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Periyapalayam Temple is a popular site for both pilgrims and tourist excursionists. A temple dedicated to goddess Bhavani, an avatar of Parwati. There is a mythological and historical context regarding the Periyapalayam Temple. As per the locals, Bhavani is considered the sister of Krishna who fled from the demon Kamsa. She warned Kamsa that her end was near, and as she did not have a marriage in mind, decided to take that domicile which caused the building of the temple. The temple in question is said to be about 1000 years old and houses the goddess’s self-manifested idol.
Location
Photo: Jean-Pierre Dalbéra/ Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Periyapalayam Temple is located in the Tiruvallur district of the state of Tamilnadu and is about 45 km north of Chennai. It is situated on the banks of the Arani River. This temple is one of the ancient temples which is a famous pilgrimage centre and thousands of pilgrims visit there every season. The temple has excellent connectivity through the Chennai-Kolkata highway near Red Hills, and one can travel by road to the temple from Chennai and nearby towns through regular buses.
How To Reach Periyapalayam Temple
Photo: Aadhithyan Pandian / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
By Air: The closest airport to Periyapalayam is the Chennai International Airport situated at a distance of approximately 54 kilometres. After reaching the airport, one can call for a taxi or ride a cab to go directly to the temple.
By Train: The nearest railway stations are Tiruvallur and Avadi Railway stations which are about 20 km and 30 kilometres, respectively. From either of the stations, you will have to either taxi or take a local bus to Periyapalayam.
By Road: Travel to Periyapalayam will not be a problem. It is located along the Chennai-Kolkata Highway (NH16), near Red Hills. Regular bus services are running from Chennai and nearby towns for the benefit of the devotees and tourists.
Places To Visit Near Periyapalayam Temple
When visiting the Periyapalayam Temple, there are several nearby attractions worth exploring:
1. Bhavanisagar Dam
Photo: Vkraja / Wikimedia Commons
Bhavanisagar Dam, referred to as Lower Bhavani Dam, is another phenomenal earthen dam situated in Erode district, Tamil Nadu. The construction of this dam was completed in the year 1956 with a height of 63 metres and length of 375m, giving rise to a reservoir with a maximum capacity of 32.87 million cubic feet. The dam’s importance is witnessed in its irrigation facilities, providing water through two large canals, namely, the Lower Bhavani Project Canal and Kalingarayan Canal, which serve to irrigate thousands of hectares of land.
Distance: 16 km from the temple
Best Time To Visit: October to March for pleasant weather.
Activities: Boating, picnicking, and bird watching are popular among visitors.
2. Vellode Bird Sanctuary
Photo: Shivramsagar / Wikimedia Commons
The Vellode Bird Sanctuary is an essential site for both indigenous and migratory birds established in the year 1996 situated near Erode, Tamil Nadu. Spread out about 77.185 hectares, it is focused on Periyakulam Lake which hosts a population of over 20,000 birds for a period of four months, from November to March. The sanctuary also possesses a rich vegetation of Acacia nilotica and Prosopis juliflora amongst others that provide food and nesting habitats for the bar-headed goose and the woolly-necked stork.
Distance: 15 km from the temple
Location: Vellode Village
Best Time To Visit: November to February
Entry Fee: ₹10 for adults; ₹1 for student groups
3. Kalingarayan Anicut
Photo: BOGDAN SIUDY / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The Kalingarayan Anicut is located in the state of Tamil Nadu near the Bhavani River. This ancient irrigation structure located around the Kalingarayan Gounder was built between the years 1271 and 1283. This man-made structure has a length of about 902m and it facilitates the Kalingarayan Canal to cover around 15743 acres of agricultural land. The irrigation structure is under the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and it is of great importance for the region especially for agricultural purposes till today.
Distance: 5 km from the temple
Best Time To Visit: October to March for pleasant weather and agricultural
4. Thindal Murugan Temple
Photo: Raghul.M(2002) / Wikimedia Commons
The Thindal Murugan Temple, also referred to as the Arulmigu Velayuthaswamy Thirukovil Temple, is located at the Thindalmalai hillock in the Erode region of Tamil Nadu. This is a famous temple dedicated to Lord Murugan and has beautiful Dravidian-style architecture with beautiful stone carvings and a gold chariot which is used for celebratory processions. The temple is historically rich, with establishments dating back to the Chola dynasty; even more, the temple hosts big celebrations like Panguni Uthiram and Thai Poosam which bring in millions of pilgrims.
Distance: 5 km from the temple
Timings: 6 AM – 12:30 PM and 4 PM – 8:30 PM , extended hours during festivals
Best Time To Visit: November to March for pleasant weather
5. Kodiveri dam
Photo: Badri / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Kodiveri dam which is said to have been built by Kongalvan Gounder in approximately 1125 AD stands on the banks of the river Bhavani near a town called Gobichettipalayam, Tamil Nadu. This ancient stone masonry dam which lies some fifteen kilometers from Sathyamangalam is an important source of irrigation for about twenty-five thousand hectares of agricultural land. It has a picturesque waterfall and park at the dam site encouraging a lot of people to go there for picnics.
Distance: 10 km from the temple
Location: Near Gobichettipalayam, Erode District
Best Time To Visit: November to February for pleasant weather
Entry Fee: ₹5 per person; coracle rides cost ₹50
Where To Stay
Photo: BaonguyenCaravelas / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
While exploring the Periyapalayam Temple, there are several accommodation options suitable for various types of visitors. Royal Park Resort has decent rooms fitted with modern facilities and an attractive surrounding that makes it very popular amongst the pilgrims. A.N. Cottage Resort, which is fondly referred to as ‘the cottage resort’, is another perfect alternative with tranquil environments, as well as, excellent services. Also, Pradee Queen Resort is a well-rated place situated not far from the temple. It provides a good level of comfort and easiness. NITA’s Business Hotel is also a hotel that has a very good location near the temple and provides quality services.
Where To Eat
Photo: Abdulla Al Muhairi / Wikimedia Commons
Periyapalayam is home to a couple of restaurants near the Periyapalayam Temple, catering to the varied tastes of the people visiting the temple. One of the most busy restaurants is Devar Hotel, as it serves scrumptious South Indian dishes along with desirable service at all times of the day and night. Another well-renowned edifice is Sri Balaji Bhavan, which serves multiple vegetarian intricacies and has good reviews for its quality and taste and serves from morning till night.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Jean-Pierre Dalbéra / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Average Cost Of Trip:
In the consideration of transport, the cost of one night of hotel accommodation, food, and other expenses it is expected that on average the total cost of a trip would be between Rs. 2000 to Rs. 5000 a person. This value also differs as per the different individuals and their style of travel.
Tips For Travellers:
- Plan Your Visit During Festivals: If you are keen on enjoying
- Activities: that include a lot of singing and dancing while also watching how things are done in the cultural sense, it is good to pay a visit during large festivals such as Aadi Perukku or Navratri.
- Stay Hydrated: Since Tamil Nadu is prone to high-temperature levels during the summer season, always have a water bottle with you or get drinks available from the temple premises.
- Respect Local Customs: Observe the local culture and tradition on how one should dress inside the temples; it is good manners to dress appropriately according to religious practices.
Periyapalayam Temple is one among the many places that upholds the rich religious and spiritual history of the state of Tamil Nadu. This temple’s architecture, traditions, history, and the people’s participation during festivals, make it a memorable place for devotees and visitors. Plan your visit with TripXL, gather for blessings but also get ready to practise dedicated and immersive devotion.
Cover Photo: Swarna1311 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
