{"id":735249,"date":"2024-06-26T14:53:30","date_gmt":"2024-06-26T09:23:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/traveltriangle.com\/blog\/?p=735249"},"modified":"2024-06-26T15:07:11","modified_gmt":"2024-06-26T09:37:11","slug":"delve-into-the-essence-of-spirituality-at-kurinji-andavar-temple-in-tamil-nadu","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/traveltriangle.com\/blog\/kurinji-andavar-temple\/","title":{"rendered":"Delve Into The Essence Of Spirituality At Kurinji Andavar Temple In Tamil Nadu"},"content":{"rendered":"

Nestled amidst the beautiful hills of Kodaikanal, Kurinji Andavar Temple<\/strong> is a huge temple of Lord Murugan named after Kurinji flowers that bloom every 12 years. Also known as the \u201cGod of Hills,\u201d Lord Murugan is worshipped mainly by Tamil Hindus and is a religious and spiritual sanctuary in Kodaikanal. One thing that always intrigues people is that this temple was built by a European lady who was immensely moved by the Hindu scriptures. Made in the typical Dravidian style architecture, the backdrop of the lush greenery and forest gives this temple a soothing ambience and makes for a perfect meditation centre. Rarely put on the list of the places to visit in Kodaikanal, the temple is worth visiting. <\/em><\/p>\n

Kurinji Andavar Temple History<\/h2>\n
\"Kurinji<\/div>\n

Image Credit: Johirsuresh1998 for Wikimedia Commons<\/a>
\nThere is a beautiful love story hidden inside the history of this temple. The temple was built in 1936 and since then, it has become a symbol of peace and devotion. The story of this temple began with a woman with a golden heart. Her name was Leelavathy Ramanathan. Though she was European by origin, she embraced Hinduism with love and dedication. She married Ponnambalam Ramanathan, the former solicitor-general of Sri Lanka. After her husband left this physical world, she built the temple to commemorate him. Initially, the temple was named Sri Kurinji Easware Temple. After his husband’s demise, she married a Tamilian named Ramanatha again, and she was called Lady Ramanathan. Her granddaughter and husband donated this temple to the Palani Andavar Temple.<\/p>\n

Must Read:<\/strong> Places To Visit In Kodaikanal<\/a><\/p>\n

Places To Visit Near Kurinji Andavar Temple<\/h2>\n

Including your visit to Kurinji Andavar Temple in your trip will release your stress, but some must-visit spots are near the temple. Let\u2019s check those places out:<\/p>\n

1. Kodaikanal Lake<\/h3>\n
\"Kodaikanal<\/div>\n

Image Credit: Kreativeart for Wikimedia Commons<\/a>
\nKodaikanal Lake is a perfect place to release your stress and recharge yourself. Located very close to Kurinji Andavar temple, this lake is a man-made beauty built back in 1863 by Vere Henry Levinge and is a star-shaped lake. It sets a great example of man-made wonder, enhancing nature’s beauty. You can indulge in a luxury boating cycle around the lake or have a small snack time here and admire the beauty. The mist covering the lake looks ethereal.
\nDistance from Kurinji Andavar Temple: <\/strong> 4.9 Km
\nTimings:<\/strong> 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM<\/p>\n

2. Coaker\u2019s Walk<\/h3>\n
\"Coaker\u2019s<\/div>\n

Image Credit:KARTY JazZ for Wikimedia Commons<\/a>
\nAnother man-made wonder in Kodaikanal is Coaker\u2019s Walk, which doesn\u2019t require much from you and is just a pathway for walking and strolling. It covers an area of 500 meters and offers you breathtaking views of the Palani hills and highlands and a bird’s-eye view of the surrounding hills and small villages. It was made in the year 1872 and got its name from Lt. Coaker. There is also an observatory with a telescope for better area views. You can even see Dolphin\u2019s Nose, Madurai City, and Periyakulam Town on a clear day.
\nDistance from Kurinji Andavar Temple: <\/strong> 3.8 Km
\nTimings:<\/strong> 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM<\/p>\n

Suggested Read:<\/strong> Airports In Tamil Nadu <\/a><\/p>\n

3. La Saleth Church<\/h3>\n
\"La<\/div>\n

Image Credit: yjenith for Wikimedia Commons<\/a>
\nMore than anything, the perfect serene backdrop of this church appeals to the tourists. La Saleth Church is amongst those churches dedicated to the apparition of the Virgin Mary. Almost 100 years old, the church was built by Father Saint Cyr, who was cured of the disease with the blessing of Mother Saleth. Architecture is another intriguing part, as it combines the influence of French and Tamilian architecture. Located on the top of the cliff, the surroundings bask in solitude with bird chirpings creating a symphony.
\nDistance from Kurinji Andavar Temple: <\/strong> 5.1 Km
\nTimings:<\/strong> 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM<\/p>\n

4. Bryant Park<\/h3>\n
\"Bryant<\/div>\n

Image Credit: Aruna for Wikimedia Commons<\/a>
\nIf you are looking for a place where you can spend time with your family and children and also, you want to be close to nature, you must visit Bryant Park once. This botanical garden spreads across 20 acres and is home to 325 species of shrubs, trees, and cacti. If, by chance, you plan to visit Kodaikanal somewhere in May, then you will be able to attend the extravaganza flowers show, which features a wide variety of flora and some very rare species.
\nDistance from Kurinji Andavar Temple: <\/strong> 3.7 Km
\nTimings:<\/strong> 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM<\/p>\n

Suggested Read:<\/strong> Auroville Beach<\/a><\/p>\n

5. Pine Forest<\/h3>\n
\"Pine<\/div>\n

Image Source: Pexels <\/a>
\nThe towering trees and the tranquil ambience make this place full of mysteries! Perfect for hiking as it has several nature trails, this is also very popular amongst filmmakers, and several movies have been shot here. Many of these trees are over a century old, and monkeys crowd the forest in a large number, so be careful and try not to carry anything. Visit this forest to inhale the beauty of nature and witness how untouched beauty appears.
\nDistance from Kurinji Andavar Temple: <\/strong> 12.3 Km
\nTimings:<\/strong> 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM<\/p>\n

How To Reach Kurinji Andavar Temple<\/h2>\n
\"Madurai<\/div>\n

Image Credit: SarThePhotographer for Wikimedia Commons<\/a>
\nTo visit this temple, you will first have to reach Kodaikanal. Roadways are the best option considering that Kodaikanal is a hill station.
\nBy air:<\/strong>
\nThe nearest airport is Madurai which is about 120 Km. You can reach there and board a bus or book a cab to directly reach Kodaikanal.
\nBy rail:<\/strong>
\nKodaikanal does have a railway station which is about 80 Km from the main city, but is not very well connected with the rest of the cities. You can reach the nearest railway station which is Chennai and board a bus from there.
\nBy road:<\/strong>
\nReaching the temple is also hassle-free as it is located about 5 Km from the bus station.<\/p>\n

Suggested Read:<\/strong> Hill Stations Near Kodaikanal<\/a><\/p>\n

Best Time To Visit The Temple<\/h2>\n
\"Explore<\/div>\n

Image Credit: Marcus334 for Wikimedia Commons<\/a>
\nThe weather in Kodaikanal is remarkable almost yearly, making it easier to plan a trip anytime. March to May is a great time if you are looking to escape the high rising temperature. Monsoons bring the best of nature to Kodaikanal, and lush greenery covers every inch of the hill station. The waterfalls come to life, and the mist covering the hills makes for a striking view anywhere you visit. Between August and October, the famous Kurinji flowers bloom every 12 years, but you must inquire as they are rare.<\/p>\n

Essential Facts To Know About The Temple<\/h2>\n
\"Kodaikanal<\/div>\n

Image Credit: Anvesha456 for Wikimedia Commons<\/a>
\nFrom the devotees to the history-mongers, Kurinji Andavar Temple has essential significance, which you must know before visiting to have prior knowledge.<\/p>\n