Chola Nadu (Chola Mandalam)

Brahmapureeswarar Temple, Tirupattur: Lord Brahma, is the presiding deity of this temple and appears in turmeric paste dressing on all Thursdays here. All the 12 Shiv lingams worshipped by Lord Brahma are present in this temple. Sai Baba Temple, Akkaraipatti - ‘Then Shirdi’: Sprawling over an area of 50,000 sq. ft, Akkaraipatti Sai Baba Temple is one of the largest temples for Shirdi Sai Baba in Asia. The whole temple complex looks no less than an architectural splendour adorned with traditional ornamental works. The exterior domes enhanced with gold foiled sheets catch the sight of every onlooker. Samayapuram: Goddesses Mariamman, There is a legend that King Vijayaraya Chakkaravarthi built the present-day form of the temple. Tiruvellarai: The temple is on a 50 ft tall hill of white rock; hence this was called as Thiru Vellai Parai [white rock]. Puliancholai: This is a forest area at the foothill of the Kollimalai. This is a cool, green and beautiful forest area with waterfalls that makes Puliancholai suitable for a one-day excursion. Pachaimalai is a green hill range, that varies in altitude between 500 to 1000 meters. It is a haven for the tribal population of this region with unique culture and lifestyle. Para Nadu, Kombainadu, Aathi Nadu, and Vannadu are some villages here. Trekking through small streams and falls is popular with tourists in Pachamalai. Arulmigu Siruvachur MathuraKaliaman Temple has antiquity dating back to 1000 years. A large number of devotees throng this temple on Mondays and Fridays to worship the powerful deity and seek her divine blessings. National Fossil Wood Park, Sattanur Geological study shows that more than 120,000,000 years ago, the sea had transgressed as far as 8 to 10 km West of Sathanur. During this period which is geologically known as the cretaceous, the sea abounded with a variety of marine animals similar to those found in the present-day sea. These animals, after death, sank to the bottom and were buried by sand and clay brought down by the rivers. Along with them some of the trees which flourished on the seacoast or near shore were also buried after transport by flooded streams and were petrified in course of time. The large trunk of the petrified tree, which can be seen here, lies within the Trichirappalli group of rocks from about 100,000,000 years ago. This tree shows the presence of Conifers (The non-flowering plants) that dominated the land vegetation before the advent of Angiosperms (the flowering plants of the present day).

Gangaikondacholapuram, the biggest temple constructed during the reign of Rajendra-I.Following the conquest of the Gangetic plains in A.D. 1023 Rajendra-I built a great city called Gangaikondacholapauram and a Siva temple Gangaikonda cholisvarar and a lake Chola Gangam in commemoration of his victory. At present, it is under the control of ASI and the HR&CE and recently UNESCO declared the temple as one of the world heritage monuments. Thiruvaiyaru: Panchanatheswar Temple is an ancient Siva temple frequently visited by pilgrims throughout the year. This town is associated with one of the Music Trinity Saint Thyagarayar. Thousands of ardent fans of Classical Music assemble from all over the world.

Sri Brahadeeswarar Temple: This temple is popularly known asThanjai “Periya Koil” [Big Temple]. The Great Chola Emperor Raja Raja Cholan I dedicated this temple to Lord Siva in the year 1010 AD. This great temple speaks about the architectural excellence of the region. The Tower above the sanctum Sanctorum is 216 feet tall. This tower is one of the tallest towers of its kind in the whole world. Kumbam, a bulbous structure above the tower cut out of one rock, weighing almost 80 tons, is regarded as the showcase of the Architectural Excellence of the period. The tower and lifting the Cupola to the top is a testimony to the engineering skill of the Chola architects who planned its construction in such a manner that the shadow of the Cupola does not fall on the ground.The Palace: Little fort and Big fort are the two forts in this town. The Thanjavur Palace is situated in the Big Fort. This fort was raised by the Vijayaraghava Nayak dynasty in a sprawling 110-acre area. The Art Gallery & Saraswathi Mahal Library: The Thanjavur Art Gallery was established in 1951 and the huge building along with the art gallery also encompasses the Saraswati Mahal Library and the Sangeetha Sabha or Music Hall. The art gallery has a fabulous collection of bronze icons. The Stone Sculptures are unique and of priceless quality. The Thanjavur Maharaja Serfoji’s Saraswathi Mahal Library is one of the few medieval libraries that exist in the world. Rajagopala Beerangi: This is called the Beerangi Medu (Cannon Mound) located at the eastern gate of the Fort. Cannon is a huge-sized and qualitative display of workmanship at the top of the East Kothalam. It was used during the Nayaks period in 1650. Punnai Nallur Mariamman: Lord Siva anointed eight Sakthi [Ashta Sakthi ] to destroy Asura Tanjan. One such Sakthi in the eastern direction is Punnainallur Mariamman.

Thirukandiyur: A temple of Lord Siva incarnated as Brahma SiraKandeeswarar Temple. The Legend here is that Lord Siva was absolved of Brahmmahathi Dhosham. Divyadesam Hara Saaba Vimochana Perumal temple, one of the 108 Divya Desam, and Pancha Kamala Kshetram are the two important temples of this town. Thirukarugavoor: Garbha [pregnancy] Rakshambigai [protecting goddess] is believed to be the protector of Pregnancy and blesses women with smooth delivery of babies. Patteswaram: Patteeswaram got its name from Patti, daughter (calf) of the sacred cow Kamadhenu worshipped here. The Durga with a gracious and peaceful look, on simhavahana with her foot on the head of Mahishasura, is in standing posture here. Swamimalai: Abode of Lord Murugan and one of the Arupadaivedu [ six special abodes] dedicated to Lord Murugan. It is believed that Lord Murugan defined the meaning of OM [pranava mantra] to his father Lord Siva here. Darasuram: Temple dedicated to Lord Airvateswara was built by Raja Raja Cholan I in this town. The miniature sculptures of the Columns in this temple speak of 12th-century architectural excellence. During the 14th century architectural designs were changed to Brick – the Mortar statues format of Big Temple of Thanjavur. This temple has been classified as UNESCO World Heritage Monument. Uppliyappan Koil: It is very near to Thirunageswaram and it is also known as Thiruvinnagar or Venkatachalapathy Temple. The temple has a five-tiered Tower [Rajagopuram]. Lord venkatachalapathy and Tirupathi Balaji both are called Oppil Appar. Thiruvidaimaruthur: River Cauvery passes through this village. This is also called Madhyarjunam. The presiding deities are Mahalingeshwar and Perunamulaiyamai. Adi Kumbeswarar temple: It is one of the important temples dedicated to Lord Siva. It is a padal petra sthalam. Apart from the presiding deities of Kumbeswarar and Mangalambigai Amman many shrines are located in this prominent temple complex. The sixteen pillared halls built during the Vijayanagar Period have all the 27stars and 12 zodiac signs carved in a single stone. Sarangapani Temple: Lord is Sarangapani / Aravamuthan and Goddess is NacciyarKomala Valli. It is one of the 108 Divya Desam glorified by the Alwars of the Vaishnavite sect and also classified as one of the Pancharanga Kshetram on the banks of Cauvery. Someswara Temple: The architectural style and elements of this temple resemble the Dravidian Architecture of the 13th Century of the Chola Regime. Aravamuthar and Thenar Mozhi thayar are the other deities enshrined in this temple complex.

Nageswaran Temple: This temple was built by Aditya Chola during the 9th Century. This temple has Pralayakala Rudra Sannidhi. It is also a Rahu Parihara Sthalam. First, on three days of Tamil Month Chithirai [AprMay] the sun's rays fall directly on the base of Sanctum Sanctorum. Chakrapani Temple: The Temple is the solitary temple complex for Sri Chakrapani. Chakrapani is otherwise called Sakarathazhvar. Utharayanam [Thai – Aani] and Dakshinayanam [Aadi – Panguni] have two different entrances to worship Sarangapani in the Sanctum Santorum. They are called as Dakshinayana Vayil [gate] and Utharayana Vayil (gate). Kambatta Viswanathar: Pettai Adhi Kambatta Viswanathar enshrines the presiding deities of Kambatta Viswanathar and Anandha Nidhiambigai. It is called Malathi Vanam also. This temple is also called Kambatta Viswanadhari because the coin minting was done here during Nayaka Period. It is believed the famous saint ‘Thoomakethu’ found this temple. Pana Pureeswarar Kovil: This is relatively a smaller temple complex located amidst the Panapuri Agraharam in the heart of the town. Veda Vyasa is believed to have visited this temple and worshipped the Lord Here. Thirubuvanam: It is on the Mayiladuthurai – Kumbakonam Road. KampaheswararTemple and Sarabeswarar Temple are the important temples of this town. It is also famous for its Silk Weaving Centers. Sirkazhi: Popular Siva Temple located here finds reference in the Sangam Literature too. This is also the birthplace of Saivaite Saint Thirugnana Sambanthar. Vaitheeswaran Koil: This town is famous for the massive Sri VaithyanatheeswararTemple complex and is also one of the few popular centres for Naadi Jyothisham [a form of Astrology-Palm leaf]. Tarangambadi: It was earlier called Tranquebar. This was the Danish settlement of the easter years. The remains of the Dansborg Fort built by Ore Gedde, a commander of the Royal Dutch Navy in the 17th Century can be seen here. The antiquities of the colonial period and Danish settlements like porcelain ware, Danish manuscripts, glass objects, Chinese tea jars, decorated terracotta objects, figurines, lamps, stones, sculptures, swords, daggers, spears, sudai (stucco) figurines and wooden objects, a whale skeleton and small cannon balls are exhibited in the Museum here. Soundararaja Perumal Temple: It is one of the 108 Divya Desam dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is located here in the city. This temple is revered in Nalayira Divya Prabandham by Thirumangai Azhwar, one of the 12 Alwars belonging to the 6th – 9th century.

Poompuhar: It is called as Poompuhar or Puhar. Puhar in Tamil means the ‘estuary’ of the river. Poompuhar is located close to the spot where the river Cauveri flows out into the sea. This ancient port city earlier called Kaveri poompattinam served as the Capital of early Chola rulers. The original town was destroyed by the sea and submerged presumably in 500 AD, and was rebuilt after that. Emperors like Sembiyan, Muchugundan, Manuneethi and Karikala of the Chola Dynasty added glory to Poompuhar. Submerged wharves and lengths of pier walls have been excavated in recent times. Thirusaikkadu (Sayavanam): The temple is dedicated to Thiru Sayavaneswarar and Iraivi Kuyiliamman Nanmozhi Ammai. Chola inscriptions are found in the temple. Thirupallavaneswaram: This is an ancient and very beautiful temple. Iyarppakai Nayanar and Pattinathar were born here. Kovalan and Kannagi of Silapathigaram were also born here. Melapperumpallam and Keezhaperumpallam: The temple is dedicated to Valampuranathar and Vaduvakirkanniammai. Thirunavukarasar, Thirugnana Sambandar and Sundarar [Saivite Saints] have sung hymns in praise of the Lord here. Keezhaperumpallam is 3 km from Poompuhar and this temple is dedicated to Lord Siva named Naganathar, enshrines Lord KETHU, an incarnation of one of the Planetary Gods. Thiruvengadu: The Presiding deity here is Lord Siva named Swetharanyeswarar. A separate Shrine of Budhan also called as Saumyan is the planet Jupiter in English, located inside the Thiruvenkadu Temple. Thiruvakkur: Thandthondreeswarar Temple dedicated to Lord Siva is located here. This is the place where Lord Siva gave darshan to Sage Agasthaya in the Wedding Form. Sempanarkoil: This antique temple is referred to as Thirusumponpallu in the Thevaram hymns. Swarnapureswarar Temple, Shanmuga Subramaniaswamy Temple, Sengazhuneer Vinayagar Temple, Aadhi Narayana Perumal Temple, and Vaithyanathaswamy Temple are located here. Thirukkadaiyur: Lord Shiva graces the temple as Swayambumurthi, which is called Amirtha Kadeswarar. This is exactly the place where Lord Siva prevented Yama from extracting the life of 16-year-old Markandeyan, hence Siva is also called Kala Samhara Murthy. Anantha Mangalam, where the Dasabuja Veera Anjaneyar [ with 10 hands ] is located and visited by thousands of Pilgrims. Kayarohana Swami and Neelayadakshi Temple: The temple is one of the seven temples called Saptha Vidangam of the Thyagaraja Cult, where, the presiding deity Thyagaraja is believed to portray different dance styles.

Thirunallaru: The Popular Darbharanyeswarar Temple is located here. Lord Saneeswaran [Saturn] is enshrined here in a separate Sannidhi. Emerald Lingam in this temple is a special attraction. This is a Navagraha Parihara Thalam, for Saturn visited by thousands of people on Saturdays and also on Saturn’s Transition [periodical] day to other zodiac signs. Nagore Dargha: It is a 16thcentury minaret located in Nagore and one of the important pilgrimage centres of the town. Dargah of Hajrath Shahul Hamid (1490-1579), in honour of whom the minaret was built, is located here. Kanduri festival is a 14day event celebrated as the annual urs(anniversary). The festival is also seen as sacred solidarity of mixed faith of Hindus and Muslims. The tomb is believed to be more than 500 years old the dome is capped with Gold and it has five minarets too. The holy tanks are called peer kulam. People from all religious faith visit this dargah for fulfilment. Velankanni is a pilgrimage centre, known for the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health, a Roman Catholic Church built during the 17th century. Pilgrimage in September is an annual festival when people from Hindus, Muslims and Christian faiths and all denominations visit the Basilica. The town has prominent churches like Lourd Madha (Sindhathurai Madha) Church, the Madharasi Madha Church etc. Sikkal: Sikkal Singara Velan temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan. Appar, Thirugnana Sambandar, Sundarar and Manicka Vasagar [ Saivite Saints] have glorified this temple through their hymns in praise of the Lord. Kodikkarai [Point Calimere]: Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary was created in 1967 for the conservation of the Blackbuck, an endangered and endemic species of India. Point Calimere encompasses 17.26 sq KM of sandy coast fringed by saline swamps and thorny scrub around the backwaters. Migratory curlews, Terns, Plovers, Sandpipers, and Shanks nest in the tidal mud flats from October to March. Blackbucks, Spotted Deer, Jackal, Ponies and Wild hare are sighted very often. Vedaranyam [Thiru Marai Kadu]: It is one of the Seven Special Abodes dedicated to Lord Siva called SAPTHA VIDANGATH THALANGAL. In these temples, the Lord Siva is called “Thyagaraja”. Historically this Town finds an important place in the Indian Independence war. Ettukudi: Saint Arunagiri Nathar has glorified this through his hymns, Skandha Sashti, Vaikasi Visakam and Tiruvadirai [for Lord Siva] are the important festivals of this temple. Thirukuvalai: Brahmapureeswarar Temple dedicated to Lord Siva believed to be more than 1000 years old is a religious destination of this Village. Koothanur: Temple of Goddess Saraswathy, the only one of its kind in Tamil Nadu, exclusively dedicated to the Goddess of Education, Wisdom and Fine Arts is located at Koothanur.

Mannarkudi: Very popular Vaishnavite Temple dedicated to Lord Rajagopalaswamy is found here. The saying KOVIL PAATHI and KULAM PAATHI [half is Temple and the Other Half is Tank] perfectly suit this town. The greatness of the Temple and the Tank are two inseparable features of this temple complex. Thiruvarur: It was also called Aroor and assumed the present name later. Thyagaraja Swamy Temple is a popular temple and more famous is the 96 ft tall AZHITHER [CHARIOT] weighing 300 tons and the Grand Car Festival of Thiruvarur. Muthupettai Mangrove Forest / Lagoon also called the Alaiyathi Kadu, is one of the largest of its kind located between Thirutturaipoondi and Pattukkotai. Paminiyaru, Koraiyaru, Kilai thaangi yaaru, Marakka koraiyaru; all these rivers form a lagoon before ending up at Kodiakarai [point calimere]. A 162 mts wooden causeway built across, provides an opportunity for a closer look at the mangrove forests. A variety of Migratory birds from Europe, Asia and the Middle East flock to this area during the season. It is a holistic, exotic and refreshing holiday option for nature lovers. Manora: The word 'Manora' was derived from the word 'Minar'. Manora is known for the eight-storied miniature fortress built by Rajah Serfoji in 1814. This 75-foot tower is hexagonal and guarded by a moat. It was built in honour of Britain's victory over Napoleon Bonaparte at Waterloo. The Cool Sea, Sailing Boats, and breezy coconut groves around make Manora a popular picnic spot and a coastal town in Thanjavur. Thirupunavasal: The temple here is called Viruthapureeswarar Temple. This is a Padal Petra Sthalam. Avudayarkoil: It is also called Tiruperunthurai, The presiding deity is not in the form of Siva Lingam. Only a pedestal [Avudai] is found and worshipped here, hence it is called Avudaiyar Koil. Lord Siva’s Consort and Nandi here are without an icon. Attractive murals and the stone cornice called Kodunkai are wonderful aspects of the temple. Thirumayam: The Siva and Vishnu rock-cut cave temples and the fort are attractive features here. The cave temples belong to the 9th Century AD. Avur: A beautiful Roman Catholic Church was built by Father John Venantius Bouchet in the year 1547. The church was reconstructed in 1747 in the form of a Cross. Father Joseph Beschi, popularly known as Veeramamunivar, began his missionary life at Avur. Kunnandar Koil: It is a monument of national importance. The rock-cut cave temple and the Mandapam in Vijayanagar style made of pink granite at the foothill is a site taken up for archaeological studies. It has admirable portrait sculptures in the cave.

Mallaiyadipatti: There are two interesting cave temples of Siva and Vishnu cut into one rock. The cave temples are fine examples of ancient art bas relief and sculptures. Thiruvengaivasal: The Vyagapuriswar Brahadambal Temple, Chola architecture built in the 11th century. The epigraphy with six Chola inscriptions, seven Pandya, and one each of the Vijayanagara and Pallavarayar periods provides an important source of information on the socio-political history of the area. Peraiyur: Naganathasamy Temple located here belongs to the 12th century. This temple was visited by many pilgrims to get relief from the malefic effects of Naga dosham. Vedic-centric Nagapradishta [installing serpent statue] in the temple is done here. Government Museum - Pudukottai, which is the second largest of its kind next to Chennai Government Museum. Rare and exotic collections of Geology, Zoology, Anthropology, and Archaeology are exhibited for public viewing. Exhibits of Sculpture, bronze images, weapons, paintings, copper plates, wood carvings, musical instruments, coins manuscripts and historical records are a part of the collection of the past. Kudumianmalai: The outer Mandapam and its beautiful sculptures are the main tourist attractions. One can reach the Cave Temple of Kugai Jayanthavanesvarar temple [Cave Temple] through the prakarams [courts] of Sikanathar temple. MusicalNotes’ inscription on the right side of the Cave temple is a remarkable piece of attraction. Sittanvasal: The number of megalithic dolmens of the 1st century attests to the antiquity of the area. The Sittanavasal Cave, also known as Arivar Kovil, is a Jain monastery of the 7th century. The earliest Brahmi Tamil script of the 2nd century is found in the Jain Natural Cavern called Ezhadipattam. We still find stone beds used by Jain monks around 2000 years ago. Sittanavasal Cave temple and Ezhadipattam – Jain beds are under the supervision of ASI Narthamalai is a cluster of small hills. Here can be seen some of the oldest rock-cut cave temples, as well as the longest rock-cut edicts, similar to Asokan edicts and extremely rare in the south of India. There are two rock-cut temples, Pazhiyili Isvaram and Samanar kudagu, and one magnificent structural temple. The Kadambar temple at the foot of a hill nearby is another beautiful temple. Viralimalai: The famous abode of Murugan temple called Lord Shanmuganathar Temple is located on top of this Granite hill, Viralimalai. The Viralimalai is a Bird Sanctuary, particularly a natural sanctuary of peacocks. End of a Great Tour!