Tirupati - Navagraha Temples - Thanjavur - Tiruchirappalli (Trichy) Tour Package (06N/07D)

Our representative will welcome you at Chennai Railway Station or Airport drive to Tirupati, home to famous and important Vaishnavite shrine of Tirumala Venkateswara Temple atop one of the the 7 peaks of Tirumala Hills. On arrival at Tirupati, check in to the hotel and relax for some time. Afternoon after Lunch, proceed for Half day sight seeing at Tirupati. Visit Padmavathi Temple at Tirachanoor. Padmavathi Temple is the temple dedicated to Goddess Padmavathi or Alamelumanga, the consort of Lord Venkateswara. Goddess Padmavati is believed to be a very benevolent goddess who readily forgives her devotees if they are repentant. Then visit Kapila Theertham and Kapileshwara Temple, ISKCON Temple and Govindarajaswamy Temple, the 12th century temple and one of the earliest structures in Tirupati. Return to the Hotel and overnight stay at the Hotel.

Early morning, you will be taken to the Tirumala Hills, the adobe of Lord Venkateshwara (Balaji). The Tirumala hills are of seven peaks namely Seshadri, Neeladri, Garudadri, Anjanadri, Vrushabadri, Narayanadri and Venkatadri. The temple of Lord Venkateshwara is located at Venkatadri. On arrival at Tirumala, first visit Varahaswamy Temple and the proceed to the darshan of Lord Venkateshwara (Balaji). After Darshan of Lord Venkateshwara, proceed for sightseeing at Tirumala, visit Papavinasanam, Akasha Ganga and SV Museum. The rest of the day at leisure for shopping and other activities. Return to Hotel at Tirupati and overnight stay at the Hotel.

Note: Few important observations to be done at Tirumala Temple : Maha Dwaram, Anantalwar Crowbar (in the entrance), Krishnadevarayalu Mandapam, Dwajasthambham, Vendi Vakili (silver entrance), Ranganadha kneeling on Adisesha, Varadaraja Swami temple, Bangaru Vakili (Golden Door), Jaya-Vijaya, Garuda Mandapam, Pradhana Vantasala (Kitchen), Vakula Devi, Notla Parakamani (counting currency notes), Bangaru Gopura Vimanam (Ananda Nilaya), Vimana Venkateswara, Srivaru Hundi, Bangaru Varalakshmi, Sankeertana Bhandaram, Yoga Narasimha Swami Sannidhi, Sankusthapana Sthambam

Morning, after breakfast, check out the hotel and drive to Tiruvannamalai - an historical place and spiritual center of Tamilnadu. On arrival, visit Annamalaiyar Temple (or Arulmigu Annamalaiyar Tirukoil) dedicated to Lord Shiva and worshiped as Arunachalesvara or Annamalaiyar. The temple is one of the largest in India, located at the base of Annamalai Hills and houses four gateway towers known as gopurams. The Shiva Lingam here is associated with the Pancha Bhoota (five elements) specifically the element of Fire (Agni). Goddess Parvati is depicted as Unnamalai Amman. Then drive to Chidambaram - a temple town well known for Thillai Nataraja Temple spread over an area of 40 acres. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of Nataraja (as a divine dancer) and other deities such as Shivakami Amman, Ganesh, Murugan and Govindaraja Perumal (Vishnu). The Nataraja Temple here is associated with the Pancha Bhoota (five elements) specifically the element of Sky/Space (Akasha). On arrival at Chidambaram, visit the temple, then check in to the hotel and overnight stay at the hotel.

Morning after breakfast, check out the hotel and drive to Vaitheeswaran Kovil or Pullirukkuvelur temple located in Mayiladuthurai district. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva is worshipped as Vaidyanathar or Vaitheeswaran meaning the 'God of healing' and it is believed that prayers to Vaitheeswaran can cure diseases. The temple is associated with the planet Mars (Angaraka), one of the nine Navagraha (nine planets) temples. The village is also known for palm leaf astrology called Naadi astrology in Tamil. The holy waters of the Siddhamirtham tank within the temple complex contains nectar, and a holy dip is believed to cure all diseases. Then drive to Thiruvenkadu Swetharanyeswarar Temple - is one of the Navagraha Temples where Lord Budhan is worshipped. Budhan is the symbol of intelligence, wisdom and peace. Then drive to Naganatha Swamy Temple or Kethu Sthalam is a Hindu temple in the village of Keezhaperumpallam. The temple is one of the nine Navagraha temples of Tamil Nadu and is a part of the popular Navagraha pilgrimage in the state - it houses the image of Ketu. Then enjoy natural and ancient beach located in Poompuhar (Poompuhar Beach). Evening, drive to Mayiladuthurai - known for the Mayuranathaswami Temple, a prominent Shaivite shrine. The icon is a lingam and the presiding deity is called Mayuranathar because the Hindu goddess Parvathi worshipped Shiva here in the form of a mayura. Then drive to Kumbakonam - known as a temple city due to the prevalence of a number of temples here. On arrival, check in to the hotel and overnight stay at the hotel.

Morning after breakfast, drive to Thirunallur, most noted for the shrine of Lord Sani (Saturn), Tirunallar Saniswaran Temple within the temple dedicated to Lord Darbharanyeswaran, a form of Lord Shiva. This is the only temple that is dedicated to Lord Shani (Saneeswaran). Whenever (planet) Saturn transits from one zodiac sign to another (every 2.5 years), millions throng this shrine for worship. Then proceed to Naganatha Swami temple at Thirunageswaram. Naganatha Swami is a temple dedicated to Shiva. An important feature of Naganatha Swami temple is that of Rahu bhagawan (one of the Navagrahas) sannathi. Here milk abhishekam is performed daily during Rahukaalam. This is also the only place wherein one can view Rahu bhagawan with his consorts. Then drive to Apatsahayesvarar Temple at Alangudi. Shiva is worshipped as Apathsahyesvarar, and is represented by the lingam. His consort Parvati is depicted as Elavarkuzhali. The temple is counted as one of the Navagraha Temples for planet Guru (Jupiter). Later visit Adi Kumbeswarar Temple - the oldest Shiva Temple, Mahamaham tank - one of the most prominent landmarks of the town and Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram is one among the three famous temples in Tamilnadu that were built by the Chola Kings. (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Then Agniswarar Temple in Kanjanur village. The presiding deity is Sukra (Venus). However, the main idol in the temple is that of 'Agniswarar' or Shiva. In concordance with the Saivite belief that Shiva is all-pervading, Sukra is believed to be located within the stomach of the idol of Shiva. After getting the divine blessings, proceed to visit Suryanar Kovil (Temple) is a Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Hindu Sun-God. The presiding deity is Suriyanar, the Sun and his consorts Ushadevi and Pratyusha Devi. The temple also has separate shrines for the other eight planetary deities. The temple is considered one of the nine Navagraha temples in Tamilnadu. Then drive back to Kumbakonam, return to the hotel and overnight stay at the hotel.

Morning after breakfast, check out the hotel and drive to Swamimalai - popular for Swaminathaswamy Temple dedicated to god Murugan. The temple is second abode of Murugan among six (Arupadaiveedugal). The shrine of the presiding deity, Swaminathaswamy is located atop a 60 feet hillock and the shrine of his mother Meenakshi (Parvathi) and father Shiva (Sundareswarar) is located downhill. According to Hindu belief, Swamimalai is where Muruga preached what as called as 'Pranava mantra' to his own father, Shiva, at a young age. Then drive to Thingalur to visit Kailasanathar Temple or Chandiranaar Temple. The presiding deity is Soma (moon). However, the main idol in the temple is that of 'Kailasanathar' or Shiva. The temple is considered one of the nine Navagraha temples in Tamilnadu. Then drive to Thanjavur (Tanjore). On arrival at Thanjavur, visit Brihadeeswara Temple, the biggest attraction of Thanjavur and also known as the Big Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site). This architectural marvel temple built during 11th century by Raja Raja Chola, the Great Chola emperor. The vimana tower above the sanctum is one of the tallest in South India. Then visit Thanjavur Palace also known as Maratha Palace or Nayak Palace is a wonderful historical structure in the town of Thanjavur. It was the official residence of the Maratha rulers from 1674 to 1855. Then drive to Tiruchirappalli also known as Trichy - known for most prominent historical monuments. On arrival at Tiruchirappalli, check in to the hotel and overnight stay at the hotel.

Morning after breakfast, check out the hotel and then proceed for sightseeing at Tiruchirapalli. First visit to Sri Ranganatha Swamy temple at Srirangam - a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Ranganatha Swamy and also the first, foremost and the most important of the 108 main Vishnu temples. There are 21 magnificent and huge towers. Sri Ranganatha Swamy temple lies on an islet formed by the twin rivers Cauvery and Coleroon. This temple is also known as Thiruvaranga Tirupati, Periyakoil, Bhoologa Vaikundam and Bhogamandabam. Then visit nearest Jambukeswarar Akilandeswari Temple - dedicated to Lord Shiva (as Jambukeswarar) and Goddess Parvathi (as Akilandeswari). The temple is associated with the Pancha Bhoota (five elements) specifically the element of Water (Jala), The sanctum of Lord Jambukeshwara has an underground water stream. And one can see water coming out of that stream. The Presiding Deity is Devi Akilandeswari Amman. Akhilandeshwari means 'Ruler of the Universe' (Akilam - Universe, Aanda - Ruler, Eswari - Goddess). Then visit Ucchi Pillayar Temple - a 7th century Hindu temple, one dedicated to Lord Ganesha located a top of Rockfort. Afternoon drive to Madurai / Chennai. On arrival at Madurai / Chennai, you will be transferred to the Airport or Railway Station. Tirupati - Navagraha Temples - Thanjavur - Trichy - Tour Package ends with the delightful memories.