Theni - Tourist Information

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Theni - Tourist Information

Tourist Places

Resounding cascades, silver-lined clouds resting a top billiard green hill tops, sheer rock faces and temples of antiquity are the stuff that distinguish the tourism destinations of the Theni District. These unique places warm the soul and provide the much-needed balm to the mind. Rustic ambience, hospitality of the local populace and their pastoral way of life make the destinations in Theni district a tourists' dream. Theni district in the Southern part of Tamil Nadu is one among the choicest tourist delights and destinations with a delightful mixture of tourist attractions such as captivating dams, waterfalls and countless pilgrim centres. This district is surrounded by the western ghats, with it ubiquitous green stretches of cultivated lands and tea gardens. Silk cotton, soft towels, coffee seeds, cardamom, mango, are the main produce of the district. Theni district is the main route for the tourist bound from Madurai to Kochi via Bodinayakanur and Munnar and Madurai to Thekkadi wildfife sanctuary.

Kanneeswaramudaiyar

Gowmariamman Temple which is located here attracts many pilgrims. This 14th century temple was built by the Pendya King Veerapandi. The Pandya Kind is said to have regained his vision by praying to Govmariyamman and Kanneeswaramudaiyar. Close by the temple, the perennial Mullai river runs its course. The temple is nearly 8 kms from Theni.

Vaigai Dam

Built across the majestic River Vaigai near Andipatti, the dam with a height of 111 feet can store 71 feet of water. It is 7 kms from Andipatti, 14 kms from Theni and 70 kms from Madurai. This dam was opened on January 21, 1959.The dam is unique for the sylvan garden around it. The stillness and quiet are soothing to the mind. The garden deserves the surname "Little Brindavan". It is a popular picnic spot for the local population, particularly school children. There is a separate play area for the Tourist.

Mavoothu

The main attraction in Mavoothu is the Vellappar Temple. This holy shrine is situated in the Varushanad hill ranges, 20 kms from Andipatti. Nestling among the hills, the temple is atop a peak, surrounded by natural vegetation. Transport is available upto the foothills only. Rainwater gathers around the mango trees near this temple and flows downhill in torrents. This has given the palce the name "mavoothu" which in Tamil stands for "spring of the mango grove". This place has a perennial water source.

Vellappar Temple Legend

The main vigraha (idol) of this temple was discovered by the local tribes called "Paliyars" while the temple was constructed by the then Kandamanur Zamindar. The temple has shrines of Vinayaka and Saptakannikas. It is believed that a ritual bath in the spring and eating food cooked in the water will cure the incurable of diseases.

Puja Timings: 7.30 am to 8.30 am in the morning and 4.30 pm to 5.30 pm in the evening. Important Festivals Adi Amavasya (Blue Moon) and Thai Amavasya are celebrated with gaiety. There is also an annual festival in the month of Chithirai .

Devadanapatti

The main shrine in Devadanapatti is Kamatchi Amman Temple. It is situated on the banks of the Manjal river. This temple is 3 kms from Devadanapatti in Theni District. In this temple, the doors to the sanctum sanctorum are never opened, and all the pujas are offered only to the portals. The special puja performed in the evening to the accompaniment of local musical instruments is a spectacular audio-visual feast.

Periyakulam

Periyakulam is an important town in Theni District. It is situated 16 kms from Theni and located in the foothills of Kodaikkanal. Mangoes of this town are very popular. Mango is the largest harvest here, considered second only to Salem, and is exported to foreign countries. During summer the climate is cool at night, like Kodaikkanal. Periyakulam is connected with all major towns in Tamil Nadu by road. Nearest Airport is Madurai (80 kms). Budget accommodation is available.

Balasubramaniya Temple

One of the important temples in Periyakulam is Arulmigu Balasubramanya Temple. This was constructed by Rajendra Chola nearly 2000 years ago. Once king Rajendra Chola went lhunting in Agamalai near the banks of the Varaha river. There a pig was feeding milk to its young ones. The king unknowingly killed the pig. Seeing the hunger of lthe young pigs, Lord Muruga fed the piglets. King Rajendra Chola saw this amazing sight, and constructed this temple in memory of this Divine event. This temple is considered equal to Kasi. Since Brahma theertha runs in this river it is believed that any incurable disease is cured when we have a bath in this river water. The idol of Lord Muruga with six faces seems to have been pierced from the ground-under. Lord Muruga, seen here with lhis consorts, blesses all His devotees. The old name of Periyakulam is Kuzhanthai Maanagaram.

Theni - Tourist Information

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