Sriperumbudur Temple: Discover The Sacred Birthplace Of Saint Ramanuja

Sriperumbudur Temple with colourful gopuram, vehicles parked, and people in the foreground

Sriperumbudur temple is a Lord Vishnu temple. It is one of the important shrines in the Vaishnavite tradition because it marks the birthplace of the great saint and philosopher Ramanuja, who propounded the philosophy of Vishishtadvaita. This shrine is found near Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu and is one of the sacred pilgrimage centres for devotees and scholars. The main deity, Rajagopalaswamy, dresses traditionally, and all the rituals of the temple regarding each festival, including the grand Brahmotsavam, reflect the culture and the deep-rooted traditions of Tamil Nadu.

Quick Facts About Sriperumbudur Temple

Location: Sriperumbudur district, Tamil Nadu
Address: Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu 602105 Kanchipuram District
Timings: 6 AM – 12 PM; 4 PM – 8 PM
Entry Fee: Free
How To reach: by bus, taxi, motorboat, or autorickshaw
Nearest Airport: Chennai International Airport, 33 km
Nearest Railway Station: Perungulathur Railway Station, 22 km
Best Time To Visit: October to March

Location

Aerial view of Sriperumbudur town with roads, buildings, greenery, and NH4 highway

Photo: Planemad / Wikimedia Commons

The Sriperumbudur Temple is situated in the town of Sriperumbudur, which is 40 km from Chennai along the convenient Chennai-Bangalore Highway. The roads leading to the temple are Gandhi Road with Car St connected to Manavala Mamunigal Koil St, Sivan Kovil St, and Ayyapan Kovil Street. It is thereby very accessible for locals as well as visitors.

How To Reach

Chennai International Airport at dusk with illuminated exterior and structural details
Viewers of this file can see comments and suggestions

Photo: Tshrinivasan / Wikimedia Commons

By Air: The nearest airport is Chennai International Airport, 33 km from the place. From the airport, one can get a taxi or bus service up to Sriperumbudur.

By Railway: The nearest railway station to the temple is Perungulathur Railway Station, which is about 22 km. You can hire an autorickshaw or taxi to the area.

By Road: Local buses and taxis are available from Chennai and the nearest towns. It is a few miles from the town centre. The nearest bus stand is Sriperumbudur bus station, which is 1 km away from the temple.

Places To Visit Near The Sriperumbudur Temple

Move around to a few more local attractions that mirror Tamil Nadu’s rich culture.

1. Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram landscape with huge stones and rocks covered in greenery and pathways

Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons

The UNESCO World Heritage Site is the coastal town of Mahabalipuram, which features many beautiful rock-cut temples apart from the famous Shore Temple situated by the Bay of Bengal. This town comes under the Pallava dynasty, featuring detailed carvings and sculptures narrating many stories of Hindu mythology that are interesting for history and art lovers. Pancha Rathas (Five Rathas), Arjuna’s Penance, and the Shore Temple are the epitome of ancient architectural excellence.

Distance From Temple: 60 km

2. Kanchipuram Temples

Outside of Kailasanathar temple, two women walking in front of the grand structure

Photo: Ssriram mt / Wikimedia Commons

Kanchipuram is more famously known as the “City of a Thousand Temples” and is a holy centre for pilgrims, with temples consecrated to all Hindu gods and goddesses. Large temples, such as the Ekambareswarar Temple and the Kamakshi Amman Temple, form fine examples of the structure and style of Dravidian architecture, with intricately carved pillars, tall gopurams, and vast temple complexes. Every temple at Kanchipuram is historically and spiritually significant, crowding with devotees and history enthusiasts.

Distance From Temple: 30 km

3. Madaras Motor Race Track (MMRT)

Madras Motor Sports Club race track with flags and a signboard indicating distances

Photo: Ajaiberwal / Wikimedia Commons

The Madras Motor Race Track is one of the places that every motorsport lover should go to. A winding track known for its sharp bends and hosting racing competitions every year, this place has been visited by many drivers and motorsport fans all over the world. The MMRT organises races internally and externally and, at times, organises track day events that invite the public to experience the track themselves.

Distance From Temple: 7 km

4. Queensland Amusement Park

Amusement park at night with colourful Ferris wheels and rides and cars parked outside

Photo: Chensiyuan / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

The Queensland Amusement Park has thrill rides, family attractions, and water slides. This vast park offers a welcome diversion for children or adults who wish to engage in some laid-back pursuits. Besides the famous rides like the Free Fall Tower and Cable Cars, there are also a few other rides and attractions in Queensland, such as water bodies, green gardens, and eateries. This place is especially packed during weekends and perfect for a day filled with enjoyable activities that are close to Sriperumbudur.

Timings: 10 AM – 7 PM
Distance From Temple: 11 km

5. Vallakottai Murugan Temple

Vallakottai Murugan Temple with an intricate tower, people outside, and parked vehicles

Photo: Rsmn / Wikimedia Commons

Vallakottai Murugan Temple is famous for its statue of Lord Murugan, which stands 7 feet tall, making it one of the tallest Murugan idols in Tamil Nadu. Located in a calm village setting, this temple is also famous for its beautiful idol and the many festivals it celebrates, such as the Skanda Shasti, which entails many activities. Due to its historical importance coupled with a rural setting, it is possible to steal away some moments of peace and weariness from the temple’s stunning architecture with its intricate stonework and the Dravidian style of architecture in the interiors.

Timings: 6 AM – 1 PM, 3 PM – 8 PM
Distance From Temple: 11 km

Where To Stay

A hotel room with two single beds, wooden headboards, bedside tables, and a window

Photo: Artyom Svetlov / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Various places for tourists to stay in Sriperumbudur suit visitors according to their demands and budget. Hotel Grand BnB offers comfortable rooms with wonderful service, which makes visitors feel satisfied with all kinds of important facilities like Wi-Fi and room service, considering comfort as well as accessibility for visitors. Sankara Lodge is a typical, homely mid-range stay that is comfortable without frills and is readily accessible to local attractions.

Where To Eat

Traditional South Indian meal on a banana leaf with rice, curries, chapati, and snacks

Photo: Madhubala Ravi / Wikimedia Commons

The place has restaurants all over town serving authentic South Indian food that can be sampled for regional flavours. Hotel Saravana Bhavan has an endless menu of South Indian fare, such as dosa, idli, and sambar, which are presented to recreate the authentic flavours in very clean and comfortable surroundings. Local eateries and street food vendors complete the very authentic South Indian experience. Here, one can enjoy crispy vadas and a variety of rice dishes. Banana leaves serve as a delivery system for hot, steaming meals.

Other Factors To Consider

Road with a motorcycle, auto-rickshaw passing through and cloudy sky suggesting rain

Photo: Gopikrishnan jayabalan / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Average Cost Of The Trip:

The average cost of a trip to Sriperumbudur Temple ranges from ₹700 to ₹2,500 per person. This budget includes transportation, which may vary based on distance and mode (car, bus, or train), meals at local eateries, and any small donations or offerings at the temple. Planning ahead can help manage costs effectively.

Tips For Travellers:

  • Check Timings: Before your visit, check the temple’s opening and closing times, as well as any special pooja timings.
  • Carry Cash: Keep some cash handy for offerings, donations, or local snacks, as card payments might not be accepted everywhere.
  • Stay Hydrated: Carry a bottle of water, especially if visiting during the hotter months, as the temple can get warm.
  • Be Mindful Of Photography: Photography may be restricted in certain areas of the temple, so always check for signs or ask permission.
  • Explore Local Cuisine: After your visit, enjoy local delicacies at nearby eateries. Don’t miss out on trying South Indian food!
  • Arrive Early: To avoid crowds and have a more peaceful experience, try to arrive early in the day.

The Sriperumbudur Temple is a holy site, but it is also a unique cultural and architectural element in the state of Tamil Nadu. Whether it is a passion for history, worship, or a casual visit as a tourist, Sriperumbudur Temple is an experience that is hard to forget and enchants everyone with its blend of history, religion, and culture. Plan your visit with TripXL and enjoy your journey.

Cover Photo: Destination8infinity / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and marks the birthplace of the philosopher Ramanuja; thus, it has been a grand pilgrimage site among Vaishnavites.
Yes, the temple has daily rituals and festivals like Vaikunta Ekadasi and Ramanuja Jayanthi with great processions and ritualistic ceremonies.
Devotees can present, but it is typically recommended to get permission from the temple staff. During the many ceremonies and especially festival days, prasadam, or sacred food, forms part of the temple experience.
This temple complex offers some areas where photography is allowed, but it is advisable not to click photos inside the temple.
The temple typically opens at around 6:00 AM and closes by 9:00 PM, but it’s advisable to check the timings, as they may vary on special occasions or festivals.

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