Explore Thirukoshtiyur Temple: A Historic Vishnu Shrine In Tamil Nadu

Front view of the top section of Sowmya Narayana Perumal Temple featuring idol sculptures on towers
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Located in the peaceful town of Thirukoshtiyur in Tamil Nadu, the Sowmya Narayana Perumal Temple, or Thirukoshtiyur Temple, is a Hindu temple that attracts tourists for many various reasons, including its aesthetic nature and its great religious and spiritual significance. The temple is greatly revered as the place where Saint Ramanuja preached the Ashtakshara mantra to all, regardless of their caste. Through its magnificent sculptures and giant gopurams, and because of its myths and history, the temple provides the public with a glimpse into the past and allows you to appreciate the art and culture of Tamil Nadu.

Quick Details

Thirukoshtiyur Temple Location: Thiruppatur Road, National Highway 226, Tirukoshtiyur, Tamil Nadu
Thirukoshtiyur Temple Timings: 6:30 AM -12:30 PM, 3:45 – 7:30 PM
Best Time To Visit: October-April
Nearest Railway Station: Sivaganga Railway Station
Nearest Airport: Madurai Airport

About

Sowmya Narayana Perumal Temple entrance gate decorated with leaves and a woman praying outside

Photo: Ssriram mt / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu also known as Sowmya Narayana Perumal here and his consort Thirumamagal (Lakshmi) and was created during the Pandya Dynasty period. The temple is notable for its Dravidian architectural features that include gopurams, ornate pillars, and idols. Another interesting thing about the temple is the structure of the temple itself, as it has four layers representing different forms of Lord Vishnu: Narthana Krishna, Savumya Narayanar, Upendra Narayanar, and Parampathanathar. Lord Narasimha is located on the north side of the temple with Rahu and Ketu near him. Also, there is a statue of Lord Krishna inside the cradle of the Thirukoshtiyur temple.

Suggested Read: Kulasekarapattinam Temple

How to Reach Sowmya Narayana Perumal Temple

Evacuated highway road showing skyscrapers in front and lush greenery on one side of the highway

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By Air: Madurai Airport is the nearest airport located at a distance of 78 km from the Thirukoshtiyur temple. You can easily hire a taxi from here and many buses are also available.

By Train: Sivaganga is the nearest railway station, about 27 km away, and Karaikudi, about 33 km away, is well-connected with all major cities of Tamil Nadu. You can easily find local buses and hire a taxi.

By Road: Thirukoshtiyur is well connected by roads with all neighbouring towns and cities, and you can easily find various state and local buses from here to the town.

Places To Visit Near Thirukoshtiyur Temple

Here is the list of places that you can discover in and around Thirukoshtiyur Temple, Tamil Nadu.

1. Pillayarpatti Vinayagar Temple

Gopuram of the Pillayarpatti Vinayagar Temple is shown with a large stretch of water ahead

Photo: Ve.Balamurali / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

A famous Ganesha temple consisting of a rare rock-cut idol of Lord Vinayagar (Ganesha) draws the attention of many devotees. The temple is also known by the name Karpaga Vinayagar as the Lord Vinayagar fulfils the wishes of the worshippers in the same way as the Karpagam Tree. Different from other places the Lord Ganesha, here is seen with two hands. Along with Lord Ganesha, you can also find the shrines of Goddess Laxmi, Saraswathi, Durgai, and Kuberdhan are also found here. Here, you can worship both the Lingams and three Goddesses together.

Distance From Temple: About 16 km
Timings: 6 AM – 1 PM; 4:30 – 8:30 PM

Suggested Read: Pillayarpatti Temple

2. Kundrakudi Arulmigu Shanmuganathan Temple

Front view of Kundrakudi Arulmigu Shanmuganathan Temple is seen at the top of the hill

Photo: R.K.Lakshmi / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

An awe-inspiring hilltop temple with a stunning natural view is dedicated to Lord Murugan. Its ideal set-up has six faces, hence the name Lord Shanmuga. On the lower rock, three caves have rock-cut shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and are examples of Dvarapalas sculptures. The deity is with his consorts Valli and Deivasana.

Distance From Temple: 20 km
Timings: 5 AM – 12:30 PM; 4 – 8 PM

3. Thirumayam Fort

Side view of Thirumayam Fort showing stone walls situated on a rock with small plants beneath

Photo: Ravindraboopathi / Wikimedia Commons

From this ancient fort, you can witness the glorious past of Tamil Nadu and enjoy a captivating view of the hills from the top of the fort. This fort was originally a rock fort with seven concentric walls out of which only four have survived now. The fort also has shrines for Lord Hanuman, Sakthi, Lord Ganpathi, Karuppar, and Bhairava. You will also be able to witness a bastion with a cannon on the top of the rock, along which it also has 6 more cannons spread throughout.

Distance From Temple: About 34 km
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM

Suggested Read: Thirumayam Fort

4. Koviloor – Karaikudi

Koviloor Temple showcasing colourful gopurams with a sacred water reservoir in front of it

Photo: Kailash PL / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

This village has the approximately 1500-year-old Arulmigu Kotravaaleeswara temple. It also has one of the oldest ‘Maths’ in the country, Koviloor Adheenam, which is well known for its exquisite art and architecture. This math is dedicated to the Siddha tradition, which focuses on attaining liberation through working on one’s inner self with the help of Yoga and meditation.

Distance From Temple: About 26 km
Things to do: Attend spiritual programs and yoga sessions, enjoy the surrounding area

5. Chettiar Mansion

A frontal view of a mansion built with white marble and traditional architectural techniques

Photo: KARTY JazZ / Wikimedia Commons

The Chettiar Mansion is a marvellous heritage destination located in the Chettinad region of Tamil Nadu, offering a deep insight into the lavish lifestyle of the Nattukottai Chettiar community. The mansion is widely revered for its extravagant architecture that features Italian marble flooring, intricate carvings, and an extensive network of courtyards. The mansion was constructed over 100 years ago and flaunts a blend of traditional European and Tamil styles. Visitors can marvel at the visual and cultural delights of the mansion, savour delicious Chettinad cuisine, and experience activities like Bullock-cart riding.

Distance From Temple: Approximately 40 km
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM

Suggested Read: Top Places To Visit In Tamil Nadu With Family On A Holiday

6. Piranmalai Seik Oliyullah Dargah

A picture of the entrance of a dargah with green painted walls and a small garden in front

Photo: Prof tpms / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

The Piranmalai Seik Oliyullah Dargah is a revered spiritual destination that holds a great degree of importance for the Muslim community. Located around 40 kilometres from Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, this dargah is open for all faiths and is known for its quaint ambience. This dargah is locally known to fulfill the prayers of the devotees and offer good fortune, health and prosperity. The peaceful surroundings, relaxing ambience, and its renown for granting wishes make it one of the best places to visit near the Thirukoshtiyur Temple.

Distance From Temple: 40 km
Timings: N/A

7. Ariyakkudi Perumal Temple

A picture of a traditional Hindu temple with colourful walls and a beautiful Gopurama

Photo: Ssriram Mt / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

The Ariyakkudi Perumal Temple is a highly revered Vaishnava shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Located in Sivaganga District, Tamil Nadu, this temple is renowned for its unique Garuda statue that is flanked by two lions. Lord Vishnu, here, is worshipped as “Then Tirupati”, which literally means Tirupati of the South. The temple’s traditional Tamil architecture makes it a visual retreat for visitors. Although offering a peaceful and meditative ambience, the temple lights up during festivals like Vaikasi Brahmotsavam and Vaikunda Ekadasi.

Distance From Temple: 45 km
Timings: 6 AM – 12 PM and 4 PM – 8 PM

Suggested Read: Visit Chidambaram Temple

8. Kundrakkudi Murugan Temple

A view of a traditional temple with stairs leading to the main complex and a tall Gopurama

Photo: Kamesh Kumar / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

The majestic Kundrakkudi Murugan Temple, also known as Shanmughanathar Temple, is located near Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu. Perched on top of a hill, this temple is a perfect visual retreat with its stunning architecture and rock-cut caves that date back to the Pandyan Empire. Adding to the majesty of this temple is the five-tiered gopurama and sanctum, which adornes intricate carvings and colourful paintings. Festivals like Panguni Uthiram and Thaipoosam attract devotees from far and wide. The temple’s serene hilltop location offers breathtaking views, making it a must-visit destination to visit near the Thirukoshtiyur Temple.

Distance From Temple: 35 km
Timings: 6 AM – 12 PM and 4 PM – 8 PM

Where To Stay

Inside view of a hotel room featuring a cabinet, large glass windows and a chandelier hanging

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Thirukoshtiyur and nearby towns provide a range of accommodations, from cheaper budget hotels to mid-priced guesthouses. Some good and popular options include the Hotel Ganesha Meridian, Mithila Tours Eco Stays, and Rathna Residency Pillayarpatti which are nice places to stay in safe, affordable yet luxurious surroundings.

Suggested Read: Things To Do In Tamil Nadu

Where To Eat

Stack of pancakes garnished with caramel sauce, sliced strawberry, and a mint leaf

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Tirukoshtiyur has several restaurants for multiple cuisine options including Hotel Shanmuga Paradise and Hotel Karthik which serve the region’s dynastic flavours. You can also visit Malli (Veg), whose south Indian cuisine offers Dosas, Vada, and Utthappam along with North Indian Starters and lunch options which attract a lot of visitors.

Other Factors To Consider

A Group of people in white upper smiling and enjoying together in a vibrant atmosphere

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Accessible Facilities

Inquire if any facilities are available for elderly people visiting the Thirukoshtiyur temple who may need a wheelchair or assistance in the Sowmya Narayana Perumal temple it has multiple levels the steps may also be quite steep.

Festive Seasons

Before planning your calendar, look if any monthly or annual festivals are included in your trip duration. These festivities see the whole town come alive with spirit as everyone participates in the festivities. This is a great time to see the local traditions, but book accommodation as early as possible because such seasons usually attract a large number of people.

Suggested Read: Garbarakshambigai Temple For A Unique Experience In Tamil Nadu

Visiting the Thirukoshtiyur Temple entails seeing an ancient temple and seamlessly engages you with Tamil culture, spirituality, and architecture. Be it the calm environment, eye-catching buildings, or intense spiritual vibes, this temple is the epitome of the places you can visit during your trip. Ready to witness the divinity of Thirukoshtiyur? Discover it with TripXL today and set out on a pilgrimage journey to Sowmya Narayana Perumal Temple.

Cover Photo: Ssriram mt / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Frequently Asked Questions

Although the temple is open to visitors throughout the year, it is during the Brahmotsavam in spring season which is around March and April that you get to participate in various cultural activities.
The Thirukoshtiyur temple does not charge any fees to the visitors, though people are encouraged to make contributions.
There are two periods during the day: the morning period collating between six-thirty to twelve-thirty hours and the evening encompassing the hours between three-forty-five to seven-thirty when the temple is opened to the public.
Before clicking photographs, be sure to check any signboards, or you may contact temple authorities, as photographs are generally restricted in the main sanctum.
Try to dress modestly keeping in mind the beliefs and customs of the temple and local people and may check sign boards to see if any particular dress is required.
Definitely! Karaikudi, about 35 km away, is known for its Chettinad architecture, local crafts, and vibrant culture.
Yes, the banks of the Vaigai River and nearby rural landscapes provide peaceful spots for a picnic or nature walk.
Yes, Thirumayam Fort, located around 30 km away, is a historic fort with rock-cut temples and panoramic views.

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