in/

blog, dharshan, India, pilgrimage, plan, sight seeing, south india, temple, temple visit, temples, temples near, tour, travel, visit, visiting temples,trip, kumbakonam, kumbakkonam, Divyadesam,Divya Desam,Nava, hotels,lodges,arupadaiveedu, aru padai veedu, aalayam, alayam, worship, paadal petra sthalam, kovil,koil, heritage, hindu
blog, dharshan, India, pilgrimage, plan, sight seeing, south india, temple, temple visit, temples, temples near, tour, travel, visit, visiting temples,trip, kumbakonam, kumbakkonam, Divyadesam,Divya Desam,Nava, hotels,lodges,arupadaiveedu, aru padai veedu, aalayam, alayam, worship, paadal petra sthalam, heritage, hindu

Visit to Gokul,Ayarpadi,Mathura,Govardhan giri,Vrindavan,Brindavan

2007-09-30T02:44:00.001-07:00

Trip to Mathura,Vrindavan,Brindavan,Govardhan Giri Temple:

You can write to me on templeashok@yahoo.co.in for any clarifications /doubts..i shall try my best to be of use to u so that u have a good dharshan..you can also write to me on the mail id above for adding anything more to make it more useful and informative every small info will help as it has probably helped you so please write in..…

About General Place: Mathura,Vrindavan,Brindavan,Govardhan Giri

http://wikitravel.org/en/Mathura
http://wikitravel.org/en/Vrindavan

Hotels:

I stayed at Rs 400 AC retiring room at station. It is very very nice and spacious.

Other Hotels use link below.

http://wikitravel.org/en/Mathura

Details about the temple through links:

http://divyadesamonline.com/hindu/temples/aayarpadi-temple.asp -Same as gokul that is how it is called or know at Mathura

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gokul

http://divyadesamonline.com/hindu/temples/mathura-temple.asp

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Govardhan_hill

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vrindavan

Photos of temple

Temple Phone Number:

Std Code-0565 Phone Number :

How I went:

I came here from Amritsar. Took a AC retiring room at Station for Rs 400. Fantastic room. Hired an Auto for Rs 750 to take me around gokul, mathura and Govardhan girir. The total distance to be traveled for the three places above is 110 km. I took the auto at 1 pm and came back after visiting many main places at about 8 pm.

You can refer my name as Ashok from Chennai to the auto fellow. Was a very good guy. His name is Kamal Singh Kashyap and mobile no is 098979 28718.

First went to Gokul. There I paid Rs 50 to a guide who showed me around. There are about 5 places to be seen and all places priest demand money of 250 etc upto 5000. Never give in unless u want to really make contributions. Made some contributions to Nandbhavan temple of balaram ph 9997543642.

Next I went to Govadhan hill. There is a temple here. People also do a prikrama of the hill which is 14 km.

Next I went to Brindavan and few temples there

Last I visited Krishna Janma bhoomi where Krishna was born and a Krishna radha temple in the same place.

How to reach

Nearest Airport – Delhi. From here it is 3-4 hrs to Mathura by bus or train

Nearest Rail Head/ Railway Station – Mathura

Road Access: Busses from Delhi

Preferred travel base: Delhi

STD Code of Mathura -

Railway Station code for Mathura – MTJ, New Delhi NDLS

For Internet/ Mobile Railway ticket Booking in India use

http://www.irctc.co.in/

For Travel by Private bus to and fro to any major town in India and some interstate destinations use the links below for bus booking through internet.

http://www.redbus.in/

blog, dharshan, India, pilgrimage, plan, sight seeing, south india, temple, temple visit, temples, temples near, tour, travel, visit, visiting temples,trip, kumbakonam, kumbakkonam, Divyadesam,Divya Desam,Nava, hotels,lodges,arupadaiveedu, aru padai veedu, aalayam, alayam, worship, paadal petra sthalam, kovil,koil, heritage, hindu
blog, dharshan, India, pilgrimage, plan, sight seeing, south india, temple, temple visit, temples, temples near, tour, travel, visit, visiting temples,trip, kumbakonam, kumbakkonam, Divyadesam,Divya Desam,Nava, hotels,lodges,arupadaiveedu, aru padai veedu, aalayam, alayam, worship, paadal petra sthalam, heritage, hindu

Visit to Vaishno Devi

2007-09-30T02:43:00.001-07:00

Trip to Vaishno Devi Temple:

You can write to me on templeashok@yahoo.co.in for any clarifications /doubts..i shall try my best to be of use to u so that u have a good dharshan..you can also write to me on the mail id above for adding anything more to make it more useful and informative every small info will help as it has probably helped you so please write in..…

About General Place:

Hotels:

Refer How I went below

Details about the temple through links:

Official Website: http://maavaishnodevi.org/new1/index.html

Photos of temple

http://maavaishnodevi.org/photo_darshan.asp

Temple Phone Number:
Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board Katra, J&K (INDIA) Tel : +91-1991-232367, 232238, 232025, 234053Fax : +91-1991-232089, 232769 Email : admin@maavaishnodevi.org

Information & Facilitation Centre Hyderabad 1011, 10th Floor Raghava Ratna Towers Abids,Hyderabad (AP)Phone No.: 040-30607256, 66827255
Information & Facilitation Centre New Delhi103, Ground Floor, World Trade Centre,New DelhiPhone No.: 011-32956920

Std Code-1991 Phone Number :

How I went:

You will have to reach Jammu by train or flight or bus. I took a budget room at Hotel Diamond near bus stand. Std code 0191 Ph 2577792,2577065. Rent was Rs.250. The station also had good retiring rooms. I was asked to wait for 2 hrs. I had to start immediately to Katra. So I took the hotel room.

After having a quick bath, took an auto to drop me at busstand for taking a bus to katra. The bus takes 2 hrs to reach katra and costs Rs.30 per seat.

You can also stay at katra Many many stay places are there. Am giving a Budget hotel and a Rs1500 budget hotel name.

Budget hotel: Galexy guest house 01991-232491 ,232950

Slightly high range hotel Hotel Malti Palace 01991 – 233500, 233501 fax 232733

You can walk up the 13 km road from katra to Vaishno devi temple from a place called Baan ganga. Rs 25 by Auto from bus stand. Fom there if u cant go up by walk you can take a palanquin carried by 4 persons..looked very comfortable sofa to me…or take a horse. I had opted for helicopter for want of time. I was also told you can go upto ardh quary(a place at half way mark on climb) in pony and from there three wheeler is available for drop at temple.

I think Himalayan and air deccan operate the helicopter service.Generally sky is clear in hills till 11 am.Airdeccan which I had opted had its service starting only from 11 am till 2 m. So I wld recommend opting for himalyan. Unfortunately, vaisho devi did not call me as due to bad whether the helicopter could not go. So never go there assuming u can finish in one da. Have 2 days or preferably 3 days for the trip as if you opt for any other mode, you will travel 26 km or more in a day which on a hill is very tiresome. The helicopter service from air deccan is rs 1600 one way and issues a priority vip pass for quick dharshan which can be collected by showing the boarding pass at kalika bhavan in room 8 at temple. The auto fare to helipad from bus stand is Rs.60.

Places of interest

How to reach

Nearest Airport – Jammu. Take a bus or taxi(exclusive taxi would cost Rs 600-800..i think you can bargain till Rs.400) to katra.

Nearest Rail Head/ Railway Station – Jammu. Take a bus or taxi(exclusive taxi would cost Rs 600-800..i think you can bargain till Rs.400) to katra.
Road Access: Busses from Delhi

Preferred travel base: Delhi

STD Code of Jammu and Katra and temple is same -01991

Railway Station code for New Delhi NDLS, DLI or NZM, Jammu –JAT

For Internet/ Mobile Railway ticket Booking in India use

www.irctc.co.in

For Travel by Private bus to and fro to any major town in India and some interstate destinations use the links below for bus booking through internet.

http://www.redbus.in/

blog, dharshan, India, pilgrimage, plan, sight seeing, south india, temple, temple visit, temples, temples near, tour, travel, visit, visiting temples,trip, kumbakonam, kumbakkonam, Divyadesam,Divya Desam,Nava, hotels,lodges,arupadaiveedu, aru padai veedu, aalayam, alayam, worship, paadal petra sthalam, kovil,koil, heritage, hindu
blog, dharshan, India, pilgrimage, plan, sight seeing, south india, temple, temple visit, temples, temples near, tour, travel, visit, visiting temples,trip, kumbakonam, kumbakkonam, Divyadesam,Divya Desam,Nava, hotels,lodges,arupadaiveedu, aru padai veedu, aalayam, alayam, worship, paadal petra sthalam, heritage, hindu

Visit to Devprayag, Rudraprayag,Agastyamuni,Gowrikund,Kedarnath

2007-09-30T02:41:00.004-07:00

Click on the above image to magnify it and use a full bright screen mode on your Computer for good viewing

While here generally you can do a good pooja to the lord straight by also using the panda(archak person)..you may have to pay rs 100 or so to the panda...you can also take your pooja material a do straight..i was invited by a group of people from south who were doing mahaabhishek to the lord the next day morning between 4 am and 5.. you can book this the previous day by paying Rs.3500. 5-6 people are allowed. I got up at 3 am and had requested for hot water for bath. it was -1 degrees. at 4 am i sat outside the temple and was reciting om nama sivaya..it was so so fresh and tranquil...there is a amrit kund right behind the temple which is actually a hole in which all the abhishek done to shiv accumulates..the taste will be sour..please do take the teerth for drinking and for sprinkling on your head..there is also the samadhi of adi sankara right behind the temple.

My helicopter did not tun up the next day carrying any passengers as the whether was bad. Whether changes are so volatile here. Every 2-5 min there is a change. Generally after 11 it becomes very cloudy so the only time gap for helicopter services is between 7 am and 11 am. Since my helicopter did not come and I had to leave I was left with no option but to trek down by foot..I did trek 7 km down ..found it tough…after that got caught in rain and luckily I was near the half way mark called Rambara which is a small town..i could rush inside a small dhaba..there I waited for 2 hrs for the heavy rain to stop..being in no mood to walk down took a pony from there for Rs.100 and after a tough back breaking ride reached gowrikund where I had asked my taxi to come from agastya muni and headed back to agastya muni reaching there by 8 and then dozed off and left early morning the next day from there and reached rishikesh by 2pm from where I had done my bookings to go to jammu tawi for visiting Vaishno devi.

Places of interest:

Bhairav Temple- 2 km trek slightly up on the mountain.

Chorabari lake-u can try- went 75 % way. Then came back. As I had not taken any guide.

Vasuki tal – Most difficult –I did not go-photo- link
- http://www.trekearth.com/gallery/Asia/India/North/Uttaranchal/KedarNath/photo186229.htm

You can ask guides for Chorabari lake andvasuki tal in GMVN Kedarnath.

How to reach

Nearest Airport – Dehra Dun or fly to Delhi and take a bus/ train to Rishikesh or haridwarHyderabad. Actually the airport is nearer to Secunderabad railway station.

Nearest Rail Head/ Railway Station – Rishikesh, Haridwar, Dehradun

Preferred travel base: Rishikesh

STD Code of Kedarnath -01364

Railway Station code for Hyderabad HYB Secunderabad-SC, KCG(this is also another station in Hyderabad) Chennai- MAS, Bangalore SBC, New Delhi –NDLS,DLI or NZM, Kolkatta- HWH, Mumbai –DR,CSTM,LTT

For Internet/ Mobile Railway ticket Booking in India use

http://www.irctc.co.in/

For Travel by Private bus to and fro to any major town in India and some interstate destinations use the links below for bus booking through internet.

http://www.redbus.in/

blog, dharshan, India, pilgrimage, plan, sight seeing, south india, temple, temple visit, temples, temples near, tour, travel, visit, visiting temples,trip, kumbakonam, kumbakkonam, Divyadesam,Divya Desam,Nava, hotels,lodges,arupadaiveedu, aru padai veedu, aalayam, alayam, worship, paadal petra sthalam, kovil,koil, heritage, hindu
blog, dharshan, India, pilgrimage, plan, sight seeing, south india, temple, temple visit, temples, temples near, tour, travel, visit, visiting temples,trip, kumbakonam, kumbakkonam, Divyadesam,Divya Desam,Nava, hotels,lodges,arupadaiveedu, aru padai veedu, aalayam, alayam, worship, paadal petra sthalam, heritage, hindu

Visit to Rishikesh

2007-09-30T02:41:00.003-07:00

Trip to Rishikesh Temple:

You can write to me on templeashok@yahoo.co.in for any clarifications /doubts..i shall try my best to be of use to u so that u have a good dharshan..you can also write to me on the mail id above for adding anything more to make it more useful and informative every small info will help as it has probably helped you so please write in..…

About General Place: Rishikesh

http://dehradun.nic.in/rishikhesh.htm

http://www.vegetarian-restaurants.net/India-Guide/IndianStates/Uttar-Pradesh-North/Rishikesh.htm

For the adventurous people who wish to river raft etc use link below-
http://www.mumukshuresorts.com/mumukshu_mountain_resorts_services.htm

Hotels:

I stayed at Yog Niketan.

Other Hotels use link below.

http://wikitravel.org/en/Rishikesh

Details about the temple through links:

Photos of temple

Temple Phone Number:

Std Code-0565 Phone Number :

How I went:

I came here from Haridwar in a Share auto for Rs 30. You can also hire an entire auto for rs 250. It is a 24 km journey from Haridwar..

Places of interest

http://dehradun.nic.in/rishikhesh.htm

Went to Triveni Sangam Ghat had a dip, went to Ram Jhoola, lakshman jhoola.

How to reach

Nearest Airport – Delhi. Dehra Dun Go by bus or train or taxi from here to haridwar and then take an auto or taxi to rishikesh.

Nearest Rail Head/ Railway Station – Haridwar,Rishikesh

Road Access: Busses from Delhi

Preferred travel base: Delhi

STD Code of Rishikesh- 0135

Railway Station code for New Delhi NDLS, DLI or NZM, Rishikesh –RKSH,Haridwar-HW

For Internet/ Mobile Railway ticket Booking in India use

http://www.irctc.co.in/

For Travel by Private bus to and fro to any major town in India and some interstate destinations use the links below for bus booking through internet.

http://www.redbus.in/

blog, dharshan, India, pilgrimage, plan, sight seeing, south india, temple, temple visit, temples, temples near, tour, travel, visit, visiting temples,trip, kumbakonam, kumbakkonam, Divyadesam,Divya Desam,Nava, hotels,lodges,arupadaiveedu, aru padai veedu, aalayam, alayam, worship, paadal petra sthalam, kovil,koil, heritage, hindu
blog, dharshan, India, pilgrimage, plan, sight seeing, south india, temple, temple visit, temples, temples near, tour, travel, visit, visiting temples,trip, kumbakonam, kumbakkonam, Divyadesam,Divya Desam,Nava, hotels,lodges,arupadaiveedu, aru padai veedu, aalayam, alayam, worship, paadal petra sthalam, heritage, hindu

Visit to Haridwar

2007-09-30T02:41:00.001-07:00

Trip to Haridwar Temple:

You can write to me on templeashok@yahoo.co.in for any clarifications /doubts..i shall try my best to be of use to u so that u have a good dharshan..you can also write to me on the mail id above for adding anything more to make it more useful and informative every small info will help as it has probably helped you so please write in..…

About General Place: Haridwar

http://haridwar.nic.in/

http://www.vegetarian-restaurants.net/India-Guide/IndianStates/Uttar-Pradesh-North/Haridwar.htm

For the adventurous people who wish to river raft etc use link below-
http://www.mumukshuresorts.com/mumukshu_mountain_resorts_services.htm

Hotels:

I stayed at Hotel Vajeer Murti (pn 01334-229466, 9411150314)on the rear side of chitra talkies. Would recommend Siv Vishram lodge(http://svgl.co.in/) which I saw is a very neat place. 01334-227618 mobile 9358090830. It is very near Hari ki Pauri too and cost would be around Rs.300 to Rs 500. There is another Purohit lodge. Ph 01334-326850 or 225683

Other Hotels use link below.

http://www.vegetarian-restaurants.net/India-Guide/IndianStates/Uttar-Pradesh-North/Haridwar.htm

Details about the temple through links:

Photos of temple

Temple Phone Number:

Std Code-01334 Phone Number :

How I went:

I came here from Delhi by taking bus that took 6 hrs and cost Rs.125. There is a shatabdi from delhi in morning and evening that jus takes 4 hrs to reach haridwar.

The places of interest are

Hari Ki Pauri -Most imporatant place in Haridwar where Ganges meets the plains. There is a evening aarthi at 6.30 pm which you should not miss. For this either u need to be there at 6 pm itself or you will not be able to make it properly as rickshaw etc is stopped 2 km away and u need to walk it down. By the time u reach it would be over. SO please if you need to go here for the aarthi be there at hari ki pauri at 6 pm sharp.

Manasa Devi temple – Very near hari ki pauri a cable car faciltity takes u to the top and down at Rs.48.

Chandi and Anjana devi (mother of hanuman) temple –Auto can take you here. Cable car charge is Rs 75. It may take an hour and half to see.

Pawan dham

Gita mandir

Maya devi temple

Bilvakeshwar Temple

Daksha Temple

http://haridwar.nic.in/touristplaces.htm

How to reach

Nearest Airport – Delhi. From here haridwar is 5 hrs by bus or train

Nearest Rail Head/ Railway Station – Haridwar

Road Access: Busses from Delhi

Preferred travel base: Delhi

STD Code of Haridwar - 01334

Railway Station code for Haridwar – HW, New Delhi NDLS

For Internet/ Mobile Railway ticket Booking in India use

http://www.irctc.co.in/

For Travel by Private bus to and fro to any major town in India and some interstate destinations use the links below for bus booking through internet.

http://www.redbus.in/

blog, dharshan, India, pilgrimage, plan, sight seeing, south india, temple, temple visit, temples, temples near, tour, travel, visit, visiting temples,trip, kumbakonam, kumbakkonam, Divyadesam,Divya Desam,Nava, hotels,lodges,arupadaiveedu, aru padai veedu, aalayam, alayam, worship, paadal petra sthalam, kovil,koil, heritage, hindu
blog, dharshan, India, pilgrimage, plan, sight seeing, south india, temple, temple visit, temples, temples near, tour, travel, visit, visiting temples,trip, kumbakonam, kumbakkonam, Divyadesam,Divya Desam,Nava, hotels,lodges,arupadaiveedu, aru padai veedu, aalayam, alayam, worship, paadal petra sthalam, heritage, hindu

Trip to Gaya, Bodh gaya Buddha Gaya Temple:

2007-09-02T07:15:00.000-07:00

Trip to Gaya, Bodh gaya Buddha Gaya Temple:

You can write to me on templeashok@yahoo.co.in for any clarifications /doubts..i shall try my best to be of use to u so that u have a good dharshan..you can also write to me on the mail id above for adding anything more to make it more useful and informative every small info will help as it has probably helped you so please write in..…

About General Place: Gaya, Bodh Gaya

Gaya and bodh gaya are just 12 km away. Gaya is the main places from where you can take a share auto or car to bodhgaya. Car and stay are quite costly at both these places.

http://www.vegetarian-restaurants.net/India-Guide/IndianStates/Bihar/Gaya.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaya

http://www.vegetarian-restaurants.net/India-Guide/IndianStates/Bihar/Bodhgaya.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bodh_Gaya

http://wikitravel.org/en/Bodh_Gaya

Hotels:

Caution: At both these places I am told you need to be very careful if u are traveling after 8 pm. It is best to ask for a pick up through the hotel. Though I would have preferred coming into this place Gaya in day light I could manage a reservation from Varanasi late night and eache the place at 2 am. Due to enough advice I had booked a room straight at Hotel Lumbini 0631 2200351 whose manager sashi kant also has a cell 9931424462…fax 0631-2200361.. check for of season discount…I had asked for a pick up from hotel late night which was a tad costly at Rs.400. Safety is an issue and again even in day time it would cost Rs250 at least. Since I arrived late I wanted to straight be in bodh gaya(12 km from gaya) and finish sight seeing there and then land in gaya and do my temple visits. You can also do the other way around ie stay in gaya and then see bodh gaya.

For stay in gaya Hotel surya 0631(std code) 222-0770 seems good as I saw the hotel from outside.

Details about the temple through links:

http://templenet.com/Ganga/gaya01.html

Photos of temple

Temple Phone Number:

Std Code-0631 Phone Number :

How I went:

I traveled from varanasi to gaya. You can also go from Kolkata to gaya. I had chked into hoel at bodh gaya and arranged a car for entire trip in bodh gaya and gaya of all important places for Rs 900 again any other place it would cost 600 but this place is costly and the service was real good( ph no of travels I booked car from 0631 2229401…sagar 9334789774, sanjay 9934058711, pappu 9304022177 are the owners of MAA mangala travels..u can bargain…we set off at 6 am to see bodh gaya which is the place of enlightenment of Buddha. The place is very serene. Did sit under the tree where Buddha was enlightened. Picked up a leaf from the pipul tree too…hope to be enlightened someday…there are seven places listed in the veg restraint link above of importance within the temple..took a guide for Rs 50 from near the entrance..he was good…we could visit the cave where Buddha sat in and meditated which is in a hill far away..it had rained and the road that leads is a slushy trail…so as per advice I dropped it as we cld get stuck in the middle…we went to brahamayoni hills..i climbed the 400 odd steps which are quite steep..the height is twice that of a regular step…there are two small rock caves through which you can just pass your body and come out through the other side if u do so all ur sins are gone…then you can visit the temple on top and have a wonderful view of the entire gaya town…then we went to mangala gouri temple which is a sakthi peet offered our prayers..went to vishnupada temple this is the main temple where we offer poojas to all our ancestors( I did not offer as it is the right of my father and as a son who has his father alive I am not to ofeer this pooja)….had a bath at falgu river…placed tulsi ont he pada(foot) of Vishnu and then offered bilva leaves to Shiva nearby..saw lot of people offering pandas to their ancestors..there are many priests who can do this for you… and the ramshila (near by) and pretshila hill (quite far away)..didnt climb this hill…

In all I could cover nearly all places in gaya and bodh gaya from 7 am to 1 pm and then dropped myself off at station to proceed to patna by an ac chair car train and after a brief visit of patna(previously pataliputra) set off by train to kolkatta… for flight back to Chennai…

How to reach

Nearest Airport – Kolkata

Nearest Rail Head/ Railway Station – Howrah Junction.,Gaya.

Road Access:

Preferred travel base: Kolkata

STD Code of Gaya and Bodh Gaya -0631

Railway Station code for Howrah – HWH, Gaya –GAYA, Varanasi -BSB

For Internet/ Mobile Railway ticket Booking in India use

www.irctc.co.in

For Travel by Private bus to and fro to any major town in Tamilnadu and some interstate destinations use the links below for bus booking through internet.

http://parveentravels.com/E-ticketing/index.php

http://kpntravels.in/ou/frmuserhome.aspx

For Travel by Private bus to and fro to any major town in India and some interstate destinations use the links below for bus booking through internet.

http://www.redbus.in/

blog, dharshan, India, pilgrimage, plan, sight seeing, south india, temple, temple visit, temples, temples near, tour, travel, visit, visiting temples,trip, kumbakonam, kumbakkonam, Divyadesam,Divya Desam,Nava, hotels,lodges,arupadaiveedu, aru padai veedu, aalayam, alayam, worship, paadal petra sthalam, kovil,koil, heritage, hindu
blog, dharshan, India, pilgrimage, plan, sight seeing, south india, temple, temple visit, temples, temples near, tour, travel, visit, visiting temples,trip, kumbakonam, kumbakkonam, Divyadesam,Divya Desam,Nava, hotels,lodges,arupadaiveedu, aru padai veedu, aalayam, alayam, worship, paadal petra sthalam, heritage, hindu

Gaya,Bodh Gaya,temple,vishnupada

Trip to Varanasi Kasi Kashi Viswanath Visvanath BenarasTemple:

2007-09-02T04:30:00.000-07:00

Click on above image to magnify it and use full bright screen wile viewing to see all details clearly..

Trip to Varanasi Kasi Kashi Viswanath Visvanath BenarasTemple:

You can write to me on templeashok@yahoo.co.in for any clarifications /doubts..i shall try my best to be of use to u so that u have a good dharshan..you can also write to me on the mail id above for adding anything more to make it more useful and informative every small info will help as it has probably helped you so please write in..…

About General Place: Varanasi

http://www.vegetarian-restaurants.net/India-Guide/IndianStates/Uttar-Pradesh/Varanasi.htm

http://www.varanasicity.com/temples/index.html

http://wikitravel.org/en/Varanasi

Hotels:

I stayed at Sahi Guest house in Assi ghat. The ac room was Rs.700 This does not have a balcony overlooking the river ganges. Ones with balcony are Rs.900. They also have an off season discount. The rooms are good.
05422366730,2311244

9415818171(if u r unable to call or reach the above board no call this no as it is the owner Mr.Sahi’s no ..an affable old man )

For those who want real posh stay, Hotel Palace on Ganges is there nearly next door to the above guest house. The cost would be Rs 2000 +

Ph No pf Palace on Ganges: 0542-2315050,2314304,2314305, fax 2314306,22044898 email: palace onganges@indiatimes.com

All the above guest houses send their taxi’s at a cost to pick you up from airport or train station.(rough cost rs.100) I would advice you to use this service as other wise the drivers will say things like the hotel is full and take you elsewhere. I was picked up by Mr.Ravi of ravi tours and travel. 9839143069,9839077242,9236165661, 0542 2277933 email ravi_arora54@yahoo.com. I found their service excellent. They also take you around andshow you around kasi. You can ask them for whatever help you want. Generally early morning boat sailing on ganges viewing the ghats and visiting Benaras Hindu University(must see) with some temple is one package, Aarthi of river ganges at night and the view of it from a boat and trip to sarnath are the major travel tours. All these can cost around 1000 but worth it. Car is comfortable. I would strongly recomment using this travels as they are very responsible and nice.

For budget type stay very near the above Sahi guest house/palace on ganges a Udipi house is there. I also stayed here on one of my trips. The cost would be Rs 200. The rooms have attached bath and are pretty good. The manager’s name is Mr.Jayaprakash. Ph no is 0542 2310260. Mobile is 9838615375.

for guideing u in the viswanath temple and showing around the temple you can take the help of Sudharshan Pandey 9305287242(cell). I paid Rs.200 you can probably talk for rs 100. In many palces inside the temple various people will ask for money it is best to give Rs 10 at each of the places or jus keep moving.

Details about the temple through links:

Official website: www.shrikashivishwanath.org

http://templenet.com/Ganga/varanasi.html

http://members.tripod.com/~ngaur/temple.html

Temple Phone Number:

Std Code-0542 Phone Number :

How I went:

One of the major reasons one visits Kashi or Kasi or Varanasi is to offer poojas to our fore fathers on the shores of Ganges.

I was recommended Mr.Subramaniyam for it. He can organize for any caste as he know north and south Indian style. I found him to be good. His contact phone numbers are 0542-2311268, 2275890. His house is in 4/59 Hanuman Ghat very near Shankar Mutt. Many a times his wife will answer the phone as he may be doing pooja. She is very efficient and you can generally get your doubts clarified from her.

You can refer my name as Ashok from Chennai.

There is one more person who you can contact when you want to do in major scale poojas to forefathers. I think if you are there and perform the charges would be rs 4000 with every need taken care of apart from just ur presence.

V.Ramasesha sastrigal
B5/311 Oudhgarbhi(Hanuman Ghat)

email: rshiv_kumar@rediffmail.com

0542 -2310134,33 fax 2275173, cell:9335333137

I approached them to send with me someone who would guide me in taking bath in ganges and then visiting the temple. I cannot do pooja to forefathers as my father is still alive and only he can do it.

Mr.Subramanyam sent a guide Mahendra who is a priest working for him.

There are 64 major ghats or entances with steps on river ganges one after the other if you go by boat starting with Aassi Ghat ant finally Varuna ghat and hence the name varuna + assi Varanasi. 5 ghats are very important to take bath to remove your sins. Refer general link on varanasi given above.

First I took bath in all 5 (pancha) theerth in boat (cost rs 200 to 400) depends on your bargaining power. I paid Rs 400. You start with Assi Ghat(also called tulsi ghat) then go to kedar ghat and then to dasaswemedh ghat and then panch ganga and finally take bath in manikarnika ghat. You can go to each of this in the boat alight and have a dip and proceed to the next ghat.

You can contact Babulal 9305020634(he also speaks tamil) for the boatride or call the above mentioned ravi travels for the same. You can refer my name ashok from Chennai.

The speciality of river ganges in varanasi is that it flows north a direction in whichshiva is worshiped.

Finally after the bath I changed to new clothes an then visited Dondi Vinayak (always pray to ganesh first and seek his blessings))Viswanath temple, Annapoorni, Lord Saturn, Visalakshi and then came out and headed to see Sakshi Vinayak and then had simple road side food(cery good) at Ashok hotel in sonarpura. From there I went to the room, Changed clothes and left for sarnath about 10 km away. This is a sacred place of Buddha.

By 6.30 was back to go to the boat arranged by ravi travels above for seeing the aarthi of river ganges a must see and then headed to station to leave for Gaya

How to reach

Nearest Airport – Varanasi

Nearest Rail Head/ Railway Station – Varanasi Junction.(Station Code BSB), If commuting from Kolkata HWH is the station Code, from Patna it is PNBE and from Gaya it is GAYA

Preferred travel base:

STD Code of Varanasi -0542

For Internet/ Mobile Railway ticket Booking in India use

http://www.irctc.co.in/

For Travel by Private bus to and fro to any major town in India and some interstate destinations use the links below for bus booking through internet.

http://www.redbus.in/

blog, dharshan, India, pilgrimage, plan, sight seeing, south india, temple, temple visit, temples, temples near, tour, travel, visit, visiting temples,trip, kumbakonam, kumbakkonam, Divyadesam,Divya Desam,Nava, hotels,lodges,arupadaiveedu, aru padai veedu, aalayam, alayam, worship, paadal petra sthalam, kovil,koil, heritage, hindu
blog, dharshan, India, pilgrimage, plan, sight seeing, south india, temple, temple visit, temples, temples near, tour, travel, visit, visiting temples,trip, kumbakonam, kumbakkonam, Divyadesam,Divya Desam,Nava, hotels,lodges,arupadaiveedu, aru padai veedu, aalayam, alayam, worship, paadal petra sthalam, heritage, hindu

Varanasi,Kasi,Kashi,Viswanath,Visvanath,Benaras,Temple

Trip to Kalighat and Dakshineswar Kali, Kolkata

2007-09-02T04:28:00.000-07:00

Trip to Kalighat and Dakshineswar Kali, Kolkata

You can write to me on templeashok@yahoo.co.in for any clarifications /doubts..i shall try my best to be of use to u so that u have a good dharshan..you can also write to me on the mail id above for adding anything more to make it more useful and informative every small info will help as it has probably helped you so please write in..…

About General Place: Kolkata

http://www.wbtourism.com/

http://heerainn.com/kolkata.html

033- 2291642, 65203889
You can also call asif ali on 9433361574

Hotels:

www.heerainn.com - this is off apc road near mallika bazaar.

the tariff is about 1200 per day they also have a higher range hotel at rs.1800 called heera international…also there are many budget hotels in sudder street.

Details about the temple through links:

KALIGHAT TEMPLE:

http://kalighat.jagaddhatri.com/index.htm

DAKSHINESWAR TEMPLE:

http://www.dakshineswar.com/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dakshineswar_Kali_Temple

http://www.makalipuja.com/dakshineswar.html

Temple Phone Number:

Std Code-033 Phone Number :

How I went:

I reached Kalighat by taxi (runs by meter)…it was about Rs.60 from Park Street. I took the help of a Panda (pundit) to guide me( it need not be done)..I would advise you to go straight with some 108 hibiscus mala costing Rs.6 and ask for the line that goes inside the garba graham(inner sanctorum)..a wait of ½ hour will take you inside..if u want a good dharshan avoid Tuesdays, Saturdays…you may do well to pay the priest inside Rs.10 ..normally they allow you to touch her feet and there is water running down her to keep her cool..they may give a little water from trikle on her….there is a shivva temple and another temple where you may do a pooja at Rs 5 with materials they give.

From here I left for Dakshineswar which is quite far away. It cost me Rs.200 by taxi. You can have a bath in river ganges, collect wate from ganges and pour on 12 shiv lingas that are there and offer prayer then proceed to worship kali..they sell some sweets and flower to offer her right outside the temple..you can buy that and offer her..From here getting a txi back was an ordeal…taxi stand guys are idling away and don’t want to come..so you can take a share auto to a place nearby and then take a taxi….

How to reach

Nearest Airport – Kolkata

Nearest Rail Head/ Railway Station – Howrah Junction. Rockfort Express (Train No 6177) goes straight from Chennai. It is an overnight journey. Otherwise you can go to trichy and take a bus from there which would take about 2 hours to reach Thanjavur.

Road Access:

Preferred travel base: Kolkata

STD Code of Kolkatta -033

Railway Station code for Howrah – HWH and for Chennai MAS

For Internet/ Mobile Railway ticket Booking in India use

http://www.irctc.co.in/

Link for Bus travel:

http://www.redbus.in/

blog, dharshan, India, pilgrimage, plan, sight seeing, south india, temple, temple visit, temples, temples near, tour, travel, visit, visiting temples,trip, kumbakonam, kumbakkonam, Divyadesam,Divya Desam,Nava, hotels,lodges,arupadaiveedu, aru padai veedu, aalayam, alayam, worship, paadal petra sthalam, kovil,koil, heritage, hindu
blog, dharshan, India, pilgrimage, plan, sight seeing, south india, temple, temple visit, temples, temples near, tour, travel, visit, visiting temples,trip, kumbakonam, kumbakkonam, Divyadesam,Divya Desam,Nava, hotels,lodges,arupadaiveedu, aru padai veedu, aalayam, alayam, worship, paadal petra sthalam, heritage, hindu

kalighat, Dakshineswar.

Temple Visit to Sholinghur Narasimhar

2007-06-05T16:53:00.000-07:00

Trip to Sholinghur Narasimhar Temple

You can write to me on templeashok@yahoo.co.in for any clarifications /doubts..i shall try my best to be of use to u so that u have a good dharshan..you can also write to me on the mail id above for adding anything more to make it more useful and informative every small info will help as it has probably helped you so please write in..…

I thank Mr.Harish Shankaram for his inputs from his tour....have done some modifications...

Hi Ashok,I came across your blog while reading about various temples in India.I have a write up on Sholinghur Narasimhar temple.You can perhaps include it in your blog so that others may also benefit.ThanksHarish----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Details about the temple through links:

Official Website: http://www.sholinghurnarasimhar.com/

Other Links:

http://www.doddacharya.org/

Temple Phone Number:

Std Code-04172 Phone Number : 262225

Background:We came to know of this temple through our guide and god Shiva Shankar Baba.

How to go:

THis link gives the distances http://www.sholinghurnarasimhar.com/eTravel.html

You can reach this place by bus from Koyembedu bus stand chennai or train to arakkonam and then by bus also.

We went by car from Chennai. The trip takes approximately 3 hours from Chennai.(http://www.doddacharya.org/directions.html).

Hotels in Sholinghur:

http://www.sholinghurnarasimhar.com/eLodge.html

The only decent hotel in Sholinghur is C.A.M motel. We took a couple of hours of rest there(rate was around Rs.250)

We then proceeded to climb the hills.Temples:There are 2 temples-One for Yoga Narasimhar situated on the big hill and one for Yoga Anjaneyar situated on the small hill.Big hill temple:We went to the big hill temple of Yoga Narasimhar first to get darshan of Lord Narasimha.The climb takes around 40-50 minutes. It is not a hard climb but can be a bit strenuous for the older folks. However if one takes rest every so oftenit can be easily managed. There are also "dholi" services available for folks who cannot do the climb.Lord Narasimha is in a calm yogic pose in this temple. It is said that worshipping here for just 24 minutes gives immense benefits to the worshipper.The steps are protected by a tin shed. Hence it is easy to climb even in the sun.Small hill temple:The Yoga Anjaneyar temple is in the adjoining hill called as the 'small hill’. The climb is much less strenuous and should take only 20-25 minutes. Here Anjaneyar is in a yogic pose giving blessing to devotees and fulfilling their wishes. There is also a nice temple pond at the top of the hill.Note that there is no tin shed covering the steps in the small hill. Hence it can be a difficult climb in the hot weather.(By baba's grace there were rain showers as we were getting down the big hill temple. Hence the climb up the smallhill was cool and pleasant).Useful tips:-We didn’t find good eatery in Sholinghur.It is better to pack some food and snacks with you.-Always have a water bottle (preferably one per person) while climbing the temple. It is really useful.-Try to arrive early .Climbing gets much harder if the steps get hot (small hill temple).-It might be better to visit the small hill temple first (before the weather gets hotter) though I'm not sure if it is okay to visit the small temple first before the big temple.-Tirtuttani is close by(only 25 kms away).It makes sense to visit both the temples.The 2 websites (see above) )provide lots of information and useful phone numbers.

How to reach

Nearest Airport – Chennai

Nearest Rail Head/ Railway Station – Arakkonam Junction. Take a bus from there.

Road Access: There are many buses from Chennai.

Preferred travel base: Chennai

STD Code of Sholinghur -04172

Railway Station code for Chennai Central – MAS Sholinghur - SHU

Have given the train timings from chennai as on 6th june 2007 below

2609 BANGALORE EXP 13:15 14:31 M T W TH F S SU

6669 YERCAUD EXPRESS 22:30 23:57 M T W TH F S SU

6222 MYSORE EXPRESS 21:30 22:54 M T W TH F S SU

For Internet/ Mobile Railway ticket Booking in India use

http://www.irctc.co.in/

For Travel by Private bus to and fro to any major town in Tamilnadu and some interstate destinations use the links below for bus booking through internet.

http://parveentravels.com/E-ticketing/index.php

http://kpntravels.in/ou/frmuserhome.aspx

Trip to Thanjavur Tanjore Brahadeeswarar BrihadeeswaraTemple:

2007-05-26T05:19:00.001-07:00

Trip to Thanjavur Tanjore Brahadeeswarar BrihadeeswaraTemple:

Brihadeeswara Brihadiswara,

You can write to me on templeashok@yahoo.co.in for any clarifications /doubts..i shall try my best to be of use to u so that u have a good dharshan..you can also write to me on the mail id above for adding anything more to make it more useful and informative every small info will help as it has probably helped you so please write in..…

About General Place: Thanjavur,Tanjore

http://www.tanjore.net/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thanjavur

Hotels:

http://www.tanjore.net/hotel.htm

Details about the temple through links:

Photos of temple

http://aarbalaji.blogspot.com/search/label/Thanjavur%20Big%20Temple%20Brihadeeswara

http://withfriendship.com/user/fraud/thanjavur-brahadeeswarar-temple-photos.php

http://www.tamilnation.org/culture/architecture/thanjavur.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brihadisvara_Temple

http://www.indiantemples.com/Tamilnadu/brihtanj.html

Temple Phone Number:

Std Code-04362 Phone Number :

How I went:

Had been in Aug 1st week 2006 while touring Navagraha temples. Its an hour’s travel by bus from Kumbakonam. You can alight near the temple if you tell the bus conductor. I alighted and took an Auto to flower bazaar. It has always been my guru’s wish to garland the shiva linga here. So I thought I can garland on his behalf. The lingam is about 18 feet. You need to provide additional length for it to hang till down as the base is broader. So I bought a garland that was a connected garland of many other smaller garland of Roses about 20 feet long. I also took 6 other cocunut et all archanai bags for various deities inside the temple.

The priest

S Ganamani Gurukkal
2388,Ellaiamman Koil Street
Thanjavur

Ph:04362 274948(res)
Mobile: 9994107217

Was very helpful. You can refer my name as Ashok from Chennai.

This temple is a real sight and looks more like a very well kept picnic destination. The temple is real big. The nandi (bull in front of Shiva) is also huge. After doing the pooja I went around the temple. There is a shrine for one of the 18 siddhars who was instrumental in planning the temple called Karuvurar.

Once done I boarded my bus back to Kumbakonam.

How to reach

Nearest Airport – Trichy or Tiruchirapalli

Nearest Rail Head/ Railway Station – Tanjavur Junction. Rockfort Express (Train No 6177) goes straight from Chennai. It is an overnight journey. Otherwise you can go to trichy and take a bus from there which would take about 2 hours to reach Thanjavur.

Road Access: There are many buses from Chennai,Coimbatore and Trichy.

Preferred travel base: Trichy or Kumbakonam

STD Code of Madurai -04545

Railway Station code for Chennai Central – MAS

Most south bound trains especially to visit the places above start from Chennai Egmore (MS) Coimbatore –CBE Madurai –MDU Trichy Thiruchchirapalli – TPJ, Thanjavur –TJ

For Internet/ Mobile Railway ticket Booking in India use

http://www.irctc.co.in/

For Travel by Private bus to and fro to any major town in Tamilnadu and some interstate destinations use the links below for bus booking through internet.

http://parveentravels.com/E-ticketing/index.php

http://kpntravels.in/ou/frmuserhome.aspx

Trip to Palani,Tiruttani,Tiruchendur and other Arupadaiveedu

2007-05-24T05:28:00.000-07:00

Trip to Palani,Tiruttani,Tiruchendur and other Arupadaiveedu

You can write to me on templeashok@yahoo.co.in for any clarifications /doubts..i shall try my best to be of use to u so that u have a good dharshan..you can also write to me on the mail id above for adding anything more to make it more useful and informative every small info will help as it has probably helped you so please write in..…

The following temples are the Aru padai Veedu of Lord Muruga which means the most important temples.
Palani • Thiruchendur • Swamimalai • Thiruthani • Pazhamudircholai • Thiruparamkunram

Palani Murugan Temple

Details about the temple through links:

Official Website:

http://palani.org/

http://www.palanimurugantemple.org/

Other Wesites on Palani:

http://murugan.org/temples/palani.htm

http://www.palanitemples.com/famous_templesof_muruga.htm

http://www.answers.com/topic/palani-murugan-temple

Temple Phone Number:

Std Code-04545 Phone Number : 242236, 241417

How I went:

Have been here many times from Coimbatore. You can travel from Madurai or Coimbatore. The distance is roughly 3 hours by bus from both places.

Normally I take a 4 45 am bus from Coimbatore. Reach Palani by 7.15 am. You can either climb steps about 500 or there is a path called elephant path without steps but a little circuitous. Otherwise for Rs 25 the auto can leave you at electric rope way car station which is about 10 minutes ride. The electic car will leave you on top of hil in 10 minutes. It is best to first go and pray to the temple that is in the foot hill

http://www.kumbakonam.info/palanimurugan/templesaavinankudi.html

Once you are on top you can buy a special dharshan ticket and worship the lord. The major Prasad here is panjamirdam which is a mix of hill banana,jaggary,honey,ghee etc.

Once you come down you can visit other temples around using the link below

http://www.palanimurugantemple.org/

Once done normally I have a good breakfast at Chellam Canteen right opposite the bus stand . The food is good here.

hotels in palani

http://www.palanitemples.com/palani_lodges_hotels.htm

http://www.palanicity.com/hotel.html Use a 2 before each of the hotel numbers after dialing the std code 04545 for this link.

How to reach

Nearest Airport –Coimbatore

Nearest Rail Head/ Railway Station – DindigulJunction.

Road Access: There are many buses from Chennai,Coimbatore and Trichy.

Preferred travel base: Coimbatore

STD Code of Madurai -04545

Railway Station code for Chennai Central – MAS

Most south bound trains especially to visit the places above start from Chennai Egmore (MS) Coimbatore –CBE Madurai –MDU Trichy Thiruchchirapalli – TPJ Tirunelveli –TEN Tenkasi - TSI

For Internet/ Mobile Railway ticket Booking in India use

http://www.irctc.co.in/

Travel by Bus: From Chennai you can directly go and board busses from Koyembedu bus terminus.

For Travel by Private bus to and fro to any major town in Tamilnadu and some interstate destinations use the links below for bus booking through internet.

http://parveentravels.com/E-ticketing/index.php

http://kpntravels.in/ou/frmuserhome.aspx

Tiruttani Murugan Temple

Details about the temple through links:

http://murugan.org/temples/tiruttani.htm

http://www.answers.com/topic/thiruthani-murugan-temple

http://www.tiruttani.com/

http://www.templenet.com/Tamilnadu/m006.html

Temple Phone Number:

Std Code- Phone Number :

How I went:

Normally I take the Tirupati siiting train that leaves at 6.30 am reach by about 8 am and then take an auto for Rs.20 to leave me on top of the hill. You can also climb 300 odd steps and reach the temple. I take a special dharshan ticket. Beware of monkey that will snatch anything you hold hanging. I finish my dharshan and take a bus back to Chennai.
How to reach

Nearest Airport –Chennai

Nearest Rail Head/ Railway Station – Tiruttani. You can also take local electic trains to arokkonam from Chennai central. and then again take a local from there. Some locals go directly. Please enquire.

Road Access: There are many buses from Chennai.

Preferred travel base: Coimbatore, Palani or Dindugal.

STD Code of Madurai -04545

Railway Station code for Chennai Central – MAS Tirupati - TPTY

For Internet/ Mobile Railway ticket Booking in India use

http://www.irctc.co.in/

Travel by Bus: From Chennai you can directly go and board busses from Koyembedu bus terminus.

For Travel by Private bus to and fro to any major town in Tamilnadu and some interstate destinations use the links below for bus booking through internet.

http://parveentravels.com/E-ticketing/index.php

http://kpntravels.in/ou/frmuserhome.aspx

Tiruchendur Murugan Temple

You can reach this place from tirunelveli using busses or more comfortably by the list of trains given below. These do not need any reservation jus buy a ticket and get in. It takes 2.5 hours.

Tirunelveli-Tiruchendur Passenger runs between Tirunelveli Junction Railway Station and Tiruchendur Railway Station. Both stations are located in Tamil Nadu. Main stations on the way are Srivaikuntam, Nazareth and Kayalpatnam. The train operates daily and covers a distance of 62 km. Second class seating coaches are available.

Train Timings

Tirunelveli to Tiruchendur:
07:00 AM
11:15 AM
06:15 PM

Tiruchendur to Tirunelveli:
06:50 AM
02:00 PM
06:15 PM

Base fare: Class 2S – Rs 13.00

As on 24th Aug 2007 the above trains are not there as the trackes are being converted to broad guage.

There are many busses from tirunelveli new bus stand and the travel time is 1.5 hhrs to 1.75 hours. There are many busses from near railway station terminus to new bus stand. Auto will cost you Rs 80. The distance between railway station and new busstand is about 8 km.

Details about the temple through links:

http://tiruchendur.org/

http://www.answers.com/topic/thiruchendur-murugan-temple

http://www.tiruchendur.com/temple.html

http://www.templenet.com/Tamilnadu/m005.html

Hotel I stayed: Mani Iyer Hotel- Normal room tariff Rs.195-Boarding and lodging 04639 242109

Temple Phone Number:

Std Code- Phone Number : 04639-

How I went:

Have been here many times. I take a train from Chennai to Tirunelveli by night. Morning by by 8.30 you can be there. From there there are regular passenger trains that leave to Tiruchendur(list and timings given above). They take 2 hours to reach tiruchendur. You can also take a bus from Tirunelveli to Tiruchendur.

Once there I stay in hotel near temple beyond which the auto will not go. Near that last point there are two hotels. Mani iyer is one of them.

Once there I normally take the help of Mr.Ravi. Tell him Ashok Chennai had given the phone number. Am giving his contact details below. For a general good dharshan through him he charges Rs.100. If you want to do a milk offering etc for each it would cost Rs.150. Cost of participating in the pooja process charged seperately by the temple is Rs.100 for the pooja offerings.

Madras ravi-9344002239(mob) 04639243891(residence)..9443461309-raja his relative's cell no who will convey to him. Ravi’s house address is
145 veeraraghavapuram street,tiruchendur.628215 Generally he is in temple. If you call residence between 1 pm and 4 pm and afte 8.30 pm to 10 pm, he will be there.

He can take you around for a good dharshan of the temple and guide you. This place has so many touts who pounce on you and will just burn your pockets. So please be careful.

It is best to rach tiruchendur by 7pm or so in the night catch lord's last pooja at 8pm and retire to sleep. Wake up at 4 am and proceed to sea nearby the temple. Take bath in holy water of the sea near temple till sun rise and then proceed to Gnali Kinaru a well which is also holy water very near sea(rs 1 is chargedfor entry) this is a big well where steps will lead you to aplace where you will have two metal mugs..you can take bath to hearts content and wash of the sand from sea abth in the body and head etc...and then towel dry and proceed to the temple...please pay rs 5 and visit 5 lingas (panch linga) inside a small cave within the temple..lord muruga had sought his father shiva's blessings here..then proceed to worship the main lor muruga. ..there is also narayan, lord saturn and bhairav in the outer circle of the temple.

Hotels and Lodges in Tiruchendur

Hotel Mani Iyer -04639-242109,245769,246342,246343

Hotel Moorthy Mani iyer(New hotel and a sister concern)- 04639-246344

Both the above hotels are very near Temple

http://www.tiruchendur.com/lodges.html after dialing 04369 std code please use 2 before each of the hotel nos given in this link.

How to reach

Nearest Airport –Madurai . From Here you can take a 2 ½ hrs bus ride to Tirunelveli.

Nearest Rail Head/ Railway Station – Madurai Junction.

Road Access: There are many buses from Chennai,Coimbatore and Trichy.

Preferred travel base: Tirunelveli or Tiruchendur itself.

STD Code of Tiruchendur -04639

Railway Station code for Chennai Central – MAS

Most south bound trains especially to visit the places above start from Chennai Egmore (MS) Madurai –MDU Trichy Thiruchchirapalli – TPJ Tirunelveli –TEN

For Internet/ Mobile Railway ticket Booking in India use

http://www.irctc.co.in/

Travel by Bus: From Chennai you can directly go and board busses from Koyembedu bus terminus.

For Travel by Private bus to and fro to any major town in Tamilnadu and some interstate destinations use the links below for bus booking through internet.

http://parveentravels.com/E-ticketing/index.php

http://kpntravels.in/ou/frmuserhome.aspx

Swamimalai temple

Please read the link of mine below

http://templevisitsofashok.blogspot.com/2007/05/trip-to-tiruvalanchuzhi-tiruvalanchuli.html

Thirupparamkundram Temple

Please read the link of mine below

http://templevisitsofashok.blogspot.com/2007/05/trip-to-madurai-meenakshi-amman.html

Pazhamudircholai Temple

Please read the link of mine below

http://templevisitsofashok.blogspot.com/2007/05/trip-to-madurai-meenakshi-amman.html

Please use the link below to know on some other Muruga temples

http://www.murugan.org/temples/

blog, dharshan, India, pilgrimage, plan, sight seeing, south india, temple, temple visit, temples, temples near, tour, travel, visit, visiting temples,trip, kumbakonam, kumbakkonam, Divyadesam,Divya Desam,Nava, hotels,lodges,arupadaiveedu, aru padai veedu, aalayam, alayam, worship, paadal petra sthalam, kovil,koil, heritage, hindu
blog, dharshan, India, pilgrimage, plan, sight seeing, south india, temple, temple visit, temples, temples near, tour, travel, visit, visiting temples,trip, kumbakonam, kumbakkonam, Divyadesam,Divya Desam,Nava, hotels,lodges,arupadaiveedu, aru padai veedu, aalayam, alayam, worship, paadal petra sthalam, heritage, hindu

Trip to Kutraleeswarar, Tenkasi Viswanathar Temple

2007-05-22T02:30:00.000-07:00

Trip to Kutraleeswarar, Tenkasi Viswanathar Temple

You can write to me on templeashok@yahoo.co.in for any clarifications /doubts..i shall try my best to be of use to u so that u have a good dharshan..you can also write to me on the mail id above for adding anything more to make it more useful and informative every small info will help as it has probably helped you so please write in..…

Courtallam is very famous for it water falls with medicinal properties. The time to visit is generally between June 15th to Aug 15th . After the monsoon is over the water falls dries out.

General link on courtallam

http://www.chennaionline.com/toursntravel/ontheroad/courtallam1.asp

http://www.chennaionline.com/toursntravel/ontheroad/courtallam2.asp

http://www.chennaionline.com/toursntravel/ontheroad/courtallam.asp

The temple near it is of Kutralanathar.

Kutralanathar Temple:

Kutraleeswarar Kutralanathar Coutrallam Kutralam Kutraalam,Courtallam,Thirukutralam

Kurumpala Kurumbala

Details about the temple through links:

http://www.chennaionline.com/toursntravel/placesofworship/kutralam.asp

http://www.indiantemples.com/Tamilnadu/kutrkutr.html

Temple Phone Number:

Std Code- 04633 Phone Number :

How I went:

Courtallam is very famous for it water falls with medicinal properties. The time to visit is generally between June 15th to Aug 15th . After the monsoon is over the water falls dries out. There is a train which runs from Madras Egmore (station Code MS) to Tenkasi just 6 km away from Courtallam on Monday,Wednesday and Saturday. TSI is the station code. On other days it is best to come to tirunelveli (Station code TEN) and take a bus to courtallam which is about 1 ½ hrs from here.

I had reached here from Papanasam on 1st night at 9 pm. Put up at Shivanarayana lodge Rs.250 or Rs.300 Ph:9443417005(Mr.Arunacalam). Other lodges like kurinji etc were full due to season time. Kurinji hotel and lodge(more famous for quite some time) phone no is-04633- 283236, 283267( double room Rs.195, delux double 250 and ac 450( there is off season discount too).then there is dalvoy house where u can stay-04633-283027,283447

I mostly come to the water falls at Courtallam between 10th Aug to 24th Aug since I can have a bath freely. Otherwise between June and Aug the crowd is real heavy. I also make it a point to hit the water falls( mainfalls very near hotel..other falls are 5 falls abt 4km away, old falls 8 km away, tiger falls 3 km away,citraruvi 1km away, shenbagadevi falls 5 km away)) late in the night by 11pm when you can have a good bath. Leave all your things in room, keep money tightly packed inside two or three plastic covers in the shorts you are wearing to the water falls..you can have a good oil massage on the way..i had a full body ayurvedic massage at Rs.250. Is is enough if u have have a massage for rs 50 which includes rs 20 oil bottle) Bathed till 2 am. The best thing is people stay here for 1 week , keep having massage and go to falls and bathe..the water pouring from such great hiegt again massages the body and all the oil dissappears ..then they go back have food rest for a while and then again have oil massage and bathe have food..this cycle goes on..till today no one catches cold etc here) Then came back and slep in the room. At 6 am I got up and visited Kutralanather Temple did archanai et all. There are two ambals(lady godesses here)

There is view point of the falls at the backside of the temple. There is also agastiyar’s statue there. I had a peculiar vision of him. The experience was something I would cherish. I saw a green radium kind of glow around him in the form of aura.

Tenkasi Viswanathar temple

Details about the temple through links:

http://www.tenkasitemple.org/

http://www.dinamalar.com/koil_english/16_Kasiviswanathar_Tenkasi.asp

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tenkasi

http://www.tamilnadutourism.org/Gallery/PhotoGallery/pages/tenkasi-temple.htm

Temple Phone Number:

Std Code- 0---- Phone Number :

How I went:

From Courtalam I took an Auto for Rs 50 to drop me at the temple at 8 am. You can also take the very many busses that ply the route. This is supposed to be the kasi temple of the south. Did my archanai etc and left for tirunelveli from where I had booked my ticket in Nellai express back to Chennai.

How to reach

Nearest Airport –Madurai

Nearest Rail Head/ Railway Station – Madurai, Virudhunagar, Tirunelveli,

Best is to go to Tenkasi which is just about 6 km away from courtallam.

Road Access: There are many buses from Tirunelveli to the above places. There are two bus stands in Tirunelveli. So ask people where to board. Generally it is the new bus stand.

Preferred travel base Tirunelveli.

STD Code of Tirunelveli -0462

Railway Station code for Chennai Central – MAS

Most south bound trains especially to visit the places above start from Chennai Egmore (MS) Coimbatore –CBE Madurai –MDU Trichy Thiruchchirapalli – TPJ Tirunelveli –TEN Tenkasi - TSI

For Internet/ Mobile Railway ticket Booking use http://www.irctc.co.in/

blog, dharshan, India, pilgrimage, plan, sight seeing, south india, temple, temple visit, temples, temples near, tour, travel, visit, visiting temples,trip, kumbakonam, kumbakkonam, Divyadesam,Divya Desam,Nava, hotels,lodges,arupadaiveedu, aru padai veedu, aalayam, alayam, worship, paadal petra sthalam, kovil,koil, heritage, hindu

Trip to Nava Tirupati and Papanasam Temple

2007-05-22T01:58:00.000-07:00

Trip to Nava Tirupati and Papanasam Temple

You can write to me on templeashok@yahoo.co.in for any clarifications /doubts..i shall try my best to be of use to u so that u have a good dharshan..you can also write to me on the mail id above for adding anything more to make it more useful and informative every small info will help as it has probably helped you so please write in..…

Nava Tirupathi, Tirupati Tirupathi Divya Desam

Details about the temple through links:

http://home.att.net/~srivai/nt.htm

Temple Phone Number:

Std Code- --- Phone Number :

How I went:

On 1st aug 2006, morning I hired a taxi at 6 am started from Vaikuntam which opened at about 7.45 am..you can start at 7 am to avoid waiting…then the taxi driver took me one after the other to all the temples and by 12 pm be sure to finish the temples because then the temples start closing and you may then be left out from seeing one or two of them.. so generally see it in slightly hurried pace though I feel there is enough time…I did not have any breakfast..if you wish to have have some bread etc at 6 am at some tea stall on the way..dont stop for elaborate breakfast as you may end up not seeing some temples. These are vashnavite equivalent of navagraha temples near kumbakonam which are built around shiva temples.

The taxi trip cost me about Rs 600. Taxi Provider–vinod-9843337456

Papanasam Temple

Papavinaseswarar, papavinasar

Details about the temple through links:

http://mailerindia.com/temples/history/index.php?papanasam

Temple Phone Number:

Std Code- 044 Phone Number :

How I went:

On 1st aug 2006, afternoon from Tirunelveli I took a bus to Papanasam about 60 kms from there about 1 ½ hrs. This temple is situated on Tamiraparani river in which I had a wonderful bath. Worshipped shiva and left for Courtallam for overnight stay there and visiting Kutralanathar and Tenkasi Viswanathar on 2nd Aug 2006. Bus takes about 2 ½ to 3 hrs hrs to reach courtallam from Papanasam.

How to reach

Nearest Airport –Madurai

Nearest Rail Head/ Railway Station – Tirunelveli Tenkasi is about 6 km away.

Road Access: There are many buses from Tirunelveli to the above places. There are two bus stands in Tirunelveli. So ask people where to board

Preferred travel base Tirunelveli.

STD Code of Tirunelveli -0462

Railway Station code for Chennai Central – MAS

Most south bound trains especially to visit the places above start from Chennai Egmore (MS) Coimbatore –CBE Madurai –MDU Trichy Thiruchchirapalli – TPJ Tirunelveli –TEN Tenkasi - TSI

For Internet/ Mobile Railway ticket Booking use www.irctc.co.in

blog, dharshan, India, pilgrimage, plan, sight seeing, south india, temple, temple visit, temples, temples near, tour, travel, visit, visiting temples,trip, kumbakonam, kumbakkonam, Divyadesam,Divya Desam,Nava, hotels,lodges,arupadaiveedu, aru padai veedu, aalayam, alayam, worship, paadal petra sthalam, kovil,koil, heritage, hindu

Trip to Nellaiappar Nellaiyappar Temple Tirunelveli

2007-05-22T01:48:00.000-07:00

Trip to Nellaiappar Nellaiyappar Temple Tirunelveli

You can write to me on templeashok@yahoo.co.in for any clarifications /doubts..i shall try my best to be of use to u so that u have a good dharshan..you can also write to me on the mail id above for adding anything more to make it more useful and informative every small info will help as it has probably helped you so please write in..…

Details about the temple through links:

http://www.chennaionline.com/hotelsandtours/Placesofworship/12temple32.asp

http://www.indiantemples.com/Tamilnadu/nelltiru.html

http://www.answers.com/topic/nellaiappar-temple

http://www.templenet.com/Tamilnadu/s179.html

Temple Phone Number:

I had the fortune of being shown around by Mr.
R Suresh Pattar
43/2 swami sannithi theru tirunelveli town 622006
0462-2321562,9894016850

You could also take his help if you are doing any special poojas at the temple.

Std Code- 0462 Phone Number :

How I went:

I came here by bus from Madurai. The travel time from Madurai to Tirunelveli is 2 ½ hours on 31 july 2006 afternnon reaching here by 4 pm.

Put up at hotel aryas. For the phone number of this hotel and other hotels use link below:

http://www.tamilnadutourism.org/hotels/privatehotels/TirunelveliHotels.aspx?catid=C7&subcat1id=C7S2&subcat2id=C7S2S12&sm=C7S2S12

Entered Tirunelveli nellaiappar temple 5.50 pm sought the blessings of lord Ganesh, did my archanai to shiva and abhishekam to Shiva, and had got a maroon saree for amman which was tied around her .. there is also a shrine to lord muruga…Hopefully saw real shiva in disguise at around 8.15 pm..
exited by 8.50 pm from the temple.

There is a nice veg hotel for having food called Saravana right in front of the temple. The food is good here.

First step Kundalini got aroused at 10:51,52,53 pm in Jupiter hora

How to reach

Nearest Airport –Madurai

Nearest Rail Head/ Railway Station – Tirunelveli Tenkasi is about 6 km away.

Road Access: There are many buses from Tirunelveli to the above places. There are two bus stands in Tirunelveli. So ask people where to board

Preferred travel base Tirunelveli.

STD Code of Tirunelveli -0462

Railway Station codeS:

For Chennai Central – MAS

Most south bound trains especially to visit the places above start from Chennai Egmore whose station code is (MS) Madurai –MDU Trichy Thiruchchirapalli – TPJ Tirunelveli –TEN Tenkasi - TSI

For Internet/ Mobile Railway ticket Booking use http://www.irctc.co.in/

blog, dharshan, India, pilgrimage, plan, sight seeing, south india, temple, temple visit, temples, temples near, tour, travel, visit, visiting temples,trip, kumbakonam, kumbakkonam, Divyadesam,Divya Desam,Nava, hotels,lodges,arupadaiveedu, aru padai veedu, aalayam, alayam, worship, paadal petra sthalam, kovil,koil, heritage, hindu

Trip to Madurai Meenakshi, Tirupparankundram, Pazhamudir Cholai Azhagar Koil temples and Thiru Moghur Divya Desam

2007-05-22T01:46:00.000-07:00

Trip to Madurai Meenakshi, Tirupparankundram, Pazhamudir Cholai Azhagar Koil temples and Thiru Moghur Divya Desam

You can write to me on templeashok@yahoo.co.in for any clarifications /doubts..i shall try my best to be of use to u so that u have a good dharshan..you can also write to me on the mail id above for adding anything more to make it more useful and informative every small info will help as it has probably helped you so please write in..…

Use the link below to know generally on temple in and around Madurai

Madurai temples:

http://www.chennaionline.com/toursntravel/placesofworship/madurai.asp

Some hotels in Madurai - http://www.madurai.com/hotel.htm

Meenakshi Amman Temple

Details about the temple through links:

http://www.maduraimeenakshi.org/

http://www.chennaionline.com/toursntravel/placesofworship/meenakashi.asp

http://www.madurai.com/meena.htm

http://www.templenet.com/Tamilnadu/madurai/excellence.html

http://www.templenet.com/Tamilnadu/s028.html

Temple Phone Number:

Std Code- Phone Number :

How I went: Arrived here from Rameswaram after visitng Thiruppulani and Nainar Koil on 30 july 2006 at 7 pm. Put up in Hotel KPS near College House and walkable distance from Meenakshi temple. Otherwise you can take a cycle rickshaw or auto to the temple. The 24 hr check out rent is Rs 150. You can also stay at College house near this place which is a little costly. I anyway have my food at college house only and a must try Jighardanda(a cold milk shake kind of thing) at place called Famous in East marret street. I immediately went to the Meenakshi Temple and did the archanai et all. First you should go to Meenakshi and then only to Shiva.

After this, I had met a driver near taxi stand of College house. His name was Murugan arranged for taking me to tiruparankundram and thirumogur for Rs.425..His cell no is 9344132725. I asked him to report at 5.30 am on 31st which he did very promptly.

Tiruparankundram, Thirupparamkunram, Tirupparankundram, Tirupparamkundram

Details about the temple through links:

http://www.murugan.org/temples/parankundram.htm

http://www.answers.com/topic/thirupparamkunram-murugan-temple

http://www.chennaionline.com/toursntravel/placesofworship/tirupparankundram.asp

http://www.madurai.com/thirup.htm

http://www.templenet.com/Tamilnadu/s183.html

http://www.templenet.com/Tamilnadu/m002.html

Temple Phone Number:

Std Code- Phone Number :

How I went:

On 31st July early morning at 6 I was at tiruparangundram temple. After praying to lord ganesh, I went to the tepam (temple tank), fed the fish be very very careful as I found the steps very very slippery.. one slip and you would bang your head on the many steps and will be in deep water.. there are many small cave kind of rock cut temples. This is one of the main aru padai veedu of Lord Muruga. Finished and left for Thiru Moghur.

Thiru Moghur Divya Desam

Details about the temple through links:

http://www.srivari.com/pandiyatirupathigal/thirumoghur.htm

http://www.divyadesamonline.com/moghur.asp

Temple Phone Number:

Std Code- Phone Number :

How I went:

This place is about 18 km away on a deviation from the road to trichy via melur. I had been given the contact of

Ramakrishna battar
Thirumoghur 625107
04522422744
9842524325

He is a priest here. You can refer my name as Ashok from Chennai. I did the regular pooja and also paid for doing pooja on 11 Thursdays to Chakrathalwar who is very powerful here. This is one of the 108 divya desam. The place is so very green and serene.

Azhagar Koil

Details about the temple through links:

http://www.madurai.com/azhagar.htm

http://www.templenet.com/Tamilnadu/df102.html

Temple Phone Number:

Std Code- Phone Number :

How I went:

My friend Mr.Balu took me in his bike to this place. You also have regular busses from Madurai to Alagharkoil which is a 40 minute ride. The temple is real good. This is a Vishnu temple.

Pazhamudir cholai, Pazhamutir

Details about the temple through links:

http://www.murugan.org/temples/palamuthircolai.htm

http://mailerindia.com/temples/history/index.php?pazhamuthircholai

http://www.templenet.com/Tamilnadu/m003.html

Temple Phone Number:

Std Code- Phone Number :

How I went:

From Alagharkoil, this place is just 4 km away and busses strart from near the temple to take you up hill to Pazhamudir cholai. This is another Aru padai Veedu of lord Muruga where he tested Avvaiyar. The Naaval fruit Tree is still there and gives fruit in a non season time. There is a small water fountain (Chunai) a little further up hill. The water is tasty here and is considered sacred.

By 1 pm on 31st my friend dropped me back at the hotel in Madurai. I had my lunch and proceeded to Tirunelveli about 2 ½ hours from here.

How to reach

Nearest Airport –Madurai

Nearest Rail Head/ Railway Station – Madurai Junction.

Road Access: There are many buses from Chennai,Coimbatore and Trichy.

Preferred travel base: Madurai

STD Code of Madurai -0452

Railway Station code for Chennai Central – MAS

Most south bound trains especially to visit the places above start from Chennai Egmore (MS) Coimbatore –CBE Madurai –MDU Trichy Thiruchchirapalli – TPJ Tirunelveli –TEN Tenkasi - TSI

For Internet/ Mobile Railway ticket Booking in India use http://www.irctc.co.in/

blog, dharshan, India, pilgrimage, plan, sight seeing, south india, temple, temple visit, temples, temples near, tour, travel, visit, visiting temples,trip, kumbakonam, kumbakkonam, Divyadesam,Divya Desam,Nava, hotels,lodges,arupadaiveedu, aru padai veedu, aalayam, alayam, worship, paadal petra sthalam, kovil,koil, heritage, hindu

Trip to Somnath and Dwarka

2007-05-21T18:48:00.000-07:00

Trip to Somnath and Dwarka Dwaraka Temple

You can write to me on templeashok@yahoo.co.in for any clarifications /doubts..i shall try my best to be of use to u so that u have a good dharshan..you can also write to me on the mail id above for adding anything more to make it more useful and informative every small info will help as it has probably helped you so please write in..…

Somnath Temple

This is one of the 12 Jyotir Linga Temples of India in Gujarat. The other temple in Gujarat that is a Jyotirlinga is Nageshwar near Dwarka (http://www.indiantemples.com/Western/nageshwar.htm

http://www.templenet.com/jyotir.html

Details about the temple through links:

Official Website: http://www.somnath.org/egindex.html

http://www.templenet.com/Western/somnath.html

http://www.gujarattourism.com/destination/religious-temples/jun_somnath.html

http://www.rajkot.com/tourism/somnath.htm

http://www.ahmedabadcity.com/tourism/html/temp_somnath.html

http://www.vegetarian-restaurants.net/India-Guide/IndianStates/Gujarat/Somnath.htm

Temple Phone Number: http://www.somnath.org/PILGRIM-FACILITIES.html

Std Code- 02876-- Phone Number :

How I went:

From Chennai I had traveled to Mumbai and took a train to Ahmedabad. You can take a train alternatively from Chennai direct to Ahmedabad called Navjivan Express or take a flight. From Ahmedabad I took a train to Veraval called Somnath express at 9.45 pm to reach by 6.15 am. Will provide where I stayed just to have a bath and vacate later. I paid about Rs 250 for the same. This hotel was in veravel itself. Then I took an autoat 7 am for Rs 100 to show me around. They generally have a list of places of interest around somnath. On the way I visited the place where Samadhi of Krishna is. Towards the end of the Avatar he was really annoyed by the goings of his fellow men and sitting here when a hunter mistook his feet for an animal and shot an arrow.

S#
Select
Train No
Train Name
Departure
Arrival
Runs on
1
1464
VERAVAL EXPRESS
08:15
17:10
M - W TH F S -

2
9221
SOMNATH EXPRESS
21:45
06:15
M T W TH F S SU

3
6334
VERAVAL EXPRESS
07:20
16:20
- - W - - - -

Return Train to Ahmedabad

#
Select
Train No
Train Name
Departure
Arrival
Runs on
1
1463
VRL JBP EXPRESS
10:05
18:25
- T W TH F - SU

2
9222
SOMNATH EXPRESS
19:30
04:00
M T W TH F S SU

If you come by this train 9222 back to ahmedabad you can book yourself in karnavati express at 4.55 am so as to reach Mumbai (borivalli) at 11.45 am.

Somnath temple actually two temples nearby. First is the original temple which has Shiva lingas in ground and first floor. Please carry vilva leaves and milk sold nearby as offering to lord. You can yourself pour it on the linga and also touch the linga…then there is a stair leading up..do the sme thing there too..after this go to new somnath temple about 50 mts away built by sardar patel and have a dharshan. Normally there is a que here. You are asked to deposit your belongings including cell phone in a counter meant for that. The sea side view is great. You can also bathe in sea. We finished our dharshan by 10 am Saw Bhalkha theerth, Triveni Sangam where three rivers meet.

How to reach

Nearest Airport – Keshod, Ahmedabad

Nearest Rail Head/ Railway Station – Veravel which is 5 km away from Somnath.

Road Access: There are many buses from Ahmedabad.

Preferred travel base: Ahmedabad

STD Code of Ahmedabad -072

Railway Station code for Chennai Central – MAS Chennai Egmore (MS) Coimbatore –CBE Madurai –MDU Trichy Thiruchchirapalli – TPJ Tirunelveli Tenkasi - TSI , Kumbakonam –KMU Mumbai –BCT for Bombay Central, DR for Dadar, LTT Kurla Lokamanya Tilak Station, BVI for Borivali,Ahmedabad –ADI . These codes are given to help you in booking through the site given below.

For Internet/ Mobile Railway ticket Booking use http://www.irctc.co.in/

Dwarka Temple

Dwarkadhish, lord Krishna

Details about the temple through links:

Official Website: http://www.dwarkadhish.org/

http://www.gujarattourism.com/destination/religious-temples/jam_dwarkadhis.html

http://www.vegetarian-restaurants.net/India-Guide/IndianStates/Gujarat/Dwarka.htm

http://www.gujarattourism.com/destination/religious-temples/ankur%20minde%20you%20that%20they%20have%20mx%20record%20point%20on%20qmail%20and%20%22A%22%20record%20point%20in%20PLESKz

http://www.indiantemples.com/Western/dwarka.htm

http://www.answers.com/topic/dwarka

http://www.ahmedabadcity.com/tourism/html/temp_dwarka.html

Temple Phone Number: http://www.dwarkadhish.org/contact-details.aspx

Std Code- 02892 Phone Number :

Hotels at Dwarka: http://www.dwarkadhish.org/tour-guide.aspx

How I went:

From Somnath we left for Porbandar at 11 am by a minibus which took about 5 hrs to reach. From here we again took a bus to dwarka which is about two hrs ride. We reached dwarka at 6 pm. Had a dharshan and slept in a lodge. There is a real good gujrathi bojanalya where you get home food here forget the name..this is run by two brothers and generally though both are next door kinds the one on the right if you face the hotel is recommended. We booked a private matador van ticket..many such people operate for the next day morning to take us around dwarka which is nageshwar a one of the 12 jotirlinga shrine of Shiva, gopi talav (where krishna used to play with gopikas and where you get the special slightly yellow mud called chandan that you apply on head and body ), bet dwarka(palace of lord Krishna for which you travel by boat) , rukmini devi temple. The charge is Rs 200. Generally these leave through the day..but we took the 6.30 am one..we had a good dharshan of all these and returned to dwarka by 1 pm. Rested till 3 pm. Took a bus to porbander about 2 hrs away. Had booked my tickets from Porbandar to Ahmedabad by train by 10 pm. So from 6 pm generally hung around porbander and then came to the wonderful beach here sat for about 3 hrs and then went to the station to board the train to Ahmedabad.

How to reach

Nearest Airport –Jamnagar,Porbander

Nearest Rail Head/ Railway Station – Dwarka,Okha. From Mumbai you can take the train below. You can take the same trai from Ahmedabad by 5 am also. Otherwise travel to porbander and take a bus from there to Dwarka which takes about 2 hrs.

1
9005
SAURASHTRA MAIL
20:25
15:13
M T W TH F S SU

Road Access: There are many buses from Ahmedabad,Rajkot,Porbander.

Preferred travel base: Ahmedabad

STD Code of Ahmedabad -072

Railway Station code for Chennai Central – MAS Chennai Egmore (MS) Coimbatore –CBE Madurai –MDU Trichy Thiruchchirapalli – TPJ Tirunelveli Tenkasi - TSI , Kumbakonam –KMU Mumbai –BCT for Bombay Central, DR for Dadar, LTT Kurla Lokamanya Tilak Station, BVI for Borivali,Ahmedabad –ADI,Veravel – VRL, Dwarka -DWK . These codes are given to help you in booking through the site given below.

For Internet/ Mobile Railway ticket Booking in India use http://www.irctc.co.in/

blog, dharshan, India, pilgrimage, plan, sight seeing, south india, temple, temple visit, temples, temples near, tour, travel, visit, visiting temples,trip, kumbakonam, kumbakkonam, Divyadesam,Divya Desam,Nava, hotels,lodges,arupadaiveedu, aru padai veedu, aalayam, alayam, worship, paadal petra sthalam, kovil,koil, heritage, hindu

Trip to Thiruneermalai and Trishulanathar temple near chennai airport

2007-05-14T22:14:00.000-07:00

Keywords: Temple Temples India South India Tamilnad Tamilnadu Visit, Tour Pilgrimage, Dharshan ,

You can write to me on templeashok@yahoo.co.in for any clarifications /doubts..i shall try my best to be of use to u so that u have a good dharshan..you can also write to me on the mail id above for adding anything more to make it more useful and informative every small info will help as it has probably helped you so please write in..…

Thiruneermalai

Tiruneermalai, Thiruneer malai, Tiruneer Malai

This is a divya desam of Vishnu ..

Details about the temple through links:

http://www.divyadesamonline.com/hindu/temples/chennai/tiruneermaialai-temple.asp

http://templenet.com/Tamilnadu/df061.html

Temple Phone Number:

Std Code- 044 Phone Number :22385484

How I went:

On 16th May 2007, early morning 6 am went by scooter on airport tambaram highway and after pallavaram there is a road that takes right which leads to the temple..was there by 7 am..there is a near dry temple tank..then there is a temple at the bottom of the hill and then there is a 200 step climb up a small hill that again leads to ranganathar temple.. had to wait long..generally I was told the temple opens at 8 am..did archanai/pooja with coconut et all and offered tulsi mala three pieces and one jasmine mala to the gods up hill and oe each to lords at the bottom of the hill..I loved this place after an hour proceeded to Trishulanathar temple enroute…

Trishulanathar Temple

Thrisulanathar

This is a divya desam of Vishnu ..

Details about the temple through links:

http://www.eprarthana.com/temples/chennai/tn216tris.asp?tid=216

Temple Phone Number:

Std Code- 044 Phone Number :

How I went:

On 16th May 2007, after finishing my vist to tiruneermalai, by 8 am I took a road very near trisulam station and opposite airport ..then took a right to thistemple..its about 2 km from main road…I found the temple to be of fairly old origin a good temple to see of lord Shiva…

Trip to Ashtalakshmi Temple and Kaligambal Temple Chennai

2007-05-14T22:10:00.000-07:00

Trip to Ashtalakshmi Temple and Kaligambal Temple Chennai

Keywords: Temple Temples India South India Tamilnad Tamilnadu Visit, Tour Pilgrimage, Dharshan ,
Ashta Lakshmi Eight Kalikambal

You can write to me on templeashok@yahoo.co.in for any clarifications /doubts..i shall try my best to be of use to u so that u have a good dharshan..you can also write to me on the mail id above for adding anything more to make it more useful and informative every small info will help as it has probably helped you so please write in..…

Ashtalakshmi Temple Besant Nagar, Chennai

Today March 23rd 2007 is a Friday .this temple is near besant nagar beach..ask for kalakshetra colony and ask for directions ..it is on the beach….came here at 10.30 am..bought 3 small tulasi malas for Vishnu (Main Deity), anjaneya and guruvayur appan, and 9 bits of jasmine flower mala which is one for Laksmi (Main Deity) with Vishnu and others for 8 lakshmi’s you can get to do pooja to all 8 lakhmi’s listed below for Rs 101 by buying a ticket they will give a kum mum packet that you keep giving to priests..tehy willreturn it after doing kum kum archana to to the lakshmi’s to carry to the other lakshmi..so at the end you would have done poojas to all lakshmi’s and each lakshmi would have given her kum kum Prasad to you in the same packet…

The eight Mahalakshmi's are Sri Aadhi lakshmi the Goddess of health, Sri Dhanya lakshmi the Goddess of food, Sri Dhairya lakshmi the Goddess of courage, Sri Gaja lakshmi the Goddess of luck, Sri Santhana Lakshmi the Goddess of children, Sri Dhana lakshmi the Goddess of wealth, Sri Vijaya lakshmi the Goddess of victory and Sri Vidya lakshmi the Goddess of education. Other deities in the temple are Hanuman, Guruvayurappan and Ganesh

http://www.chennaionline.com/toursntravel/placesofworship/mahalakshmi.asp

http://www.saigan.com/heritage/temple/8lakshmi.html

Kaligambal Temple Chennai

This temple is in thambuchetty street..Tuesday and Fridays are very crowded…most info on the temple is in the link below which is their official site

http://www.chennaisrikaligambal.com/

On March 23rd Prahalad (son) and I reached this temple at 4 pm ..bought coconut et all for archanai and a 54 lemon mala ..did our first prayer to lord vinayaga ganesh on the side of the main temple and then went inside in que..after you exit from dharshan you can go around and come back in and que again for sitting in front of the goddess..there is no payment and no special ticket etc..everyone is allowed in que… this is the best part..

Trip to Panchavati Anjaneyar Hanuman and Prathyankara Devi near Pondicherry

2007-05-14T22:06:00.000-07:00

Trip to Panchavati Anjaneyar Temple and Prathyankara Temple Moratandi Pondicherry

Keywords: Visit Tour Pilgrimage Dharshan Temple India Tamilnadu Tamilnad Panchavatee Hanuman Panchamukha Panchamuga, Anjaneya
Pondy, Puducheri
Prathiyangera prathyankara pratyankara prathyangira

You can write to me on templeashok@yahoo.co.in for any clarifications /doubts..i shall try my best to be of use to u so that u have a good dharshan..you can also write to me on the mail id above for adding anything more to make it more useful and informative I will do that…

On 06-02-07 I went to koyembedu bus stand at 4 am and boarded a bus to pondycherry via tindivanam route…in about 2 hrs and 40 minutes I got down at Panchavati Anjaneya temple..please tell your conductor you wish to get down in this temple and that he has to take the responsibility of reminding you…it comes on the left hand side of the road and the temple is on the main road itself…my conductor kept shouting somewhere despite several reminders..so I missed out on getting down anyways 99% of the busses stop in kootu road which is just about 5 min ahead..got down there and too an auto from there for rs.20 getting back on the same road..thedharshan of 5 headed anjaneyar was good …did pooja and then 5 rounds of the temple..its a fairly new temple and has a link to the founder of anjaneyar temple nanganallur Chennai..they give you nice Prasadam to eat..for this you need to exit through the right gate(if you stand facing hanuman there will be a right wall and a small exit..on the very same side you also have very neat toilets..after eating proceeded to prthankara temple about 20 min from here

phoneno of panchavati temple: 0413-2678823, 2671232

Prathyankara Temple

http://www.pondyonline.com/User/Common/NikumbhalaShetram.aspx

I took an auto from panchavati for Rs 40 to drop me at Prathyankara temple..it is off the main road by about three km..bought coconut et all with red arali flower garland and then proceeded to do an archanai at the temple..u have to break the coconut outside the temple and carry it inside..someone will help u in this ..she is a very very powerful goddess thre are two statues of her one outside open to sky stand 72 feet tall and one inside slightly underground about 4 feet…this place is in the midst of 8 graveyards(don’t panic) ..you cant see them..many evil forces (if you believe) just leave as you enter the temple…I saw one lady jus tbehaving abnormally on entering and the priest caught her front tuft of hair and poured holy water and next 5 min she walked out as though nothing was ever wrong with her daughter and husband…I came out and then lit two lamps near the open to sky statue..the goddess loves to be worshiped on 8th day after full moon called ashtami..on this day they do pooja in midnight till 4 am..generally Tuesdays, new moon days and Friday are little crowded

temple ph no: 0413-3204288,2907871

From here if you want to get back to Chennai..go back in auto for rs 20 to the main road ie tindivanam pondycherry road ..dont try going back in tindivanam route Chennai busses..busses don’t stop or are very crowded…go to pondicherry in private busses that ply and take a ECR road bus to Chennai..i did that.. was back by 5 pm…

Trip to Tiruvannamalai Thiruvannamalai Thiru Annamalai Arunachaleshwar Annamalaiyar Seshadri & Ramana ashram,temple,travel,visit,tour

2007-05-14T05:20:00.000-07:00

CLICK ON THE ABOVE IMAGE IN FULL BRIGHT SCREEN MODE TO SEE THE MAGNIFIED AND CLEAR IMAGE AND THEN USE BACK BUTTON TO GO BACK

Visit to Tiruvannamalai Thiruvannamalai Thiru Annamalai Arunachaleshwar Annamalaiyar Seshadri Swamigal & Ramanashram Ramana ashram skandashram skandashramam virupaksha cave

Keywords:

Annamalayaar or Arunachaleswarar Sri Yogi Ram Surat Kumar

http://tiruvannamalai.yogiramsuratkumar.net/Tiruvannamalai_Tourist_Information.html

What is so special about the place with respect to spitituality..read link ( http://tiruvannamalai.yogiramsuratkumar.net/Tiruvannamalai_Pilgrimage.html )

http://akdurairaj.tripod.com/html/temple_history.html

http://www.templenet.com/Tamilnadu/Tiruvannamalai/tiruvannamalai.html

http://www.vegetarian-restaurants.net/India-Guide/IndianStates/Tamil-Nadu/Tiruvannamalai.htm

Though I have come here many times I am blogging on this trip since I am taking Prahalad my son there for the first time under guidance of my Guru.Mr.Uma Chander on Swathi Nakshatra Day which is on 5th.

We came back on 4th afternoon 1.30 to Chennai from Tirupati and after resting till 3 pm went to koyembedu bus stand Chennai to take a bus to Tiruvannamalai which is about 4 hrs from the time the bus starts. Reached there by 8 pm.

I normally stay at kalaimagal lodge details below which is just 100 mtrs from temple..

Hotel Kalaimagal lodge-04175(std code) Phone 254215 normally a double room is Rs 350 here and you can do a phone reservation before you start ..similarly u canstay very next door to main entrance of temple in hotel arunachala 04175228 300,228400,228488.....www.hotelarunachala.com

If you want to stay near ramanashram and seshadri ashram you can stay at ARUNA home..u can call Mr.Satish/Arumugam for reservations on 9486722892 or on 04175 236120. http://www.arhometvm.com/ is their site and arhome_sathish@yahoo.com is their id for email contact.

Other lodges where you can stay are in the link below

http://tiruvannamalai.yogiramsuratkumar.net/Tiruvannamalai_Lodge_Addresses.html

I also visit this place during kartikkai deepam when I stay at ashrams below.. use the std codes above..u need to reserve here before hand u can also mail them..generally you need to donate Rs.1000 to ashram for feeding the poor..the rooms would cost Rs 100..if you are planning a visit during deepam book your rooms in ashram latest by August..ramanashram ( http://www.ramana-maharshi.org/ashram_frameset.htm ) also serves food during your stay..seshadri ashram has a canteen you can buy from.. both ashrams are literally next door and it may cost rs 20 or rs 30 from temple or bus stand to ashram by auto.

other ashrams where you can stay are given in link below

http://tiruvannamalai.yogiramsuratkumar.net/Tiruvannamalai_Ashram_Address.html

It is supposed to be very good for you if you can do the girivalam going around the mountain or hill Arunachala near its base which is 14 km..( http://tiruvannamalai.yogiramsuratkumar.net/Tiruvannamalai_Girivalam.aspx )the route is tar road and on plain ground....any day is preferable.. but full moon day and the day of deepam are the most preferred…it will be very very crowded on these days but still you can walk around..it takes 4 hours by walk to do the giri valam girivalam parikrama if you don’t have the time you can go around the mountain in auto ..on the way there are 8 lingas shiva temples in 8 directions which you are supposed to visit and offer prayers as you go around..the auto charges are rs 200 for this

http://www.tamilnadutourism.org/ organises tours on full moon days..click on the link and go to tours and see the details which are given below

Fare Details
Tickets
Coach
Fare per person
Adult
A/C
Rs.500/-
Adult
Non A/C
Rs.290/-
Remarks
Special Darshan Rs. 50/- extra for the tour leaving at 10 a.m.
Tour Days & Duration
One-day tour. Leaves Chennai on all Full Moon day at 10.00 a.m. / 2:00 p.m. and returns at 6:00 a.m. on the next day.
Places Covered On the tour
Thiruvannamalai Girivalam
Book Online Book Offline

Seshadri ashram-236999,238599

Ramanashram 237292

Ramanashram
04175
237292

ashram@ramana-maharshi.org
http://www.ramana-maharshi.org/ashram_frameset.htm
Seshadri ashram
04175
236999
238599

After settling in the room we had our tiffen and slept….next day morning 6 am we were there in temple after bath..bought coconut et all for archanai first on the entry gate is a ganesh vinayakar ..prayed to him..then immediately you have lord muruga temple where he appeared in front of Arunagirinathar…then there is a bid nandi (bull)..then you enter inside ..at 6 am you can normally find the koil madu cow fully decorated ..offer it agathi plant leaves..the person minding the cow will offer this to you…seek its blessings..if you want to watch the cow opening the temple door be there in front of the door by 5.15…they do a pooja to cow and then only open the temple by a push to the door by the cow..you will also find the temple elephant seek its blessings..on the side you get vilva leaves in a temple authorized shop..shiva is very fond of this..buy kum kum for the goddess …you can also nuy ghee for pouring in the lamp in front of lord shiva…by now you will be near a big orange vinayaga lord ganesh..pray to him.. after this you can get a special entrance ticket for rs 20.. see the lord..if you want to do special pooja or abhishekam the two people whose contacts are given below will be of help..please call them one or two days in advance so that they can assist you please pay them personally what you feel generally rs 100 and above…they are temple priests so don’t talk to them as if they are some tout or guide or someone who is after money..please treat and talk normally and respectfully…

PT Shankar Sivaachariyar
9443219925
04175220188 (residence)
Pt.shankar@yahoo.co.in

V.Murthi gurukkal

9443542859

After lord shiva’s siva’s dharshan he call lord Annamalaiyar here..go around the outer pathway and then reach the temple of goddess Unnamulai Amman. The special entrance ticket for twenty is for both …after this come out and pray to navagrahas planets..and then go around the temple (inner outer path that will circle both lord shiva and goddess) once or three times..exit..near the outer nandi you will find patala linga a place underground where ramana maharishi meditated and from where seshadri maha rishi brought him out…

After exiting we went to seshadri ashram which can be viewed in half hour ..in front of this ashram is a hotel which serves continental cuisine that is good..there is lot of space and lot of foreigners will also be there seen relaxing…then we went by walk to ramana maharishi ashram meditated and then walked to the back of the ashram where there is a gate that leads to a pathway which takes you to a cave skandashram skandashramam where ramana maharishi had meditated..the climb is about 40 min up the mountain track..fairly easy climb since the path is a rough laid path..you will gasp for breath though..after meditiating at the cave where you will realize what silence is…just go slightly up on stairs that lead from the cave about 20 steps and you will reach a nice stream of water and a big tree under which you can relax..then you take a different path down right in front of the cave to virupaksha cave where again ramana had meditated…this cave is bigger dark and silent too..then you visit gughai namasivayar temple on the way down..ask some one for directions..if you keep going down you will reach the outer wall of the temple..take an auto to you place of stay..from here we took an auto for rs 250 to and fro to meet an 80 year old saint called Shri Vellaianandha Swamigal in a place called Karumarpatti which is about 20 km from Tiruvannamalai and got his blessings... we did all this and then vacated the room, boarded the bus to Chennai (there is a token system for reserving seats in a line..please use it) and were back in Chennai at 5pm on 5th…

Near temple i would recommend abirami hotel for breakfast and lunch..
Near ramanashram opposite seshadri ashram there is Aura Usha in for continental feed especially for foreigners it also has indian food and buffet...again in seshadri ashram there is a hotel just inside entrance which serves good breakfast and lunch and dinner...

If you have time you could also visit TiruKovilur Divya Desam Vishnu temple and thiruvarangam vishnu temple from here these are at 45 distance..it may take 4 hrs to and fro...

Trip to Tirupati Tirupathi Thirupati Tirumala Balaji Venkateswara temple,travel,visit,tour,Seva

2007-05-13T23:24:00.000-07:00

The above is the leaflet for going to Tirupati from chennai (std code 044) by bus by APSRTC ph no 65439987, cell 9840580577 and fax 24353373.

CLICK ON THE ABOVE IMAGES AND USE FULL BRIGHT SCREEN MODE TO SEE CLEARLY

THe tour covers kalahasthi also on weekends when it starts at 6.30 pm instead of 5 am.

They also arrange the dharshan ticket with a guide to take you.

Trip to Tirupati Tirupathi Thirupati Tirumala Balaji Venkateswara temple

TTD Tirumala Tirupati devasthanam devasthanams link to know more on the temple..

http://www.tirumala.org/

http://withfriendship.com/user/fraud/tirumala-tirupati-temple-photos.php

By Tirupati we mean the lower foot hill..and Tirumala refers to the top of the mountain..

Please see the link below to know on Tirupati and Tirumala it is exhaustive…

The link below is for knowing on Tirupati though the link says tirumala at the end..

http://www.vegetarian-restaurants.net/India-Guide/IndianStates/Andhra/Tirumala.htm

The link below is on the temple on top of the hill tirumala

http://www.vegetarian-restaurants.net/India-Guide/IndianStates/Andhra/Triumala.htm

From Chennai you can reach here by bus or car (approx 3 hrs drive) or by train which is what I find convenient..people coming from north etc can alight at Renigunta junction very near tirupati

Important Note: There are enough share jeeps busses frm renigunta and lower tirupati to go to tirumala(hill top). lower tirupati to hill top jeep charges are rs 25 per person and nearly same by bus. lower tirupati station to bus stand is rs 20 by auto. renigunta is just 20 minutes drive from lower tirupati. for visiting tiruchanur and govindraj perumal temple from lower tirupati after you finist the hill dharshan it is rs 80 by auto as a package. for going to kalahasti(famous shiva temple where you can do pooja for rahu) and back you can hire a jeep or auto at rs 400 to and fro from lower tirupati. for any tour of many temples in lower tirupati you can engage an auto for rs 300 or so. car will be costlier. my sugesstion is auto as long a syou are 4-5 persons.

For people who wish to stay at lower tirupati ie foothills(from here main tirupathi temple on the hill is about half hr drive by share jeep @ rs 25 or by local busses at same cost) u can stay at

Bhimas Deluxe Hotel 34-38 G. Car Street Tirupati - 517501 Phone:+91-877-2225521 Fax:+91-877-2225471 .THey have non ac and ac rooms at Rs750 & Rs 950(respectively) + taxes. Another hotel nearby is Mayura ph no 0877 2225925. APart from this there are so many hotels for stay and all are not even 25 meteres from station. So you can come here without any fear on availability of rooms.

I normally plan to see the lord as he is Vishnu on Wednesday which is his day..

Have been here many times..this is a trip that I am blogging on..Prahalad (son) and I got up at 4 am on 3rd Tuesday… had a bath and went to Chennai central station and boarded the 6.25 sitting train (low fare) (u get enough tiffen to eat breakfast on train so you don’t need to carry)

Station code Chennai MAS and Tirupati TPTY..have given the trains starting from Chennai with time blow similarly have given the return train timings from tirupati to Chennai in the table below that

S#
Select
Train No
Train Name
Departure
Arrival
Runs on
1
6053
TIRUPATHI EXP
13:50
17:00
M T W TH F S SU

2
6057
SAPTHAGIRI EXP
06:25
09:30
M T W TH F S SU

3
6203
TIRUPATHY EXP
16:35
20:05
M T W TH F S SU

S#
Select
Train No
Train Name
Departure
Arrival
Runs on
1
6054
MADRAS EXPRESS
10:05
13:20
M T W TH F S SU

2
6058
SAPTAGIRI EXP
17:20
20:35
M T W TH F S SU

Reached tirupati at 9.30 am..there is a seva called arjitha seva at 5.30 in the morning..you can book for that in Chennai t nagar office (phone 044 std code-24343535..you can enquire on which date it is available from..this also entitles you to a room booking at tirumala from chennai itself by having your photo and right hand fore finger print (biometric) for a date generally 20 days ahead onwards.. …generally I land at tirupati like I did at 9.30 am and then immediately go to srinivasa complex rs 20 by auto from tirupati station..there you have counters where generally arjitha seva booking is available for the next day at 5.30 am..i have always been able to get it..generally I also call the numbers below to find if the day I propose to visit is some special day at tirupati like rama navami etc..if they say it is a normal day then you will get the seva ticket..if it is a special day then there is going to be lot of crowd and I generally avoid it…it is also best to avoid visiting here in vacation time ie april may june..it will also be very hot here…real sweltering heat…
Updated Aug 2010:NOW THEY HAVE OPENED ANOTHER ROUTE FOR CLIMBING DIRECTLY WITH 2000 ODD STEPS IN 2.5 HRS CALLED CHANDRAGIRI ROUTE..NOW ALL SEVAS HAVE BEEN RATIONALISED AND IF U WANT QUICK DARSHAN U JUST GO UP THE HILL AND GO TO VAIKUNTAM COMPLEX BETWEEN 9 AM AND 6PM AND GET A RS.300 SEEGHRA(means fast darshan) DHARSHAN TICKET AND HAVE A DARSHAN AND COME OUT IN 1 -1.5 HRS.
Postal Address
Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams TTD Administrative BuildingK.T. Road Tirupati 517 501Andhra PradeshIndia.
Phone/Fax

STD Code of Tirupathi 0877

Phone: +91-877-2231777 (Tirupati)Phone: +91-877-2277777 (Tirumala)Fax: +91-877-2230358
Rate of arjitha seva ticket is Rs.200 children below 12 years need not buy it…otherwise any adult has to buy one for himself/herself..so if 2 adults are there you need two tickets and rs 400 will be the ticket cost and so on for every extra adult.. if u dont get this ticket in the same srinivasa comples ask where sudharshan tokens for rs 50 are issued and register there...i have also used this and seen lord balaji in 2 hrs time ...generally this ticket will give you a time of visit you can go upto 1 1/2 hrs before the time or after the time and join the que in vaikumdam complex.. for going to vaikundam complex ask any local jeeps to drop you near the entrance of the que ..they will tell u where to join the que...

So with the arjita seva ticket I am guranteed of a dharshan of balaji venkateswara with relative ease and peace the next day and an accomodation..after this from the srinivasa complex we hire an auto Rs 30 to drop us near the alipiri gate the starting place if you are going to climb up the mountain (others can go fron srinivasa complex to bus stand or just near the station to take a bus or take a jeep at rs 25 per head to reach the hill top tirumala in 25 minutes)..

some photos of the steps...

http://aarbalaji.blogspot.com/search/label/Tirupathi%20Tirumala

you can handover your luggage at counter near the start point( please ensure you have locks for the bags)..they(temple authorities) will transport the bags up free of cost and you can collect the same near the exit..)climbing is a tad difficult for old people..it is 16 km uphill and about 3800 steps..first 2000 are steep…after that it is 2-3 steps and a flat piece then again steps…you can always rest and climb..there are enough refreshments, water all along..the path is also covered on top so that rain or sun doesn’t hit you directly..asthmatic patients( I am slightly asthmatic especially during dec and jan) please be on light stomach and take your drugs and cortisol spray..if you are on full stomach you will find it difficult to climb..generally climb early in the morning 4 am or by 6 pm..(till then once you have booked your tickets for the dharshan you can go around tirupati or rest..)..the climb takes 4 hrs for me..am a fairly fit person…we reached up and immediately went to the centralized room booking counter very near the exit..your dharshan ticket entitles you to room you need to pay according to the room type and no of persons..generally get decent rooms at rs 100..SINGLE PERSON IS NOT GIVEN A ROOM..IF YOU ARE SINGLE YOU HAVE TO STAY AT LOWER TIRUPATI(FOOTHILS OF TIRUMALA)you can also ask for cottages which are independent houses..then there are ac rooms too..i normally ask for rooms very near the counter where they book since I find that easy.. just before rooms or cottages are allotted ask them if they are near the temple..if not from far away cottages it is a tad difficult to commute..normally many people come in car or va they take those cottages since they always have ameans of transport..the other thing is availability of different shopping things you require everyday like tea coffee etc is in plenty near the temple and not so near slightly far cottages..THERE ARE ALSO PRIVATE COTTAGES NEAR VYSRAJ MUTT APROXX COST AC WOULD BE 900 FOR A DOUBLE ROOM...AM GIVING ONE SUCH COTTAGE NO SRI VYASARAJ MUTT 0877 2270352, 2270096 U CAN BOOK YOUR ROOMS HERE BEFORE YOU START ON YOUR JOUNY FROM ANY PLACE...
during winter it will be very chill you can carry your own warm clothing or wollen carpets are available on rent in shops near by..every accommodation complex has hot water geysers from where you have to fetch hot water to your room…after this there is a hotel called mayura (they have the hotel in 3 places on the hill)where the food is tasty and very reasonably priced..we had our lunch..rested till 3 pm tonsured our heads mottai at places called kalyan ghatta you can enquire on which is the nearest place for tonsuring (hindi taklu) you get a free blade..i carry some blades with me as half blade cannot tonsure shave etc..i also carry my own rajor which fits the blade…you can tip the barber rs 10…they cant demand it..then had a nice bath enjoyed the feeling of freedom you have when you shave of your hair from the head..and then hired a taxi for 200 (sharing) to go to 6 places lords padam(feet) sila thoranam (http://www.tirumala.org/ptv_tm_others.htm) and chakra thirtha…then they will take you to papavinasam water falls, akash ganga, venugopalswamy temple etc..you can take bath there.. ensure you hit the forest gate to go to both the falls before 6 pm other wise you cant go as gates will be closed..only the entry is restricted you can have a bath and come back at 9 pm too..there are busses that take you here too..we came back and had a bath at swami pushkarni (temple tank)..http://www.tirumala.org/ptv_tm_teerth.htm the water is only chest deep for an adult so go down the steps and then it is flat and not slippery ..it appears deep near till the railing it is not..after railing it may be deep..so enjoy your bath…when you come out there are showers to bathe again…after this we ate again rested for the night…for generally travelling to places within tirumala you can take jeeps..the average fares are rs 20…

On 4th morning we got up at 3 am had a bath and took a jeep rs 20 to drop us near the arjita seva que ..each seva que starts at a particular place so ask on this..by 4 am we stood in the que ..you can also reach here by 4.45 am..your dharshan will be late..the que generally starts moving within half hour and please ensure that you don’t carry cell phones as you are screened for them..keep what you are carrying to the very minimal.the que lead you to the dharshan point by 5.45 am..this is not a jostling kind of que..you can be fairly free..have your dharshan and come out and see the gold plating on top of the temple from view point..drop money in hundi and exit..yout archanai ticket also gives you two free laddos to be collected..exit the temple entrance and ask some one on how to reach the counter…rs 2 per plastic bag is sold..buy this for collecting your ladoos..prasad..you can buy more too by paying…after this we vacated our rooms and took a jeep downhill…it leaves you near the station from there we went to tiruchanur padmavati temple by auto rs.60..it is customary to visit this temple after a dharshan of lord Balaji..after this we visited govindraja perumal temple again customery..this temple is 50 meters from station..after this we had a good breakfast at bhimas deluxe very near the temple and station which is a very good hotel to stay as well as have food..then we took our train back to Chennai at 10.05 am and reached Chennai at 1.20 pm.

So crux is whether you have a dharshan booking if so on which date and time..plan accordingly..ideally two to three day will be real good and the weather at tirupati in winter is awesome and fresh..if you want you can also do your room booking at tirupati (lower foothill) and be back there for the night stay go back up again jeeps are always available to go up…

Important: Please plan to go to Sri Kalahasti about 25 km from tirupati (lower foot hill) the temple of shiva and worship rahu raghu..this is a planet that requires propitiation...see link below

http://www.vegetarian-restaurants.net/India-Guide/IndianStates/Andhra/Kalahasti.htm

Online seva hotel hundi booking

Though I am a total net person I have never been able to get any seva booking on this as it is not available or quota not released..I think it is just used by the people in the know to book for themselves within the ttd…just giving the link…

http://www.ttdsevaonline.com/eseva/eSevaHome.aspx

Trip Tour to Kumbakonam and Navagraha Temple Temples -Part TWO

2007-05-13T01:58:00.000-07:00

Please see the link below first to get a general idea on navagraha navagrah temple trip tour

http://templevisitsofashok.blogspot.com/2007/05/trip-to-navagraha-temple-temples.html

You can write to me on templeashok@yahoo.co.in for any clarifications /doubts..i shall try my best to be of use to u so that u have a good dharshan

I had taken a train to trichy on 7th aug 2006 and after visiting uchi ucchi pillayar there to seek his blessings embarked on my navagraha tour trip by coming from trichy to kumbakonam by 10 pm…put up at MSM Lodge phone no Std code (0435) phone.no. 2431512...other hotels in kumbakonam...please see links bellow for hotels in kumbakonam..have stayed in MSM lodge most times and in hotel rayas(near mahamaham tank)ph no 0435 2422545, 2423172, 2423170,fax2422479, site:www.hotelrayas.com ..msm is cheaper say rs 250you get singel room... msm also has a slightly newer hotel very near the tel no is 2433224,25..i stay in msm because it is very close to the bus stand where i get busess to go to various temples easily

http://www.kumbakonam.tn.gov.in/BoardLodge.htm

http://www.tamilnadutourism.org/hotels/privatehotels/ThanjavurHotels.aspx?catid=C7&subcat1id=C7S2&subcat2id=C7S2S10&sm=C7S2S10

you can alternatively take the direct train no 6177 rockfort express at 10.30 pm from Chennai egmore (and not Chennai central) to reach kumbakonam at 7.30 am.. if you want you can get town at tanjore thanjavur at 6.15 am traveling by the same train and visit brahadeeswarar temple big temple and then come to kumbakonam… station code chennai egmore (MS) Kumbakonam (KMU) Tanjore Thanjavur (TJ)

temples in and around kumbakonam

http://www.kumbakonamonline.com/abouttemp.html

Visited on Tuesday 8th Aug 2006

Mars Chevvai, Angarakan Mangal Navagraha Temple

This is doctor shiva and he helps in any health issues you have Came here at 6 am..there is a well maintained toilet and bath right near the east tower... had a bath in huge temple pond inside (it supposed to be very powerful pond for cleaning up your health)..you shld take bath here..buy salt pepper mustard and jaggery(gur) then put salt, pepper and mustard after circling your head with it 3 times clockwise in a box meant for it and take jaggery to teple pond and put a small piece inside pond and other pieces in a tub near by......after this did archanai to shiva and ambal..then to muthukumarasamy who is lord muruga and then archanai to lord mars who stands separately..then visited jatayu’s cremation place(kund)place inside where you get some round tablets(called thiruchandurundai) for good health…from here I proceeded to sirkali temple ...and then to ketu’s temple

http://www.chennaionline.com/toursntravel/placesofworship/vaitheeswarankoil.asp

http://www.templenet.com/Tamilnadu/s207.html

http://www.chennaionline.com/toursntravel/placesofworship/mars.asp

http://www.chennaionline.com/toursntravel/placesofworship/angaaragan.asp

Sirkali, Sirgazhi, seerkali, Seerghazhi

http://www.chennaionline.com/toursntravel/placesofworship/sirgazhi.asp

http://www.templenet.com/Tamilnadu/s088.html

Ketu Navagraha Temple

Rahu kalam is between 3 pm and 4.30 pm..on tuesday i went..otherwise ask people for rahu kalam on the day of visit and go during this time...did pooja to shiva and ambal and then to lord ketu….you can pay for the pooja to ketu..rs 250 for dosha rectifying pooja and rs750 for abishek..it is done only during rahu kal..…it is very crowded on a Tuesday which is a day liked by ketu for pooja…

http://www.templenet.com/Tamilnadu/Navagraha/keezhperum.html

http://www.chennaionline.com/toursntravel/placesofworship/lordkethu.asp

The details below is of priests at the temple and the temple address.. the priests whose contact details are given below will be of help if you want to do a pooja..please mention Mr.Ashok of Chennai had referred

Keelaperumalpallm
04364 std code -phone 260582
9442860605
ManiPattu Gurukal
kethustalam,naganatankoil,kelaperumalpallam,Vanagiri 609105

04364 STD code -phone 260088
9443564643
Manikarthikeya Gurukal
kethustalam,naganatankoil,kelaperumalpallam,Vanagiri 609105

Please mention Mr.Ashok from Chennai had referred.

Visited on Wednesday 9th Aug 2006

Mercury Budha Budh Navagraha Temple

On Tuesday evening reached the lodge mentioned below right in front of the temple and slept over..got up at 5 am ..it is customary to take bath first in three temple ponds agni pond, soorya pond and Chandra pond..and then went to the temple..... did that…there is a ganesh near shiva lingam outside..first did pooja to him ..then did archanai to shiva..then proceeded to do archanai to ambal and lord mercury budha after this I had been asked by my guru to do an abhishekam to agoramoorthy agoramurthy aghoramoorthy aghoramurthy…lord shiva is in full form idol here and not a linga ..he is real tall..he is supposed to ward of all evil eyes etc.. left for kumbakonam…there is a very nice mess called Baskar mess nearby the budha temple where you get good breakfast and homely meals/lunch...
Ramalinga lodge-Tiruvengadu

4364 275410
9442398180
At tiruvengadu you may take the help of Priest T.A Dakshinamoorthy

04364-26631(info given by Mr. A.M Damodaran after reading my blog and visiting the place. Thanks a lot since any addition to this blog from different people with useful info is useful for people around the world. )

http://www.templenet.com/Tamilnadu/s263.html

http://www.chennaionline.com/toursntravel/placesofworship/thiruvenkadu.asp

http://www.chennaionline.com/toursntravel/placesofworship/budhan.asp

Visited on Thursday 10th Aug 2006

Jupiter Guru Navagraha Temple

Took a bus from kumbakonam to this place Aalangudi..ask in busses that go to mannargudi to drop you off there..tell the conductor...Got down and walked a kilometer to reach the temple pond this is not near the temple..u need to ask people there..dipped my feet and did proshadham(sprinkling water on head)..went to the temple and did archanai to lord shiva and ambal and then paid rs 750 to do an abhishekam (various offerings like tender coconust,turmeric water, rose water etc) poured on the main deity Jupiter dakshinamoorthy..only if you go at 6.30 am can you do to the main deity after that you can only do to the urchava moorthy separate idols that are not fixed in temple..returned to kumbakonam

http://www.templenet.com/Tamilnadu/s039.html

http://www.chennaionline.com/toursntravel/placesofworship/guru.asp

http://www.chennaionline.com/toursntravel/placesofworship/alangudi.asp

http://www.chennaionline.com/toursntravel/placesofworship/LordGuru.asp

Mr Siva whose contact details are given below will be of help if you want to do a pooja..please mention Mr.Ashok of Chennai had referred

Alangudi
04374 std code-phone residence-269763 Mobile: 9442820658

Siva

Visited on Friday 11th Aug 2006

Venus Sukran Sukiran Navagraha Temple

Took a bus from kumbakonam to this place Kanjanoor kanjanur. Got down and took an auto..did archanai to shiva and ambal ..then lord venus is again shiva an ambal together..did my archanai lit lamp and went to tirunageswaram temple to do pooja to rahu…

http://www.templenet.com/Tamilnadu/s060.html

http://www.chennaionline.com/toursntravel/placesofworship/Lordsukran.asp

Raghu, Rahu Navagraha Temple

http://www.templenet.com/Tamilnadu/s164.html

http://www.chennaionline.com/toursntravel/placesofworship/lordrahu.asp

Also see my own blog on this temple using link below..

http://templevisitsofashok.blogspot.com/2007/05/trip-to-tirunageswaram-rahu-temple.html

ThirunageswaramOn 11th morning I reached this temple at 10 am. I had seen from the almanac that it was rahu raghu’ star sadhayam today ..This place is just 6 km from kumbakonam and regular mini busses can take you here if not auto charge is rs 60…..bus no 13,15,22,23,58,60 go here..This is the famous temple of rahu raghu…..I went to the temple tank inside the campus but very near the entrance to the temple and dipped my feet and did proshadam …ideally u need to have a bath in this tank..prayed to lord ganesh..and then prayed to lord shiva, ambal (godess ..there are two goddesses ..in one of them there are three godesses) and then to navagrahas in front. Thereafter lit 21 lamps… paid rs 100 to get a milk abhishekam done to rahu during rahu kalam between 10.30 and 12 am ..many people participate in this and milk is provided by the temple authorities..it is best to do it in rahu kalam (refer almanac for time for each week day)..and still more preferable to do it on one of the stars of rahu ie swathi, aridra or sadhyam sadabisha in rahu kalam…you can get a list of various schemes of temple to propitiate rahu year long…the milk turns blue when poured on rahu idol and then white again…they ask you to assemble after the ceremony in a corridor when they give Prasad in a bag along with a bottle of milk which was pored on rahu..please drink it immediately as it will not last longer than that and will curdle and become bad

http://www.templenet.com/Tamilnadu/s164.htmlhttp://www.kumbakonam.info/kumbakonam/tinages/info/myth.htmthere http://www.kumbakonam.info/kumbakonam/tinages/info/myth.htmthere

is a temple guest house –phone-04352463354 where you can stay or there are many houses coverted for stay near the entrance..there is a nice brahmin mess about 25 meters from the entrance tower of the temple…forget the name ..wil write in later..I furnish below the phone number of chellappa gurukal who can organize for the pooja with sufficient notice ..he is one of the priests gurukkal at rahu raghu temple in tirunageswaram thirunageshwaram..mobile no 9443578604..you can refer my name and that I am from chennai..

Visited on Saturday 12th Aug 2006

Saturn Sani Shani Navagraha Temple

http://www.templenet.com/Tamilnadu/s160.html

http://www.chennaionline.com/toursntravel/placesofworship/lordsani.asp

http://www.chennaionline.com/toursntravel/placesofworship/lordsani.asp

visit the link below for details

http://templevisitsofashok.blogspot.com/2007/05/trip-to-tirunallar-thirunallar.html

Visited on Sunday 13th Aug 2006

Sun Sooryanar Suriyan Navagraha Temple

http://www.suriyanarkoil.com/engmodeofworship.htm

http://www.suriyanarkoil.com/contact.htm

Took a bus going to mayiladuthurai...you have come near the place when you come to aduturai...after that it is 5 minutes..you have to get down and walk or pay rs 20 and take an auto to drop you off there about a km walk..tell the condductor to tell you when you reach suriyanarkoil.

http://www.chennaionline.com/toursntravel/placesofworship/maysun.asp

http://www.templenet.com/Tamilnadu/suryanaar.html

http://www.chennaionline.com/toursntravel/placesofworship/surya.asp

visit the link below for details

http://templevisitsofashok.blogspot.com/2007/05/trip-to-sooriyanar-soorianar-suryanaar.html

Visited on Monday 14th Aug 2006

Moon Chandra Navagraha Temple

Took a bus from kumbakonam to this place Tingaloor. Got down and took an auto..there is a temple pond outside the temple..u need to ask people there..dipped my feet and did proshadham..did archanai to shiva and ambal..then went to lord moon Chandra and did special poojas and archani to him..went back to kumbakonam

http://www.templenet.com/Tamilnadu/Navagraha/tingalur.html

http://www.chennaionline.com/toursntravel/placesofworship/moongod.asp

http://www.chennaionline.com/toursntravel/placesofworship/chandran.asp

Took the train rockfort express at 7.30 pm from kumbakonam to Chennai ..thus ended my navagraha tour..

Trip to Navagraha temple temples Navagraha Tour Kumbakkonam Kumbakonam- Part One

2007-05-12T07:41:00.000-07:00

Trip to navagraha Navagrah temple temples near Kumbakonam –dosha pariharam rectification of planetary dosha

Please see my photo images above ..they give a good idea on how you can reach..the distance in km and other temples nearby ..please click on the image and use fullbright screen mode on your computer screen to see full details..even the phone nos of temples with std code is there in the image ..after viewing image click back arrow (left handside top of computer screen)
You can also use link below for route planning

http://www.marskarthik.com/navagraha.html

You can write to me on templeashok@yahoo.co.in for any clarifications /doubts..i shall try my best to be of use to u so that u have a good dharshan

General tips:

It is Preferable to plan a two day tour. If you can you should visit each of the temples on the weekday at 6.30 am to 7 am meant for it except rahu and ketu..Ketu is better to see on Tuesday during rahu kalam and rahu on Saturday or rahu kalam on any day ..for all other dharshans avoid rahu kalams for the weekday which is given below. If you are covering the navagrahas in one day please go to rahu raghu temple during rahu kalam for the weekday which is given below. Generally all the temples close at 12 pm and reopen at 4 pm. So avoid going to the temples during that time. You can rest have lunch and start moving to the next place. If you have come for navagraha dosha pariharam of a particular planet it is preferable to choose the week day of the planet- refer table below and then do an abhishekam for the planet..you can ask the temple offices inside to provide you the cost details generally none exceed rs.750..it is always advisable to enter the buy coconut et all, mala garland (not compulsory if u find it costly u can jus include a small piece of flower with coconut. These are normally sold in front of temple. Many also include grain meant for the planet and a cloth piece in color meant for the planet.. refer my photos above for details…

First step find the Rahu Kalam for the two days that you are going to stay. During those plan visit to ketu and rahu temples.

First from kumbakonam visit Sooryanar koil sun temple at dawn, proceed to Kanjanur venus temple, rahu temple (visit oppiliappan Vishnu temple divya desam and aiyavadi prthayankara temple near by)..afternoon visit alangudi and thingaloor..dinner rest..

Next day go to by 5.30 am leave for Vaitheswaran koil (mars temple), Thiruvenkadu Mercury temple, Keezha perumpallam ketu temple and then proceed to Tirunallar Saturn sani temple

There are many tour operators in kumbakonam and nearly every taxi guy can take you around these places.. it may cost about rs 1800 by taxi and that is the only way you can see all in one day..otherwise for alangudi above and thingaloor you can use a bus..for sooryanar etc you can take an auto at rs 250 for half day..for others you can take a bus.. going to ketu temple aone is little difficult by bus as there is a bit of a rush..

Sunday- is day for planet Sun Surya Soorya Suriya –Rahu kalam is between 4.30 pm to 6 pm-Place to go Sooryanar koil Suryanaar Koil Suriyanar koil

Monday- is day for planet moon Chandra –Rahu kalam is between 7.30 am to 9 am - Place to go Thingalur Tingalur Tingaloor

Tuesday- is day for planet Mars Kuja Mangal Chevvai –Rahu kalam is between 3.00 pm to 4.30 pm - Place to go Vatheeswaran Vaitheeswaran Vaideeswaran koil.

Wednesday- is day for planet Mercury Budhan budha budh –Rahu kalam is between 12.00 pm to 1.30 pm - Place to go Thiruvengadu Thiruvenkadu Tiruvengadu Tiruvenkadu Tiruvenkaadu

Thursday- is day for planet Jupiter Guru Brahaspathi Brahaspati –Rahu kalam is between 1.30 pm to 3.00 pm - Place to go Aalangudi Alangudi

Friday- is day for planet Venus Shukran Sukra Shukra –Rahu kalam is between 10.30 am to 12 pm – Place to go Kanjanoor Kanjanur

Saturday- is day for planet Saturn Sani Shani –Rahu kalam is between 9.00 am to 10.30 am- Place to go Tirunallar Thirunallar

http://www.pariharam.com/navagrahatour.aspx

http://www.tamilnadutourism.org/ (please click on temple and then navagraha temples)

http://www.templenet.com/Tamilnadu/Navagraha/navagraha.html

OTHER NAVAGRAHA TEMPLES

(VASHNAVITE OR NARAYAN ORIENTED)

TIRUNELVELI -NAVA TIRUPATI-

http://templevisitsofashok.blogspot.com/2007/05/trip-to-nava-tirupati-and-papanasam.html

AHOBILAM(NEAR CUDAPPAH-ANDHRA)-

http://templevisitsofashok.blogspot.com/2007/04/trip-to-ahobilam-17th-18th-19th-march.html

CHENNAI:
given below is an interesting reading on unknown chennai navagraha temples

http://puggy.symonds.net/~madan/navagraha/tour.html
http://maraboorjc.blogspot.com/2006/07/2_21.html

http://www.geocities.com/mh_kamraj/navagraha_chennai.htm

GUWAHATI-http://www.north-east-india.com/assam/navagraha-temple.html

Now that you have a good understanding

Please proceed to my part II of navagraha tour trip which is my next blog...

Trip to Ucchi Uchi Pillaiyar and Thayumanavar temple Trichy Tiruchirapalli

2007-05-12T07:33:00.000-07:00

Trip to Ucchi Pillaiyar and Thayumanavar temple Trichy Tiruchirapalli Thiruchi Tiruchy Tiruchirapally

You can write to me on templeashok@yahoo.co.in for any clarifications /doubts..i shall try my best to be of use to u so that u have a good dharshan

Came here on 7th evening ....normally the bus stops at chatram bus stand at trichy..from here take a bus to central bus stand or an auto(rs50)…I put up at Hotel GURU near the central bus stand..double room at rs.300..phone no 0431-2415881 very near this hotel you also have sharada lodge 0431 2460216 which is cheaper and good too..for other hotels in trichy use link http://www.trichy.com/hotel.htm below hotel guru you have a nice veg eating place for lunch breakfast or dinner..they serve meals thali both in the afternoon and night..

On reaching trichy hired an auto rs. 40 to the temple. There is a ganesh pillaiyar(Manicka Vinayagar) before the step starts..did archanai garlanded lord with arugampul (grass liked by him)..then you come to shiva temple called thayumanavar ..did archanai..details in the link below and proceeded to rock mountain top..it is quite a climb and old people need to decide on whether they can climb..if so they will take an hour to climb slowly..there are toilets on the way.. roughly u need to climb 416 steps and on the way approx 250 steps thaumanavar templeof shiva is there..that will be closed between 12pm and 4 pm..6am to 8pm ucchi pillaiyar will be open...

http://www.templenet.com/Tamilnadu/uchhi.html

http://www.chennaionline.com/toursntravel/placesofworship/uchi.asp

Thayumanavar Taayumaanavar koil Trichy Thiruchi Tiruchy Tiruchirapally Tiruchirapalli

http://www.templenet.com/Tamilnadu/s132.html

http://www.pariharam.com/TempleThayumanavar,Trichy.aspx?TempleID=TMPL038

proceeded from here to kumbakonam about 3 hours drive in bus and rested for the night msm lodge so that i can start my navagraha tour each week day staying for a whole week starting from tuesday 8th august 2006

Timings: Maanika Vinayakar Temple: 6 am-noon, 4-9 pm (10 pm Fri); Thayumanavar Temple: 6 am- 12.5 pm, 4-8 pm; Uchchi Pillaiyar Kovil: 6 am- 8 pm; Temple Tel: 0431-2704621; Website www.thiruchyrockfort.org

Trip to Tirunageswaram Rahu temple, Aiyavadi prathyankara, Oppiliappan Uppiliappan

2007-05-07T09:03:00.000-07:00

Trip to Tirunageswaram Thirunageswaram Rahu temple, Aiyavadi prathyankara, Oppiliappan Uppiliappan

how to go how to reach

You can write to me on templeashok@yahoo.co.in for any clarifications / doubts..i shall try my best to be of use to u so that u have a good dharshan

Thirunageswaram

On 23rd evening prahalad (son) and I reached this temple at 4 pm. This place is just 6 km from kumbakonam and regular mini busses can take you here if not auto charge is rs 60…..bus no 13,15,22,23,58,60 go here..This is the famous temple of rahu raghu…have been here earlier..we went to the temple tank inside the campus but very near the entrance to the temple and dipped our feet and did proshadam …ideally u need to have a bath in this tank..prayed to lord ganesh..and then prayed to lord shiva, ambal and then to navagrahas in front. Thereafter we lit 21 lamps…we paid rs 100 to get a milk abhishekam done to rahu..many people participate in this and milk is provided by the temple authorities..it is best to do it in rahu kalam (refer almanac for time for each week day)..and still more preferable to do it on one of the stars of rahu ie swathi, aridra or sadhyam sadabisha in rahu kalam…you can get a list of various schemes of temple to propitiate rahu year long…the milk turns blue when poured on rahu idol and then white again…they ask you to assemble after the ceremony in a corridor when they give Prasad in a bag along with a bottle of milk which was pored on rahu..please drink it immediately as it will not last longer than that and will curdle and become bad…

http://www.templenet.com/Tamilnadu/s164.html

http://www.kumbakonam.info/kumbakonam/tinages/info/myth.htm

http://www.chennaionline.com/toursntravel/placesofworship/lordrahu.asp

there is a temple guest house –phone-0435 std code phone no.2463354 where you can stay or there are many houses converted for staying and lodging near the entrance of the temple..there is a nice brahmin vegetarian mess hotel about 25 meters from the entrance where you can have food…forget the name ..wil write in later

I furnish below the phone number of chellappa gurukal who can organize for the pooja with sufficient notice ..he is one of the priests gurukkal at rahu raghu temple in tirunageswaram thirunageshwaram..mobile no 9443578604..you can refer my name and that I am from chennai..

Prathyankara Aiyavadi Ayyavadi Aivar Padi

You can take an auto to and fro for rs 40 ..i went to this temple and got myself dropped at oppiliappan temple after about half hour in this temple..it is situated amidst 8 grave yards..she is a very powerful godess…you can only offer kumkum and ghee..there is a shiva temple inside this .. I am told this is the same place where Indrajit woshiped her as Nikumbala and sought her blessings...I am also told that you can pay Rs 5000 on Amavasya day and join in homa done there to here at 9am to 2 pm.... temple ph no 0435 2463414 cell 9443124347 and 94424 22053

on the abov eno you may contact A N dhandapani or Mr Kartikeya or Mr.Shankar..please refer that Mr.Ashok from Chennai had given the ph nos...

Different spellings below
Prathiyangera prathyankara pratyankara prathyangira

http://www.pariharam.com/Temple_Aiyavadi.aspx?TempleID=TMPL010

Also read on Prathyankara Pondichery puduchery from the link below

http://www.pondyonline.com/User/Common/NikumbhalaShetram.aspx

There is one more prathyakara temple in Chennai in Sholinganallur on old mahabalipuram road...temple phone no is 044(std code) 24501404(phone)

Oppiliappan Koil Thiruvinnagar,Tiruvinnagar

This is one of 108 divya desam of Vishnu..details below..

temple phone-std code 0435 -phone2463385

Address:

Arulmigu Venkatachalapathi Swami Temple Oppiliappan Koil Tirunageswaram - 612 004 (Kumbakonam Taluk) Phone (0435) 246 33 85, 2463685, fax 0435-2463906
email: uppliappankoil@sancharnet.in or uppiliappankoil@sancharnet.in..mail both these ids with one in cc

Temple Official Web Site:http://oppiliappantemple.org

Other Websites on the temple:

http://www.divyadesamonline.com/tiruvinnagar.asp

http://www.chennaionline.com/hotelsandtours/Placesofworship/2007/05temple165.asp

from here you can go back to kumbakonam ..rahu temple is just walkable distance from here..we stayed overnight in the rahu temple guest house for rs 100…

Trip to Sooriyanar Soorianar Suryanaar Sun Temple Kanjanur kanjanoor

2007-05-06T08:54:00.000-07:00

Sooriyanar Koil

You can write to me on templeashok@yahoo.co.in for any clarifications / doubts..i shall try my best to be of use to u so that u have a good dharshan

This temple has all the planets in separate small temples..the temples main deity is lord soorya who faces lord Jupiter in the temple…it is customery to buy a rs 150 ticket and 10 coconut basket , 11 lamps and a separate red and yellow cloth…first you do pooja to ganesh light a lamp then proceed to lord surya soorya and then jupiter,offer the cloth, light two lamps in place provided inside the sanctorum and then come out and do pooja to all the other planets and light lamps..
We have to do 11 rounds of the temple and then face noth in front of flag mast and prostrate and leave the temple which we did..there is a person named Kathirvel who is helpful..we need to tip him and the priest..

http://www.templenet.com/Tamilnadu/suryanaar.html
Temple ph no is 0435 2472349

Kanjanur kanjanoor (Temple for Lord Venus or navagrah navagraha Venus)

This temple is of navagraha planet lord venus sukra shukra..you can go from soorya temple to this place

http://www.templenet.com/Tamilnadu/s060.html
http://www.chennaionline.com/toursntravel/placesofworship/Lordsukran.asp

Trip to Mahalingeswarar, Tiruvidaimarudhur, , Tiruvidaimarudur Thiruvidaimarudur, Tiruvavaduthurai Tiruvavaduturai

2007-05-06T08:50:00.000-07:00

You can write to me on templeashok@yahoo.co.in for any clarifications / doubts..i shall try my best to be of use to u so that u have a good dharshan

Mahalingeswarar, Tiruvidaimarudur Thiruvidaimarudur

You should ideally go to Sooriyanar koil temple pray to lord vinayak ganesh pilliyar there come to this temple pray to lord shiva and then go back and pray at sooriyanar temple..detail below..this is a very famous temple and there are 27 star lords to whom you can do pooja according to your star of birth..other details in link below..

temple phone 0435 -461946

http://www.templenet.com/Tamilnadu/s034.html

http://www.chennaionline.com/toursntravel/placesofworship/thiruvidaimarudur.asp

Tiruvavaduthurai Tiruvavaduturai

This is a very famous temple ..details below

http://www.templenet.com/Tamilnadu/s029.html

Trip to Tirunallar Thirunallar, Tirunallaru Sani Shani Saneeswarar Ambakarathur Ambakaratur Ambagarattur Kali

2007-05-06T08:24:00.000-07:00

Click on the image above to read it better...USE FULL BRIGHT SCREEN MODE ON UR COMPUTER to see it in detail..afterthat click back button on the left hand top corner of your computer screen...
http://www.marskarthik.com/navagraha.html -read this link for navagraha route planning.
Trip to Tirunallar Tirunallaar Thirunallar, Tirunallaru Sani Shani Saneeswarar Ambakarathur Ambakaratur Ambagarattur Kali

You can write to me on templeashok@yahoo.co.in for any clarifications / doubts..i shall try my best to be of use to u so that u have a good dharshan

Thirunallar
For a guide and for any help please refer my name as ashok and call Mr.Gopi on 9842430157.

For budget stay on the door of temple u can call moorthy on 9788045769. If u are landing there on a saturday it will be very very crowded so you can call him by thursday and reserve ur rooms.

From Kumbakonam busses to karaikal will pass through thirunallar.
This place is the temple for Saturn shani Sani. You can travel from kumbakonam by bus to karaikal and reach here..its about 2.5 hrs ride..We reached here early morning from tirukadaiyur tirukadavur after an hrs drive to karaikal by bus and then a 10 minute drive from karaikal to this place. We had come here on a Monday as I had earlier come on a Saturday the most preferred day to come here as Saturday is his (Sani’s) day. The procedure is to go to nala theertham temple pond (view picture in the link - http://www.tamilnadutourism.org/Gallery/PhotoGallery/pages/Tirunallar.htm )after applying gingelly oil… have a dip in the temple pond
and then washing off with soapnut powder..dip again and throw a one rupee coin and black cloth after circling your head into the pond..you shld also leave all your old clothes that you are wearing there..u can ask for procedure to do it with any of the many vendors near the pond..aftr bath you come to a ganesh temple which is near the side of pond and break a coconut to smithereens and proceed to the temple..Saturday’s unless you go one day in advance(by friday afternoon 4 pm max but preferably by 11 am friday..) you will really have trouble getting rooms there..it is so crowded..similarly please be ready to be jostled by thousands of people coming there on Saturday..you will also find it difficult to board a bus back to any other place as they will be jam packed..as you enter take special dharshan tickets and archanai tickets…first woship lord shiva(6.30 am vey next to shiva on left hand side near tyagarajar they wld do a milk abhishegam to emarald linga..if u tell the attendent and tip you can have a prasad of the milk and plantain..) here and then ambal the godess and then lord Saturn after lightling 9 gingelly seed tied cloth wick in gingelly oil lamps sold near lord saturn..when you do archanai to lord Saturn you can offer black clothes, gingelly seed, a special blue flower sold in front of temple to lord Saturn..you can also do regular archanai's to lord in your name in absentia..the office functioning at the temple will do this for you at a nominal cost..list of what they can do for you is available at the office with the amounts in the photo above...

http://www.templenet.com/Tamilnadu/s160.html

http://karaikal.nic.in/Administration/PlacesOfInterest/MNTOURISM.htm

http://www.chennaionline.com/toursntravel/placesofworship/lordsani.asp

office phone no- 04368 -236530, telefax 236504 email sds@kki.pon.nic.in

Mr.Y Krishnaswamy Executive officer Thirunallar temple residence no 04368 236504

Ambakarathur Kali

There are busses from tirunallar Sani Saturn koil street to this place which is 25 minutes from there. The kali is powerful here..read link below pages 1,2,3. We did archanai here and offered arali flower ans 54 lemon mala…if you take an auto from tirunallar to and fro they ask Rs.200.

http://www.hindubooks.org/templesofindia/sarvam_sakti_mayam/tamilnadu/ambakarathur/page3.htm

This place is on the way to kumbakonam..so we took a bus from here to kumbakonam which took about 2 hrs to reach.

Trip to Devipatnam

2007-05-06T07:43:00.000-07:00

Trip to Devipatnam on 25th April 2007You can write to me on templeashok@yahoo.co.in for any clarifications /doubts..i shall try my best to be of use to u so that u have a good dharshanI started at 4 am from Madurai Mattuthavani Bus stand to Ramanathapuram which takes about 3 hours. There are buses to Devipatnam which is about 14 km..I took an auto to and fro from Ramanathapuram for Rs 250. We can finish this visit in about 2 hours. The roads ae very bumpy as new road 4 lane highway is being laid..it is advisable to be there early in the morning between 5.45 and 9 am…for pooja to navagrahas they charge 301, pooja with nava danya 501 and specific remedies about a 1000 bucks..u can also jus go and see the navagrahas without paying anything..I did a pooja for 301 …took a wonderful bath in sea which is very shallow and calm for about 1 hr and then did my pooja and finally left a plantain for the crow to eat on a place meant for that..since I am an astrologer I know the mantras for navagrahas and all the various priest there seem to be telling the right mantras only and didnt see much cheating.. these navagrahas were installed by rama and I hear Agastiar had ordained all the navagraha gods to assemble here for rama..with this as an astrologer I have done poojas to navagrahas near kumbakonam, and at nava tirupati near tirunelveli, at ahobilam- nava narasimhars and at Devipatnam..so hopefully I have got their good blessings and in the process reduced many navagraha doshas..cheershttp://www.templenet.com/Tamilnadu/devipatnam.html http://www.chennaionline.com/columns/downmemorylane/diary167.aspu can reach me on sify for astro consultations using the link belowhttp://sify.com/lifestyle/astrology/v_ashok/

Trip to Tiruppovanam Thirupuvanam Tiruppuvanam and Madappuram Madapuram Kali

2007-05-05T23:00:00.001-07:00

Trip to Tiruppovanam Thirupuvanam Tiruppuvanam and Madappuram Madapuram Kali

You can write to me on templeashok@yahoo.co.in for any clarifications /doubts..i shall try my best to be of use to u so that u have a good dharshan

On 24th apr 2007afternoon we took a bus from kumbakonam at 1.30 pm and reached Madurai maatuthavani bus stand at 6.30 pm and then took a taxi for rs 400 round trip to go to these places and drop us back at Madurai..these places are 22 km away from madurai..you can also take a town bus..

Tiruppovanam

http://www.templenet.com/Tamilnadu/s213.html

This is a famous 275 shiva temple ..we did an archanai here then went to kali temple about 2 km away

Madapuram Madappuram Kali

She is very famous here she stands with no roof and about 12 feet high..we sought her blessings..ammavasya days will be very crowded..we offered 54 lemon mala and archani and went back to madurai on the way we had jil jil jigarthanda jil jil jigardhanda at a shop called Famous in east marret street..dont miss this it is like falooda but lot more tasty and a speciality of madurai..proceeded to college house famous eating place in madurai where
We had our full meals dinner ..we rested for the night at a lodge called KPS very near college house ph no 0452 -2341541,2349945..room rent rs 150..we jus wanted to rest in a bed between 10 pm and 4 am..early in the morning we could manage decoction coffee at 4 00 am near our hotel opposite the theatre..you can also proceed to tiruparamkundram muruga temple, meenakshi temple, alaghar koil, palmudurchozhai muruga temple in madurai..

Trip to Tiruneelakudi Thiruneelakudi Tiruneelakkudi Thiruneelakkudi

2007-05-05T22:43:00.000-07:00

Trip to Tiruneelakudi Thiruneelakudi Tiruneelakkudi Thiruneelakkudi

You can write to me on templeashok@yahoo.co.in for any clarifications / doubts..i shall try my best to be of use to u so that u have a good dharshan

Thiruneelakudi

http://www.templenet.com/Tamilnadu/s172.html

On 24th Apr 2007 we proceeded from tirunageswaram guest house near rahu temple to this temple which is 7 km away..We did an abhishekam to the lord here to ward off all our karma vinai sins of past birth..I furnish below the phone number of chellappa gurukal who can organize for the pooja with sufficient notice ..he is also the gurukkal at rahu raghu temple in tirunageswaram thirunageshwaram..mobile no 9443578604..there are two shivas sivas here and two ambals..we came into the temple after going to markandeya kulam temple pond nearby..and then we came to the temple pond in front of the temple and then went in..it was also the star birthday of my guru Mr.Uma Chandar for who we did an archanai first..this lord absorbs as much gingely oil as your sins are…we ate pongal salt and sweet after that and proceeded to kumbakonam..rom there we took a bus to Madurai which is 6 hrs away to see madapuram kali…

Trip to Tirupambupuram, Thirupambupuram, Tirumeichur Thirumeichur, Koothanoor, Aadi aadhi Vinayagar Vinayakar temple.

2007-05-05T22:18:00.000-07:00

Trip to Tirupambupuram, Thirupambupuram, Tirumeichur Thirumeichur, Koothanoor, Aadi aadhi Vinayagar Vinayakar temple.

You can write to me on templeashok@yahoo.co.in for any clarifications /doubts..i shall try my best to be of use to u so that u have a good dharshan

On 22nd April 2007 afternoon we left at 3 pm from tirukadayur to thirupambupuram tirupambupuram koil..both rahu and ketu are together in this place and is a very good place to ward off your naga doshas..adhi seshan is said to have done tapa here..we took bath in the temple pond..did archanai to shiva and ambal and then took a ticket for rs 135 ..collected temple provided articles in a tambalam (decorative plate) also provided by them to clear ourselves of dosha..we sat at the rear of temple..some 50 other people were there..this is done during rahu kalam..any almanac will give you this..it varies by the day of week for us it was Sunday and so rahu kalam was between 4.30 to 6 pm we were instructed by the gurukal priest on how to do the pooja..each had to keep rs 11 in plate..rs 10 is taken by priest after that we had to assemble in front of rahu ketu to do the abhishekam to them and then again reassemble to get our plate back..we had to circle our head with a small naga (serpent) metal replica and put it in hundi and light two lamps and deposit black gramdal and kollu gram( the nava dhanyas you donate to get rid of rahu and ketu doshas) near the lamp and with that it got over..

Have given the temple ph no below Seshapureswarar koil -04352469555

Kumbakonam to karaikal bus ask for karkatthi bus stop if you are coming by bus and take an auto from here..by bus you can also reach from kolumangudi..we proceeded to thirumeichur

Thirumeichur-lalitambikai lalita sahasaranama

http://www.templenet.com/Tamilnadu/s234.html

This is a famous shiva temple and the ambal godess here is lalitambika lalitambikai on who many chant lalita lalitha sahsaranama sahasaranamam everdya in their houses..she is really very beautiful..from here we proceeded to Koothanoor

Koothanoor saraswathi

http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/2001/10/25/stories/13250799.htm

http://www.chennaionline.com/toursntravel/placesofworship/koothanur.asp

This is the only excusive sarsaswathi godess of learning temple ..we gave her a white sari..placed some pens for my son to write his exams with on her padam (feet) and did an archanai and proceeded to aadhi vinayagar koil some 2 km away..

Aadhi aadi vinayagar

Here the vinayagar ( lord ganesh temple)..this lord is the original lord ganesh befor he got the elephant head..there is a siva and ambal temple too…from here we returned to tirukadaiyur to stay there for the night…we were back by 9 pm…there is a very good hotel for having food tiffen breakfast lunch dinner..it is a mess a little inside just outside the temple sand entrance..

Trip to Chidambaram Natarajar, Nataraja Thillai Kali, Tirukadaiyur Thirukadaiyur Abhirami Abirami

2007-05-05T22:15:00.000-07:00

Trip to Chidambaram Natarajar, Nataraja Thillai Kali, Tirukadaiyur Thirukadaiyur Abhirami Abirami

You can write to me on templeashok@yahoo.co.in for any clarifications /doubts..i shall try my best to be of use to u so that u have a good dharshan

Chidhambarm Natarajar

On 22-4 2006 Prahalad(son) and me left Kumbakonam at 4.30 am toreach Chidambaram at 6.30 am..though we had had our bath etc we looked for a clean toilet which is there in east car street..this is a pay and use bath & toilet (very neat) near the theru or temple cart..if u don’t plan to stay at Chidambaram u can have a bath, answer calls of nature..

Hotel: I have given two below

I stay in hotel Vandyar very near busstand and for Rs.250 you get very decent double bed room. AC room is Rs 500. Ph 04144 225374, 225375

Slightly more costly is Hotel Saradharam Non ac double is Rs.550 and Ac is 1000.

ph 04144 221336

both are very near bus stand

some more link to hotel:

http://www.hotelstamilnadu.com/chidambaramhotels.htm

http://www.vegetarian-restaurants.net/India-Guide/IndianStates/Tamil-Nadu/Chidambaram.htm

For travel by auto and for travelling around chidambaram, I would recommend Mr.Raja. Please refer ashok from chennai. Very nice person. Very reasonable with rates. Do agree on rates before hand. You can call from outstation on +91-9976866781 or dial 0 and then the number or if calling from chidambaram itself dial the number straight

Interesting and very exhaustive link:

http://www.hweb.nl/raja/temple/Introduction.html

http://www.vegetarian-restaurants.net/India-Guide/IndianStates/Tamil-Nadu/Chidambaram.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chidambaram

http://www.templenet.com/Tamilnadu/s122.html

http://www.tamilnadutourism.org/places/citiestowns/Chidambaram.aspx?catid=c1&subcat1id=c1s1&subcat2id=c1s1s4

http://www.templenet.com/Tamilnadu/chidambaram.html

As you enter the temple search for the big theppan water tank where you can also have a bath or dip you legs and do proshadam (dippng legs and sprinkling water 3 times on your head).. you can feed the fish here.. go to the big(he is really big) vinayagar temple then head for Natarajar shrine..please refer to the details on the temple in the links..near natarajar there is also a Vishnu shrine..then you can come out and see ambal called sivakami sivakhami, durga, muruga and muruga shrines and nine lingas.from near the nine lingas if you exit from the tower you can walk to thillai kali temple or take an auto for rs.20 which we did and reached the temple..

This temple's day to day functioning still rests with gurukals and their families tracing back in lineage to older times..government is not involved in the running..so if you want to use the services of a priest or gurukal you can approach them and they will be glad to show you around the temple..you can also give money for doing poojas on your behalf on any specific day etc..I am giving below the gurukal who I found to be very courteous..

G Parameshwara Dikshitar,53/85, South Car Street,Chidambaram - 608 001,Tamil NaduPhone (91)-(04144)-223393...his sons will show you around and do archanai etc for you..

One of the must watch is 11 am pooja at temple and night 10 pm pooja.

You should also visit Bhuvanagiri which is 12 km away from chidambaram in Tamilnadu and may cost Rs.150 by auto. There are also regular busses. This is the birth place/house of Raghavendra. The temple ph no is 04144-240500. They conduct regular pooja's andabhisekms there for which you can make your contributions.

Thillai Kali

She is present in two form one shantha (tranquil serene) form and one Ugra form..we did a normal archanai to the shantha kali and paid rs 135 to do a kum kuma arcahani(you may have to wait a little while for this) to ugra kali ..we also rendered a 54 lemon mala..the tickets for these are sold just outside the temple..

http://www.geocities.com/yagnavenkat/kali.html
http://www.esamskriti.com/html/chidambaram_nataraja_temple.htm
Copy of a portion of above link…. Thillai ( Chidambaram ) was under the custody of Kali and naturally a quarrel ensured when siva shiva came here to reside here between him and kali. It was agreed that the winner would get Thillai. The game commenced with the Thandava of Siva & Lasya of Kali. Siva resorted to a strategy. He lifted his one leg in the air, which Kali could not do because of modesty. Siva won & became the Lord of Thillai. The dance performed by Siva came to be known as Oorthuva Thandava.
We ate in Krishna vilas hotel ( a good one) near the theru (temple cart) on east car street and left for bus stand by auto for rs.20..bus to thirukadaiyur takes 2 hrs..we reached there by 11.30 am

Thirukadaiyur Thirukadavoor

http://www.templenet.com/Tamilnadu/s063.html

http://www.chennaionline.com/toursntravel/placesofworship/tirukkadavur.asp

There are two sivas shivas here one is Amritaghateswarar(in linga form) and ambal is abirami abhirami amman the other shiva kalasamharamoorthy is with balambikai in form of idol..there is a sliding door to reveal shiva killing yama for the sake of markandeya..couples who are together perform 60th marriage anniversary sashtiapthapoorthy (completion of 60 years of the husbands age) and sadabishekam completion of 80 years of husband technically 81 as he shld have seen 1000 full moons (Sadabhishekam :- 1000 Full Moon Life Those Who Have Witnessed 1000 Full Moon Days Will Be Considered As Sadabhisheki. After Completing 80 Years And Starting 81 Will Be Treated Sadabhisheka Period. In Their 81 Years Life Time Full Moon ( Pournami) Day Will Be Visible For 1001 Times. Those Who Are Living For 1001 Pournami Days He Will Definitely Attain The Moksha By The Blessings Of Lord Chandra.)

..you will always find many couples getting married to each other again at 60 ,70, 80 years (husband’s age)..these ceremonies bestow longer life is the belief..

there is a very good hotel for having food tiffen breakfast lunch dinner..it is a mess a little inside just outside the temple sand entrance.. its called sri krishna canteen...for small level marriages they have a seperate hall where thy will serve tiffen of marriage and also lunch /dinner..they can also give you parcelled food packets...

for organising any marriage celebration 60th, 70th or 80 at the temple in thirukadaiyur or for doing special archanai at temple you may please call Mr.Nagaraj Gurukkal on 9443514564

04364 std code phone 287349 and take his help..(tell him ashok from chennai now in coimbatore referred) in fact since my parents are old and I wanted to celebrate 80th marriage anniversary for them I used his services for conducting the sadabishekam ceremony at chennai..he did it wonderfully well he can do it at the temple which is his place of residence or chennai too since he can organise thigns through his son in law at chennai..rough cost to the priests would be Rs.10000 and for the ceremony about Rs.20000 if done at chennai... for the same to be done at thirukadaiur by him the cost will be much less as tehy do it everyday and its so very easy for them to organise it in temple.

am giving one more gurukal(priest)'s no ph 04364 287784..his name is swaminath/ravichandran

We stayed at budget hotel rs 250 for single room also has other rooms and will recommend the hotel.. for a while in hotel bharath mahal near the temple phone 04364 (std code) 287880 287780,cell 9443678303....if ur needs are for staying with a group of 10 persons or 25 persons please contact pasumadam 04364287225..i think they charge 700 for a day and electricity charges...good rooms again...if you are looking to stay in much posher hotels you have hotel sadabhisekam,

hotel manivizha 04364287840,841,842 and hotel guru 04364287340,342, there is also devastan guest rooms04364 287595..we took aroom for rs 150 and it served our needs..there are costlier hotels right opposite...and then engaged a taxi for rs 800 as we had to go to some interior places in the afternoon..

i am giving here the ph no of a very young and good enterprising taxi driver who i used called Senthil 09443850597. he canbe reached for taxi needs and for organising just about anything at thirukadaiyur. Tell him ashok for chennai had referred.

Trip to Tiruvalanchuzhi Tiruvalanchuli Swamimalai Pateeswaram Aadhi Aadi Kumbeswarar

2007-05-04T08:23:00.000-07:00

Trip to Tiruvalanchuzhi Tiruvalanchuli Swamimalai Pateeswaram Aadhi Aadi Kumbeswarar

You can write to me on templeashok@yahoo.co.in for any clarifications /doubts..i shall try my best to be of use to u so that u have a good dharshan

Trip toThiruvalanchuzhi Thiruvalanchuli Vellai Pillaiyar Nurai pillaiyaar Sweta Vinayakar Shweta Vinayakar Kali

My Son Prahalad and I took a bus from Trichy Central busstand to Kumbakonam at 1.30 reaching there by 4.30..

http://www.vegetarian-restaurants.net/India-Guide/IndianStates/Tamil-Nadu/Kumbakonam.htm

checked into MSM lodge room..they charge Rs.150 per day..this lodge is in bus stand itself and fairly convineient for the many short trips I make keeping kumbakonam as base..very many temples are spread around kumbakonam in the 3 hour by bus radius..after resting till 5pm and having a good bath, we took an auto for rs 150 to take us to Thiruvalenchuli, Pateeswaram durga and then dropping us at Aadhi kumbeswarar Siva Shiva temple. Generally the auto guys here give a package deal of 6 temples at rs 250 which can be covered in about 4-5 hrs. To every place thre are town busses plying but generally most of them are crowded as they link very many villages enroute and the roads are winding(so the journey is a tad slow)..there is lof of floating population from every town village near kumbakonam and back..very advisable to take autos for 25 km radius..u can also hire a car though it would be expensive..The tiruvalenchuli pilliyar is white..read details on temple below…very few archakas are there you need to wait a long time..or fetch the priest.. there is also a shrine for ashtambuja kali (8 hands) near the ambal temple...

http://www.templenet.com/Tamilnadu/s244.html

Swamimalai

This is one of the 6 major houses arupadaiveedu of Muruga..details in link below..very near the vinayaka temple above..about 2 km..this is where Muruga taught Shiva the pranava mantam OM…

http://murugan.org/temples/swamimalai.htm

http://www.chennaionline.com/toursntravel/placesofworship/swamimalai.asp

http://www.templenet.com/Tamilnadu/m004.html

http://www.chennaionline.com/toursntravel/placesofworship/lordmuruga.asp

http://www.templenet.com/Tamilnadu/m004.html

from this temple we left for pateeswaram durga temple which is inside a shiva temple..the nandi (bull in front of Shiva) is to the side..read story in link below..

http://www.patteeswaramdurga.org/

email address
pateeswaram_durga@sancharnet.in

temple phone 0435(std code)- 2416976

http://www.templenet.com/Tamilnadu/s180.html

Aadhi aadi Kumbeswarar Khumbeswarar

We prayed here..details in links below..navagrahas are very powerful here and kumbakonam gets its name because of the deity..it is a big temple with lot of shops with different cooking vessels kitchen item shops lining the path leading to the temple..i could feel the ambal mangalambikai very powerfully here..

http://www.templenet.com/Tamilnadu/s097.html

http://www.eprarthana.com/temples/thanjavur/tn1571aadi.asp?tid=1571

we finished our day with this..if u step out of the temple there is a good jigardanda shop(a madurai speciality something like falooda..much more tasty though..have ur heartful it is real good…

Trip to Srirangam Ranganathar Aranganathar Tiruvarangam and Tiruvaanaikkaa Tiru aanaikkaa shiva temple and Vayalur Murugan near trichy Tiruchirappall

2007-05-02T08:05:00.000-07:00

Trip to Srirangam Ranganathar Aranganathar Tiruvarangam Thiruvarangam and Tiruvaanaikkaa Tiru aanaikkaa shiva temple and Vayalur Murugan near trichy Tiruchirappalli
Sri Ranganathaswami

You can write to me on templeashok@yahoo.co.in for any clarifications /doubts..i shall try my best to be of use to u so that u have a good dharshan

Srirangam

http://www.srirangam.org/

http://www.divyadesamonline.com/hindu/temples/trichy/srirangam-temple.asp

http://www.chennaionline.com/toursntravel/placesofworship/srirangam.asp

http://www.templenet.com/Tamilnadu/df001.html

On 21-04-2007 Prahalad(son) and I got up at 4 am ..jus walked down and was pleasantly surprised by hot decoction coffee being served at that time in a nearby booth for rs 5…coffee was good ..had a bath..from central bus stand trichy where we were staying in a hotel guru there are busses available directly to Srirangam temple which leave you very near the entrance..was there by 6 am..bought tulasi mala ..rs.10 preferred by Vishnu and malligai jasmine flower mala for thayar (wife) rs.10 ..walked through nearly 7 entrances which will give you an idea on how big the temple is ..each entrance is an inner square praharam around the temple..on the way I cld seek blessings from temple horse, temple cow and temple elephant since these are present for door opening ceremony of the temple early in the morning..took a special entrance ticket ..rs20 and had an early morning dharshan..generally it is always crowded and you can have a glimpse before you are asked to leave..the garudalwar who you pray to first to seek his blessings before going to Vishnu is very tall here..after you pray you go to a separate building which houses the thayar ..on the way to this is a place where you can keep your 5 fingers and peep out to see if ranganathar is coming..this is what thayar does often from that place..and then visit chakrathalwar who is the chakra in the hands of Vishnu..there is a mandab where kambar first narrated the kamba ramayanam he composed.. there are very many shrines inside the temple as it is very big..you need half a day or 4 hrs do do a good slow dharshan of all of them.about 100 meters in front of chakrathalwar shrine are very good toilets..on the side..u can easily miss it..so ask the vendors nearby..came out and had a good breakfast in an old mess jus about 100mts from the entance which houses chakrathalwar..it was good..the mess shld be atleast 60 years old..authentic food..then we went to

Tiruvaanaikkaa Tiru aanaikkaa Jambukeswarar Jambukeshwarar Thiruvanaikkaval shiva temple

which is very near srirangam temple about 1.5 km away we took a cycle rickshaw as my son finds it very rare to see this type of transport..he loves this ride..this is a pancha bhootha stalam..water stahlam have discussed my visit to this temple elsewhere

http://www.thiruvanaikkavaltemple.org

http://www.templenet.com/Tamilnadu/s031.html

http://www.chennaionline.com/toursntravel/placesofworship/thiruvanaikkaval.asp

then took a bus to chatram chathiram bus stand

Vayalur Murugan

from chatram bus stand we took a bus to vayalur which is about 35 minutes drive..this is kripananda kribananda variar’s most loved muruga temple

http://vayalurmuruga.org/206_hymn.htm
http://www.murugan.org/temples/vayalur.htm

it takes about half hour..there is a shiva ambal temple after which you reach muruga temple..

by 12 am we returned to chatram bus stand from vayalur(there are busses from the entrance every half hr…and then we took another bus to central bus stand and then to nearby guru hotels to have our meals..tehn we rested for 1 hr…

Trip to Tiruvakkarai Kali,Siruvachur Siruvachiur Madhura kali madura kali, Samyapuram Mariamman, Mahakalikudi ujjain ujjini kali, vekkaliamman Woriur

2007-05-01T23:14:00.000-07:00

How to reach Kali temple Kali templesTrip to Tiruvakkarai Thiruvakkarai Kali, Siruvachur Siruvachiur Madhura kali madura kali, Samyapuram Mariamman, Mahakalikudi Maha kali kudi ujjain ujjini kali, Woriur ,Uraiyur Kali Vekkaliamman

Thillai Kali, Ambakaratur Kali, Kalikambal chennai, Kozha vili amman kali chennai, ayiram aayiram aiyram aaiyram kali, madapuram kali refer my other blogs on them

Note: In all temples always buy coconut et all and then archanai ticket before you go inside the temple..ask for the counter where they give this ticket as if you forget they will not do the pooja for you and will ask you to go all the way out to get the ticket..another tip is always get special entrance ticket which generally is 25 rupees max..its easier that way..

On 20th April 2007 Morning left by bus from koyembedu bus stand Chennai in Pondicherry bus via tindivanam..got down at kootu road just after panchavati anjaneyar please tell the bus conductor to help you get down there.. take a bus to perumbakkam which is about 20 minutes from there..from there take a share auto rs 10 per head and reach the temple..it is a shiva temple with kali also as main deity..worship shiva and ambal first..
See links below for details…then I did an archanai to kali(coconut et all) gave a red arali poo(flower liked by her) garland and 54 lemon mala

Official site: http://www.vakarakaliammantemple.com/specialityoftemple.htm