If you are visiting Tamil Nadu for a pilgrimage tour, then Naga Sai Mandir is one of the few temples dedicated to Shirdi Sai Baba that should be on your list of must-visit places. Established in 1942, Naga Sai Mandir is the result of the Sai movement started by the people of Coimbatore in 1939. Hence, this temple holds a special place in the hearts of believers of Shirdi Sai Baba. The temple attracts a large number of devotees as it is one of the few temples in South India dedicated to Shirdi Sai Baba. So, if you are planning a visit to Coimbatore, do visit Naga Sai Mandir, especially on a Sunday or Thursday.
History Of Naga Sai Mandir Coimbatore
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In 1942, the first institution dedicated to Sai Baba was opened in Coimbatore on Mettupalayam road, known as Sai Baba Mandir. People used to gather in the temple premises to sing devotional songs every week on Sundays and Thursdays.
One Thursday, when the devotees were singing devotional songs, a Cobra came out from nowhere inside the temple. It did not attack or scare anyone; instead, it started swinging and was hypnotized by the music. Considering it a messenger of Sai Baba, the devotees offered him flowers and prayed to him. The moment the devotees started praying to the Cobra to leave, it left without scaring anyone around. After this incident, the temple’s name was changed to Sri Naga Sai Temple.
Must Read: Temples In Coimbatore
Nearby Attractions Around Naga Sai Mandir
There are many places that you can add to your itinerary while visiting Naga Sai Mandir. These places are as follows:
1. Sri Perur Pateeswarar Temple
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If you are in Coimbatore visiting Sri Naga Sai Mandir, you can also visit the temple called Perur Pateeswarar Temple. This is the second-largest temple in Coimbatore dedicated to Lord Patteeswarar, a form of Lord Shiva. This temple is believed to be more than 2000 years old according to the ancient Tamil literature of the Sangam period. This temple is amongst the seven ancient Shiva temples in the Kongu region of Tamil Nadu. The best time to visit the temple is during the grand celebration of Mahashivratri in the temple in February or March. As such there is no entry fee to visit the temple, however, there is a nominal fee that you have to pay for some special services and offerings.
Location: 11 km away from Naga Sai Mandir
Timings: 6:00 am to 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Suggested Read: Akkaraipatti Sai Baba Temple
2. Brookefields Mall
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If you wish to indulge in some leisure shopping and entertainment in Coimbatore, Brookefields Mall is the right place for you. At this shopping mall, you will find a variety of stores offering a wide range of options in accessories, fashion, electronics, and home decor products from national and international brands. The endless number of brands in this shopping mall is enough to spoil you for choices.
This shopping mall in Coimbatore also offers excellent entertainment options ranging from VR, arcade games, bowling, roller coaster, and carousel to the multiplex. When it comes to food, there are over 50 food outlets in this mall where you can indulge in Indian, Chinese, Mughlai, Italian, or fast food and desserts.
Location: 3 km away from Sri Naga Sai Mandir
Timings: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
3. GD Naidu Car Museum
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GD Naidu is a must-visit place near Naga Sai Mandir. It is one of the few vintage car museums in India and a top tourist attraction in Coimbatore. If you want to explore some of the unique cars from all around the world and the technology behind them, then you should visit this car museum.
This museum displays an exclusive collection of classic and exclusive vehicles, including a magnificent selection of vintage and classic cars from the late 19th century to the 21st century. Vintage cars manufactured in Britain, France, Japan, Germany, and America are also displayed in the museum, along with some classic cars like Benz Motorwagen, Morris Cowley, BMW Isetta 250, Hansa, Mercedes-Benz SLK, and Austin 7.
Location: 7.4 km away from Naga Sai Mandir
Timings: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm from Tuesday to Saturday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm on Sunday
Suggested Read: Shirdi Travel Tips
Popular Restaurants Near Naga Sai Mandir Coimbatore
There are many restaurant near Naga Sai Mandir, Here is a well curated list of delectable restaurants to savour your tastebuds and make your culinary odyssey memorable.
1. Shree Annapoorna
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Any trip to Coimbatore is incomplete without tasting the local authentic South Indian food here. Shree Annapoorna is one of the most popular restaurants near Naga Sai Mandir, featuring experiences never elsewhere in South Indian food. Their signature Sambar is to die for if you are a fan of Dosa. You can also try their specialities from their menus, like Ghee Roast Masala Dosa, Pongal, Sambar and Idli, Sambar Vadai, Poori with Potato Masala, and Filter Coffee.
There is no doubt why Shree Annapoorna is known as one of the best South Indian restaurants in Coimbatore. Their breakfast spread, which includes spicy sambar, crispy masala dosa, fluffy idlis, and strong filter coffee, is perfect for a great start to the day.
Location: 3.6 km away from Naga Sai Mandi
Timings: 6:30 am to 10:30 am
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2. The French Door
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Inspired by Pondicherry cuisine, The French Door is run by Chef Shreeya Adka, who worked at a world-famous three Michelin-star restaurant in New York. This is one of the stylish restaurants in Coimbatore that you can visit to enjoy a cup of latte or tea. The restaurant has beautiful outdoor seating where you can indulge in some classic European cuisine and pastries. This is one of the best restaurants in the city for serving French and Indian cuisine. While you are here, we recommend trying their Lime Pie, Roasted Pumpkin Soup, Crème Brûlée, Panna Cotta, French Riviera Mocktail, Chicken Roulade, and Beef Medallion.
Location: 3.7 km away from Naga Sai Mandir
Timings: 12 pm to 10:30 pm
Suggested Read: Restaurants In Coimbatore
3. Hari Bhavanam
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If you want to have an exquisite dining experience in Coimbatore, head to Hari Bhavanam which has been serving Indian and Chinese cuisine for years. One of the popular restaurants near Naga Sai Mandir, this is one of the finest rooftop restaurants in Coimbatore. This restaurant is like heaven for people who love to indulge in non-vegetarian food. Some popular non-vegetarian items at Hair Bhavanam that you must try are Mutton Chukka, Idiyappam, Biryani, Mutton Biryani, Chicken Chinthamani, Pepper Chicken, Chicken Karaikudi, Fish, and Brain Fry. Undoubtedly, this is amongst the best restaurants in Coimbatore serving non-vegetarian food.
Location: 6.8 km away from Naga Sai Mandir
Timings: 11:30 am to 10:50 pm
Further Read: Shopping In Coimbatore
Tamil Nadu is home to thousands of Hindu temples, which many pilgrims and tourists visit yearly. Out of all the temples, Sri Naga Sai Mandir in Coimbatore is one of the few sacred temples in South India dedicated to the Indian Spiritual Master Shirdi Sai Baba. If you are on a pilgrimage trip to Coimbatore, you should add this temple to your itinerary for a great spiritual and divine experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Naga Sai Mandir
When was Naga Sai Mandir built?
Naga Sai Mandir was built in 1942 after the people of Coimbatore commenced the Sai movement in Coimbatore in 1939.
Where exactly is Naga Sai Mandir located in Coimbatore?
Naga Sai Mandir is located on Mettupalayam Road in Coimbatore city. Inside the temple, there is a marble statue of Shirdi Sai Baba, installed by Indian guru and Philanthropist, Sathya Sai Baba.
When to visit the Naga Sai Mandir in Coimbatore?
You can visit the Naga Sai Mandir in Coimbatore on any day of the week, however, Sundays and Thursdays are believed to be auspicious, hence devotees in large numbers visit the temple on these days.
Who started the Sai movement in Coimbatore?
Sn. H.H.B.V. Narasimha Swamiji, Sri. C.Varadaraja Ayyah and Sri A.V. K. Chari along with the people of Coimbatore city started the Sai movement in 1939. As a result, the Naga Sai Mandir was built in 1942 in Coimbatore.
How far is the airport from Naga Sai Mandir?
The nearest airport to Naga Sai Mandir is Coimbatore International Airport which is located 13 km away from the temple. You can easily get private taxis from there to reach the temple. However, with our guided tour, you will not face any hassle in going around the town.
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