Soak into the eternal bliss and divinity of the temples in Kodaikanal that are the testament of the holy God residing over here in different forms. What is also amazing is that all these places of worship that tourists and devotees love to visit here are actually located in the lap of nature, making sure that your visit is the perfect mix of tranquillity and adventure. If you too want to experience tranquillity and solace here, then the temples in Kodaikanal should be a must-visit. The best part is that there is no specific time of the year to visit these temples, as they stay open throughout the year to shower upon you immense blessings.
8 Famous Temples In Kodaikanal
The temples in Kodaikanal are the perfect blend of architectural magnificence and devotional spirit. The best part is that there is no specific time of the year to visit these temples, as Kodaikanal is beautiful and blooming throughout the year.
1. Kuzhanthai Velappar Temple
The Kuzhanthai Velappar Temple is the Kodaikanal Murugan temple. The interesting thing about this temple is the stark difference between the skills that have been used to sculpt the face and the body of the idol. It is said that sage Bogar created it out of navapashanam or the nine poisons. It is also noteworthy that Bogar is one of the eight siddhas. The folk tale says that he worked so hard on perfecting the features and face of the idol that he had no time left to work on the body at all, and that is why the difference in skill exists. Yet it is due to this devotion that a shrine to him also exists in the Southwest part of the temple. The folk tale goes further than this, however, and says that there is a cave at the heart of the hill where Bogar still sits meditating, and eight idols of Murugan surround him.
When to visit: You can plan your visit around the Thiruviza festival.
Location: Poombarai Village
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2. Kurinji Andavar Temple
The well-loved and calm Kodaikanal lake is just three kilometres away from the site of this temple, which means that many devotees and tourists like to experience these two gorgeous sites together. And yet, it is neither of these things that the Kurinji andavar temple Kodaikanal is famous for. This temple also has an interesting history, as it was constructed during colonization by a European woman who later converted to Hinduism and is now fondly called lady Ramanathan. Kodaikanal Palani Hills also surround this temple, which means that you will be surrounded by beauty on all four sides when you go there, which is what almost all temples in Kodaikanal have to offer.
When to visit: Summer would be recommended.
Location: Kurinji Andavar temple road
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3. Palani Murugan Temple
Located at the Kodaikanal Palani Hills, this temple is surrounded by a rich mythology. It is another Kodaikanal Murugan Temple. Thai-Poossam is considered the main festival celebrated in this temple by far, and is attended by lots of devotees. Other festivals celebrated here are the Soora-Samharam, the Pankuni-Uththiram, and the Vaikhashi-Vishakham. The good news for tourists and devotees is that six poojas are performed here daily, which means that you can almost plan your visit at any time of the day. Like all temples in Kodaikanal, this too can be visited at any time of the year if the weather is a concern. The beauty of this temple comes not only from the architecture but the deep religious significance that it holds in the hearts of many devotees.
When to visit: Plan your visit around one of the festivals.
Location: Giri Veethi, Palani
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4. Swetambar Jain Temple
If you are looking for a Jain temple in Kodaikanal, you need to look no further. The popularity and beauty of this temple is a testimony to the secular nature of the hill station. Like most Jain temples, idols of Tirthankaras are present here. Surrounded by natural beauty, this is one of the temples in Kodaikanal that peace lovers love to visit no matter what their religion or theistic belief system. In fact, the fact that it is so obviously in the lap of nature contributes to the feeling of seeing life in everything, as the Jain belief goes. Tourists and devotees would also be happy to know that Jain food and rooms to stay are easily available in the area so that you can have the entire experience.
When to visit: You can plan your visit around Mahavir Jayanti.
Location: Chettiyar Road
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5. Subrahmanya Temple
The Subrahmanya Temple is said to be over 3000 years old. Like most temples in Kodaikanal, this too is devoted to Lord Murugan who is said to have meditated on this hill to seek knowledge, wisdom and maturity. The temple is beautiful, and here too, the belief is that the idol is made from Navapashanam. Since devotees seek this temple for sacred rituals, it is also kept exceptionally clean. This temple also is surrounded by nature, and visitors will be happy to know that it is located near the Punnagai Murugan temple, so both can be explored together. The unique thing about the architecture of this Kodaikanal Murugan temple is that there are idols on the outside as well, especially on the dome, so it’s a very unique and must-see construction.
When to visit: Around Thiruviza festival
Location: Pooparai village
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6. Lake Side Ganesh Temple
While most temples in Kodaikanal are built to pray to Lord Murugan, this one is built to pray to his brother, Lord Ganesha who got the fruit of wisdom according to mythology. This temple is small, and there is less crowd, which is perfect for anyone seeking a peaceful moment. What is also great is the prime location of this temple, which is the Kodaikanal lake. Since the lake has many adventure activities, children can be kept busy by those while the parents visit. This serene location also acts as the perfect place to meditate as you would be facing the beautiful water.
When to visit: During the summer
Location: Bazar Road
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7. Periya Mariamman Temple
This temple is dedicated to Mariamman, the Hindu Goddess. There is a grand festival that is held in March-April to mark the Tamil month of Panguni. This includes celebrations like Pongal, Kambam Naduthal, Maa Vilakku, Karagam Eduthal, Manjal Neerathu, etc. This temple also has a rich history as it is said to have been built nearly 1200 years ago. The creation of this temple is attributed to Kongu Cholas. Thiruviza is also celebrated at this temple, where the idols are carried around in chariots. Thus, devotees and tourists love to visit this beautiful location.
When to visit: March-April
Location: Ananthagiri 1st street
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8. Mahalaxmi Temple
The Mahalaxmi temple in Kodaikanal is devoted to Laxmi, the Goddess of wealth in Hinduism. It is important to note the according to mythology, and she is the wife of Ganesha, who is Lord Murugan’s brother. It is actually a small and serene temple on the way to Poombarai Village. For the small size of the temple, it is remarkable how well-maintained and clean it is. Tourists and devotees like to visit it because it takes just a few minutes to pray and meditate here, and the view is absolutely breathtaking. It is important to remember that this is a private temple, so though it is open to tourists, there are some restrictions. If you plan to stop here, ensure that you only through the garbage in the trash bins, and do not harm the property or construction at all.
When to visit: Summer
Location: Poombarai road
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Thus, these beautiful temples in Kodaikanal act as a sanctuary of calmness for all visitors and are rich in both mythology and history. Whether it is the architecture, the rituals, or the folk stories surrounding the temple, you are sure to have a holistic experience after visiting them. And it is not just Hindu temples that attract tourists, but also the Jain temple in Kodaikanal, which shows how culturally diverse this hill station is. This ensures that your trip to Tamil Nadu is not only divine but also picturesque and peaceful.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Temples In Kodaikanal
What is Kodaikanal famous for?
Kodaikanal is famous for its breathtaking natural beauty. The name literally translates to ”The gift of the forest” in Tamil. It’s a long history of attracting tourists because of its natural appeal also means that it is called ‘Princess of Hill Stations’. There are also many famous temples in Kodaikanal.
What is the best time to visit Kodaikanal?
Since Kodaikanal is a hill station, there is actually no wrong time to visit it at all. Whether you go in the winter, summer, or monsoon, there will always be something amazing waiting for you. The nature of beauty might change seasonally, but it’s presence stays. The temples in Kodaikanal can be visited all year round as well.
Is Kodaikanal better than Ooty?
Kodaikanal and Ooty are both famous destinations loved by many, with their advantages and disadvantages. One major reason why people tend to choose Kodaikanal over Ooty is the fact that it is more budget-friendly. Moreover, lesser tourists surround you there, which means that it is not overcrowded.
Is Kodaikanal safe for couples?
According to the law, adult unmarried couples cannot be discriminated against. This is taken very seriously in Kodaikanal, where almost all hotels are couple friendly and completely safe. In fact, some places have a special couple of packages.
What is special in Kodaikanal?
What is primarily famous about Kodaikanal is how breathtaking its beauty is, but in truth, it goes beyond that. While most locals and tourists focus on the scenic beauty and exotic locations, Kodaikanal also has amazing shopping destinations for you to splurge and take back souvenirs to remember your amazing trip by!
How many days can we spend in Kodaikanal?
Since Kodaikanal is such a beautiful and peaceful place, you can plan a long solo, family, or couple trip if you are looking just to relax. If you just want to sightsee in Kodaikanal, you can get that done in two to three days.
What is famous for buying in Kodaikanal?
More than an item, it is a location that is famous for shopping in Kodaikanal. Whether you want to buy sandalwood, ethnic oils, trinkets or souvenirs, locals and tourists alike will recommend the store “Danish Display” . The famous temples in Kodaikanal also have temple shops.
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