It is the holy month of Margazhi (sacred in Vaishnavism) and we were visiting the temple town of Kumbakonam (every few steps you will find an ancient Hindu Temple), our vacation became a mini-pilgrimage. Each day we went to two or three temples, I was trying to ensure we don’t overdo it and had time to enjoy a good rest during the vacation.
- On the first day, it was Thirunallar (Lord Shani)
- On the second day it was the famous Uppiliappan koil and Kann Kodutha Vanitham (near Koradacheri), in the evening it was the Alwar procession in Sarangapani Koil
- On the third day, it was Ramaswamy Koil (which had the entire Ramayanam story painted on its wall), Chakrapani Koil (Lord Sudharshanar)
- Last day of our return we went to Srirangam, Trichy before returning to Chennai
Sri Saneeswara Baghavan Sthalam, Thirunallaru
Sri Dharbaranyeswara Swamy Koil aka Sri Saneeswara Baghavan Sthalam, Thirunallaru
ஸ்ரீ தர்ப்பாரண்யேஸ்வர சுவாமி கோயில் மற்றும் ஸ்ரீ சனீஸ்வர பகவான் ஸ்தலம், திருநள்ளாறு
Oppiliyappan Koil
Oppiliyappan Koil aka Thiruvinnagar of Venkatachalapathy Temple
Kankoduthavanitham (கண்கொடுத்தவனிதம்)
Kankodutha Vanidham – Dec 2010
Nandhi Bhagawan at Kankodutha vanidham
Kankodutha vanidham
Temple pond at Kankodutha Vanidham – Dec 2010
Sri Chakrapani Koil
Chakrapani Koil Kumbakonam
Chakrapani Koil Kumbakonam
Sri Ramaswamy Koil
Portions of Ramayanam Paintings in Ramaswamy Koil
Portions of Ramayanam Paintings in Ramaswamy Koil
I wanted to capture more of the historic works inside the temples, but in most places, they don’t permit photographs even on the outskirts for no reason.
A comfy place to stay
Last few days I was on a year-end vacation with my family to Kumbakonam. Why Kumbakonam? No specific reason other than we got a good recommendation about a resort there which was affordable for a group of 10 adults and kids. About 45 days back I booked 5 rooms with Paradise Resort, the property is on the Tanjore main road on the outskirts of Kumbakonam. From Chennai, you take the NH45 (GST) branch off to left after Vikravandi (much before Villupuram) towards Kumbakonam. On that road (NH45C) stay on the Kumbakonam by-pass and take a right towards Tanjore, you will find the resort. From Chennai, t is about 275-290 kilometres and takes about 5 to 5:30 hours, due to recent rains the road after Vikravandi was not good. The resort is also a few kilometres before Swamimalai. The resort had very comfortable and clean Rooms & Bathrooms, a nice atmosphere, a good swimming pool (where we enjoyed a family swim) and decent food. The food and service need to be improved, other than that we enjoyed the stay.
Swimming Pool @Paradise Resort, Kumbakonam – Dec 2010
Guest rooms @Paradise Resort, Kumbakonam – Dec 2010
பசுமை தாயகம் பாணியில் நான் – தி.ந.ச.வெங்கட ரங்கன்
Wish you all a very happy new year 2011