Kolanjiappar Temple is located in Manavalanallur, in Tamil Nadu, India, a town quite untouched and with pristine beauty. This temple is dedicated to the deity of Lord Kolanjiappar (Lord Murugan: Swayambhu Murthi), a well-known deity who protects evils and bears great power to shield all his devotees. The temple holds great spiritual and cultural heritage and, due to its beautiful Dravidian architecture style attracts pilgrims and travellers. Kolanjiappar Temple offers quite a calm zone which attracts devotees seeking peaceful escape and an enriching devotional experience.
Quick Details About The Kolanjiappar Temple
Location: Manavalanallur Road, Virudhachalam, Tamil Nadu
Timings: 6 AM – 8:30 PM
Best Time To Visit: October-February
Nearest Railway Station: Virudhachalam Junction
Nearest Airport: Tiruchirappalli International Airport
Important Festivals: Panguni Uthiram, Vasantha Utsavam, Adi
About Kolanjiappar Temple
Photo: கி. கார்த்திகேயன் / Wikimedia Commons
In this temple, where the grandeur speaks of its history, is situated within the quite charming village setting of Manavalanallur and is a delight to followers of Lord Murugan. The Kolanjiappar temple is a true work of Dravidian architecture embellished with historical statues and grand sculptures that contain the power of sheer elegance. There is also a separate shrine for Siddhi Vinayaka on the right of the Kolanjiappar Temple. It also has separate shrines for Idumban, Kadamban, and Muniappa.
How To Reach Kolanjiappar Temple
Photo: Richard Mortel / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
By Air: The nearest airports are Tiruchirappalli International Airport, 125 km away, and Chennai International Airport, 210 km away. You can easily hire a bus or taxi from here.
By Train: Virudhachalam Junction is located just 5 km away and is the closest railway station, well-connected from all major cities.
By Road: Virudhachalam is well connected to all major cities by road. You can easily take a bus or taxi to reach Manavalanallur.
Places To Visit Near Kolanjiappar Temple
Here is a list of some places to visit near the Kolanjiappar Temple for an even more remarkable experience:
1. Virudhagirishwarar Temple
Photo: Shashwath T.R / Wikimedia Commons
In the town of Virudhachalam, this Lord Virudhagiriswarar (Shiva) temple is quite impressive from an architectural perspective and even more so from the perspective of its spiritual importance. The temple premises include detailed stone carvings and statues therefore it is also a very rewarding place for you if seeking historical and artistic appreciation.
Distance From Temple: About 3 km
Timings: 6 AM – 12 PM; 3:30 – 9 PM
2. Arulmigu Veerattaneswarar Temple
Photo: Ssriram mt / Wikimedia Commons
Just a few miles away from Kolanjiappar Temple is the Veerattaneswarar Temple or Thiruvathigai Veerateeswarar Temple. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is well known for its elaborate stonework and exposed inscriptions that date back several centuries. Together with some other places of worship, they belong to a group consisting of the eight ‘Ashta Veerattanam Temples’ where Lord Shiva is worshipped as the deity who conquered the universe.
Distance From Temple: About 48 km
Timings: 6 AM – 12 PM; 4 – 8:30 PM
3. Veeranam Lake
Photo: Giri9703 / Wikimedia Commons
The Veeranarayanapuram Lake also called Veeranam Lake is close to the temple. It places itself very well in terms of places to visit nearby. You can enjoy the peaceful walk in the lakeside area, it is best enjoyed during the rainy season. The combination of lush plants surrounding the lake and the tranquil flow of water anywhere is beneficial for peaceful trips to the river, and if you love nature photography.
Distance From Temple: About 46 km
4. Cuddalore Beach (Silver Beach)
Photo: Karthik / Wikimedia Commons
In case you are looking for a change of scene, try Silver Beach which is about an hour or two drive from Kolanjiappar Temple. The beach in this part of the Bay of Bengal is lovely for relaxation as well as for coastal sunset views. It is one of the longest beaches in Asia and the second longest on the Coromandel Coast. You can enjoy several water activities here as well.
Distance From Temple: About 67 km
Where To Stay
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When visiting Kolanjiappar Temple, there are several comfortable places to stay within the town or its surroundings. Arunachala Guest House and Le Grand Guest House, situated close to the temple, have affordable rates for travellers. Hotel Khanna Grand is also a reasonably priced facility with moderate services and tourism hotspots close by. Such stays are not only for leisure or recreation but for easy access to different activities and places of interest without much financial stress.
Where To Eat
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Food around Kolanjiappar Temple is predominantly South Indian but encompasses a wider variety of food styles. Local customs dictate vegetarian meals at Lakshmi Mess are quite popular within the area due to cosy traditional vegetarian meals with diverse local availability at quite a reasonable price. Sri Krishna Bhavan restaurant serves as a fantastic place for temple visitors who wish to have a variety of delicious snacks and meals.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Richard Mortel / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
- Festivals And Celebrations: If you wish to have an exposure to the major religious annual festivities of the temple you must plan your trip around Vasantha Utsavam (May-June), Panguni Uthiram (March-April).
- Local Transportation: You can find numerous local buses from Virudhachalam town, or you can simply hire a taxi, which is affordable.
- Weather Consideration: Try to plan your trip around the months from November-February as the temperature is pleasant. Avoid planning your trip around hot summer days.
To summarise, Kolanjiappar Temple is a great place to experience the culture and mildness of the region and should be included in the itinerary when in Tamil Nadu. Participating in the region’s local customs will help you appreciate the beauty even more. Book your trip now and have the experience of a lifetime. To avoid any kind of hassle during your trip, book with TripXL today.
Cover Photo: PJeganathan / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only