Sorna Vinayagar Temple (Navagraha Kottai), Ponnai,
Vellore
Sorna Vinayagar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated
to Lord Ganesha located at Ponnai Town in the border region of Andhra Pradesh (AP)
and Tamil Nadu in Vellore District of Tamilnadu. The Temple is also popularly
called as Navagraha Kottai.
The
Temple
This is
a beautifully painted modern-day temple glittering in gold and the main deity
is the ancient Swayambu Vinayagar. Presiding Deity is called as Sorna Vinayagar. Two Idols of Vinayaga can be
found inside the sanctum. Of these one is manmade and another one is
Swayambu (Sanskrit word meaning naturally grown in the shape of a god). There
is also a shrine for Kasi Viswanathar temple behind the main shrine.
By the
side of the main shrine, there is a small Nandavanam with 9 Navagrahas in
separate Sannidhis with their respective Viruksham (tree), Dhaanyam (grain),
Cloth, colour etc. At this place, one can perform Navagraha pooja in the form
of a Homa. Rahu-Ketu pooja is done with all proper rituals. Many suggest this
place as an alternative to Srikalahasthi for the same pooja since all devotees
are paid individual attention unlike other temples.
Temple
Opening Time
The
Temple remains open from 7.00 AM in the mornings till 6.00 PM in the evenings.
Connectivity
The
Temple is located at about 3 Kms from Ponnai Town Bus Stand, 4 Kms from Ponnai,
9 Kms from Vallimalai, 11 Kms from Melpadi, 27 Kms from Chittoor, 26 Kms from Chittoor
Railway Station, 18 Kms from Ramapuram Railway Station, 38 Kms from Vellore,
133 Kms from Chennai and 128 Kms from Chennai Airport. The temple can be
reached by travelling about 9 Kms from Vallimalai in the Ranipet - Chittoor
NH4. The Temple is about 3 Kms from
Ponnai main bus stand. The village name is called oddaneri, from Ponnai bus
stand autos are available frequently.