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Andal Temple popularly called Srivilliputhur Divya Desam is one of the most famous temples in Tamil Nadu. The 108 Divya Desam temple is committed to the last of the twelve Alwars and the only female saint of the Vaishnavite pantheon, Andal. It has both religious importance and architectural majesty helping the visitors to embrace both devotion and history of Dravidian civilization. This blog has sections on the location of the temple with directions on how to get there, things to do in the area, places to stay, places to eat, and other important information that will assist a visitor in having a fruitful visit to this temple.
How To Reach Andal Temple
Photo: Grendelkhan / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
By Air: The nearest airport which is eighty kilometres away from the site is Madurai International Airport. From there auto rickshaw, taxi or bus facility is available to reach Srivilliputhur directly.
By Train: Srivilliputhur has its own railway station, local as well as trains from Chennai, Madurai and Coimbatore etc.
By Road: Srivilliputhur is well-developed in terms of road transportation and is located in close proximity to roads from Madurai, Virudhunagar, and Tirunelveli. There is the provision of daily bus services.
Places To Visit In And Around Andal Temple
Below are five must-visit places in and around Andal Temple, each offering a unique experience to pilgrims and tourists alike.
1. Thiruvannamalai Temple
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An important Vaishnavite temple, Thiruvannamalai Temple, is in Srivilliputhur. The temple has very beautiful construction and sculptures where a number of artworks are chiseled on the pillar and walls. People also come to worship in this temple since it forms a part of the great architectural heritage of the past. Its highly serene environment makes the temple ideal for people who wish to meditate and pray. Tourists can watch the rituals performed every day and understand a lot about the temple.
Timings: 6 AM – 12 PM, 4 PM – 8 PM
2. Periyazhwar Temple
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Opposite the Andal Temple, there is the temple of Periyazhwar devoted to one of the great Alvar saints that are admired by the Tamil Nadu people. The temple is very holy since the remembrance and teachings of one of the most cherished Vaishnavite saints are associated with the temple. The house of worship is very plain in architectural design but has an aesthetic appeal. More so, it features a quiet and holy atmosphere that is perfect for setting holy protocols and appeals to pilgrims especially when they are in touch with their inner soul.
Timings: 6 AM – 12:30 PM, 4 PM – 8 PM
3. Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple
Photo: Shanze1 / Wikimedia Commons
One of the most visited temples in Tamil Nadu, The Meenakshi Amman temple is in Madurai district approximately 80 km from Srivilliputhur. The temple is dedicated to Meenakshi, the avatar of Parvati, and her consort Sundareswarar who is another name for Shiva. The temple is predominated with two massive towers, gopurams which are decorated with artists’ paintings and carvings and are very attractive.
Timings: 5 AM – 12:30 PM, 4 PM – 10 PM
4. Courtallam Waterfalls
Photo: Sankara Subramanian / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Courtallam Waterfalls is one of the most popular waterfalls set in nature offering a cure, and is situated approximately 60 km away from Srivilliputhur. It enriches its marvelous landscapes of combination between falling waters and the green natural environment making the area rather calm and beautiful. Taking a shower under the waterfalls is believed to have some curative effects because of the many herbs found on the hills nearby. Due to its favourable cool climate and surrounding beauty, Courtallam has become famous as a tourist area for natural sightseeing and relaxation.
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Where To Stay
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The options for a place to stay near Andal Temple are scarce since there are few hotels available. Tourists can look for cheap lodges and mid-range hotels such as Andal Guest House and Krishna Lodge. It may be costly, for instance when one wants a hotel booking in the middle of Aadi Pooram festivals.
Where To Eat
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Some of the restaurants locally known to tourists include Sri Andal Bhavan and Sri Krishna Sweets famous for dosa, idli, sambar, and vada. However, for variety dining, youths prefer towns like Sivakasi and Virudhunagar where shoppers can find lots of restaurants to eat. Srivilliputhur Palkova, for instance, which is a traditional ED is a kind of sweet made up of milk and is one of the foods, which a person should taste.
Best Time To Visit
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The best time to visit Andal Temple is from November to February because the climate in this part is between 20 to 30 degrees centigrade. The Aadi Pooram is held from July to August tagging along the beauty of the local traditions and colours of the temple. However, from June to September, it is very hot and it is unbearable to travel due to monsoon rain, a major factor.
Other Factors To Consider
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Average Cost: Tourism is not a costly affair in Srivilliputhur, even a backpacker can easily get a hotel at ₹500-1000 for a night.
Tips For Travellers
- When at the temple, remember to dress appropriately and decently since it is a religious place.
- Take money as not all places accept card payment.
- Get a hotel booking early especially during festival time because of the high traffic by pilgrims.
Andal Temple provides a unique experience of spiritual and archaeological significance, eye-catching impressive architecture and paintings make this place truly remarkable. It is especially important to Christian followers, but even an ordinary tourist who decides to enjoy Tamil Nadu architecture should visit the Andal Temple. Be sure to check out a stress-free journey with the help of a package from TripXL and have a rewarding journey to this god’s city.
Cover Photo: Gauthaman / Wikimedia Commons
