Konerirajapuram: 18 kms. This small Shiva temple is dedicated tc Uma Maheshwara and his consort Mangala Nayaki. Known in tht ancient days as Tiru Nallam, it has become famous for the colossa: Nataraja icon made out of bronze, which is stated to be the biggest in the world. It stands… Continue reading
Pazhayaru: 8 kms. This little hamlet was the capital of the ancient Chola dynasty. Several hundred years before the Taj Mahal was built, a Tamil king had thought of such a similar structure in memory of his step-mother. This temple is known as Pallipadai temple which means burying the dead… Continue reading
Tiruvalanjuli: 6 kms. A tiny village on the outskirts of the town is a Shiva temple dedicated to Kapardishwara which is a vast museum of Chola art and iconography. It is considered as a Paradise of Sculpture and Art. The presence of Buddhist and Jaina figures in this place suggest… Continue reading
Oppilliappan Kovil: 6 kms. Thiru Oppiliappan temple is situated in the village bearing the same name. In the temple records, the deity is ‘Sri Venkatachalapathi believed to be the elder brother of Lord Venkateshwara of Tirumala. The Alwars called the Lord of this place as Than Oppar IUappan, meaning God… Continue reading
Darasuram: 4 kms. Originally known as Raja Rajapuram, this tiny village has a marvellous Shiva temple dedicated to Airavatheshwara. It is said that Raja Raja Chola built this temple to commemorate his victory over the Chalukyan monarch at Kalyanapura. He brought from there a beautiful idol of a Dwarapalaka as… Continue reading
Gangaikondacholapuram: .32 kms. The great monument at this place is known as the second Brihadishawara temple. It was established by Rajendra son of Raja Raja Chola, to commemorate his victorious march to east India upto the Ganga river. This huge temple is a treasure house of Chola art and sculpture…. Continue reading
Tirubhuvanam: 8 kms. This place is famous for its temple of Shiva dedicated to Kamahareshwara, said to have been built by Kulottunga Chola. Modelled after the Chola shrines at Thanjavur, it is believed to have been constructed to commemorate a victory in war. The Shiva Linga in the sanctum is… Continue reading
Swamimalai: 6 kms. Situated to the west of Kumbakonam is a shrine on a hillock dedicated to Subramanya, locally called as Swaminatha. He is said to have initiated his father into Pranava Manthra. It many be noted that importance is given here to Subramanya as his temple is on the… Continue reading
Kodikarai (Point Calimere): 10 kms. from Vedaranyam. This coastal wildlife sanctuary is the home of migratory birds particularly water fowl and flamingos. Popular among the bird watchers and photographers, this place is visited by many such enthusiasts during November to January. Other wildlife like black buck and wild ass can… Continue reading
Vedaranyam: 38 kms. from Nagapattinam. This is a popular Shaivite pilgrim centre with an ancient temple. According to local tradition, it is believed that the divine couple of Shiva and Parvati appeared before sage Agastya in the bridal form as desired by him. The Kalyana Utsava is celebrated here on… Continue reading