Visitor Experiences - One Who Has Seen Kollam, Does Not Require His Home Anywhere

Something for Everyone - Kollam

Call it a mosaic of contrasts. A land where its forests, lakes, sea, islands and an ever bustling city exist in harmony, and showcase an awe inspiring canvas of ethereal beauty. This is Kollam, a land that nuzzles several gems in its folds.

With a strong history of commerce since the days of the Phoenicians and the Romans, this port town on the Kerala coast has been etched in the annals of history for its role in international spice trade. It is also the centre of country's cashew trading and processing industry.

Though at the heart is a town bustling with trade activities, it promises immense possibility for city tours. Thirty percent of this district is covered by the Ashtamudi Lake. Ferry through these backwaters in houseboats and as it glides through the palm fringed water way, take in the spectacular sights of the passing backwater life.

Ashramam Picnic Village along the shores of the Ashtamudi backwaters, which has an adventure park, a 200 year old bungalow, where Lord Munroe once stayed, and a children’s traffic park attract hordes of visitors. The serene beaches of Kollam and Thirumullavaram are ideal ones for a tête-à-tête with the sea. The Thankasseri Lighthouse and ruins of an old Portuguese fort are other attractions. The Police Museum, tracing the growth of the police force and the Eight-Point Art Café, a colonial villa revamped into an art gallery, are one of a kind.

There are important historical buildings like the Krishnapuram Palace and the Punalur Hanging Bridge, built in a traditional ornate architectural style. The President’s Trophy Boat Race, Parippally Gajamela, Kottamkulangara Chamayavilakku and Malanada Kettukazcha are the major festivals in Kollam which draw visitors from far and wide.

Created by the backwaters of the Ashtamudi Lake and Kallada River is the beautiful ‘Munroe Thuruth’, an island named after Col. Munroe, the British Resident of erstwhile Travancore State. The mystique highlands of Kollam provide ample opportunities to relish in the bounties of nature. The Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary and Thenmala, India's first planned eco-tourism destination are a treat to the senses. Palaruvi and Kumbavurutti Waterfalls, cascading down steep rocks, provide enchanting visuals. Embark upon a jungle pilgrim tour at Kulathupuzha, Aryankavu and Achenkovil; all famous for their temples dedicated to Lord Ayyappa.

"One who has seen Kollam, does not require his home anymore," is a saying on Kollam and visitors even today, experience the same.

Srivilliputhur Andal Temple – Its Rajagopuram Is The Emblem Of Government Of Tamilnadu

SRIVILLIPUTHUR ANDAL TEMPLE

Srivilliputhur is a semi-urban town and a municipality in Virudhunagar district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Srivilliputhur Andal Kovil is one of the most famous Temples in Tamilnadu.Srivilliputtur is a temple town and one of the 108 divya desams of Lord Sri Vishnu. To the devotees and vaishnavites, Srivilliputtur is synonymous with Lord Vishnu, Periyalwar and Andal. 

It gave –‘Tiruppavai’ of Andal and ‘Tirupallandu’ of Periyalvar- the hymns on Lord Vishnu to Tamil Literature. These Tamil hymns – Tamil Vedam-Alwar pasurams- are recited everyday at this temple. 

The famous Tiruppora mandapam is in the garden, where Andal was found by Periyalwar under Tulsi plants as a little child. Andal as a child is worshipped here. This mandapam and Andal idol were built by Periyalwar after his return from Srirangam where he handed over Andal in marriage to Lord Rajamannar.

One should not miss the separate shrines for ten avatars of Lord Vishnu within the temple.Both the temples were renovated several times under Pandiya and Nayakkar periods. Pavai Nonbu during the Tamil month of Margazhi is very important festival. But Adipooram attracts thousands of people for watching the car festival.

If one makes a prayer to the divine Mother- Thayar- it is believed the prayer is heard and granted. Thousands of people make special prayers to Andal for education, success in business, marriage and child. The devotees usually offer tulsi garlands, butter, clothes and lamps. Nowadays people share feeding expenses of the temple to poor.

The greatest attraction is the Rajagopuram of the temple; with eleven tiers and 192" height it is one among the tallest towers of temples in Tamilnadu. It has found a fitting place in the emblem of Government of Tamilnadu. 

It signifies the ancient Tamil architecture; it symbolizes the age old matured culture and stands majestically as a proud tradition; and all are at one stroke.

One can miss visiting Srivilliputtur; but never misses the emblem being affixed as Government’s ascent or acceptance on transactions, documents, or promulgation of orders or notifications.

If you are native of Tamilnadu, Just search your pocket, check your driving license; there lies the ever shining symbol ‘The srivilliputtur Gopuram’.

Srivilliputtur is hot and dry. Rains are the only source of water. Usually wells get dried during summers. But the well in the temple has never dried up.

Andal is believed to have used the well as mirror to watch her reflection. That is the reason why the well is named as ‘mirror well’- ‘Kannadi Kinaru’. Kannadi theeertham is famous.

Tirupathi Brahmotsavam is important festival all over South India and attracts millions of devotees. 

It is quite interesting to know that a Garland worn by Andal is sent all along to Tirupathi in Andhra Pradesh one day before the Brahmotsavam starts. The mala is used for garlanding Lord Balaji.

In the same manner every year, Tirupathi Balaji’s garland is sent to Srivilliputtur for marriage festival of Andal Thayar.Not only Balaji of Tirupathi, Kallazhagar of Madurai is also presented with a garland worn by Andal on Chithirai Festival day.

By Air

Madurai is the nearest Airport from srivilliputtur.

By Train

Madurai,Sivakasi & Tirunelveli is the nearest railway station from srivilliputtur.

By  Bus

Srivilliputtur can be reached by cars & buses From Madurai,Sivakasi,Tirunelveli & Virudunagar

Shri Hari Mandir – Mahatma Gandhiji Sculpture Have Been Situated In The Complex Of This Mandir

 

SHRI HARI MANDIR

AT

PORBANDAR

Shri Hari Mandir in Sandipani is situated 5 km from the city of Porbandar, opposite the airport. Shri Hari Mandir, which for many years has been Bhaishri’s genesis, vision and dream has taken 13 years to become a reality.

Through the great contribution of a number of experts and overseen by Bhaishri, the temple stands today as one of the grandest and most unique temples of Saurashtra.

The sri hari mandir, also referred to as the Sandipani vidyaniketan was established in the year 1992 with 85 acres of land. This monument has a length of 105 feet and its entire complex comprises a total of 66 pillars.

The deities of this temple are believed to be the incarnation of pujya Bhaishri’s faith. The temple houses deities of Shri Lakshmi Narayan, Shri Radha Krishna, Karunamayi Maa Goddess, Shri Janki Vallabh, LordHanuman, Lord Ganesha, and Shri veda.

The temple is incomparable in its exquisitely designed architecture and aesthetic precision. While the structure is a visual delight, the deities residing within are the personification of Pujya Bhaishri’s faith and ardent devotion.

In accordance with Pujya Bhaishri’s vision the Mandir has been built to provide Rishikul students practical training in performing rituals and for the mandir to become an epicenter of culture and spitituality. The Shri Hari Mandir was completed in 2006 and a grand event,’Sandipani Mandir Mahotsav, marked the opening of the Mandir.

The mandir complex sits in beautifully landscaped scenery making it a wondrous sight to behold. With a special play area for children and seating areas, families love to visit the mandir, partake in the aarthi in the evenings and enjoy the spiritual atmosphere of Sandipani.

Recently statues of Pujya Bapu Mahatma Gandhiji and Kasturba and Sudama and Sushila have been added to the complex of the mandir. Standing tall the statues remind every visitor of Gandhijis teachings of truth and non-violence and Sudama’s faith and devotion.

By Air

Porbandar is connected by flights with different cities in India.

By Train

Porbandar is a major railhead connected with different cities and places in India.

By Bus

Porbandar is connected by good motorable roads with different places and cities in India.