DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM

IMPORTANT TOURIST PLACES AT

TIRUVANNAMALAI DISTRICT
 INDEX

S.NO. DETAILS PAGE NO.

1. Tiruvannamali District Map 1

2. Important Places Distance Chart 2
3. History of Thiurvannamalai 3
4. Arunachaleshwarar Temple 4-6
5. Ramanar Ashram 7-9
6. Seshadri Ashram 10-12
7. Yogi Ramsurat Kumar Ashram 13-14
8. Sathanur Dam 15
9. Erikuppam Sani Bhagavan Temple 16-17
10. Padavedu Renugambal Temple 18-20
11. Panduranga Temple, Thennangur 21-22
12. Pachiamman Temple, Vazhapanthal 23
13. Javvadhu Hills 24
14. Parvadha Hills 25-28
15. Shenbaga Thoppu Dam 29
16. Jain Temple, Tirumalai 30
17. Vedhapurishwarar Temple, Cheyyar 31-33
18. Hotel Tamil Nadu Photo – Tiruvannamali 34
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1.TIRUVANNAMALI DISTRICT MAP

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3.HISTORY OF TIRUVANNAMALI
Tiruvannamali is an ancient temple town in TamilNadu with a unique historical back ground. It is one of the holy town that
finds a place in the poems written by reputed Tamil saivaite poets.(padal petra sthalam). Several important facts are found in the
stone inscriptions in the walls of temple prakarams. Also many details were available through inscriptions found on the copper
plates.

The four great Tamil saivaite poets Sambandar, Sundarar, Appar and Manickavasagar have written about the history of
Tiruvannamali in their literary work that stands unparalleled. They are Thevaram and Thiruvasagam. Arunagirinathat has also
written beautifully about the history of Thriuvannamalai and this Lord Arunachalaeswarar temple. The ancient kings starting from
the Chola Dynasty period read from the Tamil works and started reposing more faith on Lord Arunachalaeswar. They started
contributing their share by constructing many Gopuram, mandapams, and shrines. Making steady additions to the temple structure
over the last one thousand years. During the reign of King Krishnadevarayar of Vijayanagaram, Lord Arunachalaeswar temple saw
many buildings and structures in the form of gopurams and mandapams came to be built. Since King Krishnadevarayar was a
staunch devotee of Lord Shiva. Most important among them is the Rajagopuram that is 217 feet high. This is believed to be the second
highest Gopuram in the India. According to the history of Tiruvannamali, this temple is the largest temple in India built exclusively
for Shiva and Parvathi. Kings like Ballala who was another Shiva devotee contributed many structures to this temple. History says
that Shiva himself pleased with this king’s kindness and generosity came forward to perform the kings final rites since this king was
childless. Another history about Tiruvannamali on how Lord Shiva took the form of fire is explained as, when once Lord Brahma and
Lord Vishnu had a quarrel, Shiva in order to sort out this problem took the form of fire and challenged them to find his crown and
feet. Both of them failed and Brahma in the process of finding out tells a lie and Shiva gets annoyed with Brahma and curses that he
should not have place of worship. Hence it is believed that there is no temple for Brahma any where in India. Thus at Tiruvannamali
Lord Shiva came to be worshipped by devotees in the form of fire. And it is one of the pancha bootha sthalas in Tamilnadu.

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 4.ARULMIGU ARUNACHALESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance: Tiruvannamali to Arunachaleswarar Temple - 1 K.M.

Tiruvannamalai is a world renowned pilgrim centre located at the foot hills of Annamalai hills. It came to be built over a
period of more than thousand years. Many kings particularly the Chola and Pandiya Kings. Apart from the King Krishnadevaraya
in the 15th century.

This temple city is about 80 kilometres away from Katpadi or otherwise known as Vellore. This temple can also reached
from Chennai traveling to a distance of about 180 kilometres. Shiva and Parvathi are the two deities that are worshipped here at
Arunachaleeswar temple. Shiva is prayed here in the form of Agni. One of the panchaboothas that is used as an element to incarnate
this earth or universe.

Shiva is known by devotees as Annamalayar or Arunachaleswarar. And this is believed to be the largest temple in the
world dedicated to Shiva. The history of this Annamalayar temple dates back to thousand years. Mention has been made in the
Thevaram and Thiruvasagam, both great works in Tamil.

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 The greatness of this Arunachaleswarar temple was glorified through poems written by salivate poets Appar, Sundarar,
Manickavasagar, and Sambandar. This is also well known as the Padal Petra Sthalam in Tamil besides few more temples in Tamil
Nadu that enjoys this status.Many kings of those periods have contributed their share to the growth and welfare of this
Arunachaleswarar temple. Construction was going on at a steady pace over the last thousand years indicating its importance and
patron received by this temple from the public. It has continuously expanded due to the initiative of the kings and the public
contribution.

The Arunachaleswarar temple has a unique structure with a 66 metre high gopuram consisting of thirteen storey tier. The
temple has seven prakaras and nine gopurams. The tallest gopuram was built by king Krishnadevaraya in the fifteenth century and it
is believed to be the second tallest gopuram in the world. This tower is called as Rajagopuram located on the eastern side.
Arunachaleswarar temple is spread over 25 acres of land. Out of the seven prakaras, the first two prakaras is said to be built by the
Pandiya kings and the remaining prakaras by the Cholas and other kings. It has two big tanks named as Brahma Theertham and the
other as Siva Ganga Theertham. It has a massive thousand pillar hall built by the ancient kings. In the thirteenth century the Hoysala
kings from Karnataka built some sannadhis and prakaras in the temple.

The most significant factor in this temple is that lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of fire. Every year during the month of
Karthikai, the flame is lit on the hill top and this ritual is witnessed by millions of devotees who gather here from all corners of the
world. This festival is widely called as Karthikai Deepam in Tamil. Devotees consider greatly auspicious to witness this fire every
year since Shiva or Arunachalaeswar is prayed as Agni at Tiruvannamalai.

Shiva is also called as Annamalayar and Parvathi as Apitakuchambaal by many of their devotees. This temple is also
considered unique since fire being one of the five elements of Panchabootham is attributed to this Arunachalaeswarar temple and
Shiva takes the form of this fire. The other elements that falls under the Panchaboothas are space (Akash), water (Jalam), wind (Vayu),
and earth (Bhoomi) Each of these five elements of Panchaboothas are associated to different places of worship in Tamil Nadu and
Andhra. Water is associated with a temple in Thiruvanaikaval, Space is attributed to a temple at Chidambaram, Earth at

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Kanchipuram and Wind at Sri Kalahasthi in Andhra nearer to Tirupathi. At Arunachaleswarar age old traditions and formalities are
still in vogue. When it relates to worship the local community at Tiruvannamalai are involved in the rituals. They are the temple

priests, administrators, temple staff, trustees, palanquin bearers, guards, bhajan singers, musicians and other important artisans.The
ceremony includes bringing the Ganga theertham on the elephant from the holy tank located at the southern part of the town. This
water is brought through the Thirumanjana Gopuram on the south side. This water is utilized for cleaning the second prakara
entrance.

Then Shiva and Parvathi are woken up and Arunachaleswarar is taken on a procession to the main temple and Parvathi is
taken to Unnamalaiamman temple. Then the first pooja starts every day in the morning and conducted at regular intervals and
timings for a total number of six times a day.All devotees go round the hill and it is called Pradakshina and it is usually done during
the full moon day (Pournami). About five lakh devotees go round this Annamalai hill every full moon day and it around 13
kilometres in distance. This practice of doing Pradakshina regularly helps the devotees to stay spiritually, mentally and physically fit.

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5.RAMANA MAHARISHI ASHRAM

Distance: Tiruvannamali to Ramana Maharishi Ashram - 2 Km

Tiruvannamalai is also synonym to Saint Ramana Maharishi as it is to Lord

Arunachalaeswarar. Ramana Maharishi was born in a simple and poor family at a small village near
Madurai. He was born in the year 1879 on 30th December. Venkatramana was his real name. After
his father’s death when Ramana was only in his teens, he with his mother moved to his uncle’s house
in Madurai. It was here that Ramana met a person from Tiruvannamalai who came to his uncle’s
house at Madurai. After hearing some news about Tiruvannamalai from that person, he was very
impressed on going to see Lord Arunachalaeswar at Tiruvannamalai.

Later Venkatramana left to Tiruvannamalai along with his mother. He settled there and
fervently started praying to Lord Arunachalaeswar and continuously sat in penance for many days.
Saint Ramana Maharishi’s teachings drew many people towards him and today after 58 years after
his nirvana there are millions of followers. These devotees repeatedly visit his ashram to receive his
immortal blessings. They particularly visit his ashram during the Maha Shivarathri day, and many
others visit through out the year. He continuous to live among them through his valuable teachings andphilosophy.

The town of Tiruvannamalai is located about 120 miles away from Chennai. It is exactly in the south west direction to
Chennai. One can reach Ramana Maharishi ashram that lies mere two miles from the Tiruvannamalai railway station lying between
Villupuram and Katpadi in the South India. Ramana Ashram can be easily reached via bus and private cabs.
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At the Ramana Ashram :

A beautiful arch at the main gate welcomes all the visitors to the
Ramanashram. There is a big courtyard with plenty of old trees and one among
them is said to be around 450 years old. Next to attract the attention of the visitor
to the Ramanashram is the two imposing tower built in temple and it is in
Dravidian style. One of the tower is built over the tomb of Ramana’s mother and
the other over the new hall.

In the new hall there is a life size statue of Ramana Maharishi. This is
made out of a single stone and excellently given a fine polish to make it appear
like black marble. This new hall helps to accommodate the increasing number of
devotees who visit this ashram every year. The old hall is not enough to
accommodate all the devotees since it is small in size. Ramana Maharishi used
this new hall only a few months before his nirvana.

The other tower surmounts the Mathrubhuteswara temple. The devotees

can enter this shrine through the door located in the western wall of the new hall.
This shrine was built by a great temple architect called Vaidyanatha Sthapathi.
Lord Shiva lingam and Chakra meru are the deities in this shrine. Shri Chakra
meru pooja is performed on all Fridays in a week, on full moon days and in all
first day of 12 solar months in a year.

The outer Garba griha has images of Dakshinamurthi, Lingothbavar, Lakshmi and Vishnu. They are very aesthetically and
beautifully sculpted by expert temple artisans. The idols of Lord Ganesha and Lord Muruga are placed on the south west and north
west corner of this shrine. The Chandekeswari shrine is on the north side of this new hall. The north east corenr is occupied by the
Navagrahas. A Nandhi is placed facing the garba griha. All the pillars in the shrine sport the different hindu deities.
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Ramana Maharishi Samadhi :

Saint Ramana Maharishi’s Samadhi has a tomb on which there is a raised

mandapam.A vimana ismounted on top of this mandapam, that is supported by
four huge pillars. These granite pillars are exquisitely carved and superbly
polished. A beautiful lotus is carved out of white marble is placed in the centre
point of this mandapam. Over this marble lotus a Shivalingam is perched. This
Samadhi also has a large meditation hall for devotees to sit in meditation.The
old hall comes next where Ramana Maharishi spent his last years before
attaining nirvana. This hall is quite sought after by devotees who sit here for
penance continuously for many hours. There is a large garden to the north of
this hall. A free dispensary is located on the west side which offers medical
facility for the poor and the needy. A path on the east leads to the kitchen and
the dining hall. This path also leads to the skandasramam that is located in the
north Arunachala hill.

This huge dining hall is convenient enough to serve 1000 devotees at a time. Mostly on the Ramana Maharishi’s birth day this
hall is utilized along with the big kitchen to cook food for the visitors. From this dining hall one can reach the Veda patasalai meant to
teach small boys the chanting of Vedas and its meanings.

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6.SESHADRI MAHARISHI ASHRAM

Distance: Tiruvannamali to Seshadri Maharishi Ashram - 2 K.m.

Seshadri Swamigal was born in the year 1870 at Kancheepuram. It is believed that he went to Thriuvannamalai when he was
in his teens. He was a ardent devotee of Goddess Shakthi. Unlike Ramana Maharishi who was a staunch follower of Lord
Arunachaleswarar. They were good friends even though their way of life was totally different from one another.

Seshadri Swamigal’s behavior was strange to the devotees. He would never sit or sleep in one particular place and never had
any permanent home of his own. Most of his time was spent roaming the streets of Tiruvannamalai. He used to sleep whenever it was
comfortable to sleep in a place. Never had any organized daily routine to follow. Always ate food from roadside shops without
paying them any money. The shopkeepers thought it was a good omen if Swamiji visited their shop to eat. There would be heavy
sales in that particular shop where Seshadri Swamigal ate that day.
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Seshadri Swamigal would never take bath for years together. But all the while likes to enjoy getting himself fully drenched in
the rain. He stands still even in heavy downpours and would get indoors only when it stopped completely. Some times he would
sing and dance in the rain in front of his devotees without any reservations. He lead life like a siddhi and would foretell things that
would happen in future. He even reads people’s mind by observing them quickly. When they came to him for blessings, sometimes
he would run away from them. He does not like devotees touching his feet and falling at his feet. At times pilgrims are scared to go
near him, since he would abuse and throw stones at them. He mostly avoids people around him and like to sit in a lonely place
talking to himself like a insane person. Sometimes he would touch the sick persons and his touch had a miraculous power to cure all
ailments whom so ever he touched.

This power is believed to be inculcated from the Goddess Shakthi since he was a strong devotee of her. He was equally blessed
with miraculous power of Lord Arunachaleswarar and Lord Rama. It is believed Mahan Seshadri was a gift of goddess Kamakshi.
Since he was born to the couple Varadharajan and Maragatham after being childless for long years and was born after performing
severe penance to Goddess Kamakshi. Hence he was considered a boon offered by Kamakshi.

Shri Seshadri was considered a divine child from the beginning. He also proved them right by starting to do poojas from his
early childhood. One incident made him more popular in Kancheepuram when Seshadri was only a four year old child. Little
Seshadri was walking beside his mother in the temple street. As he was passing by the shop he picked up a idol of Krishna kept there
in the shop for sale. Seshadri’s mother refused to buy him the idol, but Seshadri was stubborn to own it. The shop keeper seeing this
situation, allowed Seshadri to take the Krishna idol free. The next day when Seshadri was walking with his mother passing by the
same shop to the temple, the shopkeeper recognizing the boy felt he was a golden child with divine powers. And he spread word
about his power to every one since the whole lot of idol were sold the previous day when he touched the idol of Lord Krishna at his
shop. From then on every body called him a boy with golden hand and with extraordinary divine powers.

At the fifth year Seshadri was sent to Veda patasalai by his parents. There he showed keen intelligence to grasp various
vedantas and mantras. And by the time he was fourteen he learnt much at this Patasalai. His father passed away when Mahan was
only fourteen years old. There after his uncle took to Vazhur. Here Swamiji completed his learning and was a master in Upanishads,
Vedas, Gita,Vyakarama and Nyaya besides astrology and music.
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And when Mahan was seventeen his mother also died and his uncle solely took care of him and his brother. Seshadri began
doing severe pooja and sat for long hours with the pictures of goddess Shakthi, Lord Arunachala and Lord Rama. When Seshadri was
nineteen he became a disciple of Sri Balaji Swamigal who inducted him to sanyasin. Seshadri after traveling many holy cities and
towns in Tamil Nadu reached Tiruvannamalai, the abode of Lord Arunachaleswarar.

Seshadri did not have any specific place for meditation. He would move from place to place and his favourite places were
Kambattu Illayanar temple, Draupadi Amman temple, Yogeswara mandapam and padhala lingam. Seshadri came to Tiruvannamalai
quite earlier to Ramana maharishi. The people around this holy temple city Tiruvannamalai would often refer to Seshadri Mahan as
the elder brother of Ramana Maharishi.

Mahan always emphasized people to pray to Shiva Lingam. One can attain liberation and get spiritually enlightened by
praying to Lord Arunachaleswarar. This was believed to be his strong teaching and ideology that he propagated among his followers
far and wide.Seshadri Swamigal after spending nearly forty years in Tiruvannamalai breathed his last here after falling sick for a brief
period of time. The Ashram of Seshadri Swamigal is located near the Ramana Ashram at Tiruvannamalai.

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7.SHRI YOGIRAM SURATKUMAR ASHRAM

Distance: Tiruvannamali to Shri Yogiram Suratkumar Ashram - 2.5 K.m.

Shri Yogiram SurathKumar was also well known among his devotees as Visiri Samiyar especially with his followers from
Tamil Nadu. Though he was born at a village near Kashi, he spent his spiritual life at Tiruvannamalai, the abode of Lord
Arunachalaeswar. Shri Yogiram hails from a traditionally religious family. From his early child hood he was spiritually inclined and
was attracted towards the Saints and Yogis living near the banks of river Ganges. He was born in the year 1918 on the first day in the
month of December. His birth place was a small village lying near the banks of the river Ganges.

People around child yogiram noticed in him a strong urge to seek god in various forms. And as he grew he had an inclination
to pursue god and follow in the spiritual path of life. To achieve this goal he was eager to become a disciple of some saints, swamijis
and yogis. He used to sit along with the meditating sadhus at the ganga river banks and engage himself in Nama Japam. This
continued every day and Yogiram became too involved in his religious activities. In the process became good friends with all the
sadhus and saints. He learnt from them all the spiritual teachings over the years. Seeing his enthusiasm to learn the Swamijis were
keen to teach him without hesitation.
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Shri Yogiram wanted to travel far and wide in order to become a disciple of some great swamijis. Hence in the year 1947 he
started on a religious mission towards the south. He initially was very keen to visit Shri Aurobindo Ghose at his Ashram. As per his
aspirations he reached the ashram of Shri Aurobindo Ghose. Under his advice and guidance he was directed to meet Shri Ramana
Maharishi at Tiruvannamalai. There after Swami Yogiram after leaving the ashram of Aurobindo headed straight to the abode of
Lord Arunachaleswarar in order to meet Shri Ramana Maharishi at his ashram. Her he met Shri Ramana maharishi Swamigal and
took his blessings. Bagawan Ramana Maharishi blessed Shri Yogiram with the power of gnana. After this Shri Yogiram left to meet
Shri Ramadas Swamigal who was residing at Kerala upon the advice given by Shri Ramana Maharishi. He arrived at Shri Ramdas
Swamigal Ashram at Kerala and stayed there for sometime as his disciple. Here he involved himself fully in spiritual activities. After
some days Shri Ramdas Swamigal blessed Shri Yogiram with the power of Bhakthi. He also initiated Shri Yogiram by uttering into
his ears three times the holy mantra as follows, Om Shri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram.

There after Visiri Samiyar or Shri Yogiram Surath Kumar swamigal continued his holy pilgrimage to other parts of South
India. Finally Shri Yogiram Surath Kumar Swamigal returned to Tiruvannamalai, the holy abode of Lord Arunachaleswarar. He used
to sit and meditate in various prominent places of Tiruvannamalai roads surrounding the temple. His favourite places where he did
tapas were near the temple chariot, road corners of Tiruvannamalai nearer to Lord Arunachaleswarar temple prakharams. Later he
started living in a very small rented house adjacent to the temple at Sannathi street Tiruvannamalai. He had regular devotees visiting
every day seeking his divine blessings. Since the place was insufficient to meet all his devotees, they suggested him to start his own
Ashram in a bigger premise. On their support later he moved to Aghrahara Sholai to continue his divine services. This ashram is
located on a four acres land that is within the limits of Tiruvannamalai town. Shri Yogiram attained siddhi at this ashram in the year
2001 peacefully, leaving behind his devotees in deep sorrow. Millions of followers came to bid a tearful farewell to this Shri Yogiram
Swamigal alias Visiri Samiyar at his Ashram.

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8.SATHANUR DAM

Distance: Tiruvannamali to Sathanur Dam - 30 K.M.

This magnificent Sathanur dam was built in the year 1958. It is located near the Tiruvannamali. One can reach from Lord Arunachala
temple by road which takes about half an hour drive by car. Sathanur dam is built across the Pennaiyar river that originates at the Chennakesava
hills. A large area of agriculture lands are benefited through water stored in this dam. Roughly it irrigates around 8000 hectares of lands. The
total storage capacity of this dam is 7321 million cubic feet when the water stands at the full level of 119 feet.

The other added attraction of this Sathanur dam is its picturesque location. This nature’s beauty draws millions of tourists every year from
all over the world. And people who visit Tiruvannamalai never fail to visit this dam. There is also a beautiful garden and a children’s park as
part of this dam. A small zoo is maintained here near this dam with some wildlife varieties.
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9.ENDHIRA SANEESWARAR TEMPLE, ERIKUPPAM

Distance: Tiruvannamali to Erikuppam Saneeswarar Temple – 56 K.m.

This is a famous Navagraha Temple dedicated to Sani Bhagavan/Shani Bhagavan (Planet Saturn).

Usually Sri Sani Bhagwan appears in the idol form, but in the Erikuppam temple, Sri Sani Bhagwan graces in the form of the
Shivalinga. Long before , a king bulit the temple for the Saturn planet installing him as Shivalinga with the yantras. Yantra is a
diagramatic representation of the power of the deity we worship. In due course of time, the temple disappeared leaving the Linga
alone in the open space. Later, people built this temple. As he graces as a Linga with Yantras, He is known as Enthira Saneeswarar.

In the sanctum sanctorum, Sri Saneeswara appears in the 6.5 feet tall Shivalinga form placed on a peeta of 2.5 feet width. As in
Shivalinga, Moon and Sun have their places on the head. His crow vehicle is in the middle. The six faced (Shatkona) yantra with
Namashivaya, basic mantras as Beejakshara and Mahalakshmi mantras are inscribed in the Linga. The temple is in the midst of green
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fields. The entrance sculpture shows Sani Bhagwan in a Rath which is driven by the crows. There are also paintings of all planets
with their vahana in the front hall. It is suggested to offer archanas with Vilva leaves for Shiva worship. On the next day of the
Pongal , mattu pongal day, abishek is performed with 108 pots of milk.

For the people to have a good look, the Sun, Moon, the Crow, the hexagon & the triangles have been covered with metal plates
carved to the shape. We can see the figures and letters on the deity, if we watch with concentration. He is on a Peeta and near Him is
the Yanthra of Chaya Devi which was found buried near the Lord.

These designs on Sri Saneeswara were carved more than thousand five hundred years ago by the evolved souls. Our ancient
Rishis had academic and spiritual facts on all the planets, even before the scientists discovered them.

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10.RENUGAMBAL TEMPLE, PADAVEDU

Distance: Tiruvannamali to Renugambal Temple, Padavedu - 55 K.m.

Padavedu is one of the most important ‘Sakthi Sthalas’ in Thondainadu. Goddess Renugambal is self-manifested in this
place, indicating "Sakthi is everything in this world" and offering her blessings along with Brahma, Vishnu and Lord Siva. In this
place a number of sages performed penance & attained salvation. The existence of Banalingam and Nanakarshna Chakra consecrated
by Adi Sankarar is the specialty of this place. This is the most popular temple of Padavedu and is usually crowded on holidays.

This is the place where Saint Jamathakni did penance and attained Mukthi (salvation). Here as blessed by Lord Siva, Mother
Renugambal kept her Sirasu (head) for performing pooja by devotees and to offer them her blessings. She took her body to Swarka
Loga (Heaven) along with Saint Jamathakni.
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With the blessings of Brahma, the Mother of all worlds Uma Devi was born to Eraivadha Maharaja, the king of Vidharba
Desam. The child named as Renugai grew and attained marital age. Permitted by her father and according to the customs of those
times, Renugai traveled the whole world accompanied by her friends and an army in search of a suitable husband. At last, she arrived
at Kundalipuram, where saint Jamathakni was doing penance. Since Renugai camped near the Ashram with her soldiers, the sacred
place was named "Padai Veedu" (army encampment). "Padaiveedu" is now called as "A.K.Padavedu (Amman Koil
Padavedu)". Here, Renugai saw Saint Jamathakni.

Renukadevi, daughter of King Raivada married Sage Jamadagni and delivered Parasurama. Padavedu is the place where
Sage Jamadagni, an incarnation of Lord Shiva, lived with his wife Renuka, an Incarnation of Parvathi and son Parasurama, the avatar
of Vishnu. Sage Jamadagni and Sage Vishwamitra grew together. The Sage used to perform Yagna daily to which mother Renuka
used to bring water in a pot just made that day. One day the Mother saw a Gandharva flying and lost her mind on that due to the
Maya or the play of the great Shakti. She was late for the yagna and felt ashamed.

Temple Speciality

Amman in the temple is a swayambumurthy - head alone. This is one among the Shakti Peetas. Against the kumkum
Prasadam offered in Shakti temples, only sand is offered here. Though an Amman temple, three are no lion paintings on the walls but
only cows. Also against a lion or Yazhi (belonging to lion family) vahanam in Amman shrines, there is a bull here.

To prove that everything is under the power of Shakti, it is believed that three Lords, Brahmma, Vishnu and Shiva are in the
sanctum sanctorum formless. Worshipping Ambica means worshipping all the Gods and 30 crore Devas of the celestial world.
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Connectivity:

The location of Arulmigu Renugambal Amman Temple is serene and awe inspiring. Situated at the foot of the mountain chain
(Jawadhu hills) the temple is surrounded by trees on all sides.

Padavedu is 8 km far from the branch road of Chandavasal lying on the Tiruvannamali highway. Bus facilities are available to
Padavedu from Kancheepuram, Vellore, Polur, Arcot and Arani. The place is 42 km from Vellore, 52 km from Tiruvannamali, 22 from
Arani, 150 km from Chennai and 23 km from Polur.

Nearest Railway Station is located at Kalambur, Arani.

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11.PANDURANGA TEMPLE, THENNANGUR

Distance: Tiruvannamali to Panduranga Temple, Thennangur - 70 K.m.

Thennangur is a village located in the Tiruvannamalai district in the state of Tamil Nadu. The village was earlier known as
Dakshina Halasyam, and it is famous for a uniquely designed Hindu temple, Raghumayi Sametha Pandurangan Kovil. According to
the Hindu puranas (myths), this village is the birthplace of the Hindu Goddess Lakshmi.

Location:

Thennangur is one of the villages of Vandavasi Taluk in the Tiruvannamalai district of the state of Tamil Nadu. It is located 70
km away from the district capital, Tiruvannamalai, and 110 kms away from the state capital, Chennai.

Thennangur is located on State Highway 116 between Kanchipuram and Vandavasi. The total distance between Vandavasi
and Thennangur is 11 km and the distance from Thennangur to Villupuram is 69.4 kms.
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The villages located around Thennangur are Vandavasi, Birudur, Chetpet, Eramalu, Irumbedu, Kaaram, Echur, Salukkai,
Thenelapakkam, Veerambakkam, and Pancharai. Other towns located nearby are Cheyyar, Anakkavur, and Thellar.

History:

Thennangur was previously known as Dakshina Halasyam, meaning “a place where the wise drink nectar.” As this place was
full of forests, it was also known as Shadaranya Kshetra (six forests). It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi (or Meenashki) was found
in this place as a three-year-old child by a Pandya king.

The village was given rebirth by Shri Haridas Giri Swamigal, a disciple of Swami Gnanananda Giri, who decided on Dakshina
Halasyam as the home for spreading Sanathana Dharma through Namasankeerthanam, because he strongly believed that one can
easily reach the feet of God through music.

The nearby town of Vandavasi, which was previously under the administration of the British, was then called Wandiwash.

Popularity:

The village of Thennangur is very famous for the Sri Panduranga temple. People come from all over the country to this temple to
have the darshan of the deity. The temple is famous for the Vishukani Utsav festival that falls on Tamil New Year’s Day. The
Muthangi Sevai festival is celebrated on the day of Gokhulashtami that falls between August and September, when the Lord Krishna
is decorated in various alankaras (styles) as Rajagopala, Govinda-Giridari holding the Govardana hill, Parthasarathy, and Child
Krishna.

Getting There:

Regular bus services are available from the cities of Kanchipuram, Vandavasi, Chennai, Tindivanam, Tiruvannamali,
Villupuram, Bangalore, and Vellore.

The nearest railway stations are at Melmaruvathur, about 28 km from Vandavasi, and at Tindivanam, about 35 km from Vandavasi.
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12. PACHIAMMAN TEMPLE, VAZHAPANTHAL

Distance: Tiruvannamali to Pachi Amman Temple, Vazhapanthal – 67 K.m.

Munugapet Pachaiamman temple is 1000 years old temple. This temple situated in Tiruvannamali district near vazhapanthal
seiyar circle near Arani. It is a beautiful village surrounded by greenary of fields and small villages.Nearly 150+ kms from
chennai.This is the 1st Pachaiamman temple and later new temples of goddess constructed in Tiruvannamali .

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13.JAVVADHU HILLS

Distance: Tiruvannamali to Javvadhu Hills – 75 K.m.

Beeman Falls are located in the Tiruvannamali district of the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu. They can be placed at a
distance of 5 kilometers from Jamanamarathur village. Jamanamarathur is situated 40 km from Polur region in Tiruvannamali district
of Tamil Nadu. Generally the water flows in the cascade for more than 8 months in a year. The tourists enjoy bathing at the pool
beneath the waterfall. The Beeman falls (as they are popularly known as) are part of a reserve forest which is renowned for
sandalwood and fruit bearing trees. A 12 kilometers trek in the woods leads to the Beeman falls, which is the adventurous part of the
visit to the falls.

This waterfall is also known as Bheema Falls. The altitude of Beemanmadavu Falls and its surroundings ranges from 300
meters to 1000 meters. The Beema falls are located at a distance of 48 kilometers from the district headquarters of Tiruvannamali.

The tourists of that region enjoy bathing at the pool beneath the waterfall of Beemanmadavu. While visiting Beemanmadavu
Falls or Beema Falls, one can make a weekend tour of the neighbouring attractions in Tiruvannamali such as Kavalur Observatory,
Amirthi Forest, Glass House, Gingee Fort, Sathanur Dam, Padavedu, Parvathamalai and Devikapuram.
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14.PARVATHA MALAI

Distance: Tiruvannamali to Parvatha Malai - 37 K.m.

Parvathamalai is located at Thenmathimangalam village which is about 20 kms of Polur. Polur is some 35 kms north of
Tiruvannamali. Kadaladi which is about 25Kms north of Tiruvannamali is another route to reach the base of the hill. There's a very
powerful Lord Shiva temple at the top of the Parvathamalai hill. Devas and spiritual beings from other lokas worship here every
night. This is a place visited by numerous Siddhas for Shiva worship. During the Pournami full moon, this hill attracts a lot of
devotees. This is a place vested with a lot of spiritual power.

A top the hill are a Shiva temple apparently 2000 years old and an Ashram which is quite recently constructed. The presiding
deity of the temple is Lord Mallikarjuna Swamy. One of the most popular theories attributed to the origin of Parvathamalai is that it
was formed when a part of the Sanjeevani mountain that Lord Hanuman carried, fell down to form this existing hill. The hill is also
popular for its medicinal plants. Devotees mentioned the hills hosts 119 varieties of medicinal herbs.
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There is no transport to reach the top of hill which is 3500 ft. (approx.) from sea level. The hill is said to have full of herbal
(mooligai) plants. At the top of hill Lord Mallikarjuna Swamy (Shiva) and Lordess Brammarambigai resides inside the temple with no
priest. There are no shops, eatables available other than temple.

This is a place vested with a lot of spiritual power. Kanchi Sri Shankaracharya saw the hill in the shape of Shiva lingam. He saw
the hill as God and doesn't want to keep his foot on the hill and just went around the hill worshiping it. Ramana Maharishi said there
is no need for Guru for people in and around 30 Kms of Tiruvannamali and he will guide them as Guru. So people interested in
spirituality can come here every month and attain bliss and enlightenment.

Reaching the top of Parvathamalai is an arduous task. It is a vertical mountain over 4,000 feet in height that has iron rod steps,
track steps, ladder steps, and sky steps (Agaya padi) not found at other such sacred mountains. The Kadapaarai Padhai section of the
climb up the Hill is considered to be the toughest part of the trek. This part which is punctuated by iron rods drilled into the rocks
and chains to assist during the sharp ascent is also only wide enough to accommodate one-way traffic. Thus one has to raise one’s
voice from the bottom of this section and wait for acknowledgment from the other end before starting to climb the Kadapaarai Padhai
section.
Shiva stepping on Parvathamalai:
Another legend associated with this sacred site recounts that when Lord Siva returned from the Himalayas to South India. He
stepped on Parvathamalai on his way to Arunachala.
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Story of Mallikarjuna:

The history of Parvathamalai is interconnected with that of the famed Sri Mallikarjuna Temple at Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh. The
encompassing legend goes so:

“Sage Siladha performed severe penance on Lord Shiva seeking a boon to have children. Two sons were born to him, Nandhi and
Parvathan. Sanakadhi Rishi called on the sage and said that Nandhi would live on earth only for a short while. As a result of this
prophecy Siladha fell into grief. Nandhi assured his father by saying that he would win over death by his penance on Lord Shiva.

Pleased with Nandhi’s penance, Lord Shiva appeared and made the young child his vahana (vehicle) and passed the order that
devotees should come to him only after being allowed by Nandhi. Nandhi’s place of penance at the foot of the hills at Sri
Mallikarjuna Temple at Srisailam is also known as “Nandiyal”. His brother Parvathan also performed penance on Lord Siva and
became the hill – Parvatha Hill – i.e. Parvathamalai”.

According to the Yoga Shastras, the human body takes the Kundalini to the Sahasrara in the head after crossing the six Aadhara
Nadis below and enjoys the supreme bliss of Sadashiva. Similarly, the devotee reaches the top of the hill after passing through
Kadaladi, Methagamalai, Kumarinettu malai, Kadaparai malai, Kanakachi Odai malai, and Puttru malai, Kovil malai to worship
Shiva-Parvathi and achieve wisdom.
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It is said that the devotee will reap the benefit of a Kailash darshan if he/she visits this temple for 48 Poornimas and Amavasya
continuously and will be relieved of diseases however severe it may be.
There are 3 routes to Parvathamalai:
Chennai, Chengalpet, Melmaruvathur, Vandavasi, Polur, Parvathamalai
Chennai, Kanchipuram, Arcot, Arni, Polur, Parvathamalai
Chennai, Chengalpet, Tindivanam, Gingee, Tiruvannamali, Parvathamalai
Connectivity:
The temple is 35 km from Tiruvannamali and can be reached both on Thenmathimangalam or Kadaladi route. Bus facility is
available. Kadaladi can be accessed from Tiruvannamali only by road. Buses are plying regularly to and from Tiruvannamali main
bus stand. Kadaladi can also be reached by private cars, vans and auto etc. from Tiruvannamali, which takes about 45 minutes.
Parvatha Malai hill is at a distance of 20kms from Polur and about 35kms from Tiruvannamali. If you are planning to visit
Parvatha Malai from Tiruvannamali take the left (west road) after crossing Tiruvannamali railway station and take the Kanji –
Tiruvannamali road. After reaching Kanji, take the Kadaladi road to reach Parvatha malai. The total driving distance is 35kms.
From Polur you can reach Parvatha Malai by taking the NH 234 upto Kalasapakkam. At Kalasapakkam take the Kalasapakkam –
Vilvarani link road to reach Parvatha Malai.
As earlier stated Parvatha Malai can also be climbed from Then-madhi mangalam or Mambakkam, which are near to
Kadaladi. Polur is 20 km from Thenmathimangalam.
Nearest Railway Station is located at Tiruvannamali.
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15.SHENBAGA THOPPU DAM

Distance: Tiruvannamali to Shenbaga Thoppu Dam – 57 Kms

Shenbaga Thoppu dam is built across Kamandala Naga Nadhi near Padavedu in Tiruvannamali district. It is located amidst
hills with serene surroundings.

It is one of the good picnic spot in Tiruvannamali district to spend time with the family. It is best to visit this place after
monsoon.
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 16.JAIN TEMPLE, TIRUMALAI

Distance: Tiruvannamali to Tirumalai Jain Temple - 50 K.m.

Arahanthgiri Jain Math is located in Thirumalai Village of Tiruvannamali District in Tamil Nadu. It is an ancient Jain Math in
Tamil Nadu. This Jain Math is also known as Shri Khstra Arihantgiri Digambar Jain Mandir.

History of Arahanthgiri Jain Math starts from the period of 322–185 BCE as the Last ‘Shrutkevali’ Bhadrabahu expected to
stay at this place. He stayed at this place to practice meditation and “Swadhyaya” along with 8000 other saints. The Village
Thirumalai where this Jain Math is located is also known as Arhatsugiri or Arihantgiri. We can find the 18 feet Neminath Idol on the
top of the hill having 140 steps at this location. We can see various ancient caves existing in this Jain Math along with 18 feet idol of
Neminath and hundreds of Religious books. Presently Digambar Jain Trust is running a Gurukul at this Jain Math.

How to reach Arahanthgiri Jain Math in Thirumalai By Bus:

Arahanthgiri Jain Math in Thirumalai Village is well connected by Road to all places in Tamil Nadu. This Jain Temple in
Thirumalai Village is 50 km away from Tiruvannamali and can be reached by buses or private taxis.
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 17. VEDHAPUREESWARAR TEMPLE, CHEYYAR

Distance: Tiruvannamali to Vedhapureeswarar Temple, Cheyyar - 90 K.m.

This temple is 2000 years old. It is built in 500 Acre land and has 7 tier Rajagopurm. One has to cross 9 entrances to have the
darshanam of Vedapureeswarar. There are separate shrines for Pancha Boothams. Hence we can have the darshan of all Pancha
Bootha lingams together. We can also have the darshan of all the 8 Gopurams from one spot.

Here Siva is in Suyambu Lingam form. Daily Sun rays falls on the deity in the Sanctum. This is one of the speciality of this temple.
While worshiping one can stand in one place and see Swamy, Ambal, Ganesan, Murugan, Navagraham and Sthala Viruksham. This
is another speciality of this temple. Ambal has been portrayed so beautifully with Ruthraksha malai in one hand, Lotus flower in
another, the third is Abhaya Hastham and the forth Varatha Hastham. She is blessing the devotees with her sathur pujams.

Page No: 32
 Lord Siva explain in detail about Vedham to Dhevas and Rishis in this place. Hence this place is called Thiruvothur. Here
Gnanasambandar and Thirunavukkarasar have sung Thevara Pathigam on Vedabureeswarar. Arunagirinathar sung about Lord
Murugan of this temple. Siva danced in this place. The dance is called Veera Nadanam. Vinayakar here is Narthana Vinayakar and
Murugan is Shanmugar. Lord Murugan created the theertham "Cheyaru" for this temple. Hence this town is called Cheyyaru.
Vinayakar, Murugan, Vairavar, Thirumal, Brahmma, Suryan, and Thondaman were worshiped Vedapureeswarar in this temple.

Location:

Thiruvothur is close to Kanchipuram. Today people calling this place as Cheyyaru. Bus facilities are available from
Kanchipuram, Vandavasi, Pozhur, Tiruvannamali and Arani. The temple is inside the town.

Sthala Puranam:

This temple situated on the banks of Cheyyaru river. Many many years back there was often flood in the river. Due to that the
walls of the temple were get damaged. To avoid this damage one devotee of this temple raised the banks and planted Palm Trees
( பைன மர ). All the trees were male tree and not a single female tree. There was no fruits ( ெநா ) from the trees. On seeing
this few jains started mocking at the Siva devotee and telling them that is all the power lord Siva has. They challenged let lord Siva
change these trees to female and get the fruits. Only then we believe in Siva. The worried devotee mentioned this to the visiting
Thirugnansambandar about this. Thirugnanasambandar sung a Thevara Pathigam and in the end of the pathigam he sung . .

Immediately with the grace of Lord Vedapureeswarar all the male trees were transformed in to female trees and yielded the
fruits. On seeing this all jains in that area converted to Saivism. Even today we can see the stone palm tree in front of Ambal Sannithi.
Poojas are conducted for this tree.

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 The Nandhi in this temple will not be looking towards Sannadhi. It will be facing outside. As Siva teaching Vedam to all the
Devas and Rishis, he had instructed the Nandhi not to allow any one except Devas and Rishis. Due to this reason Nandhi is facing
outside.

There was another reason for the Nandhi facing outside.

The King Thondaman had very strong faith on Vedapureeswarar. Once he was defeated by another king Visuvavasu.
Thondaman lost his confident and prayed Lord Vedapureeswarar. The Lord gave lot of strength by providing his support and
instructed Nandikeeswarar to help Thondaman to win the war. To go with Thondaman Nandhi was looking outside.

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Page No: 2
 2.IMPORTANT PLACES DISTANCE CHART

Sathanur Dam Arunachaleshwarar Temple Ramanar Ashram

30 K.M. 1 K.M. 2 K.M.

Javvadhu Hills Seshadri Ashram

74 K.M. 2 K.M.

Parvadha Hills Yogi Ramsurat Kumar Ashram

2.5 K.M.
37 K.M.
TIRUVANNAMALI
Jain Temple, Tirumalai
Pachiamman Temple
50 K.M.
67 K.M.

Sani Bhagavan Temple

Panduranga Temple
56 K.M.
82 K.M.

Padvedu Renugambal Temple Shenbaga Thoppu Dam

Vedhapureeshwarar Temple
55 K.M. 88 K.M. 57 K.M.

Page No: 34
HOTEL TAMILNADU, TIRUVANNAMALI