Venugopala Swamy Temple, Kottaimalai, Padavedu
The
temple for Lord Venugopala Swamy is located on the top of Raja Kambeera
Mountain popularly known as Kottaimalai. This is 3 KM away from Arulmigu
Renugambal temple on the western side. The height of the mountain top is 2500
feet.
The only
route available to this temple is a Ghat road running through thick and
beautiful forest. A breath taking journey to this temple can be performed
sitting on a huge Tractor specially built to take the pilgrims and the materials
to the temple. However the tractor takes us only to the foot of the hill. Rest
of the journey is to be covered by walk. En route we have to pass
through few wooden bridges constructed around the hill. It is an engineering
marvel.
All our
pains vanish once we reach the sanctum where beautiful flute playing Lord Venugopala
Swamy is in a standing posture along with his consorts Rukmini and Satyabama. The
idols of this temple are known for their artistic beauty.
This
Ancient Sambuvarayar period stone temple has a beautiful stone Dhwajasthambham with the lightning arrestor at the top.
There
are two water streams (sunai) on either side of the temple and water from one
of them is very clean and is being used for drinking and Abhishekham.
Due to
the 2500 feet height factor and the many mountains around, a very strong and
cool breeze blows out at the mountain top and one has to stand very carefully
with a firm grip on the ground.
This
temple for Lord Venu Gopala Swamy opens only on Saturdays from 9AM to 4 PM. It
is a nice place to visit in monsoon and winter seasons.
Festivals:
During a
Purattasi Saturday, sun rays falls on the foot of the deity and raises to head
during the early morning hours. Some say that this happens on the third
Saturday and some say that no one knows on which Saturday of the month, this
will happen. There will be 100s of people staying overnight to witness the
event and the place wears a festive look with good lightings. Lot of
Annadhanams by many people takes place on the mountain top and along the way.
The
temple will be open for the entire overnight and the Abishegams will be
completed before 5:30 AM itself on that day.
Contact:
Lokesh: +91 75982 73458 / 95665 56381
TVS office: 04181 – 248279 / 04173 – 320444
Temple Incharge: +91 90927 62000 / 94893 42938
Trustees: +91 97519 10248 / 98942 10013
TVS office: 04181 – 248279 / 04173 – 320444
Temple Incharge: +91 90927 62000 / 94893 42938
Trustees: +91 97519 10248 / 98942 10013
References
https://shanthiraju.wordpress.com/2008/05/26/padavedu/