Golden Temple Vellore
Table of Contents
Introduction
If you are looking for a spiritual and serene destination in Tamil Nadu, India, you might want to consider visiting the Golden Temple Vellore. This is a magnificent temple complex that is covered with pure gold and dedicated to Sri Lakshmi Narayani, the goddess of wealth. In this blog post, we will give you a beginner’s guide to visiting the Golden Temple Vellore, including its history, architecture, location, timings, facilities, and attractions.
Timings and entry fee the Golden Temple Vellore
The Golden Temple Vellore is open every day from 4:00 am to 8:00 pm. The darshan (viewing) of the main deity is free for all visitors. However, there are special tickets available for those who want to have a closer darshan or perform rituals such as abhishekam (holy bath) or archana (offering).
The temple is open every day, and there are different types of darshan tickets available, ranging from free to Rs. 250 per person
The temple also conducts daily poojas (worship services) at various times throughout the day. The timings are as follows:
- Suprabhatam: 4:00 am
- Abhishekam: 4:30 am
- Alankaram: 6:00 am
- General Darshan: 8:00 am to 8:00 pm
- Sahasranama Archana: 11:00 am
- Mahalakshmi Yagam: 12:00 pm
- Deeparadhana: 6:00 pm
- Purnahuti: 7:30 pm
- Ekantha Seva: 8:00 pm
History of the Golden Temple Vellore
The Golden Temple Vellore was built by the Sri Narayani Peedam, a charitable trust headed by its spiritual leader Sri Sakthi Amma, also known as Narayani Amma. The construction of the temple started in 2001 and was completed in 2007. The temple was consecrated on 24 August 2007 and is open to devotees from all religions and backgrounds.
The temple is a manifestation of Sri Sakthi Amma’s vision to create a spiritual park that would spread the message of universal peace and harmony. The temple is also a symbol of Sri Sakthi Amma’s devotion to Sri Lakshmi Narayani, who is believed to be the supreme mother of the universe and the source of all prosperity.
If you are looking for a spiritual destination in Tamil Nadu, you might want to visit the Golden Temple in Vellore. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the Hindu deity of wealth and prosperity. The temple is also known as Sripuram or Siripuram Mahalakshmi Temple, and it is located in Tirumalaikodi, about 8 km from Vellore old bus station.
The temple is famous for its gold-covered architecture, which is said to be made of 15,000 kg of pure gold. The temple was inaugurated in 2007 by Sri Sakthi Amma, a religious guru who leads the Sri Narayani Peetam. . The temple has a star-shaped path that leads to the sanctum, where the idol of Lakshmi is made of 70 kg of gold.
The temple is a sight to behold, especially in the evening when it glows with golden light. Visitors are expected to dress modestly and maintain the decorum of a holy place. Photography is not allowed inside the temple premises, and cell phones have to be deposited before entering. The temple also has a parking space and a cafeteria for the convenience of the pilgrims.
The Golden Temple in Vellore is a unique attraction that showcases the beauty and devotion of Hindu culture. It is a place where you can experience peace and tranquility, as well as admire the craftsmanship and splendor of the temple.
Architecture of the Golden Temple Vellore
The Golden Temple Vellore is a marvel of architecture and craftsmanship. The temple complex covers an area of 100 acres and has a star-shaped path (Sri Chakra) that leads to the main temple. The path is 1.8 km long and has various spiritual messages along the way.
The main temple has a gold covering on its vimanam (tower) and ardha mandapam (hall). The gold covering was made by using 1500 kg of gold bars that were converted into gold foils and then mounted on copper plates. The gold foils have intricate designs that depict scenes from the Vedas, the ancient scriptures of Hinduism.
The main deity of the temple is Sri Lakshmi Narayani, who is seated on a lotus flower with four hands holding a conch, a discus, a mace, and a lotus. The idol is made of granite and is 6 feet tall. The sanctum sanctorum of the temple is surrounded by six smaller shrines that house other deities such as Ganesha, Murugan, Shiva, Vishnu, Durga, and Saraswati.
Location of the Golden Temple Vellore
The Golden Temple Vellore is located at Thirumalaikodi (or Malaikodi), a small village in Vellore district of Tamil Nadu. It is situated at the foot of a green hill range that adds to its scenic beauty.
The temple is easily accessible by road from various cities in Tamil Nadu and neighboring states. It is about 120 km from Tirupati, 145 km from Chennai, 160 km from Pondicherry, and 200 km from Bengaluru. The nearest railway station is Katpadi Junction, which is about 12 km from the temple. The nearest airport is Chennai International Airport, which is about 130 km from the temple.
Facilities at the Golden Temple Vellore
The Golden Temple Vellore offers various facilities for the convenience and comfort of its visitors. Some of them are:
- Free parking for vehicles
- Free cloak room for storing luggage
- Free wheelchairs for the disabled
- Free drinking water and restrooms
- Free prasadam (sacred food) distribution
- Canteen and snack stalls for refreshments
- Souvenir shops for buying books, CDs, and other items
- ATM and currency exchange counters
- Accommodation for overnight stay (subject to availability and prior booking)
Attractions near the Golden Temple Vellore
The Golden Temple Vellore is not only a spiritual destination but also a tourist attraction. There are many other places of interest near the temple that you can visit during your trip. Some of them are:
- Sri Narayani Hospital and Research Centre: This is a general hospital that is run by the Sri Narayani Peedam Charitable Trust. It provides quality health care services to the rural and urban population at affordable rates. It also conducts research on various diseases and treatments.
- Vellore Fort: This is a 16th-century fort that was built by the Vijayanagara Empire. It is one of the largest and strongest forts in South India. It houses a museum, a mosque, a church, and a temple within its premises.
- Jalakandeswarar Temple: This is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva that is located inside the Vellore Fort. It is known for its exquisite sculptures and carvings that depict various aspects of Shaivism.
- Amirthi Zoological Park: This is a zoological park that is located about 25 km from the temple. It has a variety of animals and birds, as well as a waterfall and a nature trail.
- Yelagiri Hills: This is a hill station that is located about 90 km from the temple. It is a popular destination for trekking, boating, paragliding, and other adventure activities.
Note: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered as religious advice. Respect the beliefs and practices of all individuals when visiting religious sites
Frequently asked questions
The golden temple vellore, also known as Sripuram Lakshmi Narayani Temple, is a popular spiritual destination in Tamil Nadu, India. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu, and is famous for its gold-plated architecture and intricate carvings. Here are some of the most common questions that visitors have about the temple and its surroundings.
Q: How to reach the golden temple vellore?
A: The golden temple vellore is located about 12 km from the city of Vellore, and can be reached by road, rail or air. The nearest airport is Chennai International Airport, which is about 120 km away. From there, you can take a taxi or a bus to Vellore. The nearest railway station is Katpadi Junction, which is about 10 km away. From there, you can take an auto-rickshaw or a local bus to the temple. Alternatively, you can also drive to the temple from Chennai or Bangalore, which are about 140 km and 210 km away respectively.
Q: What are the timings and entry fees of the golden temple vellore?
A: The golden temple vellore is open every day from 4 am to 8 pm. The entry fee is Rs. 250 per person for general darshan (viewing of the deity), and Rs. 500 per person for special darshan (closer viewing of the deity). There are also separate queues for men and women, and for senior citizens and differently-abled persons. The entry fee includes a free meal at the annadanam hall (food donation hall), where you can enjoy a simple vegetarian meal.
Q: What are the dress code and other rules of the golden temple vellore?
A: The golden temple vellore has a strict dress code for visitors, who are expected to wear modest and traditional attire. For men, this means wearing dhoti or kurta-pyjama, and for women, this means wearing saree or salwar-kameez. Jeans, shorts, skirts, leggings, t-shirts and other western outfits are not allowed. You also need to remove your footwear, belt, wallet, mobile phone and other metal items before entering the temple premises. You are not allowed to take any photographs or videos inside the temple complex. You are also advised to maintain silence and respect while visiting the temple.
Q: What are the attractions and facilities of the golden temple vellore?
A: The golden temple vellore is not just a place of worship, but also a place of beauty and culture. The main attraction is the gold-plated sanctum sanctorum, which houses a 6-feet tall idol of Goddess Lakshmi made of pure gold. The temple complex also has a star-shaped path that leads to the sanctum sanctorum, which is adorned with various sculptures and messages from various scriptures. The path is about 1.8 km long and takes about 45 minutes to complete. Along the way, you can also see a lotus pond, a meditation hall, a musical fountain and a garden. The temple complex also has a souvenir shop, a book stall, a canteen and a guest house for visitors.
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