Shervaroyan Temple, Yercaud
Shervaroyan
Temple is situated in a narrow and dark cave at the highest point in Shervaroyan
hill at 5,326 ft. above sea level. It is situated at a distance of 7 km from
Yercaud boat house. The tribal here celebrate their annual festival every year
in the month of May. The temple is a narrow and dark cave having the God Shervaroyan
and the Goddess Kaveri inside, which is believed as the Shervaroyan Hills and
the Cauvery River. It offers a bird's eye view of the places around.
It is
one of the main attractions of tourist visiting Yercaud. It is the highest peak
in Yercaud. This spot is the pinnacle of Shevaroy hills and one can see the
stunning forest ranges and stupendous valleys below the point. There is a cave
inside the temple where the idols of Shervaroyan and Goddess Kaveri resides in
the sanctum. It is a common belief among people residing in the area that Lord Shervarayan
guards the 67 villages which are present in and around Yercaud.
This
temple is believed to be 2000 years old as per the locals. It is considered
very important place of religious significance to the tribal people residing in
the hills. A good view of Yercaud town and Nagalur can be obtained from this
hill. This splendid temple due to its remote location does not witness a huge
number of tourist footfalls. So be the one of the few privileged who has
discovered the hidden aura of this wonder. The temple is inside a large rock. One
has to bend and get into the temple because of the lack of space.
Servaraya
Perumal is the guardian of the Shevaroys, and his temple is no grand monument
filled with amazing sculptures. The steep mountain road to the highest point of
the Shevaroys makes for a very enjoyable drive. The temple is on a flat
hilltop. A modern outer façade leads to the entrance of the cave. Here you have
to stoop to enter and bend down for a few feet into the cave. The cave is wider
inside and you can stand up straight. This is where you see the idols
of Servaraya Perumal and Kaveri Amman on a rocky platform.
The
goddess is Kaveri Amman, the goddess of river Kaveri is worshipped at
this highest point of the Shevaroy hills. The idols of Servaraya Perumal and
Kaveri Amman are small -11/2 feet tall but adorable. Servaraya Perumal holds
the conch and discus in his hands while goddess Kaveri holds a lotus flower in
her hand. The roof above the deities is moist and drops of water fall at
intervals on the idols. This flow of water dries up during the dry summer
months.
In the
dark recess behind the god and goddess the cave goes on. Visitors are not
permitted to go beyond this point. A story is told by the local tribal people
that the cave goes all the way to Thalakaveri in the state of Karnataka, which
is the origin of the Kaveri River. No one knows for sure, but it is a tale that
has been told for generations. Surely there must be a reason why there is a temple
for goddess Kaveri at these heights but it is a reason that has been lost to
us, lost in the mists of time.
There is
a great tree at the entrance, its vast trunk covered with small bags of prayer
offerings. There are just a few houses some distance away from the temple. Across
the road, there is a wishing well where you throw pebbles and make a wish.
Breathe
in the exhilarating, pure, cold mountain air. The vast flat hilltop above
the temple is a great place to relax, to have a picnic with your family, or
just enjoy the spectacular 360 degrees views and the play of clouds in a sky
that is so close that you feel you can almost touch it.
From
this high vantage point you get a breathtaking view of the hills that stretch
in rows upon overlapping rows into the distance. You can also see bauxite mines
on the hills. It is located at a distance of 7 Kms from Yercaud Lake. You can
go by car or take a taxi. Alternately you can hire an auto near the boathouse
to take you to the temple. The temple is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
