Discover 5 hidden attractions, cool sights, and unusual things to do in Pudukkottai (India). Don't miss out on these must-see attractions: Thirumayam Fort, Kokarneswarar Temple, and Vedaranyeswarar Temple. Also, be sure to include Thanthodreeswarar Temple in your itinerary.
Below, you can find the list of the most amazing places you should visit in Pudukkottai (Tamil Nadu).
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Thirumayam Fort
Fortress in Thirumayam, India. The Thirumayam Fort is a 40-acre wide fortress in the town of Thirumayam in Pudukkottai-Karaikudi Highway in Pudukkottai District, Tamil Nadu, India. It was constructed by Vijaya Raghunatha Sethupathi, the Raja of Ramnad in 1687. Later the fort was handed over to his brother in law Raghunatha Raya Tondaiman. The fort has been extensively renovated by Archaeological Survey of India in 2012.[1]
Address: Tirumayam Fort, Thirumayam, 622507 Pudukkottai
Kokarneswarar Temple
The Kokarneswarar Temple is situated in town of Thirukokarnam located 5 kilometres from the town of Pudukkottai in the Tamil Nadu, India. The presiding deity is Kokarneswarar considered to be a form of the Hindu God Shiva. His consort Brihadambal is the family deity of the Thondaiman kings which ruled the princely Pudukkottai state. The temple was constructed by the Pallava king Mahendravarman I.
Within the temple complex, there are shrines to Ganesa, Gangadhara and the Saptakannis. There is also an idol of the saint Sadasiva Brahmananda beneath a bikula tree, who is the Guru of the Thondaiman kings of Pudukkottai state.[2]
Vedaranyeswarar Temple
Vedaranyeswarar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Shiva, located in the town of Vedaranyam in Tamil Nadu, India. Vedaranyeswarar is revered in the 7th century Tamil Shaiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil saint poets known as the Nayanars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam. It is the only temple to have found mention in all the seven Thirumurais. The temple is famed for the legend between the saints Appar and Sambandar when the former sang to open the door while the latter sang to close the door.
Vedaranyeswarar temple is a part of the series of temples built by Aditya Chola (871-907 CE) along the banks of river Kaveri to commemorate his victory in the Tirupurambiyam battle. It has several inscriptions dating back to the Chola period. The temple has six daily rituals at various times from 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and three yearly festivals on its calendar. The annual Brahmotsavam (prime festival) is attended by thousands of devotees from far and near. The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu.[3]
Thanthodreeswarar Temple
Thanthoneeswarar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva, located in Woraiyur, a suburb in the town of Tiruchirapalli in Tamil Nadu, India. The temple was built by the Pandya ruler Varaguna Pandiyan II during the 9th century. It has inscriptions dating back to 885 AD during the rule of Cholas. The temple has four daily rituals at various times from 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and three yearly festivals on its calendar. The temple is maintained and administered by hereditary trustees.
The temple is associated with the legend of Shiva appearing as helper for the servant maid for the pregnant Chola king. The bangle festival celebrated during the Tamil month Thai (January – February) is the most prominent festival celebrated in the temple.[4]
Panchavarnaswamy Temple
Panchavarnaswamy Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva, located in Woraiyur, a neighborhood in the town of Tiruchirapalli in Tamil Nadu, India. Shiva is believed to portray five different colours, giving the name of the presiding deity, Panchavarnaswamy. Panchavarnaswamy is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil saint poets known as the nayanars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam.
It has several inscriptions dating back to the Chola period. The temple has six daily rituals at various times from 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and three yearly festivals on its calendar. The annual Srivari Brahmotsavam (prime festival) is attended by hundreds of thousands of devotees. The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu.[5]