Museum

SRI SANKARANARAYANA SWAMY TEMPLE – SANKARANKOVIL

17Jul

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At a distance of 16 km from Thirumalpuram and 56 km from Tirunelveli, Sri Sankaranarayana Swamy Temple is a famous Hindu temple situated at Sankarankovil in Tirunelveli district of Tamilnadu. It is one of the top pilgrimage places to visit in Tirunelveli region and also one of the popular temples in Tamilnadu.

The temple is dedicated to Sankaranarayanar, who is the combined manifestation of Shiva and Vishnu. This temple was built by Ukkira Pandiya Thevar in the 11th century AD. This temple also called as Avudaiamman Kovil or Davasu Kovil. According to mythology, once the devotees of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva quarreled with each other to determine whose god is powerful. Then Lord Shiva appeared as Sankaranarayanar to mark his devotees to understand that both Hari and Shiva are one and the same. So it is held sacred by Saivites and Vaishnavites as well. Hence this temple depicts the concept of Hari and Haran being one God.

The temple of Sankaranarayana is situated on 4.5 acre site in the heart of the Sankarankovil Town. It is one of the Pancha Bootha Sthalas in the South Pandiya country. With an imposing Rajagopuram, rising to a height of 135 feet with nine tiers, this temple is surrounded by high walls and the tower has many beautiful images.

Lord Sri Sankaranarayana is the main deity in this temple. The right portion of the idol has sandal and indicates Lord Siva, with cobra around his neck & moon above his head. The left side of the idol indicates Lord Vishnu having Sankhu in his hand. The Sankaralingam enshrined in the temple was found during the unearthed from a ‘puttru'(Ant Hill) and was consecrated as Sri Sankaralinga Swamy in the temple. During March and September months, the rays of Sun fall on Sankaralingam for three days from 21st of the respective months. The goddess of the temple is Arulmigu Gomathi Amman. Goddess Gomathi is said to have worshipped the Lord at this place. The temple also has a separate shrine for Lord Sarpa Vinayaka.

DETAILS

  • Timings: 6 AM – 12 PM & 4 PM – 9.30 PM
  • Distance (From Tirunelveli): 56 Kms
  • Trip Duration (From Tirunelveli, Including Travel): 3-4 Hours

 

AGASTHIYAR FALLS

17Jul

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At a distance of 4 km from Papanasam and 51 km from Tirunelveli, Papanasam Falls, also known as Agasthiyar Falls is a stunning waterfall located near the town of Papanasam in Tirunelveli district of Tamilnadu. Located in the Western Ghats, Papanasam Falls is a prominent tourist destination in Tamil Nadu and is usually frequented by devotees of the Papanasanathar Temple.

Formed over Thamirabarani River, Papanasam Falls drop down from a height of 120 m. The river Thamirabarani, which flows from the Western Ghats of the Podhigai Hills, reaches the plains at Papanasam. This is highly revered by the locals both for their immense beauty and religious significance. Papanasam means absolution of sins and it is an important pilgrim center where people take bath in the sacred water to relieve themselves from sins.

Agasthiyar Temple is situated near the falls. According to legend, during the wedding ceremony of Lord Shiva & Goddess Parvati, all the Gods and Goddesses from Heaven had gone to Mount Kailash. On the order of Lord Shiva, Agasthiyar came to Papanasam to balance the world. After the wedding, Lord Shiva & Goddess Parvati appeared to Agasthiyar Munivar, who is meditating at Papanasam. Every year his idol is brought out as a procession to the Papanasanathar Temple to witness the marriage anniversary of Lord Shiva & Goddess Parvati.

Papanasam Falls can be reached by 3 km trekking or one can hire an auto from Papanasam Town. The place is frequented by animals like Tigers and Panthers, which are frequently spotted in the route from Agasthiyar Falls to Papanasam as both are located close to Kalakkad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve. Good place to go with children and safe place to take bath.

The best season to visit this fall is after monsoon.

DETAILS

Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM

Distance (From Tirunelveli): 51 Kms

Trip Duration (From Papanasam , Including Travel): 3 Hours

OLD COURTALLAM

17Jul

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At a distance of 8 km from Main Falls, 8 km from Courtallam Bus Station and 11 km from Tenkasi, Pazhaya Courtallaruvi or Old Courtallam is also known as Shivamathungai Falls.

The 200 ft fall features steps that are cut out into the rocks for breaking flow of the cascading water to make it safe for bathing. The water flows through two rocks and drop into the valley to form this waterfall. Along with separate bathing areas for men and women, tourists can engage themselves in oil massages. Bathing here is safe and is a popular activity.

Road access is available close to the falls and about 100 meters walk is needed to reach the falls from parking area.

Tiger Falls or Puli Aruvi is situated 2 km from Courtallam bus stand. It is situated between the Main Falls and Old Courtallam. This artificial falls has a moderate flow of water which is collected into a lake and is diverted for irrigation. This falls is situated inside a private property. There is a Sastha Temple and a Bathing Ghat for pilgrims. It is a perfect and safe place for children to enjoy. There is also an old palace, now a private property.

DETAILS

Distance (From Tenkasi Bus Station): 11 Kms

Trip Duration (From Courtallam Main Falls , Including Travel): 1 Hour

MANIMUTHAR AND PAPANASAM DAMS

17Jul

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At a distance of 16 km from Papanasam and 45 km from Tirunelveli, Manimuthar Dam is an artificial dam in Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu. This is one of the largest dams in Tirunelveli district and also one of the top places to visit in Tirunelveli.

Situated at the foothills of the scenic Podhigai Hills, Manimuthar Dam was built across the Manimuthar River just three km above its confluence with Thamirabarani River in 1957. The maximum storage capacity of the dam is 118 feet. The river Manimuthar is the major tributary of Thamirabarani. The Dam is an ideal picnic spot blessed with beautiful garden and peaceful atmosphere. Boating in this picturesque dam is one of the most memorable things to do in Tirunelveli.

About 6 km from Manimuthar Dam is Manimuthar Falls which is created by the waters of Manimuthar River. This natural waterfall cascades down from a height of 25 feet into a pond. The pond is 90 feet in deep and is very dangerous. The water is so fresh and less crowded compare to Courtallam. It is a picturesque place. There are some public transport services to go this place on regular intervals from Kallidai Kurichi, the nearby town. There is a forest check post on the way to the falls where visitor need to sign & pay the entry fee for the falls.

Manimuthar Falls Entry: Rs. 25 for Person & Rs. 25 for Camera

DETAILS

Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM

Distance (From Tirunelveli): 45 Kms

Trip Duration (From Papanasam , Including Travel): 4 Hours/Half Day

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