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The Sathuragiri temple rests in the thick foliage of the Western Ghats and hosts devotees of Lord Shiva and nature enthusiasts in search of a quiet abode of refuge. The journey to Sathuragiri Temple is a treacherous hike of about 6 km, which is divided into four sections through the green forest. The trekking route itself features natural springs, shrines, and some of the most beautiful vistas of Ghats. The temple is most crowded on auspicious days, like Amavasya and Pournami. The temple is abuzz with tens of thousands of devotees seeking the blessings of Lord Shiva in this far-off yet spiritually charged setting.
Quick Details About Sathuragiri Temple
Sathuragiri Temple Address: Sathuragiri Hills, Near Vathirairuppu, Virudhunagar District, Tamil Nadu, India
Sathuragiri Temple Timings: 6 AM – 4 PM
Entry Fee: ₹10
Nearest Airport: Madurai International Airport, 63 km
Nearest Railway Station: Srivilliputhur Railway Station, 57 km
Best Time To Visit: July – December
Location
Photo: Manikandank276 / Wikimedia Commons
Located in lush green and towering hills of the Western Ghats, the Sathuragiri Temple stands as an isolated yet quiet pilgrimage location. The trek starts from Vathirairuppu town, and the entire region is highly diversified. The Thavasi Parai trail and Sundhara Mahalingam temple path leading to the temple region are connected to the Sathuragiri Hill trail and road.
How To Reach Sathuragiri Temple
Photo: Aadhithyan Pandian / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
By Air: The nearest airport is Madurai International Airport, about 63 km from the base town of Vathirairuppu. The visitor can take a bus or taxi from there to reach Madurai.
By Train: The nearest railway station is Srivilliputhur Railway Station, 57 km from the base of Sathuragiri Hills. Buses and taxis can be obtained from there to Vathirairuppu.
By Road: Regular buses from Madurai, Srivilliputhur, and all the other nearby towns reach Vathirairuppu, from where one has to trek around 6 km through dense forest paths to reach the temple.
Places To Visit Near Sathuragiri Temple
Here is a list of some gems nestled near the Sathuragiri temple which you must explore to elevate your experience:
1. Srivilliputhur Andal Temple
Photo: Ssriram mt / Wikimedia Commons
Srivilliputhur Temple is one of the most revered temples in Tamil Nadu and is dedicated to both Goddess Andal and Lord Vishnu. The best stories from Hindu mythology are exquisitely engraved into the temple’s architecture, which is of the highest Dravidian style. The main deity of this temple is Goddess Andal, one of the twelve Alvars, who draws thousands of devotees because of her devotion to Lord Vishnu.
Timings: 6 AM-12:30 PM; 4 PM-8:30 PM
Distance From Sathuragiri Hills: 28 km
2. Vaigai Dam
Photo: Ashwin Kumar / Wikimedia Commons
The Vaigai dam spans the Vaigai River and is of prime importance to the vast areas of irrigable farming lands in that region. It offers a beautiful view of the sprawling dam and the meandering Vaigai River, and it is breathtakingly beautiful during the monsoon when water rises in the dam. The area around the dam boasts a green environment and is suitable for picnic trips with family. The serenity of the place, with the trickling sound of water, presents an ideal retreat for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.
Timings: Open all day
Distance From Sathuragiri Hills: 84 km
3. Sankara Narayana Temple
Photo: Argopal / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The presiding deities at the Sankara Narayana temple are both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. This unique temple speaks volumes about the unity of two gods, attracting fervent devotees who seek to get blessings in harmony and peace. In this temple, the architecture contains different elegant carvings and vibrant murals that depict stories of Hindu mythology. The place inhabits an ambience of serenity amidst surroundings of lush green, which acts as a catalyst for meditation and spiritual growth.
Timings: 6 AM-12 PM; 4 PM-9 PM
Distance From Sathuragiri Hills: 72 km
4. Srinivasa Perumal Temple
Photo: Zairon / Wikimedia Commons
Srinivasa Perumal Temple is a Hindu religious shrine worshipping Lord Vishnu under the name Srinivasa Perumal. This temple embodies the characteristics of traditional Dravidian architecture, which is filled with intricately sculpted gopurams with a serene ambience. It welcomes the pilgrims throughout the year, particularly during the festivals such as Vaikunta Ekadashi. The temple is more than a place of worship, as it also serves as a historical and cultural vantage point representing the spirituality of the land of Tamil Nadu.
Timings: 6 AM-12 PM; 4 PM-9 PM
Distance From Sathuragiri Hills: 67 km
5. Kutladampatti Waterfalls
Photo: Mirthyu / Wikimedia Commons
Kutladampatti Waterfalls is the most ideal retreat, with lovely hillocks and dense green cover. Waterfalls look very attractive during the monsoons as they cascade down from the top. The area is surrounded by dense forests that make the place perfect for picnics and serve as a refreshing getaway into nature. It is one of the favourite spots for family and nature lovers as it is quiet, and the heart of the rushing water gives a feeling of serenity.
Timings: 9 AM-5 PM.
Distance From Sathuragiri Hills: 90 km
Where To Stay
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Guest houses and lodges allow for a comfortable stay after the rugged trek. Sri Ram Lodge and the Sathuragiri Annadhanam Trust guest home are two of the suggested choices; they are both well-situated close to the temple’s base. The pilgrims also prefer to stay as they are near the temple, where they get to partake in some of the community-orientated features. The town also has luxury accommodation options for someone seeking greater comfort and more modern facilities. These hotels boast well-equipped rooms, air conditioning, and dining facilities.
Where To Eat
Photo: SteveR- / Wikimedia Commons
On auspicious days like Amavasya (new moon) and Pournami (full moon), there is a free meal service known as “Annadhanam.” The trust ensures no devotee leaves without eating something. Simple yet delectable foods, including rice, sambar, and vegetables, are served humbly while respecting Tamil dishes, such as rice, sambar, and vegetables. The towns of Srivilliputhur and Madurai are good stops, with hundreds of restaurants serving authentic Tamil cuisine, be it idli, dosa, vada, or Pongal, all accompanied by delicious sambar and chutneys.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Richard Mortel / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Best Time To Visit:
The best season to visit the Sathuragiri Temple is between July and December when the weather is pleasant and trekking is easy. Summer from March to June should be avoided because it is so immense. Monsoons are interesting because they make the hillock appear lush green, and trekking trails become slippery. Cool months make the trekkers enjoy their comfortable and scenic pilgrimage.
Tips For Travellers:
- Take enough water and light snacks, as facilities are scarce on the trek.
- Wear good shoes and comfortable clothes for long walking hours.
- First-time visitors should hire a local guide to ensure safe passage of the dense forest trails.
- Guides are well-informed about the temple and its surroundings and share some interesting facts.
For many visitors the Sathuragiri temple trek acts as a refuge from the hardships of life, providing not only spiritual comfort but also a deep connection with the wild and an embrace of it. The sounds and scenery in the woods combined with the serene feel of the temple create unforgettable experiences for the visitor. So, plan your trekking journey with TripXL.
Cover Photo: Richard Mortel / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
