Morning Upon Arrival At Madurai Airport, By 08:45 AM, Your Appointed Tour Driver Will Receive You By Ac Toyota Etios Sedan Car. Thereafter We Take Darshan At Sri Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, Commonly Known As The Meenakshi Amman Temple, Is One Of The Largest And Most Famous Temples In South India, And Is Dedicated To Goddess Meenakshi, An Incarnation Of The Goddess Parvati, And Her Consort Lord Sundareswarar, Who Is An Incarnation Of Lord Shiva. Magnificent Gopurams: The Temple Is Renowned For Its Towering And Intricately Carved Gopurams (Entrance Towers). The Gopurams Are Adorned With Colourful Sculptures Depicting Various Mythological Stories, Deities, And Celestial Beings. Thousand Pillar Hall: Inside The Temple Complex, There Is A Renowned "Thousand Pillar Hall," A Massive Structure With Intricately Carved Pillars. The Hall Is A Masterpiece Of Dravidian Architecture And Serves As An Important Cultural And Architectural Attraction. Golden Lotus Tank: The Temple Has A Sacred Tank Called "Potramarai Kulam" Or The Golden Lotus Tank, Which Is Believed To Have Healing Properties. Devotees Take A Dip In The Tank As Part Of Their Religious Practice. Daily Rituals And Festivals: The Temple Follows Elaborate Daily Rituals, And Various Festivals Are Celebrated With Grandeur. The Most Significant Festival Is The "Meenakshi Thirukalyanam" Or The Divine Marriage Ceremony Of Goddess Meenakshi And Lord Sundareswarar, Which Attracts A Large Number Of Devotees And Tourists. Musical Pillars: Similar To The Suchindram Temple, The Meenakshi Amman Temple Also Has "Musical Pillars" In The "Thousand Pillar Hall" That Produce Musical Sounds When Struck Gently. Temple Timings: Open From 05:00 AM To 12:00 PM, Then Closed From 12:00 PM To 04:00 PM, Then Opened Again From 04:00 PM To 08:00 PM. After Darshan By 12:30 PM, We Travel To Rameshwaram Which Is A 3 ½ Hrs Journey. Enroute We Shall Have Lunch. Upon Arrival At Rameshwaram By 04:00 PM, We Visit Places Mentioned Below. Pamban Rail Bridge: Was Built In 1914 By The British Colonial Government. It Was India’s First Sea Bridge And The Longest Sea Bridge Until 2010. The Bridge Has A Length Of 2.2 Km And 143 Piers. It Also Has A Double-Leaf Bascule Section In The Middle, Which Can Be Raised To Allow Ships And Barges To Pass Through. The Bridge Is A Marvel Of Engineering And Offers Scenic Views Of The Sea And The Island. The Bridge Was Damaged By A Cyclone In 1964, But Was Restored In 1965. Dhanushkodi Beach: Is A Beautiful And Serene Beach That Lies At The Tip Of Rameswaram Island. It Is About 18 Km From The Main Town Of Rameswaram. The Beach Offers A Spectacular View Of The Bay Of Bengal. The Beach Is Also Known For Its Abandoned Town, Which Was Once A Flourishing Fishing Village And A Pilgrimage Centre, But Was Destroyed By A Devastating Cyclone In 1964. The Ruins Of The Town, Including A Railway Station, A Church, A Temple And A Hospital, Can Still Be Seen Near The Beach. Kothanda Ramar Temple: Also Known As Kothandaramaswamy Temple Or Vibhishana Temple Is Dedicated To Lord Rama, Is Believed To Be The Place Where Vibhishana, The Brother Of Ravana, Surrendered To Rama And Joined His Army In The War Against Ravana, And Also Rama Performed The Coronation Ceremony For Vibhishana At This Place After Defeating Ravana. The Temple Has The Idols Of Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, Hanuman And Vibhishana In The Sanctum Sanctorum. The Temple Is One Of The Oldest Temples In Rameshwaram And Is Estimated To Have Been Constructed About 2000-3000 Years Ago. The Temple Is The Only Historical Structure That Survived The 1964 Cyclone That Devastated Dhanushkodi And Its Surroundings. The Temple Is Surrounded By Sea On Three Sides And Offers A Scenic View Of The Confluence Of The Bay Of Bengal And The Indian Ocean. Finally We Check You In At The Hotel Mentioned Below And Take Rest For The Day.

On This Day, We Start With Ramanathaswamy Temple Rituals First, Which Should Be Followed As Mentioned Below… Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple, Is Dedicated To The Lord Shiva, Who Is Worshipped Here As Ramanathaswamy, By Lord Rama. It Is One Of The Twelve Jyotirlingas And One Of The Four Char Dhams. By 04:00 AM, We First Take Darshan Of Sphatik Jyotirling Also Called “Mani Darshan''. Which Is Considered To Be The Purest And Most Sacred Form Of Shiva. It Is Believed That Spatik Lingam Removes All Curses And Negative Karma And Enhances One’s Confidence And Power. [Spatik Jyotir Ling Is Only Open From 05:00 AM To 06:00 AM, For 1 Hour, In Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple]. By 06:00 AM, After Darshan Take Three Dips In The Sea Opposite To Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple Known As “Agnitheertham” Which Is At A Walking Distance, Here Rama Performed Ablutions After Killing Ravana. It Is Considered Auspicious To Bathe Here And Wash Away One’s Sins. After Your Three Dips In The Sea Return Back To Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple Barefoot In Wet Condition To Take A Bath In The “22 Holy Wells” Situated Inside The Temple, Each Well Has A Different Name And Is Believed To Have Different Medicinal And Spiritual Properties. Here At The Entrance Of The Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple, You Will Come Across Temple Guides With Government IDs, They Assist You In Covering 22 Wells Inside Temple, By Pulling Out Buckets Of Water From Each And Every Wells, And Drenching You With It. Finally They Will Leave You At A Queue Which Leads To “Viswanathar Lingam” Which Is Said To Have Been Brought By Hanuman From Kashi (Varanasi), Sprinkle Water Flowing From The Shivling On Yourself And Then Return Back To Hotel Barefoot In Wet Condition. Once You Reach Your Hotel Room, Change To Unused “New Clothes”, Then Have Breakfast. And Again Return To Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple, To Take Darshan Shivling Made By Goddess Sita, At The Main Sanctum. Then Have Darshan Of The “Ramanatha Lingam”, Which Is Said To Have Been Installed By Rama Himself. By 10:30 AM, Once You Are Done With All The Rituals Of Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple, Remember To Discard Your Wet Clothes At Agnitheertham, The Very Same Place Where You Took 3 Dips In The Sea. (Government Has Installed Big Pots Here For This Purpose) By 11:00 AM, We Start Covering Sightseeing Points In Rameshwaram Like... Gandhamadhana Parvatham - Ramar Patham: Is A Religious Site In Rameswaram, It Is Believed To Have The Footprints Of Lord Rama On A Chakra, It Is This Place Where Rama Instructed Vibhishana, The Brother Of Ravana, On How To Wage War Against The Evil Forces. The Temple Is Located On A Hillock, Which Offers A Panoramic View Of The Island And The Sea. Ram Setu Bridge: Built By Lord Rama And His Army Of Monkeys To Cross Over To Lanka And Rescue His Wife Sita From The Demon King Ravana, That Connects Pamban Island To Mannar Island In Sri Lanka. It Is About 48 Km Long And Separates The Gulf Of Mannar From The Palk Strait. The Bridge Has Both Mythological And Historical Significance, The Bridge Can Be Seen From The Air Or From Satellite Images, But It Is Not Accessible By Boat Due To Shallow Waters. Sri Panchmukhi Hanuman Mandir & Floating Stones: Are Two Tourist Attractions Sri Panchmukhi Hanuman Mandir Is A Temple Dedicated To Lord Hanuman, Who Has Five Faces Representing Five Elements. The Temple Also Displays Some Floating Stones, Which Were Used By Lord Rama And His Army Of Monkeys To Build A Bridge Across The Sea To Lanka, Where His Wife Sita Was Held Captive By The Demon King Ravana. Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Memorial: Is A Mausoleum In Memory Of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam (1931-2015), The 11th President Of India (2002-2007), As Rameshwaram Is His Hometown. The Memorial Was Designed And Constructed By Defence Research And Development Organisation (DRDO) As A Tribute To Kalam And To Display The Cultural Heritage And Ethnic Diversity Of India. It Was Officially Inaugurated By Prime Minister Narendra Modi In July 2017. The Memorial Covers 2.11 Acres, Reflecting A Fine Mix Of The Indian And Mughal Architecture. The Entrance Of The Monument Depicts The India Gate, Assembled With A Chettinad Gate That Resembles The Entrance Gate Of The Brihadeeswara Temple In Thanjavur, While The Main Dome Of The Building Is A Replica Of The Rashtrapati Bhavan. The Yellow Stones That Are Used In Its Construction Were Brought From Closer To Pakistan. Villoondi Theertham: Is A Sacred Well That Is Located In The Middle Of The Sea, About 6 Km From Rameshwaram Town. The Name Villoondi Means 'Buried Bow' And It Refers To The Legend Is That Rama Created This Well By Shooting An Arrow Into The Sea To Get Sweet Water For Sita, Who Was Thirsty After The Long Journey. The Well Is Considered As One Of The 64 Sacred Theerthams (Water Bodies) In Rameshwaram And Is Also Known As Sethu Madhava Theertham. The Well Is Situated At The End Of A Long Pier That Extends Into The Sea. The Water In The Well Is Surprisingly Fresh And Pure, Despite Being Surrounded By Salt Water. Devotees Come Here To Take A Sip Of The Holy Water And Offer Prayers To Lord Rama And Sita. Rameshwaram Happens To Be A Very Small Island, So If You Start Covering Sightseeing Places By 10:30 AM, You Will Be Done Covering Places In Rameshwaram By Or Before 04:00 PM, In A Relaxed Manner Including Your Lunch Time. By 04:00 PM, From Rameshwaram, We Travel Towards Trichy, Which Is A 5 Hrs Journey. By 09:00 PM, Upon Arrival At Trichy, We Complete The Check-In Formalities Of The Hotel And Take Rest For The Day.

Morning By 08:00 AM, After Breakfast, We Check Out From The Hotel In Trichy. Then Take Darshan At Jambukeswarar Temple, Also Known As Thiruvanaikaval, Dedicated To Lord Shiva. It Is Located In The Srirangam Island, In The City Of Trichy (Tiruchirapalli). Here Are Some Key Features And Information About The Jambukeswarar Temple: Significance: The Jambukeswarar Temple Is One Of The Pancha Bhoota Sthalas, Representing The Element Of Water (Jala). The Lingam (An Iconic Representation Of Lord Shiva) In This Temple Is Said To Represent The Element Of Water. Elemental Significance: The Sanctum Of The Temple Is Surrounded By Water, And It Is Believed That An Underground Stream, Representing The River Cauvery, Flows Beneath The Lingam. Devotees Believe That This Lingam Constantly Receives The Flow Of Water, Signifying The Importance Of The Water Element. Jambu Tree: The Temple Gets Its Name From The Jambu (Rose Apple) Tree, Which Is Said To Have Worshipped Lord Shiva At This Location. According To The Legend, Goddess Parvati, In The Form Of Akilandeswari, Performed Penance Under The Jambu Tree To Marry Lord Shiva. Architecture: The Temple Is A Classic Example Of Dravidian Architecture And Has Several Intricately Carved Pillars And Sculptures. The Temple Complex Includes A Large Outer Courtyard And A Number Of Shrines. Akilandeswari Shrine: Apart From The Main Deity, Lord Jambukeswarar, The Temple Also Houses A Shrine For Goddess Akilandeswari, The Consort Of Lord Shiva. Hall Of 1,000 Pillars (Aayiram Kaal Mandapam): Similar To The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, The Jambukeswarar Temple Also Has A Hall With Numerous Pillars, Each Intricately Carved With Unique Designs. Tank And Garden: The Temple Complex Features A Sacred Tank Known As "Sri Akilandeswari Sametha Jambukeswarar Temple Tank." There Is Also A Garden Within The Temple Premises Known As The "Sri Jambu Vana Vinayakar Temple Garden." Festivals: The Temple Celebrates Various Festivals, Including Maha Shivaratri, Panguni Brahmotsavam, And Thai Poosam, With Grand Processions And Special Rituals. Pancha Bhoota Sthala: Jambukeswarar Temple Is Part Of The Five Elemental Temples In Tamilnadu, Each Representing One Of The Five Classical Elements. The Other Four Temples Represent The Elements Of Earth, Fire, Air, And Space. Legend: One Is That, Once Parvati Mocked Shiva's Penance For Betterment Of The World. Shiva Wanted To Condemn Her Act And Directed Her To Go To The Earth From Kailasam (Shiva's Abode) To Do Penance. Parvathi In The Form Of Vekkaliyamman, As Per Shiva's Wish Found Jambu Forest (Thiruvanaikoil) To Conduct Her Penance. She Made A Lingam Out Of Water Of River Cauvery (Also Called As River Ponni) Under The Venn Naaval Tree (The Venn Naaval Tree On Top Of The Saint Jambu) And Commenced Her Worship. The Lingam Is Known As Appu Lingam (Water Lingam). Siva At Last Gave Darshan To Akilandeswari And Taught Her Siva Gnana. Akilandeswari Took Upadesa (Lessons) Facing East From Shiva, Who Stood Facing West. Pilgrimage: Devotees And Tourists Visit The Jambukeswarar Temple Not Only For Its Religious Significance But Also To Appreciate The Historical And Architectural Aspects Of The Temple. Visiting The Jambukeswarar Temple Offers A Unique Spiritual Experience, Especially With Its Association With The Element Of Water And The Fascinating Legend Of The Jambu Tree. By 10:30 AM, We Visit Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Also Known As Thiruvarangam, Which Is A Major Temple Dedicated To Lord Ranganatha, A Reclining Form Of Lord Vishnu. It Is Located On The Island Of Srirangam, Which Is Formed By The Bifurcation Of The Kaveri River. Here Are Some Key Features And Information About The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple: Significance: The Temple Is Considered One Of The Most Important Vaishnavite Shrines In South India And Is Also One Of The Largest Functioning Temples In The World. It Holds Great Religious And Cultural Significance For Hindus. Architecture: The Temple Showcases A Mix Of Dravidian And Vijayanagara Architectural Styles. The Complex Is Enclosed By Seven Concentric Walls (Prakarams) And Has 21 Towers (Gopurams), The Rajagopuram Being The Tallest At Over 236 Feet, Making It One Of The Tallest Temple Towers In Asia. Ranganayaki Thayar Shrine: Apart From The Main Deity, Lord Ranganatha, The Temple Also Houses The Shrine Of Ranganayaki Thayar (Goddess Lakshmi), The Consort Of Lord Ranganatha. Sesha Raya Mandapam: This Is An Intricately Carved Hall With Pillars Depicting The Serpent Adisesha. The Hall Is Adorned With Beautiful Sculptures And Is A Significant Part Of The Temple Complex. Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple Car Festival: The Temple Is Famous For Its Annual Rath Yatra Or Chariot Festival, Known As The "Vaikunta Ekadasi," Where The Deity Is Taken Out In A Grand Procession In A Chariot. Hall Of 1,000 Pillars (Aayiram Kaal Mandapam): This Hall, As The Name Suggests, Is Known For Its Numerous Pillars, Each Intricately Carved. The Hall Is A Marvel Of Ancient Indian Architecture. Pillared Corridors: The Temple Has Long And Pillared Corridors That Are Adorned With Exquisite Sculptures, Carvings, And Inscriptions. These Corridors Are Known For Their Architectural Beauty. Temple Tank (Chandra Pushkarani): The Temple Has A Sacred Tank Called Chandra Pushkarani, And It Is Considered Auspicious To Take A Dip In Its Waters Before Entering The Main Temple. Sri Ramanuja Shrine: There Is A Separate Shrine Dedicated To Sri Ramanuja, A Prominent Theologian And Philosopher Of The Sri Vaishnavism Tradition. Vaikuntha Ekadashi: The Temple Observes The Vaikuntha Ekadashi Festival With Great Fervour, Attracting Thousands Of Devotees. Legend: The Temple Originated From The Vimana Or The Aerial Vehicle Of Vishnu, Which He Gave To His Devotee Ikshvaku, The Ancestor Of Rama. Rama Later Gifted The Vimana To His Devotee Vibhishana, The Brother Of Ravana, After The War In Lanka. Vibhishana Was Taking The Vimana To His Kingdom, When He Stopped At Srirangam To Perform His Daily Rituals. He Placed The Vimana On The Ground And Went To The River Cauvery. When He Returned, He Found That The Vimana Had Become Immovable And Fixed To The Ground. He Tried To Lift It, But Failed. He Then Heard A Voice From The Vimana, Saying That It Was The Will Of Vishnu To Stay There As Ranganatha, Reclining On The Serpent Adisesha. Vibhishana Was Saddened, But Consoled By A Local King Named Dharmavaram, Who Promised To Worship Ranganatha As His Own Lord. Vibhishana Also Requested That He Should Be Able To See Ranganatha From Lanka, And Hence The Deity Faces South, Towards Lanka. Visiting The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple Provides Not Only A Religious Experience But Also An Opportunity To Marvel At The Architectural Grandeur And Historical Significance Of This Ancient Temple. By 12:30 PM, We Travel To Tanjore, Which Is A 1 ½ Hrs Journey, Enroute Have Lunch. Upon Arrival At Tanjore, By 03:00 PM, We Check You In At The Hotel Mentioned Below. Then By 04:00 PM, We Visit Brihadeeswara Temple, Also Known As The Peruvudaiyar Kovil Or Rajarajeswaram, Dedicated To Lord Shiva. The Temple Is One Of The Largest And Most Magnificent Temples In India, And Is Renowned For Its Architectural Grandeur And Cultural Significance. Architectural Marvel: The Temple Was Built By Raja Raja Chola I During The Chola Dynasty In The 11th Century. The Architecture Of The Temple Is A Brilliant Example Of The Dravidian Style. The Main Temple, Or Vimana, Is About 66 Metres High, And The Entire Structure Is Made Of Granite. Shikhara (Tower): The Towering Vimana Is Capped By A Monolithic Cupola Weighing About 80 Tons. This Is Considered A Marvel Of Engineering, As It Was Raised To Its Position Without The Use Of Modern Machinery. Nandi (Bull): In Front Of The Temple, There Is A Large Nandi (Bull), Which Is Carved Out Of A Single Rock And Measures About 16 Feet In Length And 13 Feet In Height. Frescoes And Inscriptions: The Walls Of The Temple Are Adorned With Intricate Frescoes Depicting Various Shaivite Themes. There Are Also Inscriptions That Provide Valuable Information About The Chola Dynasty's History, Administration, And Society. Kumbam (Kalasha): The Top Of The Vimana Is Adorned With A Massive Monolithic Stone Structure Resembling A Pot (Kumbam Or Kalasha), Symbolising The Cosmic Axis. This Is A Common Feature In South Indian Temple Architecture. World Heritage Site: The Brihadeeswara Temple Was Declared A Unesco World Heritage Site In 1987. It Is Considered A Masterpiece Of Chola Architecture And An Important Cultural And Historical Monument. Visiting The Brihadeeswara Temple Provides A Glimpse Into The Rich Cultural And Architectural Heritage Of Ancient India. It Remains A Significant Pilgrimage Site And A Popular Tourist Attraction. After Darshan By 06:00 PM, We Travel To Chidambaram, Which Is A 3 Hrs Journey. Upon Arrival At Chidambaram, By 09:00 PM, We Check You In At The Hotel Mentioned Below, And Take A Night Halt.

Morning After Breakfast By 08:30 AM, We Check Out From The Hotel In Chidambaram. Then Visit Thillai Nataraja Temple, Also Known As The Chidambaram Temple, Is One Of The Most Significant Temples Dedicated To Lord Shiva, Specifically In His Form As Nataraja, The Lord Of Dance. Nataraja Is Depicted Dancing The Cosmic Dance Of Creation And Destruction. Legend: The Story Of Chidambaram Begins With The Legend Of Lord Shiva Strolling Into The Thillai Vanam (Vanam Meaning Forest And Thillai Trees - Botanical Name Excoecaria Agallocha, A Species Of Mangrove Trees, Which Currently Grows In The Pichavaram Wetlands Near Chidambaram. The Temple Sculptures Depicting The Thillai Trees Date Back To The 2nd Century BCE). In The Thillai Forests Resided A Group Of Saints Or 'rishis' Who Believed In The Supremacy Of Magic And That God Can Be Controlled By Rituals And 'mantras' Or Magical Words. The Lord Strolls In The Forest With Resplendent Beauty And Brilliance, Assuming The Form Of 'Pitchatanadar', A Simple Mendicant Seeking Alms. He Is Followed By His Grace And Consort Who Is Lord Vishnu As Mohini. The Rishis And Their Wives Are Enchanted By The Brilliance And The Beauty Of The Handsome Mendicant And His Consort.On Seeing Their Womenfolk Enchanted, The Rishis Get Enraged And Invoke Scores Of 'serpents' (Sanskrit: N?ga) By Performing Magical Rituals. The Lord As The Mendicant Lifts The Serpents And Dons Them As Ornaments On His Matted Locks, Neck And Waist. Further Enraged, The Rishis Invoke A Fierce Tiger, Which The Lord Skins And Dons As A Shawl Around His Waist.Thoroughly Frustrated, The Rishis Gather All Their Spiritual Strength And Invoke A Powerful Demon Muyalachan - A Symbol Of Complete Arrogance And Ignorance. The Lord Wearing A Gentle Smile, Steps On The Demon's Back, Immobilizes Him, Performs The Ánanda Thaandavam (The Dance Of Eternal Bliss) And Discloses His True Form. The Rishis Surrender, Realising That This Lord Is The Truth And He Is Beyond Magic And Rituals. The Ananda Thandavam: Adhisesha, The Serpent Who Serves As A Bed For The Lord In His Manifestation As Vishnu, Hears About The Änanda Thaandavam And Yearns To See And Enjoy It. The Lord Blesses Him, Beckons Him To Assume The Saintly Form Of 'Patanjali' And Sends Him To The Thillai Forest, Informing Him That He Will Display The Dance In Due Course. Patanjali Who Meditated In The Himalayas During The Krita Age Joins Another Saint, Vyagrapathar / Pulikal Muni (Vyagra / Puli Meaning "Tiger" And Patha / Kaal Meaning "Feet" – Referring To The Story Of How He Sought And Got The Feet And Eyesight Of A Tiger To Help Climb Trees Well Before Dawn To Pick Flowers For The Lord Before The Bees Visit Them). The Story Of Sage Patanjali As Well As His Great Student Sage Upamanyu Is Narrated In Both Vishnu Puranam As Well As Siva Puranam. They Move Into The Thillai Forest And Worship Lord Shiva In The Form Of Shivalinga, A Deity Worshiped Today As Thirumoolar An Eswarar (Thiru - Sri, Mooladhanam - Primordial Or In The Nature Of A Foundation, Eswarar- The Lord). Legends Say That Lord Shiva Displayed His Dance Of Bliss (The Aanandha Thaandavam) - As Nataraja To These Two Saints On The Day Of The Poosam Star In The Tamil Month Of Thai (Jan – Feb). The Ananda Tandava Posture: The Ananda Tandava Posture Of Lord Shiva Is One Of The Famous Postures Recognized Around The World By Many. This Celestial Dancing Posture Tells Us How A Bharatanatyam Dancer Should Dance. The Demon Under Nataraja's Feet Signifies That Ignorance Is Under His Feet The Fire In This Hand (Power Of Destruction) Means Destroyer Of Evil The Raised Hand Signifies That He Is The Saviour Of All Life. The Ring At The Back Signifies The Cosmos. The Drum In His Hand Signifies The Origin Of Life. Significance: Chidambaram Is Also Referred To In Various Works Such As Thillai (After The Thillai Forest Of Yore In Which The Temple Is Now Located), Perumpatrapuliyur Or Vyagrapuram? (In Honour Of Saint Vyaghrapada).The Temple Is Supposed To Be Located At The Lotus Heart Of The Universe": Virat Hridaya Padma Sthalam. On The Spot Where The Lord Displayed His Dance Of Bliss, The Änanda Thaandavam - A Spot Exactly South Of The "Thirumoola Tarakeswar Temple'', Today Is The Ponnambalam / Porsabai (Pon Meaning Gold, Ambalam / Sabai Meaning Stage) Housing Lord Shiva In His Dancing Form. The Lord Is Also Hence Referred To As The Sabanayagar, Meaning The Lord Of The Stage. This Gold-Roofed Stage Is The Sanctum Sanctorum Of The Chidambaram Temple And Houses The Lord In Three Forms: The "Form" - The Anthromorphological Form As An Appearance Of Lord Nataraja, Called The Sakala Thirumeni. The "Semi-Form" – The Semi-Anthropomorphological Form As The Crystal Linga Of Chandramouleeswarar, The Sakala Niskala Thirumeni. The "Formless" – As The Space In Chidambara Rahasyam, An Empty Space Within The Sanctum Sanctorum, The Nishkala Thirumeni. By 11:00 AM, We Travel To Tiruvannamalai, Which Is A Journey Of 3 Hrs. Enroute We Have Lunch. Upon Arrival At Tiruvannamalai, By 03:00 PM, We First Check You In At The Hotel Mentioned Below. Then By 04:00 PM, We Visit Arulmigu Arunachaleswarar Temple, Also Known Simply As The Arunachaleswarar Temple, Is A Famous Temple Dedicated To Lord Shiva In The Form Of Arunachaleswarar Or The Lord Of The Arunachala. This Temple Is One Of The Largest And Most Ancient Temples In India And Is One Of The Five Panchabhoota Sthalams, Representing One Of The Five Classical Elements Fire (Agni). Deity: The Main Deity Of The Temple Is Lord Arunachaleswarar, An Incarnation Of Lord Shiva. The Temple Also Houses Shrines Dedicated To Various Deities, Including Goddess Parvati (Unnamulai Amman), Lord Ganesha, Lord Muruga (Karthikeya), And More. Location: The Temple Is Situated At The Base Of The Anamalai Hills, Also Known As Arunachala Hills. These Hills Are Considered Sacred And Are Associated With Lord Shiva. The Temple's Location Near These Hills Adds To Its Spiritual Significance. Girivalam: One Of The Notable Religious Practices Associated With The Temple Is The "Girivalam," Which Involves Circumambulating The Arunachala Hills. Devotees Undertake This Practice As An Act Of Devotion And To Seek Blessings. The Girivalam Path Is Approximately 14 Kilometres Long. Karthigai Deepam: The Karthigai Deepam Festival Is One Of The Most Important Festivals Celebrated At The Arunachaleswarar Temple. It Usually Falls In November Or December. The Festival Involves Lighting A Huge Lamp On The Top Of The Anamalai Hills, Which Is Visible From Miles Away. Spiritual Significance: The Arunachala Hill Is Considered To Be A Manifestation Of Lord Shiva Himself. The Belief Is That Lord Shiva Appeared As A Column Of Fire (Arunachala) To Settle A Dispute Between Lord Brahma And Lord Vishnu. The Hill Is Considered A Powerful Source Of Spiritual Energy And Enlightenment. Architecture: The Temple Showcases Stunning Dravidian Architecture. The Main Gopuram (Tower) At The Entrance Is Intricately Carved And Is A Hallmark Of South Indian Temple Architecture. After Darshan & Dinner, We Return Back To The Hotel, And Take Rest For The Day.

Morning After Breakfast By 08:30 AM, We Check Out From The Hotel In Tiruvannamalai. Then We Cover Girivalam, Or Giri Pradakshina, Which Is A Sacred Ritual Of Circumambulating The Arunachala Hill In Thiruvannamalai. The Word "Girivalam" Is Derived From Two Tamil Words: "Giri," Meaning Hill, And "Valam," Meaning To Walk Around. This Ritual Is Performed By Devotees Who Believe That The Arunachala Hill Is A Physical Manifestation Of Lord Shiva. Spiritual Belief: According To Hindu Mythology, Lord Shiva Appeared As An Infinite Column Of Light In The Form Of Arunachala, Making The Hill A Significant Place Of Worship. It Is Believed That Circumambulating The Hill Is A Powerful Act Of Devotion, And It Brings Blessings, Prosperity, And Spiritual Elevation. Timing: The Most Auspicious Time To Perform Girivalam Is On Pournami (Full Moon Day). On This Day, Thousands Of Devotees Gather To Walk The 14-Kilometre Path Around The Hill. Girivalam Can Also Be Done During Special Occasions Like Karthigai Deepam, Which Attracts Even Larger Crowds. Path: The Path Around Arunachala Hill Is About 14 Kilometres Long. There Are Several Significant Temples And Shrines Along The Route, Including Ashta Lingams (Eight Shiva Lingams), Each Representing Different Directions And Elements. These Include: Indra Lingam Agni Lingam Yama Lingam Niruthi Lingam Varuna Lingam Vayu Lingam Kubera Lingam Eesanya Lingam Devotional Practice: The Pilgrimage Is Often Performed Barefoot, And Many People Fast Or Practice Austerities While Doing It. Devotees Chant Mantras Or Recite The Name Of Lord Shiva During The Walk. Some May Also Meditate Or Offer Prayers At The Various Temples Along The Route. Health Benefits: Walking The 14 Km Path Around The Hill Is Not Only Spiritually Significant But Also Provides Physical Health Benefits. Many Believe It Cleanses Both Body And Mind. By 01:30 PM, After Lunch, We Travel To Kanchipuram, Which Is A 3 Hrs Journey. Upon Arrival At Kanchipuram, By 04:30 AM, We Visit Ekambareswarar Temple: Which Is One Of The Most Significant And Magnificent Temple Dedicated To Lord Shiva, It Is Famed For Its Grandeur And Rich Cultural Heritage. Here's An Overview Of The Temple: Pancha Bhoota Stalam: Ekambareswarar Temple Represents The Element Earth (Prithvi), One Of The Five Major Elements (Pancha Bhoota) In Hindu Theology. Each Of These Elements Is Represented By A Shiva Temple In South India. Ancient Origins: The Temple's History Dates Back To At Least 600 Ad, But It Has Undergone Numerous Renovations And Expansions Over The Centuries. Gopuram: The Temple's Towering Gateway (Raja Gopuram) Is One Of Its Most Notable Features. Standing At A Height Of About 59 Metres (194 Feet), It Is One Of The Tallest Temple Towers In India. Vast Complex: The Temple Complex Is Spread Over 23 Acres, Housing Numerous Shrines, Mandapas (Halls), And Water Bodies. Sacred Tree: The Temple's Courtyard Has A Sacred Mango Tree, Believed To Be Over 3,500 Years Old. Each Of Its Four Branches Is Said To Bear Fruits Of Different Tastes, Representing The Four Vedas. Shiva Lingam: The Main Deity Is A Lingam (Aniconic Representation Of Shiva), Believed To Be Self-Manifested (Swayambhu). Festivals: Major Festivals Celebrated Here Include Shivaratri And Panguni Uthiram. During These Festivals, The Temple Attracts Thousands Of Devotees From All Over India. Daily Rituals: Regular Pujas And Rituals Are Performed, Following Age-Old Traditions. Literary References: The Temple Is Revered In Tamil Saiva Canonical Works And Has Been Celebrated By Revered Nayanmars (Saiva Saints). Art And Inscriptions: The Walls And Pillars Are Adorned With Intricate Carvings, Sculptures, And Inscriptions That Provide Insights Into The Region's Historical And Cultural Evolution. Timings: Temple Will Be Closed In Between 12:30 PM, To 04:00 PM. By 06:30 PM, We Visit Kamakshi Amman Temple: Which Is One Of The Most Significant And Revered Shrines Dedicated To Goddess Kamakshi, A Form Of Goddess Parvati Or The Universal Mother Goddess. This Temple Is Deeply Rooted In Hindu Tradition And Has A Rich Cultural And Religious History. Goddess Kamakshi: The Term 'Kamakshi' Signifies 'One With Loving Eyes'. Goddess Kamakshi Is Seen As A Compassionate Yet Powerful Deity, Embodying Love And Prosperity. Shakti Peetham: The Kamakshi Amman Temple Is Considered One Of The 51 Shakti Peethas – Sacred Sites Where Parts Of The Body Of Sati (Parvati) Fell, According To Hindu Mythology. Adi Shankaracharya’s Association: The Great Indian Philosopher And Saint Adi Shankaracharya Is Believed To Have Established The Sri Chakra (Mystical Diagram) In This Temple, Making It An Important Spiritual Centre. Structure: The Temple Architecture Is Typical Of South Indian Religious Structures, With Towering Gateways (Gopurams), Large Pillared Halls, And Sanctified Inner Chambers. Golden Gopuram: The Temple's Towering Main Gopuram Is Plated In Gold, Which Is A Significant Characteristic Of This Temple. Sri Chakra: The Sri Chakra, Established By Adi Shankaracharya, Is An Important Feature, Placed In Front Of The Idol Of Goddess Kamakshi. Poojas And Rituals: The Temple Follows Elaborate Daily Rituals And Poojas (Prayer Offerings), Drawing Devotees From All Over. Major Festivals: Navaratri, Aadi, And Thai Fridays Are Celebrated With Great Pomp And Show, Attracting Thousands Of Pilgrims. The Friday Worship: Fridays Are Especially Auspicious, With Special Rituals And Offerings Dedicated To Goddess Kamakshi. Timings: Temple Will Be Closed In Between 12:30 PM, To 04:00 PM. Cultural Importance… Kanchipuram Silk Sarees: The City Is Also Famous For Its Exquisite Kanchipuram Silk Sarees, Often Linked To The Temple's History And The Goddess Herself. Cultural Centre: The Temple Acts As A Hub For Various Cultural And Religious Activities, Including Music, Dance, And Religious Discourses. After Darshan By 08:00 PM, We Travel To Tirupati, Which Is A 3 Hrs Journey. Upon Arrival At Tirupati, By 11:00 PM, We Check You In At The Hotel Mentioned Below, And Take Rest For The Day.

Morning After Breakfast By 08:30 AM, We Check Out From The Hotel In Tirupati. Then Visit Srikalahasti Temple, Which Is One Of The Most Renowned Shiva Temples In The Country. It Is Famous For Its Association With Rahu And Ketu, Two Celestial Entities In Hindu Astrology, And Is Often Referred To As The "Kailash Of The South." Here Are Some Key Points About The Temple: Architecture: The Temple Is An Architectural Marvel, Showcasing The Traditional Dravidian Style Of Architecture. Its Towering Gopurams (Gateway Towers), Intricate Carvings, And Expansive Courtyards Are Impressive. Legend: The Temple Is Associated With The Legend Of A Spider (Sri), A Snake (Kala), And An Elephant (Hasti) Who Worshipped Shiva At This Site And Were Granted Salvation. Hence, The Name "Srikalahasti." Rahu-Ketu Dosha: Srikalahasti Temple Is Particularly Known For Its Significance In Mitigating Rahu-Ketu Dosha, A Planetary Affliction In Vedic Astrology. Devotees Believe That Offering Prayers And Performing Certain Rituals At This Temple Can Alleviate The Negative Effects Of These Celestial Bodies. Inner Sanctum: The Inner Sanctum Of The Temple Houses The Swayambhu Linga, A Self-Manifested Lingam (An Abstract Representation Of Shiva) Which Is Believed To Be Very Powerful. The Lingam Is Revered As Vayulinga, Symbolising The Element Of Air (Vayu). Pilgrimage: Srikalahasti Temple Attracts Thousands Of Devotees From All Over India, Especially Those Seeking Relief From Astrological Afflictions, Spiritual Seekers, And Tourists Interested In Hindu Culture And Architecture. Festivals: The Temple Celebrates Various Festivals Throughout The Year, Including Maha Shivaratri, Brahmotsavam, And Karthika Deepam, Which Draw Large Crowds Of Devotees. Surroundings: Apart From The Temple, The Town Of Srikalahasti Is Surrounded By Natural Beauty, With The Majestic Srikalahasti Hills Providing A Picturesque Backdrop. By 12:30 AM, We After Your Rituals And Darshan We Travel To Chennai, Which Is A 3 ½ Hrs Journey. Enroute We Have Lunch. Upon Arrival At Chennai, By 07:00 AM, We Drop You At Chennai Airport, 2 Hrs Prior To Your Flight To Delhi. Our Services Ends Here, Hope You Have A Memorable Visit. ????