Visit Golden Temple ! Contact Us

I love being in temples, whenever I sense the need. I had spent years not visiting a temple and suddenly I am there all the time.

Recently, in one of those ‘suspended logic – anxious - confused’ moment I thought of Chidambaram. Thiru Chit-ambaram has morphed into Chidambaram.

Chit-heart, ambaram-universe – Chidambaram, is 1200 year old temple, spread over 12 or 14 or 40 acres of land. (I keep hearing different numbers...well it doesn’t matter, it is a vast)

There are parallel legends going on here, in this temple:
1.     Shiva is Natraja, performing ‘aananda thandava’ cosmic, dance of joy. The pose he holds – is perfect balance. One hand making a primal sound with a drum, another blessing the creations, his feet on ‘Mulayaka’ ignorance, and the right foot defying gravity...creating balance, thereby Moksha (Nirvana).

2.     Shiva is also worshipped in the "formless form" of the Chidambara Rahasyam, (Rahasyam - Secret) while the temple is known for its Akasa (SKY) Lingam, an embodiment of Shiva as the formless Space. Ether - The element believed in ancient and medieval civilizations to fill all space above the sphere of the moon and to compose the stars and planets.
  3.     The dance itself was a duel, between Shiva and Kaali (Durga)... Shiva had lifted his left foot towards the sky in the Urdhuva Tandava posture, a definite male gesture, and Kaali could not reciprocate, thereby causing Shiva to emerge victorious... Kaali to the status of a primary deity in another temple in the outskirts of Chidambaram. Kaali amma temple.
We left at 4 AM; it is about 250 KMS and land in the temple at 8.30 AM. There are protocols, this temple is owned by a group of families, privately owned, so it has its own problems, they charge Rs 100 to see ‘the secret’...shouldn’t it be free? There was a fight between devotees who were saying it was unfair. Fair it is, but then, tickets got us in.

WEST ENTRANCE - GOPURAM 

We were in; the main Idol is Natraja - in the dancing pose. There is yet another legend Lord Vishnu among Patanjali (Snake god Sesh of Vishnu), Vyagrapaadar (who wanted Tiger claws to get Vilva leaves from the tree to worship Shiva, witnessed this cosmic dance of Shiva.

Maybe that is the reason, there are elaborate rituals, none I could understand, there was a Pooja going on, not inside the sanctum and then were bunch of Pundits, at the main idol and the ‘Rahasyam’ Aroop Shiva was closed with a curtain and a pundit would to there every 10 minutes or so! . A bit confusing, while we 35 people are waiting in the hot humid place all squished together. Bhakti is the last thing in mind :)
We were asked to gather and wait for them to open to worship Aroop Shiva, which was to the right of the main idol. We were supposed to peek in through a 2x2 inches square of silver plated ‘window’...

Somebody called out; ‘Tell us where to look for God!’

Pundit said, ‘Look at the gold plated leaves on the wall, those are vilva leaves, which are considered scared and if you look at it and pray for something, you will be get it...be blessed!’

So everybody focused on the gold plated Vilva leaves. There was a punal -‘sacred thread’ and ‘garland’ hung on a rod.

Another one, ‘What is the Rahasyam – the secret?’

Pundit explained, that Shiva is aroop in this temple, He is considered to be there as the fifth element - all-pervading, infinitely, mass less medium of electromagnetic waves.

Then they closed the curtain, most didn’t get the concept - Concept of god is everywhere.

We waited for another 45 minutes or so, we had paid Rs 100 and we could wait...

Meanwhile, everybody is restless, its hot, humid, some mantras going on, Abhishek going on in one end of the temple for some idol (I presume its Shiva, as it is shiva temple!)  and we were not budging, not wanted to lose the ‘spot’ to view through the 2x2 pocket.

Love. The Fifth Element.
The movie talks about Love, embodied in a perfect being. The five elements together produce the Divine Light, which destroys the evil. (wandering mind of mine!)

I think about that and try to feel the energy. Feel 'love' 'god' 'Shiva'- embodiment of love.
On our way back, they were doing yet another ritual, with bells ringing, music playing, and the smell of flowers and incense, vibrating...it felt divine. Satisfying.

Thing to be careful about this temple as in any other temple is to not give away your address, phone number to the pundits there, they are like hawks, they say they will send 'Prasad' and extort money from Rs 2000 - Rs 5000...depending on how much we talk. I claimed to be a 'local' and just visiting and got away with 'Vibudhi' packet

It was 10 AM...breakfast time after the visit

Shiva temples in South for other elements Fire - Thiru annamali, Water - Thiruvaanaikaaval Earth - Kanchipuram, Air - Thiru Kalahasti (Kailas of South)
SECRETS OF TIRUVANAMALLI TEMPLE IN TAMILNADU(ARUNACHALA TEMPLE)
We have been in Tiruvannamalai now for almost four years, and taken more than 50,000 photos. This posting is the first of a series that will show what I think are the best of the Arunachala pictures from our first four years. There is much interest in Arunachala, both from those who visit Tiruvannamalai, and those who are not able to. This series will show more of Arunachala than most people ever see, even those who live near the Holy Hill.
There will be three postings, working our way around Arunachala from Ramanasramam. This first posting shows the south and southwest sides of the mountain. Arunachala provides a different view  from each side. Once you get to know the mountain, you can tell where you are by the view of the mountain.

South side, from Ramanasramam

This is the south side, from a small road about 3 km from Arunachala.

Entry to Ramanasramam.

Macaque monkeys grooming one another, at Ramanasramam.

Walking on the Inner Path from Ramanasramam, this is the first peek at the Arunachala peak.

Climbing up Arunachala, you can see Ramanasramam as the white building among all the trees.

About half way to the top, above Ramanasramam, this large rectangular rock has a cave at its base. The peak is in the background.

Looking down from the rock. The forest is close to Arunachala, the city of Tiruvannamalai beyond. The large body of water is Samuthiram Lake.

Inside the cave at the base of the rock.

Climbing down from the rock. A stone wall goes down the hill. The white speck in all the green is Ramanasramam.

On the Inner Path, the Arunachala  peak shows behind the nearby hill.

The peak is more visible.

Up the hill is a large rock. Often a tribe of Langur monkeys is around here.

Some are sitting on the stone wall.

Continuing on the Inner Path. During the rainy season this is a small waterfall into a pool.

Arunachala rises majestically above us. We are in the area between The Forest Way reforestation station and the mountain.

Another view of the peak.

A growing area in The Forest Way, with Arunachala in the background.

A hill rises to the left of us. Atop this hill is the hillside natural Nandi.

Another view of the peak from The Forest Way grounds.

One more view of Arunachala.

Arunachala with the next hill now seeming to be taller. It is not, just in the foreground now.

The last view of Arunachala from this area.

This is the same view of Arunachala, from Bangalore road.

The Deepam fire is lighted atop Arunachala.

Fireworks go off everywhere around the mountain.

Arunachala from one of the houses we lived in

Dawn. Some clouds below the peak.

Before dawn, scattered clouds.

The red dawn fills the sky.

The sky seems to be opening up to the right.

The sun is rising right over the peak.

A cloudy morning enshrouds Arunachala in mist.

Bands of red sunrise.

The sunrise, bright on the horizon.

The full moon, rising over a lingam on our roof.

The full moon rises over the horizon.

Here is the peak from our house. (This is what I use now as my computer wallpaper image.)

The peak from the first house we rented. (It is near our present house.)

Another view from our first house.

Arunachala behind clouds.

Southwest Side

This is the southwest side, from Girivalam Road (Hillround Road in English).

The peak rises from behind a hill to the right of it.

Another view.

Now we are climbing up to Aum Amma’s and Papaji’s Caves.

Thiruvannamalai
The official website of Annamalaiyar temple is here:
http://www.omarunachala.com/index.asp
There are huge number of temples and ashrams in the Girivala route and the most important ones are:

• Ashta (eight) lingams at the eight directions with each one being associated with one or more birth stars.
• Sri Ramana maharishi Ashram – the official website is here
• Sri Seshadhri Swamigal Ashram
• Sri Yogi Ram Surathkumar Ashram
• Plenty of places/ caves connected with Sri Ramana Maharishi

Thiruvannamalai is very much associated with Sri Ramana Maharsihsi, Sri Seshdhri Maharishi and Yogi Ram Surathkumar. The book ‘Arunachala Mahimai’ by Bharanidharan is the book to know about these saints and Thiruvannamalai in detail.
The most detailed Blog on Thiruvannamalai is here
Swayambu Jalakandeswarar, Ranganatha Perumal and Kottai Baktha Anjaneyar temples at Vandavasi Fort
All the temples are located within the Vandavasi Fort in Vandavasi town and are being maintained by Archeological Survey of India (ASI). There are stone inscriptions in LIPI language here.
Venguneswarar Temple at Vengundram
Just a km from Thennangur enroute to Vandavasi this Shiva temple at the top of a big and steep hill can be seen from the road itself. It’s a tough hill to climb most part of it don’t have proper steps. It will really be a thrilling and adventures trip for anyone to go there. Make sure to go in a group or atleast minimum of 2 people and avoid children and aged people. Nobody and nothing is available at the top. It seems there is no priest for the temple but a person comes to do pooja once in a month. It is an open temple with a Shiva lingam, Murugan, Vinayagar and some other deities. You can do pooja yourself. The ideal time to visit is in the early morning.
Sri Lakshmi Narasimhar and Lord Venkateshwarar Twin Temple at Avaniyapuram (also called Nava Narasimhar temple and Dakshina Ahobilam)
Located at Avaniyapuram 25 km from Vandavasi, en route Arani and Cheyyar Dam, this is a hill abode of two deities. One has to climb 70 steps to reach the first deity, Lord Narasimha found in a small cave (kudavarai koil), and ascend another 114 to have a dharshan of Lord Venkateswara. The unique feature in this temple is that along with Narasimhar, the Mahalakshmi Thayar also has the face of a lion(ess). There are totally nine Narasimha deities in this temple and so called Nava Narasimhar temple and Dakshina Ahobilam (the main one in Andhra Pradesh with nine Narasimhars).
The abode of Lord Venkateswara is at the top. There is a separate cave like enclosure in the prahara where we see Lord Varadaraja and Perundevi Thayar. Lord Ranganatha is seen on His serpentine bed with Ranganayaki Thayar. Sholingar Yoga Narasimha is in a sitting position along with Amirdavalli Thayar. Thus we see all the main pancha divya desa moorthies – Kanchi, Srirangam, Sholingur, Tirumala and Ahobilam. Avani means lion and the Lord is said to have obliged Brigu Maharishi by appearing before him in the forms of five divya desa deities. The temple is believed to have been built during the Pallava regime. It is heartening to note that all the shrines in the hill temple are well maintained.
Links: Location   Raju’s Temple Visits Travelogue
Avaniyapuram Avaneeswarar temple
A temple with margatha lingam installed by Sri Aadhi Sankarar is present  at the base of the avaniyapuram hill
Sri Yoga Narasimhar Temple and Ahobila Mutt at Sogathur
This is located at about 7 kms to the south of Vandavasi
Links: Location
Seeyamangalam Cave temple
In the Vandavasi-Chetpat road, you have to travel for about 15 kms and at Mazhaiyur cross road, take a left turn (south) and travel further for around 8 kms via Desur to reach the beautiful Seeyamangalam cave temple facing west. Here 27 inscriptions are recorded from Pallava regime to the Pandya rule. Dwaraplakas, Nataraja and Shiva as Rishabandaka are strikingly beautiful. In front of the garbhgraha, mandapas were added during the Cholas, Pandyas and Vijayanagara periods. A few hundred meters north of this temple in the slopes of hillock Jain relief works were carved in the Pallava age.
Links: Location Weblink Photos
Thirumalpadi Ranganathar (Hill) Temple
This Ranganathar temple on a hill is located at 2 kms south-west of Syamangalam. There are about 100 steps to climb and was constructed in the year 1136 A.D.
Links: Location Photos
Shiva Temple at Madam village
Located at about 5 kms North-west of Thirumalpadi Ranganathar temple, this is a very big temple and has sahasra and 108 lingam with very beautiful Nandi. But the temple gopuram was mutilated by Moghuls. Renovation and kumbabisheka work is going on.
Contact: 93448  71762
Links: Location
There is also a Jain temple nearby.
Injimedu
Location: This is located at 3 kms from Peranamallur; 21 kms from Arani and 33 kms from Vandavasi in the Vandavasi to Arani route. This can also be reached through Vandavasi-Chetput (Polur-Thiruvannamalai) route wherein  one has to travel for 23 kms from Vandavasi towards Chetput and then turn right (North) towards Peranamallur/ Arani and travel further for 10 kms to reach Injimedu.
Injimedu has a good connection with Ahobila mutt. Sri Sashta Parankusha swamy, the sixth Jeeyar of the Ahobila mutt had constructed and helped almost 60 temples and had put in lots of great scholars who were well versed in vedams to maintain those temples. One such place is ‘Yagnamedu’ which later became ‘Injimedu’. This place was also called ‘Yagna vedhikai’, as lots of yagnams / Homams are performed here. Sri Injimedu Azhagiyasingar is the 42nd Jeeyar.
Sri Varadharaja Perumal Temple
Srimath Azhagiya Singar 45th Jeeyar had a great affinity towards Kanchi Sri Varadhar. So, as per his wish, Sri Varadhar and Sri Perundevi thaayar are installed in this temple.
Links: Weblink
Sri Yaga Samrakshana Ramar
From the time of Sri Sashta Parankusha Yatheendra Maha Desikan, it is said that Sri Ramar of this sthalam has found lots of Yagams and Vedams. Sri Ramar is said to be found almost 1500 years back and it is said that he emerged from a yagam, so he is called as “Sri Yaga Samrakshana Ramar”. Problem in marriage, Puthra Bhagyam, etc., are said to vanish if we visit this sthalam and get the dharshan of this Sri Ramar. Specifically, if people born in Moola, Aayilyam stars have any problem in getting married, they can visit this sthalam, to get their problems solved.
Sri Thirumanicherai Udayar Temple at Perumalai
Temple: This small 200ft high hillock top temple has about 51 covered steps. So rain or sun will not affect the devotees. This is a 2500 years old temple which got ransacked about 700 years ago by various invasions. The Thirumanicherai Shiva lingam which was left alone without any pooja/ worship for nearly 700 years, finally got a facelift and the Kumbabhisheham took place in 1999. Sanghu theertham is present in the hill in the shape of Sanghu. It is said that there is a spacious cave here where Pampatti Chithar is living in the form of a snake.
Legend: Agasthiar worshipped here. Once on an ego battle between Brahma and Vishnu, they set off to reach the top and bottom of Shiva as a competition. During that time Thazamboo gave a false witness to Shiva that Brahma had reached the top of Shiva. Knowing this, Shiva cursed Thazampoo that it should not be used in any Shiva pooja. In order to get rid of the curse, it stands here as the Sthala Vruksham. Nandhi’s footsteps are seen here.
Links: Location Photos Weblink
Nedungunam
Yoga Ramar Temple
This temple is located at 28 km from Arani and 27 km from Vandavasi (4 km before Chetput) in the Vandavasi – Chetput- Polur (Thiruvannamalai) route.
Significances:
* One of the biggest temples for Lord Rama
* The biggest Vaishnav temple of Vellore and Thiruvannamalai districts
* Lord Rama is seen in a rare posture as Yoga Ramar in a sitting meditative posture without His usual Kothandam
Legend says that after the Vibhishana Pattabhishekam in Sri Lanka, when Rama was returning to Ayodhya, He notices on the banks of the Kaliyar, Sukha Brahmar, a saint in the form of a parrot, offering prayers to Him. The Lord alights from His chariot and just stands before the saint whose joy knows no bounds. The place where Sri Rama blessed the saint came to be known as Nedungunam, meaning noble quality. Although He was in a hurry to go to Ayodhya to save Bharata, Rama did not fail to pay heed to the prayers of a devotee.
The Kaliyar river starts from here through the waters of the nearby Dheerkachala hill and ends at the Maduranthaham lake near Chenglepat which was protected by Eri Katha Ramar. So both the temples are connected by legend.
Contact: Badhri Bhattachar 94452 15776
Links: Location   Raju’s Temple Visits Travelogue
Dheerkachala Hill
The nearby hill called Dheerkachala Hill is in the form of Parrot face and it is said that the hill is nothing but the form of Sage Sukha Brahmar. On top of the hill, the feet of Ramar is present in stone in open without any shrine and can be worshipped at any time of the day.
Dheerkachaleswarar Temple
The Dheerkachaleswar temple is situated at the Esanya corner of Nedungunam village near the Ramar temple.
Yoga ramar temple at Raghunatha Samudhram
This small Yoga Ramar temple is present at 5 kms from Nedungunam
Arulmigu Periyanayagi Amman and Kanagagreeswarar Temples at Devikapuram
Location: This twin temple is located at 40 km from Vandavasi, 40 km from Thiruvannamalai, 37 km from Arani in the Vandavasi – Chetput- Polur (Thiruvannamalai) route.
Significances:
* The 2^nd biggest temple of Thiruvannamalai district, next only to Thiruvannamalai temple
* One of the few exclusive (big) temples of Amman like Kanchi Kamakshi and Madurai Meenakshi
* An exquisite artistic marvel with excellent sculptures, edicts and mandapams
Temple: The Kanagagreeswarar Temple is located on top of a small hill called Kanagachalam or Ponnmalai and the Periyanayagi amman temple, the more popular one is located at the base of the hill in the center of the town. These temples date back to 15th Century Vijayanagara Period.
The Periyanayahi Amman temple is filled with excellent highly skilled sculptures with big mandapams, huge walls and a big Rajagopuram. There is a stone chariot fully sculpted in a single stone in such a way that it drags a mandapam with couple of horses.
In the Kanagagreeswarar temple there are three lingams in the sanctum sanctorum. One is a Swayambu lingam called Kanagagreeswarar and another one is an ancient Kasi Viswanathar lingam worshipped by Periyanayahi amman. Since there should not be two lingams, another lingam made of Rudraksha has also been installed in the wall behind the Kanagagreeswarar.
Arunagirinathar sang verses on Lord Muruga of Kanagagreeswarar temple
Links: Location    Raju’s Temple Visits Travelogue
Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple at Polur
The hill is called Sampathgiri and the main deity is the Swayambu Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy facing south towards Thiruvannamalai along with Kanagavalli Thayar. Sage Pulathia Brahma worshipped here. Achutha Thasar, Sri Gnanananda Swamigal and Siddhar Vittoba (a contemporary of Sri Seshadri Swamigal) had meditated in caves here. 2 water streams (sunais) are present. There is an Anjaneyar shrine at the base of the hill and there are 840 steps to climb.
Contact: Sekar Bhattacharyar at 98423 07594;  94430 98358
Links: Location  Weblink
Kettavarampalayam Sri Rama Navami Mandapam / Temple
This holy village is synonymous with Lord Sri Rama and Bhajans and is very popular for its Sri Rama Navami celebrations. Every year all 10 days of Sri Rama Navami is celebrated with utmost devotion by the natives. Though most of the native villagers have migrated and settled in various places, everyone gathers during these 10 days of Sri Rama Navami to celebrate Sri Rama.
It is said that this village was once called as Kashtaharampalayam (a place where ones difficulties are overcome) and in later days known as Kettavarampalayam (means granting boons as per wishes) as many devotees’ wishes were granted by Lord Sri Rama here.
This is one place where one can hear, see and feel Sri Rama Nama round the clock on all the 10 days of Sri Rama Navami.
Links: Location  Weblink
Parvathamalai
Parvathamalai is located at Thenmahadevamangalam village which is about 20 kms off Polur. Polur is about 35 kms north of Thiruvannamalai. There’s a very powerful Lord Shiva temple at the top of the Parvathamalai hill. Numerous Siddhars and spiritual beings from the celestial worlds worship here every night. Reaching the hill is somewhat difficult. Hence it is better to start early in the morning and return as early as possible. During the Full moon day, this hill attracts a lot of devotees. This is a place vested with a lot of spiritual power.
Links: Location Weblink
Kailasanathar Temple at Narthampoondy
Links: Location Weblink
Mel Chittamur
Mel Chittamur is 20 km west of Tindivanam and 10 km east of Gingee. Head quarters of Digambara sect in Tamilnadu with the Jinakanchi Matha presided over by the Pontiff. Two temples, one dedicated to Parsvanatha and other known as ‘Mailanatha’ temple was originally a boulder containing rock cut images of Bahubali, Parsvanatha, Adinatha, Mahavira and Ambika yakshi carved in the 9th century AD. Rebuilt in the 16th century and renovated in the present century.
Links: Location
Aala Kaala Easwar Temple at Alampoondi
10 kms to the west of Gingee en route Thiruvannamalai, this is an ancient Shiva temple.
Links: Location
Twenty four Theerthangarars at Thiru nathan kundru
It is 2 km north of Gingee town. The hillock on the western side of the road has two Jaina caverns and a huge boulder containing sculptures of all the 24 Theerthankaras in the 9th Century style. It is only place where all the 24 Theerthankaras are shown in a single large composition. An open rock nearby was the place where monk Chandranandi observed 57 days of fasting and died (5th- 6th century A.D).
Links: Location
Sri-Sikhari-Pallaveshvaram Cave Temple at Melacheri
Links: Location Weblink
Singavaram
Located at 4 km North-west of Gingee, this temple of Lord Ranganatha, the tutelary god of Raja Desingh is on a hill top with about 150 steps. It is a good specimen of South Indian type of rock cut shrine. The idol of Lord Ranganatha, in a reclining posture, measures 24 ft. in length which together with the inner sanctorum, is carved out of a single rock. It is said to be bigger than that of the idol in Srirangam. Like Thiruvananthapuram Ananthapadmanatha Swamy, the head, chest and leg portions of this Perumal have to be worshipped through 3 separate entrances. Mangalasasanam was done by Sri Ramanujar.
Links: Location Weblink
Sevalpurai
Located at about 10 kms north-west of gingee, this is a beautiful village with a small river, lake, dam, checkdam and ancient temples
http://sevalapurai.blogspot.com
a) Sri Agastheeswarar temple
This is a small ancient temple in a beautiful location
Links: Location
b) Murugan temple on a hillock
Links: Location
Sri Valli Devasena sametha Sri Subramaniya Swamy Temple at Pasumalai
15 kms north-east of Gingee, this is a Murugan temple on a hill in a  beautiful location.  There are about 410 steps to climb.
Contact: 99623 44722
Links: Location
Sri Angala Parameswari Temple at Melmalayanur
Located at 20 kms North-west of Gingee and 30 kms North-East of Thiruvannamalai, the temple of Angala Parameswari is situated here. In the inner sanctum there is a snake pit which is being worshipped. Vinayaka is present in a standing posture. There is a congregation of devotees on every new moon day.
Links: Location
Shatru Malleswaralayam Rock cut temple at Thalavanur
This is located at 16 km from Gingee in Viluppuram District and was built by the Pallava King Mahendra varman (B.C.580 to 630). Sculptures and Tamil and sanskrit inscriptions are found here.
Links: Location Weblink
Mandagapattu
A famous Archeological Temple site is 20 kms from Villupuram and 17 kms from Gingee in the Villupuram – Gingee road. It is a 100 ft hillock, where the Mahendraverma (I) of Pallava king, (580-630 AD) made a cave temple.  Currently there are no deities here.
Links: Location Photos Weblink
Thiruvaamathoor / Thiru Aamathur
This is an ancient Chola temple dedicated to Lord Sri Abiramaeshwarar with Muththambigai amman at 5 kms from Villupuram.
Legend:

• Kamadhenu worshipped Shiva here.
• Bringi munivar is said to have become a Vanni tree and is said to have been relieved of his predicament here.
• Rama & Sugreeva are said to have taken a vow of eternal friendship in front of the Vattapparai here.
• Ramalinga Adigalar and Arunagirinathar have also sung of this shrine.
• THE FIRST KAUMARA MADAM in the world was established here.

Temple:
This temple was built originally by the Pallava rulers, while the Chola rulers made several endowments, as seen in inscriptions from the days of Parantaka, Raja Raja Cholan and Kulottunga Cholan. There are two prakarams in this temple which covers an area of around 3 acres; there is an image of Achyuta Raya who is said to have effected renovations here. Shiva and Parvati face each other here, in the Updesa formation, as in very few other shrines. The Amman gopuram is about 80 ft in height.
Contact: Shri. Arunachala shivachariyar and Shri.A Mahesha gurukkal
at  04146 223319  and cell: 9842022544 /  9976887652
Links: Location  Weblink1(Tamil)   Weblink2(English)
This is the area connecting Ginee-Villupuram road and Tindivanam-Villupuram highways. It can be reached either by a) branching off at Perani junction in the  Tindivanam-Villupuram highways and travelling through Periya Thachur or b) branching off at Nemur in the Gingee-Villupuram road. Note that there are many Brahmmadesams in Tamilnadu.
This is a very important location from the archelogical and historical front and most of the temples in this belt are being maintained by ASI with plenty of important inscriptions and idols unearthed.  In 1987, a big treasure trove was found containing 23 bronze images, temple utensils and copper plate charter (royal order). The Esalam copper plate grant of Rajendra Chola is the third charter of the ruler to have been found so far. The Thiruvalangadu plates issued in his sixth year, and the Karandai (Tanjore) copper plates issued in his 8th year are the two charters of this ruler found earlier. The Karandai plates is by far the biggest royal charter to have been found inscribed on copper sheets-anywhere in India.
Ennayiram in tamil means 8000.  According to local belief, 8,000 Jainas were executed here. There is another story that the Jains were not executed but they embraced Brahmanism. There is one more version that there were 8000 Brahmin- settlers from North India who were invited by Rajendra-I. In any case, there is a sect in Brahmin Iyers called Ashta Sahasram (meaning 8000) and this could be their root. Ennayiram was a flourishing educational centre during the Chola period. There are inscriptions about an university for teaching the Vedas with 270 students, hostel, hospital and doctors with their wage details. The Tamil poet, Kalamegam, famous for his puns, belonged to Ennayiram.
Brahmmapureeswarar Temple at Brahmmadesam
This is a very big temple with the huge main deity (lingam). The temple is under control of Archelogical Survey of India (ASI) and is being renovated.
Links: Location  Photos
Padaleeswarar Temple at Brahmmadesam
This is another Chola temple under ASI control and under renovation.
Links: Location   Photos
Semmaneri Andavar Temple at Ennayiram
Located in a beautiful environment of lake, huge banyan trees in the backdrop of hill, this is the family deity for many and is a very busy temple on holidays.
Links: Location
About 100 meters from here there is a small mandapam called Ramanujar Padham where the foot prints of Sri Ramanujar is being kept.
Links: Location
Azhagiya Narasimha Perumal Temple at Ennayiram
The Chola temple of Narasimha swamy temple was built by Rajaraja Chola 1 (985 –1014).  When the floor of the “mukhamantapa” (entrance hall) was being removed, ASI found  the longest “meikeerthi” (various titles and exploits) of a Chola king. The inscription actually runs to 80 lines, but only lines from 54 to 80 are unearthed and lines 1 to 53 are yet to be located.
The sanctum sanctorum has the idol of Lord Paramapathavasan and Consorts Sridevi and Bhoodevi. The presiding deity is Lord Azhagiya Narasingar. The temple also has a shrine for the six-feet high idol of Lord Varahamurthy. Special puja is performed on every Thiruvatirai Nakshatram day.
Saint Ramanujar preachings converted the Jains as Vaishnavas. Koorathazhwar also visited this temple.
Darshan timings: 7-11 a.m.; 4-7 p.m.
Links: Location Photos
Sri Ramanatha Easwar Temple at Esalam
The temple was built by Rajendra Cholan I (1012) and there are inscriptions in Sanskrit with grantha characters.  The vimanam is of stone construction. This is supposed to be one of the last small temples Rajaraja built before venturing into the Tanjore Big Temple.
Links: Location
Sri Ranganathar Temple Aadhirangam
Location: 16 km from Thirukkovilur and 28 kms from Thiruvannamalai in the Thirukkovilur -Thiruvannamalai route via Manalurpet and near Jambai.
Significances:
* considered more ancient than Srirangam
* the biggest Perumal in Tamilnadu
Temple: The temple, on the banks of river Thenpennai, is called Uthira rangam and is more ancient than Srirangam. The main deity Sri Ranganathar in reclining posture is a suthai chirpam and is the biggest Perumal in Tamilnadu. Lord Vishnu takes the anantha sayanam position after every avatar. The ancientness of this temple can be well understood with the fact that this temple is believed to be after the first Vishnu avatar whereas Srirangam, Trichy is after the 7th avatar. A visit to this temple, by itself, is a great boon.
There is a musical sculpture here and if you strike it at different places, different swarams come out. This temple is not part of the 108 divya desams but many say that there are inscriptions that this place has been done mangalasasanam by Thirumangaiyashwar in 10 pasurams.
Links: Location Weblink
Jambai
Jambunatheswarar Temple
The construction of this east facing temple was started during the 9th century A.D Chola period and continued to the Vijayanagara age.
Links: Location
Sapthamathirika Temple
Sculptures here belong to 10th Century A.D
Links: Location
By M.GANDHI, CURATOR RTD., DEPARTMENT OF MUSEUMS, VELLORE:
Jambai is an important place from the historical and archaeological front. There is a small hillock in the north east of the village. Between two split areas of this hillock there are signs of megalithic period settlement. Before this in the hillock cave there is an inscription of Athiyaman in Tamil, which is considered to be the earliest inscription in Tamil.
Links: Location
West of this hillock in a small stone boulder is an inscription of Rashtrakuta Krishna III along with the 10th century A.D relief figure  of Jyesta devi.
Links: Location
South of this inscription is a lake, in the middle of which is a stone mortar with inscription.
Links: Location
Manalurpet
Manalurpet is 25 kms from Tiruvannamalai and 15kms from Thirukkovilur. Manalurpet is famous for the River Festival taking place in the month of January every year, second day from Kanum pongal (Fifth day of Tamil month Thai). During the festival Lord Annamalaiyar will come from Tiruvannamalai.
Also this town has many temples like

• Agastheeswara Temple
• Perumal Temple
• Sani Bhagavan Temple and
• Around 40 feet Anjaneyar Temple

Paranur
This place is connected with Sri Krishna Premi Swamigal or Sri Sri Anna as he is affectionately called. The official site http://www.srisrianna.org/srisri_paranoor1.html talks a lot about various spiritual activities. It seems Sri Krishna Premi Swamigal comes here on every Ekadhasi day and does Unjavridhi and the bhajans. I understand the place will be brimming with activities when he is present but otherwise is deserted as I saw during my visit. Better call up and go.
Links: Location
Shiva temple at Sidhalingamadam
Sri Gnananandha Swamigal before settling at Thirukkoyilur Thapovanam was staying here for quite some time.
Links: Location
Sri Idaiyatru Nathar temple at Thiru Idaiyaru
The temple is located between South Pennai and Malattaru, on the banks of South Pennai and the main deity is the Idaiyatru Nathar as a Swayambu lingam. On a Swathi star day, Shiva gave dharshan to Sukha Brahma rishi and taught Jothidam to him here.
Sukha Brahma Rishi is an expert in changing forms and once he changed into a parrot. He flew to Kailayam where he saw Lord Shiva was preaching ‘Shiva secrets’ to Parvathi devi and Sukhar wanted to know the secret. So he was flying around between Lord Shiva and Parvathi Devi. Parvathi Devi got angry and cursed him to be in the Parrot form itself. Sukhar then pleaded pardon and Shiva gave some relief to be in human form but with Parrot face. Sukhar penanced here Sukha Brahma Rishi is a devotee of Lord Rama.as well and he got Ramar’s dharshan at the Yoga ramar temple at Nedungunam
Links: Location
Sri Lakshmi Narayana Perumal Temple at Kappur
Located in a beautiful location
Links: Location
Sri Venkata Varadaraja Perumal Temple at Perumbakkam
This 400 years old temple is at Perumbakkam, 7 km from Villupuram on the Villupuram-Thirukovilur Highway. The temple is associated with several Jeeyars of the Ahobila Mutt. Sri Injimedu Azhagiyasingar, the 42nd Jeeyar of Ahobila Mutt, has proclaimed this village as the ‘Dakshina Ahobilam’.
According to legend, Lord Varadaraja appeared in the dream of a Vedic scholar and directed him to retrieve the idols buried in his land called `Thoramaniam’ and build a temple for Him and His Consorts. Accordingly, the idols of Venkata Varadaraja Perumal with Sridevi and Bhoodevi were retrieved and the temple was built. As per the inscriptions found in the temple, the main shrine of Sri Venkata Varadaraja Perumal with His Consorts was built with special granite brought from `Kalpattu’, with ardhamandapam, mahamandapam, etc., in the year 1605 A.D., and other shrines for Perundevi Thayar, Andal, Bashyakarar, Nammazhwar, Vedantha Desikar, Adivann Satakopa Yathindra Maha Desikan, the founder and the first Jeeyar of Sri Ahobila Mutt and the front mandapam were all added later.
Perumbakkam has the unique distinction and honour of being the venue for choosing Sri U. V. Gopalacharya Swami as the 37th Peetathipathi of Sri Ahobila Math, by convening a sadas when the 36th Jeeyar, Srivann Satakopa Sri Srinivasa Yathindra Mahadesikan passed away without nominating a successor in 1898 when he camped here for nearly an year and performed Mangalasasanam to Sri Venkata Varadaraja Perumal. Sri U. V. Gopalacharya Swami assumed the thirunamam, Srivann Satakopa Sri Veeraraghava Satakopa Yathindra Maha Desikan. A staunch devotee of Sri Venkata Varadaraja Perumal, he adored Him as the replica of Kanchi Sri Varadaraja, on whom he has composed several slokas. Even though this Jeeyar adorned the peetam for only 11 months, he stayed in the village and worshipped Sri Venkata Varadaraja Perumal.
Links: Location
Athulyanadheswarar temple at Arakandanallur
Location: The temple is located at about 3 km from Thirukkovilur towards Villupuram. The temple is located in a beautiful location on a hillock adjacent to the South Pennai river and is visible from a distance across the river. There are two entrances, one through the main road and the other through the river which is very scenic.
Significance:
* One of the 275 Shiva temples glorified by the Thevara hymns
Legends:
* Ramanar has meditated in this temple when he was a young boy.
* It is believed that the Pandavas visited Arankandanallur and that the temple tank close to the cave in which they stayed was created with Bhima’s mace. There are two sunais (water streams) on the hillock which are said to have been used by Pandavas and Draupadi.
* There is an imprint of Thirugnana Sambandar’s feet here. Sambandar is said to have miraculously moved a huge rock that had been placed to block the shrine. Thirugnana Sambandhar worshipped Thiruvannamalai from this hillock top.
* Worshipped by Prasanda rishi
The Temple: The 160 feet high Gopuram in this shrine (dating back to the 7th century) with three prakarams Rich in inscriptions, it received Royal patronage from local chieftains, the later Cholas and the later Pandyas. This is the south most rock-cut cave temple of Pallavas, with the solitary exception of Tiruchirapalli. Thiruvannamalai is visible from this hill. There is an idol of Ramanar as a young boy in a meditative posture and the temple is visited by many Ramana Maharsishi followers.
Links: Location   Travelogue1   Travelogue2
Anthili
Anthili is a village about 2 kms south of Arakanda Nallur on the banks of the river South Pennai.
Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple at Anthili
Legend: Lord Maha Vishnu in the form of Narasimha came out of a granite pillar to kill Hiranyakasibu, the father and the tormentor of Prahalad. In this avtar, the Lord rushed to help
Prahalad without calling his vahanam, Garuda. So also in Gajendra Moksha. These caused much anxiety to Garuda who felt extremely depressed on being left out. He left Vaikuntam and was doing penance at Anthili. The severe penance of Garuda pleased the Lord and He gave dharshan as Lord Narasimha with Mahalakshmi seated on His lap. Due to Garuda’s penance, Anthili thus became a sacred spot for all pilgrims.
The Madhwa seer Sri Vyasarajar visited Anthili and had dharshan of the Lord on top of a small hillock that looked liked Garuda to him. The same Vyasarajar became Sri Raghavendra in his next birth.
Temple: Subsequently, due to continuous raids by infidels, the temple lost its glory and importance. Paranur Sri Krishna Premi Swamigal renovated the temple and the kumbhabhishekam took place in 2004. At the temple, the Lord is with Mahalakshmi on his lap. The idol is small but the Lord’s glory is great.
Conatct: Baktha Jana Sabha at 04153-254098
Links: Weblink
Veera Anjaneyar temple
The Madhwa seer Sri Vyasarajar consecrated this temple during the glorious reign of the Vijayanagar Emperors.
Thirukkovilur
This is situated in the Cuddalore – Chittoor trunk road, 37 km from Villupuram and about the same distance from Thiruvannamalai. This town has two parts Kizhur and Melur. While Ulagalandha Perumal temple, one of the 108 Divya desams is located in Melur, the Veeratteswarar Temple, one of the 275 sacred Thevara temples is located in Kizhur. This is the birth place of Rajaraja chola. Meiporul Nayanar ruled this place.
Ulagalanda Perumal temple
Significance:

• One of the 108 Divya desams
• Vamana Trivikrama Avathara Sthalam
• One of the five Krisharanya Kshetras.
• It was here that the three Mudal Azhwars (Poigai Azhwar, Bhoodathazhwar and Peyazhwar) met one night in a small room.

Temple: The presiding deities of the Temple are 21 feet Thiruvikrama Swami and Pushpavalli Thayar. The Moolavar is in Nindra, Nadantha (Ulagalantha) kolam facing East direction with his right leg lifted up towards the sky. Mahabali’s pride bit the dust in this kshetra. Unusually, the Sangu and Chakrams of the moolavar have changed places and is seen with Sangu on the right hand and the Chakkaram on the left hand.
The temple was built about 2000 years ago in stages. Among the four towers that adorn the temple, the biggest one is in the eastern side that scales 195 feet and is the third highest structure found in Southern India. The courtyards in the temple are very large and present an exquisite feast to the eyes. The broad mandapam in front of the Thayar Shrine, especially, throws a challenge to the modern architecture, which is built in the cantilever system and affords a surprising sight. There are several sacred theerthams in the temple.
Sri Vishnu Durga: Worshiping “Goddess Durga” in a vaishnavite temple is unique. Usually, the Durga’s sanctum will be present as Koshta God in most Shiva temples. But here, the sanctum is right in front of the sanctum of Lord Vishnu. After the Thiruvikrama Avataram, Goddess Durga sought permission from Vishnu to go back to Vindhya Mountain but Lord Vishnu advised her to stay here and bless the devotees. It was said that the Goddess is guarding the Lord Thriuvikrama shrine
Azhwars: During a dark and stormy night, the three azhwars Poigai Azhwar, Bhoodathazhwar and Peyazhwar reached Tirukkovilur separately by different routes. They found all houses shut, all choultries locked up except a narrow passage in the front portion of an ashram belonging to Mrigandu Maharshi. The first to reach was Poigaiazhwar, prepared to spend the night lay down. Sometime later, Bhoodathazhwar too discovered the same place. The space which was just enough for one to lie down is now just enough for two to sit. Later the third Azhwar, Peyazhwar also arrived in seeking shelter and now the three could at least stand comfortably. The famous phrase ‘Oruvar padukka, Iruvar amara and Moover nirka’ refers to this incident.
All of a sudden, they felt rather tight pressed. Where they were standing comfortably earlier, they now felt that the available space had diminished, as if a fourth person had entered the narrow passage and was crowding them. Apparently, someone had sneaked into the already constricted space without announcement and was standing as one with them. Later they found that it was none other than the Paramatma Sriman Narayana with Sri Mahalakshmi adorning his broad chest.
The three azhwars, inspired by the grand spectacle of Emperuman’s glorious form in their midst, poured out their devotion in a hundred beautiful verses each, brimming over with bhakthi. These are the Pasurams which served as forerunners of the “Four thousand nectarine verses” that were to be composed by the other azhwars.
Links: Location
VeeratteswararTemple
Significance:

• One of the 8 Veeratta Stalams of Shiva
• One of the 275 sacred temples glorified by the Thevara hymns

Location: The temple is located in a place called Kizhur or Kizhaiyur.
Legend: The eight Veeratta Sthalams are where Lord Shiva vanquished various demons. Here He vanquished Andakasuran. The Periyanai Ganapathi shrine here had been worshipped by Poet Avvaiyar. Since it was getting late for the Poet to go to Kailayam, this Vinayagar is said to have lifted her up and placed ahead of Sundarar en route Kailayam.
The Temple: The moolavar here is a big Swayambu lingam. During the Kumbabhisheha work, when the area around the lingam was dug up, the base of the lingam was going well below 25 feet and so it was left untouched further. Although much in need of repair, frescos on ceilings are of interest. The Rajagopuram is about 70 ft in height and the temple has 2 praharams. Inscriptions from the Pallava, Vijayalaya I and Paranthaka Chola I periods are found here.
Durgai koshta God is here is very special since Her eyes appear with white eyeballs as real eyes though the idol has been sculptured in black granite stone. It’s a wonder indeed! The Ambal temple is located separately.
Links: Location  Travelogue
Kabilar Kundru
This place, being maintained by the state Archaeological Department, is near the Veeratteswarar temple and is situated in the middle of the river Pennayar. After the death of Pari, the King who is said to have given his chariot to a jasmine creeper for its support to grow, his daughters Angavai and Sangavai had suffered a lot. The saint poet Kabilar, a good friend of Pari and the caretaker of the girls could not bear the pain of the sufferings of the girls had immolated himself on this rock.
Links: Location
Gnananandha Thapovanam
The history of the Matam, takes us back to the times of Adhi Shankara. Adhi Shankara established four Peetams of which Jyotir Matam is one, with Thotakacharya as the main functionary (Thotakacharya was Sankara’s disciple). In this lineage the Fifth Peetathipathi was Sri Sivaratna Giri Swamiji. Sri Gnanananda Giri Swami was his principal disciple viz. Sixth Peetathipathi.
When His Guru attained Samadhi on a Chitra Pournami day, Sri Gnanananda Giri Swami was unable to bear the separation of his Guru and so left the Peetam and went to Manasarour, handing over the charge to his disciple. At Manasarovar, he practised vigorous penance for a number of years and travelled by foot to a number of places in India, Malaya (now Malaysia), Burma (now Myanmar) and Sri Lanka, and interacted and blessed his devotees. At last he reached Thirukkovilur and established the Ashram at the Thapovanam. He is a Siddha Purusha, transcending time and space.

		The first place of Ramana’s residence in Tiruvannamalai was the great temple. For a few weeks he remained in the thousand-pillared hall. But urchins who pelted stones at him as he sat in meditation troubled him. He shifted himself to obscure corners and even to an underground vault known as Patala-lingam. Undisturbed he spent several days in deep absorption. Without moving he sat in samadhi, unaware of even the bites of vermin and pests. But the mischievous boys soon discovered even this retreat and indulged in their pastime of throwing   potsherds  at  the
young Swami. There was at the time in Tiruvannamalai a senior Swami by name Seshadri. Those who did not know him took him for a madman. He sometimes stood guard over the young Swami, and drove away the urchins. At long last he was removed from the pit by devotees without his being aware of it and deposited in the vicinity of a shrine of Subrahmanya. From then on there was some one or other to take care of Ramana. The seat of residence had to be changed frequently. Gardens, groves, shrines – these were the places chosen to keep the Swami who himself never spoke. Not that he took any vow of silence; he just had no inclination to talk. At times texts like Vasistham and Kaivalya Navaneetam used to be read out to him.

A little less than six months after his arrival at Tiruvannamalai, Ramana shifted his residence to a shrine called Gurumurtam at the earnest entreaty of its keeper, one Tambiranswami. As days passed and as Ramana’s fame spread, increasing numbers of pilgrims and sightseers came to visit him. After   about a year’s stay at Gurumurtam, the Swami – locally he was known as Brahmana-Swami – moved to a neighboring mango orchard. It was here his paternal uncle, Nelliyappa Aiyar, traced him out. He was a pleader at Manamadurai. Having learnt from a friend that Venkataraman was then a revered Sadhu at Tiruvannamalai, he went there to see him. He tried his best to take Ramana along with him to Manamadurai. But the young sage would not respond. He did not show any sign of interest in the visitor. So, Nelliyappa Aiyar went back disappointed to Manamadurai. However, he conveyed the news to Alagammal, Ramana’s mother.

The mother went to Tiruvannamalai accompanied by her eldest son Nagaswamy. Ramana was then living at Pavalakkunru, one of the eastern spurs of Arunachala. With tears in her eyes Alagammal entreated Ramana to go back with her. But, for the sage there was no going back. Nothing moved him – not pitiable sobs of his mother. He kept silent and sat still.
A devotee who had been observing the struggle of the mother for several days requested Ramana to write out at least what he had to say. The sage wrote on a piece of paper quite in an impersonal way:

Disappointed and with a heavy heart, the mother went back to Manamadurai. Sometime after this event Ramana went up the hill Arunachala, and started living in a cave called Virupaksha after a saint who dwelt and was buried there. Here also the crowds came, and among them were a few earnest seekers. These latter used to put him questions regarding spiritual experience or bring sacred books for having some points explained. Ramana sometimes wrote out his answers and explanations. One of the books that were brought to him during this period was Sankara’s Vivekachudamani which later on he rendered into Tamil prose. There were also some simple unlettered folk that came to him for solace and spiritual guidance. One of them was Echammal who, having lost her husband, son, and daughter, was disconsolate till the Fates guided her to Ramana’s presence. She made it a point to visit the Swami every day and took upon herself the task of bringing food for him as well as for those who lived with him.
	In 1903 there came to Tiruvannamalai a great Sanskrit scholar and tapasvin known Ganapati Sastri. By the age of 21 he had mastered Sanskrit, intently delved into all the major Puranas and Vedas, engaged in austere tapas at several holy places and had been awarded the title Kavyakantha (one who had poetry in his throat) by an august assembly of scholars and poets in North India. His father had initiated him into the secrets of the worship of the Divine Mother and he intently pursued the path set down by the ancient scriptures of the land. Ganapati had visited Ramana in the Virupaksha cave a few times, but once in 1907 he was assailed by  doubts  regarding   his   own spiritual practices. He ran up the hill, saw Ramana sitting alone in the cave, threw himself on the ground before the sage and appealed to him, saying, “All that has to be read I have read; even Vedanta Sastra I have fully understood; I have done japa to my heart’s content; yet I have not up to this time understood what tapas is. Therefore I have sought refuge at your feet. Pray enlighten me as to the nature of tapas.”
	Ramana silently rested his gracious eyes on Ganapati for some fifteen minutes, and then replied:

 

                                                                                                                   

Hampi

" If dreams were made out of stone, it would be Hampi"
HAMPI, the seat of the famed VIJAYANAGARA empire was the capital of the largest empire in post-mogul India, covering several states. The empire reigned supreme under Krishnadevaraya, the Emperor. The Vijayanagara empire stretched over at least three states - Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh. The destruction of Vijayanagar by marauding Moghul invaders was sudden, shocking and absolute. They reduced the city to ruins amid scenes of savage massacre and horrors beggaring description.
Although in ruins today, this capital city once boasted riches known far beyond the shores of India. The ruins of Hampi of the 14th Century lies scattered in about 26 sq. km area, amidst giant boulders and vegetation. Protected by the tempestuous river Tungabhadra in the north and rocky granite ridges on the other three sides, the ruins silently narrate the story of grandeur splendor and fabulous wealth. The splendid remains of palaces and gateways of the broken city tells a tale of men infinite talent and power of creativity together with his capacity for senseless destruction.

Strewn over a large area (about nine square miles) the ruins at Hampi offers to the tourist a remainder of the greatest land in the whole world. Every rock, every path and every monument at Hampi speak the same language; a language of glory and beauty. In March 2002, the Government of India has announced that Hampi would be developed as an international destination centre. The State Govt will constitute a Hampi World Heritage Area Management Authority for integrated development and conservation of Hampi. Hampi is a World Heritage Centre Hospet is the main town providing the getaway for Hampi. In April 2002, Karnataka officially set up the Hampi World Heritage Area Management Authority with wide-ranging powers, as well as a State Level Advisory Committee.

Local Sights
Most of the ruins are along the road leading from Kamalapura to Hampi.Three kms down the road, on a commanding site, stands the temple of Malyavanta Raghunathaswamy.It is built in the Dravidian style. Strange-looking fishes and marine monsters carved along its outer walls are worth noticing.
The Hampi Bazaar, 35 yards wide and nearly 800 yards long was known to be a "very beautiful street with very beautiful houses".
The Virupaksha Temple rises majestically at the western end of the famous Hampi Bazaar. The temple has a 120 feet tall tower on its eastern entrance. The temple contains the shrines of Shiva, Pampa and Bhuvaneswari.Parts of this temple are older than the Vijayanagar kingdom itself. The work of this style dates back to the 11th or 12th century.
Nearby is the 6.7m tall monolith of Ugra Narasimha. An inscription nearby states that it was hewn from a single boulder in 1528 during the reign of Krishnadeva Raya.
Vithala Temple Complex
The most splendid monument of Hampi is undoubtedly the Vithala Temple Complex with its 56 musical pillars.

To the east of the hall is the famous Stone Chariot with stone wheels that actually revolve. In front of the shrine stands the great mantapa. Resting on a richly sculpted basement, its roof is supported by huge pillars of granite, about 15 feet in height, each consisting of a central pillar surrounded by detached shafts, all cut from one single block of stone. Several of the carved pillars were attacked with such fury that they are hardly more than shapeless blocks of stones and a large portion of the central part has been destroyed utterly.

Nearby is the 'Purandra Dasara Mantapa' which has been also declared a protected monument.
House of Victory.
It was built when Krishnadeva Raya came back from his victorious expedition against the King of Orissa. The spaces between the rows of the plinth-mouldings here are most elaborately and elegantly carved. The kings of Vijayanagar used to sit on a grand throne in the House of Victory and witness the nine-day Dasara festival.
Westwards from the House of Victory, leading through two ruined gates, the path leads to the Hazara Ramaswami temple. This temple is believed to have been the private place of worship of the royal family. The chief attraction of the temple is the series of scenes from the Ramayana carved on two of the inside walls of the mantapa. The genesis of the place known today as Hampi dates back to the age of the Hindu epic Ramayana when it was the site of Kishkinda, a monkey kingdom.

King's Balance Hampi is also full of surprises: like the King's Balance where kings were weighed against grain, gold or money which was then distributed to the poor, the Queen's Bath, a swimming pool, 50 ft.long and 6 ft.deep, with its arched corridors, projecting balconies and lotus-shaped fountains that once sprouted perfumed water, the two-storeyed

Local Festivals: The Vijayanagar Festival organized by the Government of Karnataka in December recreates the grandeur of the bygone era.
Hampi By Night The government has come up with a plan to soon introduce " Hampi By Night " for tourists to view illuminated ruins of Hampi. They are planning to introduce night tourism possibly in October 2009. There are a number of foreign visitors ushered out of Hampi at sunset but now the authorities are considering extending the timings to as late as 11 P.M.
There is also a proposal to introduce specially designed battery run cars to enable tourists to visit the attractions at night.
Newly installed lighting across all major monuments covering 15 sq Kms of the ruins on the banks of the river Tungabhadra, is bound to mesmerize visitors with a spell from ancient times. Along with this the government also plans to introduce fine dining with live music and dance at night.
The musical nights will be planned to popularize the rich cultural heritage of the state, especially for the foreign tourists and make them feel at home

	HAMPI
	14TH CENTURY CAPITAL CITY-VIJAYANAGAR EMPIRE Where Stone Tell History in Silence Hampi in the Ramayana The genesis of the palace know today as Hampi dates back to the age of the Hindu epic Ramayana when it was the site of kishkinda a monkey kingdom. The rise of the vijayanagara kingdom The city of Hampi is said to have founded in 1336 by two-brother hikka & Bukka. The once power "city of victory" vijayanagara was praised by historians, Nunizans Paes as greater then Rom, with Palaces Plated with Jeweled gold the 'best provided city in the gold'. The fall of Hampi January 1965 "Never perhaps in the history of the world has such havoc been wrought, and wrought suddenly, on so splendid a city, teeming with a wealthy and industrious population in the full plentitude of prosperity one day, and on the next seized, pillaged and reduced to ruins, amid scenes of savage massacre and horrors beggaring description." Today an archeological heaven Today a world Heritage site (UNESCO), an archeologist stands proud. It is an unforgettable experience. In its dust lie secrets which are now being excavated. So, come and be a witness to the unraveling of history. Some of the sites at Hampi Elephant Stable Housed 11 royal elephant in separate compartment are beautiful example of Hindu Muslim style of architecture. Mahanavami Dibba The foundation of a lion story wooden structure from which the royalty viewed Hampi with pomp, colour and revelry during the mahandu festival. This platform has beautiful carving. Virupaksha market 32m wide & 728m long, it is the longest street laid out during the vijayanagara period. Once lined by beautiful houses and shops selling gold and [more] Lotus Mahal Shaped like a lotus flower from top, this two-story structure has beautiful arc ways set in geometric regularity. It was an air-cooled summer palace of the queen Linga 11 fit linga, the emblem of Shiva stands permanently in 4 feet by an ancient channel. Also called Jalakanteshwar. Peanut Ganesh Know as kadai kalu Ganesha. 18 feet high single stone structure. The Ganesh of royalty. Beautiful view of Hampi market and adjoining areas. Pushkarni A stepped drinking water tank made of green stone. Water is supplied to its through a stone aqueduct Underground Temple Temple dedicated to happy Shiva or prasanna Virupaksha is below ground level. Hemakut hill Beautiful views have Virupaksha temple and the northern sector of Hampi overseas the river Tungabhadra. Virupaksha Temple It has a 50m high gopuram or tower ornamented with exotic figure parts of the temple is from 6th century. Renovated in 510 A.D. by Krishna Deva Raya. This shrine is still in use. It houses an elephant Narsimha Single stone statue of half-man lion incarnation of Vishnu Seated under a canopy of 7-headed snake, is 22ftb high. royal baths (Hamams) and the exquisite Moti Masjid or pearl Mosque  Hampi was once the glorious capital of the mighty Vijayanagar Empire (1336-1565), which extended from the Arabian Sea to the Bay of Bengal and from the Deccan plateau to the tip of the Indian peninsula. Founded in the middle of the 14th century by two local princes, Hakka and Bukka, the Vijayanagar Empire came to be a celebrated for its might and wealth and as a showpiece of imperial magnificence. The city was sacked, pillaged and burnt in 1565, after the combined armies of the Muslim sultanates of the Deccan defeated the Vijayanagar military and the king fled the capital. Vijayanagar kings were patron of art and architecture as evident by the vast ruins of Hampi. Much of Vijayanagar's 26 sq. kms capital city waits to be discovered. Along the banks of the river, amidst the giant boulders, underneath the wild vegetation, there are secrets and treasures still unknown. The destruction and pillage of Vijayanagar was so sudden and so total, that the re-creation of the city could mean many years of patient work. Some recent excavations have unearthed beautifully preserved temples, one of them underground, and the ruins of what must have been once splendid palaces and gateways. The broken city of a glorious 14th century empire might speak of man's capacity for senseless destruction but it also tells of his infinite talent to restore and rebuild. wattch tower guru Hampi, the 14th century capital of one of the greatest empires of the world, lies in the Deccan heartland in the state of Karnataka or Karu’nadu (meaning 'elevated land'). The ruins of Hampi are scattered throughout an area of 26 sq. km area, amidst giant boulders and vegetation. Protected by the tempestuous river Tungabhadra in the north and rocky granite ridges on the other three sides, the ruins narrate silenty the story of grandeur splendor and fabulous wealth. The splendid remains of palaces and gateways of the broken city tells a tale of man's infinite talent and power of creativity together with his capacity for senseless destruction. The genesis of the place, known today as Hampi, dates back to the age of the Hindu epic 'Ramayana' when it was the site of Kishkinda, a monkey kingdom. Between the 9th and 10th century, this area was known as Vijaypur and later in 1150 AD as Vijaynagar under the king Vijayadhawaja. Vijayanagara, the capital of the mighty Vijayanagara, was founded in 1336 AD by two Hindu brothers Hakka and Bukka under the able guidance of a Brahmin priest Madhva Vidyaranya. The empire that lasted for over twenty years despite to dizzy heights culminating into the golden era of South Indian history. The Empire, that extended from river Krishna to Cape Comorin, included the modern state of Orrisa and was ruled from a capital stretched over 165 sq. miles, the central portion of which is called Hampi today. The Vijayanagara Empire also annexed the state of Goa as early as 1380 under Madhavacharya, a minister of king Harihara. The most well-known and powerful ruler of this empire was Krishna Deva Raya (1423-May 1446 AD) This fairy tale city was devoid of all its strength and splendor in 1565 AD when the then ruler Rama Raya was defeated and killed by a confederation of Muslim kings. The capital was ransacked and reduced to Shambles within 6 months by the victorious Mohamedans who left it desolate, resembling more a ghost city than a former captital. The state of Goa lost its prominence after the fall of this empire as the then rulers, the Portuguese, lost interest in this territory because of the fall in spice and horse trade. Today a world heritage site, archeologist try to reveil the unknown secrets and they are working patiently at this remote (yet beautiful place) and treasure, when they excavate to unearth, beautifully preserved monuments. Hampi – The cultural Heritage Filed under: Places — pancajanya @ 4:33 pm The city of Hampi is great reminiscence of Indian culture and heritage. The natural scenery, architecture and buildings take any modern person into remnants of ancient Indian history. Heaps of Stones around Hampi There is a river called Tunga Bhadra which is flowing near to Hampi. Previously, it was called as Pampa river and in due course the city got name Hampi as it is near to river. There are many wonderful places both sides of the river. To the right side of the river Pampa, there are prominent places like Anjanadri Hill, Pampa Sarovar lake etc. To the left side of the river, there are Malyavanta Raghunath Mandir, Badava Linga Temple, Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, Hampi city and Vittal temple etc. One prominent feature one can observe around Hampy area is heaps of stones arranged in the shape of mountains. It is said this very same place was the place where Lord Rama and Lakshaman had pastimes with Vanaras in Kishkinda. It is also said that these stones were collected from all over the world by Vanaras and kept them as reserves for constructing Ramsethu. Anjanadri Hill Steps of Anjanadri Hill This hill with 500 steps is birth place of  Sri Hanumanji. At the foot of the hill entrance, there is an arch with carving of mother Anjana holding her Son Hanuman. After climbing nearly 450 steps, on the left side of the steps there is way into a cave. It is said to be the same place where Sugriva kept mother Sita’s ornaments when Ravana abducted her. On the top of the hill there are couple of simple temples. One temple of Hanuman whose deity is in famous saffron color. In other temple deity is the form of Bala Hanuman in the lap of his mother Anjana. To watch the scenery and Hampi city from that tip of the hill is an awesome experience. Pampa Sarovar Lake View at Pampa Sarovar It is said that this lake was existing since Treta yuga. It is said Sabhari, devotee of Lord Rama, used live in a place near to this sarovar. And Sugriva also had lived nearby place called Rishya muka mountain. Sri Chaitanaya Mahaprabhu who is considered to be incarnation of Lord Kirshna in Kaliyuga also came to Kiskinda and delivered 7 trees. There is Kodanda Rama temple where Sugriva’s coronation happened after Vali was killed. Malyavanta Raghunath Temple Areal View of Malyavanta Raghunath Mandir After Vali was killed, before finding the traces of Mother Sita, Lord Ram had stayed here for doing chaturmasya. The main temple is made up single stone and other temple structure was made by carvings. The are dieties of Ram, Sita, Laxman, Hanuman and murties of Srivaishnava acharyas. The speciality of the deity is that Lord Ram is in the feeling seperation from mother Sita instead of standard form of  holding bow and arrow in His hands. Back side of the temple, there exists magnificent city of Hampi. In the temple, there is an old book of Srimad Bhagavatam which is rare to be found in normal temples. Everyone will be touched by devotion of the devotee of Lord Ram is reading Ramayana all the day in temple hall. In the right side of the temple, there is a madapa with lot of stones pillars. These pillars make different sounds similar to musical instruments when one touches them at different places. Hampi City Panoramic view of Hampi Hazarrama Temple This was the capital city of kingdom established by Akka and Bukka. Later it become the capital city of famous ming Sri Krishna Devarayalu. But now a days only the ruins are left as testimony to grand history. In the Hampi city, there is Hazararama Temple with no deities inside. It is said that many temples were destroyed by Mohamadeen kings.There are many small temples through out Hampi city with no deities! There is virupaksha temple near by Hampi City. If anyone plays on pillars there, it is said he can hear sapta svaras. Lakshmi Narasimha Temple Lakshmi Narasimha Deity There is a gigantic deity of single stone Lakshmi Narasimha of height 6.7m in yoga posture with band around His knees. This deity was also destroyed by the Mohamadeen invaders. The hands  and legs of the deity are not in proper shape. Mother Lakshmi’s presence can be perceived by her hand on back side of deity embracing lord. There is no roof for the deity. Badavalinga Temple Badava Linga Temple There is Siva Linga of 3 m height which is surrounded by waters all sides near to Lakshmi Narasimha Temple. People who visit these places can take bath in Tunga Badra river to get relief from their tiredness. The city of Hampi is the epitome of culture, architecture and devotion. Virupraksha Temple tower Farms as seen from Anjeyanadri Hill Hemakuta complex Remains of Old City Lotus Mahal at the Zenana Enclosure Stepped Tank near the Underground Temple Elephant stables The stone chariot at Vittala complex Stray Temples The remains of a giant Bukka's Aqueduct located near Anegondi Old man in front of Vittala temple in Hampi Sunset at Hampi Hampi temples Hampi evening Hampi landscape Hampi rocky landscape Hampi rocky landscape, evening Hampi, Mathanga hill View from Mathanga hill Indian Mysteries – The Great Temple Built By Raja Raja Chola!! Well, it is breath taking to see the Tanjore temple which is also called the Brihadisvara Temple. It is also breath taking to know the fact that these temples were built in the age when the rest of the world was still sleeping in the field of architecture, engineering or even human culture. The temple built by Raja Raja Chola, also called as Arulmozhivarman, for the Lord Shiva is a treat to watch. They are two more temples which will make you speechless. The Great Living Chola Temples were built by kings of the Chola Empire, which stretched over all of South India and the neighboring islands. The site includes three great 11th- and 12th-century Temples: the Brihadisvara Temple at Thanjavur, the Brihadisvara Temple at Gangaikondacholisvaram and the Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram. The Temple of Gangaikondacholisvaram, built by Rajendra I, was completed in 1035. Its 53-m vimana (sanctum tower) has recessed corners and a graceful upward curving movement, contrasting with the straight and severe tower at Thanjavur. The Airavatesvara temple complex, built by Rajaraja II, at Darasuram features a 24-m vimana and a stone image of Shiva. The temples testify to the brilliant achievements of the Chola in architecture, sculpture, painting and bronze casting.  The moment you enter the temple, the first thought which comes to your mind is how on earth did these people construct a building of this might in the time of 1000 AD. It baffled me too. As you see the temple is constructed of only granites which are one of the hardest rocks you can find on the surface of earth. To chisel out sculptures out of this is a herculean task. Raja Raja Chola was the first Emperor from the south to undertake a mission like this. Even today, seeing the structure, most of the engineers are astonished as to how, at an early age of civilization, people constructed this temple with so much of accuracy in engineering and architecture. The granites used for the temple were not brought from any nearby places but were brought from a distance of 50 miles from the site of the temple construction. Carrying the stones from that distance was really a big task but that is where giant elephants were used. By keeping wooden rollers beneath the stones and using the elephants to push it they stones were brought to the construction site. But you can imagine how long it wud have taken for the stones to arrive. Another wonder of the temple is that the apex of the tower is an octagonal single stone granite piece of 81.25 tonnes. Carving out a single stone needs decades to finish as they used only light metals to chisel the stones. Now arises another question. How did they cut these stones? Well, in today’s technology, it takes hours to cut through a giant granite, then imagine how it was possible back then. The trick is, after choosing the stone, they chiseled out holes on the top of the stone, hit a large wood into it, poured water and kept it aside. After days and months, these stones used to crack out and they were separated. That is one brilliant idea that you should be proud of, given the fact that, no other civilisation in the world was as organised or cultured as India was. Unlike these days, getting ideas was not at all simple. Now, all we do is search on Google and you get tons of ideas. When you have a closer look at the temple, you can see that the shrine holds two massive granite stones, each weighing 40 tonnes and to get those stones hundreds of feet in the air in 1010 AD is no joke. Well, for this too, you should appreciate Raja Raja Chola’s engineers, who found that building a ramp could solve the issue. Thus, a ramp was built 10 miles from the temple and stones were rolled from there to the top of the temple with the help of elephants. Having elephants walk on the ramp with 40 tonnes of granite stones is itself a great engineering work in those times. More mystery to be revealed later keep reading …