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Panduranga Temple in Thennangur, Tamil Nadu, offers a quiet place for spiritual rejuvenation. It is a place of worship and Namasankirtan, a devotional practice wherein the name of the Lord is chanted repeatedly. The temple is a sacred place for devotees, and the quiet atmosphere makes for an ideal place to rejuvenate your soul. If you find yourself drawn to this temple’s spiritual symbolism or construction style, you are in for a treat.
Quick Facts About Panduranga Temple
Panduranga Temple Address: Thennangur, Tamil Nadu
Panduranga Temple Timings: 6 AM – 12 PM , 4 PM – 8 PM
Panduranga Temple Ticket Price: None
How To Reach: Bus, taxi, or private vehicle
Nearest Railway Station: Kanchipuram Railway Station
Nearest Airport: Chennai International Airport
About Panduranga Temple
Photo: Jorge Royan / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The origins of the Panduranga Temple’s existence are said to be a result of divine guidance. The temple was founded by a saintly individual named Swami Haridhos Giri, an emissary of the Namasankirtan movement. Swami Haridhos Giri once travelled to Maharashtra, where, in a heavenly dream, his Guru commanded him to travel to Pandharpur. There he obtained the small idol from Lord Panduranga in the Pandharpur temple. This idol was then installed as the main deity in the new temple at Thennangur. Since then, it has remained a popular place of worship for devotees.
Location
Photo: Srisanskrit / Wikimedia Commons
Panduranga Temple in Thennangur village is situated about 35 km from Kanchipuram and 6 km from Vandavasi. It is easy to reach and is located on Kanchipuram-Vandavasi road. The place is quiet and ideal for a pilgrimage.
How To Reach Panduranga Temple
Photo: Tshrinivasan / Wikimedia Commons
You can easily reach Panduranga Temple:
By Air: The nearest airport is Chennai International Airport, which is 100 km away from the temple. One can hire a taxi or take a bus to Kanchipuram, and from Kanchipuram, one can take another bus to Thennangur.
By Road: Thennangur is well connected via road. One can take a bus or
private vehicle from Vandavasi, Kanchipuram or Chennai. The scenic drive from Chennai through the Tamil Nadu countryside enriches the pilgrimage experience.
By Rail: The nearest railway station is Kanchipuram Railway Station (35 km). Taxis and buses are available to reach the temple.
Things To Do
Dive in the activities of Panduranga Temple and make the best out of your trip:
1. Explore Temple’s Architecture
Photo: KennyOMG / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The temple is built in a unique architecture combining Dravidian and Chalukyan architecture. Every inch of the temple is a visual feast, especially the gopurams, the grand entrance, and the detailed murals inside the Maha Mandapam. The sanctum is the main highlight of the temple, where the idols of Lord Panduranga and Rakhumayi are enthroned with silk and jewellery. The dome’s fibreglass murals of Krishna Leela make the temple a visual treat. The vimana of the temple resembles the Puri Jagannath temple. Four prakaras surround the temple, lined with flowering plants, where the processions occur during the major festivals.
2. Participate In Namaskirtan And Puja
Photo: suketdedhia / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The most important part of Panduranga Temple is its daily Namasankirtan sessions, during which devotees sing the Lord’s name. This takes place in the Sabha Mandapam, the hall where the daily worship occurs. The temple is filled with worshippers and grand processions, music, and fervour during festivals such as Ashadi Ekadashi and Kartik Ekadashi. Pilgrims and locals join in singing and dancing around the prakaras. The daily Kalyana Utsavam (sacred wedding ceremony) of Govindaraja Perumal and his consorts is, in a sense, a merger of two traditions – Vedic and Bhajan..
Places To Visit Around Panduranga Temple
Here are some of the places to visit around Panduranga Temple which will add on to your trip:
1. Kanchipuram
Photo: రహ్మానుద్దీన్ / Wikimedia Commons
Kanchipuram is known as the ‘Golden City of Temples’ for its rich temple heritage. Visiting it allows you to immerse in the history of ancient Dravidian architecture, the local markets and the religious significance. If you’re interested in Shaktism, a visit to the Kamakshi Amman Temple dedicated to the goddess Kamakshi is a must. The Ekambareswarar Temple, one of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalas dedicated to Lord Shiva, is also a site to visit. Other than the temples, Kanchipuram is famous for its silk sarees.
Location: Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu
Distance: 35 km from Panduranga Temple
2. Mahabalipuram
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons
This town is a UNESCO Heritage Site. The rock-cut temples and beautiful sculptures in Mahabalipuram make it a great place to experience the history and architecture of India. The Shore Temple and Arjuna’s Penance are two of the town’s most famous structures, showcasing the Pallava architecture. Mahabalipuram is a coastal town, and the beaches here are a welcome retreat for visitors who want to relax after spending time in the temples. Stories from Hindu mythology are expressed in the rock carvings and temples here,.
Location: Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu
Distance: 90 km from Panduranga Temple
3. Vandavasi
Photo: Anandhan. B / Wikimedia Commons
Vandavasi, a tranquil town, is famous for the Battle of Vandavasi, which was held in the 18th century. There are many temples all over the town. It’s a good place to visit for those who would like to experience traditional South Indian life. The remnants of the Vandavasi Fort, built by the British military, reflect India’s colonial past. Many small temples around the town have their own spiritual and historical importance.
Location: Vandavasi, Tamil Nadu
Distance: 6 km from Panduranga Temple
4. Sriperumbudur
Photo: Ssriram mt / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Sriperumbudur is an important Vaishnavite pilgrimage centre. This is because it is the birthplace of the philosopher and theologian Saint Ramanuja, a major figure in Vaishnavite philosophy. The Rajagopalaswamy Temple is a favourite pilgrimage site where people can worship the philosophy of Ramanuja. The place’s quietude and historical importance make it a favourable stopover for devotees. Sriperumbudur is also gaining an industrial moniker due to the industrial growth in the region. It juxtaposes two different worlds, one of spirituality and the other of growth and modernisation.
Location: Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu
Distance: 80 km from Panduranga Temple
Where To Eat
Photo: Marajozkee / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Authentic South Indian delicacies such as idlis, dosas and sambar are served at the many local eateries near the Panduranga Temple. A short drive to Kanchipuram, which has a variety of restaurants for vegetarian and non-vegetarian guests. Some of the local dishes served are pongal, uttapam, and filter coffee. The street food stalls of Kanchipuram are also a good destination for a quick bite. Many of the restaurants serve meals at reasonable prices. It is popular among pilgrims and tourists who want a simple yet fulfilling meal.
Where To Stay
Photo: Kurt Kaiser / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
For lodgings near the Panduranga Temple, visitors can opt for a wide range of lodges in Vandavasi. These are economical and offer facilities for a comfortable stay. Closer to the temple, 35 km away, is Kanchipuram, which offers a wide range of mid-range hotels and lodges. These lodges and hotels are ideal for pilgrims, given the easy access to the temple and the cultural vibrancy of Kanchipuram. The town also offers options for hotels that provide premium services and facilities. Booking in advance is advised, especially during the festival season.
Panduranga Temple is a perfect place for spiritual seekers to experience the existence of the supreme divinity. People can take part in Namasankirtan, see the beautiful architecture of the temple, and attend vibrant festivals, which will add to the spirituality of the experience. Pamper your soul by taking a pilgrim trip to Tamil Nadu with TripXL.
Cover Photo: Planemad / Wikimedia Commonsikipedia / Image For Representation Only
