Virali Malai, Shanmughanathan Devasthanam, Tamilnadu

Lord Muruga, has a fancy to make rocks and hills as his abode  and Virali Malai near Trichy is no different. One can get a glimpse of the this rock temple as one travels on Madurai - Trichy route. The temple on the hill has about 200 plus steps and there are small shelters to take rest if one finds the climb a bit tedious.

There is greenery around the rock as there are many trees and it a haven for the peacocks.

There are small caves where Yogis have performed penance. The view from above the hill is breath taking,

 The Lord here is Arumughan , six faced God with 12 hands. Dressed in yellow  silks and turban the image was resplendent in the glow of oil lamps. The crowd-less day made it easy for us  to worship peacefully. Cigars are made as  an offering to the Lord here.
Saint Arunagirinathar came to Viralimalai on instructions of Lord here.

Taipoosam, Panguni Uthram, Kanda Sashti are some of the  festivals celebrated here.

Temple timings- 6 am to 11 Am

5 pm -8 pm.
Phone numbers 4322-221084
Address - Shri Shanmugha Natha Swamy temple,  manapparai Road,Virali malai, Tamilnadu-621316
This temple can be reached from Madurai or Trichy.

Kampaeshwarar temple, Tirubhuvanam, Kumbakonam district Tamil Nadu

This time, I am taking you to yet another temple of Lord Shiva in Tirubhuvanam which is just 5 Kms from the town of Kumbhakonam and Lord Shiva here is known as Kampaeshwarar .This temple is situated on  Kumbakobnam - Mayiladuthurai road.

Kampaeshwarar temple in Tirubhuvanam is very ancient temple and is really an architectural marvel.  The Lord here acquires the name of Kampaeshwarar as he cured the Kampha meaning shivering or quaking of  a king who was haunted by a Brahmarakshasa ( a fierce demon).

The Lingam here is considered to be a Swayambhu. ( self manifestation). Lord's consort has a separate sannidhi known as Dharma Samvardhini.

Yet another important shrine  here is of Lord Sarabeshwarar; a reincarnation of Lord Shiva . This  idol here is a mix of lion, eagle and human form. Lord Shiva took this ferocious form to subdue the aggression of Lord Narasimha who did not cool down even after slaying  Hiranyakasipu.

Here, it is believed that Lord Sarabeshwara has the collective power of Lord Shiva, Mahavishnu, Ma Durga and Prathyangara Devi and a worship here bestows blessings of all the  powerful deities.

Many visit the temple to pray to Lord Sarabeshwara to get relief from various ailments, worries, and all adverse situations from planets. 

Tirubhuvanam silk is also very famous worldwide. One would find lot of shops in  and around the temple. 

The interior of the temple resembles the Big temple of Tanjore.

Temple timings: Morning Am -11 A m

Evening 5 Pm -8 Pm

Phone no 0435-2460 760

Kumbakonam is the nearest rail station. One can travel to this temple by cab or by bus or an autorickshaw.


Picture quality is poor as it was shot in the evening. Will share better pictures may be on my next visit :) Check the link for a collection of images ( courtesy- Tamilnadu tourism)

Sree Ramaswammy temple Kumbakonam , Tamil nadu

Kumbakonam, in Tanjavur district abounds in temples, a city which mesmerises me. The town and surrounding areas have huge,ancient temples . I made my fifth visit to this city recently in the auspicious month of Purattasi a , month dedicated wholly to worshipping Lord Vishnu .

Sree Ramaswamy Tirukoil ( temple ) as it is known popularly ,is situated  right in the middle of the town. The colourful tall spire adds charm to the skyline. Its about 500 years old. 

The idols in the sanctum will take one's breath away; it is as if landing in the land of Lord Rama at Ayodhya for His Pattabhishekha. Life size statues of Rama , Seetha and Lakshmana along with His brothers Shatrughna and Bharatha ,stand tall to bless all the devotees. One would find Bhaktha Anjaneya kneeling down with folded hands. It is amazing to find so many  idols in one sanctum.
The Utsav moorthy of Rama ,Seetha and Lakshmana also dazzle and make us linger in front of the sanctum  till we are reminded it is time to move to make way for others.

Thoroughly enjoyed the visit. Here are a few pictures form what I clicked.

How to reach- Kumbakonam is very well connected by rail and road. Nearest airport is at Trichy

Dwarkadeesh Temple Dwarka, Jagat Mandir-Gujarat

Dwarka, Lord Krishna's abode has a magical charm. Everything here you see belongs to him. Krishna's favourite, the cows and their calves roam the city of Dwarka very freely  as it is  their master's land. They do not trouble anyone. They are very docile and they are respected. 

Lord Krishna's  Dwarakadeesh temple towers upon the city,its yellow flag fluttering atop as if beckoning His devotees .The temple is very huge and is situated upon Gomti creek known as Jagat Mandir, the universal shrine.The spire is 43 meters high and has intricate patterns and the flag flying atop is 52 yard of cloth which  is visible from as far as 10 Kms. The temple is built of soft limestone . 

Idol of Krishna is always decked up with fine silks and he is worshipped by devotees lovingly by singing hymns. Devotees carrying gifts, fruits and flowers for their dear Krishna visit the temple in big processions dancing to the beats of drums and singing Krishna's glory.It is really a spectacle to watch.

The evening aarti worship should not be missed at any cost , The whole atmosphere is charged as everyone starts chanting Krishna's various names . The clang of bells, beating drums, the worship offered to Lord gives one the  feeling that Lord Krishna is just amidst you.

There are timings for various darshans . During closure of the temple Krishna is put to sleep by singing lullabies and I could see many small children sitting near Him . Here Krishna lives, It is not the idol alone we see . We feel His presence and He is treated like a young child . See, feel and  blessed if you ever get a chance to visit Dwarka.

There are many other shrine dedicated to Devaki, Balram, Uddav, Pradhuymna around the main shrine.

Mobiles phones and electronic gadget strictly prohibited in the temple. There are safety lockers available where one can leave them before one enters the temple.

it is better to avoid the services of Pandas /guide who offer help to go inside the temple.

The nearest airport is Jamnagar. 

It is 471 Kms from Ahmedabad.

One can also visit , Somanth temple Veraval while making a visit to Dwarka. 

Gopi Talav - Dwarka, Gujarat

The name of Lord Krishna resonates everywhere in Dwarka. Here  everything is related to Krishna's life. The people here take pride in saying Krishna lived in their land.

20 Kms North West of Dwarka there is a Holy place called Gopi Talav. This village as you see in the photos is very  colourful , lively and each house here is a Mandir related to Krishna's life.

The soil in this place is smooth and yellow and is known as Gopi chandan; used by devotees of Krishna to make Tilak .

There is a sacred tank here with a well in the center and the Gopi chandan is extracted from it. One would find small shops selling Gopi chandan in this village. 

It is very interesting to see how fondly the villagers live in the memories of Krishna and His Gopis. It is believed that Gopis met  Krishna here and merged with Him in this place.

Certainly a place not to be missed. It is on the way to Beyt Dwarka.