The most revered abodes of Lord Vishnu

Legend

The twelve alwar/azhvar Tamil poet-saints  helped revive the bhakti movement, through their songs of devotion to Vishnu. They were instrumental in popularising Vaishnavism through their hymns and poems. The verses of the azhwars were compiled as Divya Prabandha by Nathamuni, a 10th-century Vaishnavite theologian. In their verses, they praised the Divya Desams, 108 temples of the  Vaishnava deities. Of the 108 temples, 105 are in India, one is in Nepal, and last two are outside the earthly realms. The travel to these abodes of Vishnu and his incarnations are considered to be extremely pious. Kumbakonam region in Tamil Nadu has around eleven such sacred abodes of Lord Vishnu, the journey to which forms the Kumbakonam Divyadesam Yatra.

Deity - Temples

Deity : Lord Vishnu, Navagrahas

Temples Covered: -

Thiruvelliangudi - Sri Kola Valvill Ramar Temple
Thiru Adhanoor - Sri Aandu Alakkum Ayan Perumal Temple
Tirukkudandai - Sri Sarangapani Temple
Tiruppullambhootankudi - Sri Valvil Raman Temple
Kapisthalam - Sri Gajendra Varadhar Temple
Thiru Nandipura Vinnagaram - Sri Jagannathar Temple
Tirukoodalur - Thiru Aduthurai Perumal Temple
Thirunageswaram - Sri Oppiliappan Temple
Nachiyar Koil - Sri Nambi Perumal Temple
Tirucherai - Sri Saranathan Temple
Thiru kannamangai - Sri Bhakthavatsala Perumal Temple

Yatra Preparations

The best way to visit these temples is to keep your base at Kumbakonam.
It is advisable to book accommodation in advance.
The journey is not very strenuous and can be easily completed by anyone. Most of the temples are open only in the morning and evening, so plan the trip accordingly. Also expect heavy crowds and long queues during festival days.

Must Haves

Most of these temples lie is the vicinities of towns and hence  have access to essential items. Still, devotees are advised to carry water bottles, light snacks, essential medicines etc in their day pack. Light cotton clothing is best for the journey through this area. Western attire are not allowed in the temples of Tamil Nadu.

Health Awarness

Most of the temples have good medical facilities. Those travelling with aged and children, can split the journey to two or three days days.

Climate

The summers in this part of the country can be extremely hot and humid. The temperature rises upto the forties. Winter are pleasant with the average temperature in the twenties.

DAY ONE : CHENNAI-MAHABALIPURAM-PONDICHERRY

 Arrival at Chennai Airport. Transfer to Pondicherry. En route visit Mahabalipuram (1 hour 30 minutes drive). Mahabalipuram - Visit Shore Temple, a World Heritage Monument and other stone carvings and rock-cut temples. Lunch at Radisson Temple Bay, Mahabalipuram (Direct payment). Arrive at Pondicherry (2 hours drive) and check-in at Palais De Mahe. Evening, walk in the French Town. Overnight stay at Palais De Mahe.

DAY TWO : PONDICHERRY

 After breakfast, proceed for a guided tour of Pondicherry starting with Auroville. Lunch is available at the visitor’s centre in Auroville (Direct payment) or check out the interesting cafes and restaurants. Afternoon visit to Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Museum, Botanical Garden, Churches etc. Evening at leisure for own activities. Overnight stay at Palais De Mahe.

DAY THREE : PONDICHERRY-KUMBAKONAM

 After breakfast, check-out and proceed to Kumbakonam via Cuddalore and Chidambaram. Afternoon, check-in at Mantra Koodam.Evening at leisure for own activities. Dinner and overnight stay at Mantra Koodam.

DAY FOUR : KUMBAKONAM

After breakfast, proceed to Gangaikonda Cholapuram and Darasuram temples. Try out the activities of the resort for the rest for the day. Dinner and overnight  stay at Mantra Koodam.  

 DAY FIVE : KUMBAKONAM-TANJORE-CHETTINAD

 After breakfast, check out and proceed to Chettinad. En route, visit Tanjore (2 hours 30 minutes drive). Tanjore - Visit the most spectacular Tanjore Temple. Arrive at Chettinad (2 hours drive) and check-in at Visalam. Dinner and overnight at Visalam.

DAY SIX : CHETTINAD

After breakfast, local sightseeing of Chettinad which includes visit to Raja’s Palace, old Chettiar Mansions, Athangudi village to see the hand-made tiles, handloom saree weaving house, Chettiar Clan temples, local markets, bullock cart ride and cycle tour. 

Back to Visalam. Cooking demonstration in the evening. Dinner and overnight stay at Visalam.

DAY SEVEN : DROP TO MADURAI/THEKKADY

 After breakfast, day visit to Madurai (One way 2 hours drive). Madurai visit includes the Sree Meenakshi Temple dedicated to the consort of Lord Shiva. After lunch, drive to Madurai Airport or continue to Thekkady.

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Area Covered

Tamil Nadu
Language spoken : Tamil

Auspicious Days

Vaikunta ekadshi is a special day in most of these Vishnu temples.

Best time to Travel

Kumbakonam divyadesam yatra can be done  anytime of the year. However it is advisable to avoid the hot summers.

Darshan Info Clock Duration
2 days from Kumbakonam

Travel Method

All the temples can be reached by road.

Crowd Expected

As these temples are open throughout the year they are not usually very crowded. However, during  the days of the festivals, there is a flow of devotees from all around the country.

Festivals

Vaikunta ekadshi is a special day in most of these Vishnu temples.