Karaikudi: (36 kms.) This place has become famous for its temple dedicated to goddess Koppudai Nayaki Amman, who is known to be a manifestation of Durga. It is believed that the original idol was discovered in a nearby forest about three hundred years ago. Devotees offer toy cradles to this… Continue reading
Avudayar Kovil: (45 kms.) This prosperous village is noted for its ancient Shiva temple dedicated to Atmanathar. In the ancient days, This place was known as Tiruperuthurai. It is believed that this temple was founded by Saint Manickyavachagar, in the 8th century. The temple is unique in spiritual concept, design… Continue reading
Kunnandar Kovil: (27 kms.) This ancient cave temple has a Shiva shrine which goes back to the 8th century. The inscription records the name of the place as Kunru-Andar-kovil which means the Temple of the Lord of the Hill. This temple was built by a Muttrayar chief who was probably… Continue reading
Tirukkattalai: (12 kms.) This small village has another Shiva temple dedicated to Sundareshwara. Mentioned in the inscriptions as Karkurichi, this temple has the tower at the entrance which is square at the base and pyramidal in design. This rare architecture is embellished with finely carved figures of deities. The walls… Continue reading
Tiruvangai Vasal: (5 kms.) Not far from Thirugokarnam, a suburb of Pudukottai, is an ancient temple dedicated to Venkatanathar or Vyaghrapurishwarar. True to its name, the Linga in the shrine gives the facial expression of a tiger. There is an interesting local legend connected with this deity and the divine… Continue reading
Kodumbalur: (42 kms.) This village has three ancient shrines popularly known as Moovar Kovil, built by the Irukkuvel chieftain, Bhuti Vikramaditya. They were all for each of his two queens and one for himself. These monuments relate to the 10th century and the style and moulding of the structures resemble… Continue reading
Sittanavasal: (18 kms.) Near the village Annavasal is a cluster of rock caves, which can be termed as the Ajantha of the South. Megalithic burial sites near Sittanavasal caves testify their hoary past, while the rich sculpture and paintings adjoining the caves are similar to the famous Ajanta caves. In… Continue reading
Thirumayam: (25 kms.) This place has been celebrated in a song by Tirumangai Mannan, one of the Alwars. It lies at the foot of a hill crowned by an old fort. Nearby is Adirangam, a place which became popular even earlier than Srirangam itself. It contains a rock temple with… Continue reading
Narthamalai: (16 kms.) The place is of great antiquity. Originally known as Nagarthamalai, meaning The Abode of Merchant Guild. A series of eight hills encircle the village, and the valley below presents an enchanting view. Today, the place has become famous for its Mariamman temple patronised by the surrounding villages…. Continue reading
Tiru Gokarnam: (2 kms.) On the outskirts of the town is an ancient Shiva temple dedicated to God Gokarnanatheshwarar. Originally, a cave temple, excavated by the first pallava king Mahendravarman during 600 A.D., considerable additions have been made to the shrine. Today, it is a lovely temple with a vast… Continue reading