Kanchipuram - Tiruvannamalai - Navagraha Temples - Kumbakonam - Thanjavur - Madurai Tour (06N/07D)

Our representative will welcome you at Chennai Railway Station or Airport and drive to Thiruttani - one of the famous fifth Arupadai veedu Lord Murugan (Subrahmanya) sthalam in Tamilnadu. Tiruttani is said to be the place where the Lord Subramanya married Valli - one of his two consorts. Then drive towards Kanchipuram - once the capital of Pallava kings and well known as centre of education where people were coming here to gain knowledge about Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism. On arrival at Kanchipuram, check on to the hotel and then visit Kamakshi Amman Temple - dedicated to goddess Kamakshi, the ultimate form of Goddess Lalitha Maha Tripurasundari (Parvati), Varadharaja Perumal Temple - dedicated to Lord Vishnu and one of the Divya Desams, the 108 temples of Vishnu visited by Alwars, Kailasanathar Temple - 7th century temple dedicated to Lord Shiva built by Pallava king Rajasimha (Narasimhavarman II), Ekambareswarar Temple - a hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and associated with the Pancha Bhoota (five elements) specifically the element of earth (Prithvi), Kumarakottam Temple - dedicated to Lord Murugan. Return to the hotel and overnight stay at the hotel.

Morning after breakfast, check out the hotel and drive to 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). On arrival at Chidambaram, check in to the hotel and then visit the Nataraja Temple here is associated with the Pancha Bhoota (five elements) specifically the element of Sky/Space (Akasha). Return 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 - an important center of South Indian religion, art, and architecture which are UNESCO World Heritage Monuments. On arrival at Thanjavur, check in to the hotel and proceed for sightseeing of 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 visit the nearest Thanjavur Art Gallery - the gallery houses a treasured collection of bronze icons, stone sculptures and other artifacts, which today stand testimony to that golden age in Tamil history. Return to the hotel and overnight stay at the hotel.

Morning after breakfast, check out the hotel and drive to Tiruchirappalli also known as Trichy - known for most prominent historical monuments. On arrival at Tiruchirapalli, 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. Then drive to Madurai - the cultural capital of Tamilnadu. On arrival at Madurai, check in to the hotel and proceed to visit Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, a historic Hindu temple located in the southern banks of river Vaigai. The complex houses 12 gateway towers called gopurams, ranging from 45-50m in height, the tallest being the southern tower, 51.9 metres (170 ft) high. Return to the hotel and overnight stay at the hotel.

Morning, after breakfast, check out the hotel and visit Thiruparankundram Murugan Temple is a Hindu temple and one of the Six Abodes of Murugan, located at Thiruparankundram. The temple is built in rock-cut architecture and believed to have been built by the Pandyas during the 6th century. According to the legend it is where Murugan slayed the demon Surapadman and married Deivayanai, the divine daughter of the king of heaven, Indra, and he is said to have worshipped Shiva here as Parangirinathar. Then you will be transferred to the Airport or Railway Station. Kanchipuram - Tiruvannamalai - Navagraha Temples - Kumbakonam - Thanjavur - Madurai Tour Package ends with the delightful memories.