Athazhanaloor
Bhoomineela Sametha Adimoola Perumal or Gajendravaradar Temple
This temple is located on the road to the north leading from Veeravanallor (located between Kalidaikurichi and Cheranmahadevi) to Tamirabarani river bank. The entry boasts a beautiful Gopuram with beautiful sculptures. The “Moolavar” is Gajendravaradar (“Salagrama shila” or granite idol) in standing position. On either side of the presiding deity are Gothadevi and Bhoomadevi. The “moolava vigrahams” are “shilamoorthis” (carved from granite). The “Bhattar” informed that on every “Puratassi” Saturday (around September 15 to October 15) the temple would have the highest density of “bhakthas” (devotees) visiting (this is important to note if one wishes to spend some time going around the temple). During this time, volunteers would come from Chennai especially to organize the flow of the people and help in the smooth conduct of the rituals and especially the regulation of the large stream of visitors. The entire atmosphere surrounding the temple (around 7 pm) was quiet and in the twilight zone it was a beautiful sight to see the skyline above the temple with flocks of birds returning to their nests, in batches. The Tamirabarani river takes the northern route in the vicinity of this temple (largely west to east flow) and is therefore called Uthiravaagini (Uthira-North; Vaagini-travel).
Thirumukkudal
“Thirumukkoodal” (Kadna River and Rama River flowing from the foothills of western ghats in the regions to the north and west of Kallidaikurichi such as Ravanasamudram, Alwarkurichi… meet Thamirabarani here) is a natural spot close to Athalanaloor and one may find the drive through green fields quite relaxing .
Thirupudaimaruthoor Temple
The Thirupudaimaruthoor Siva temple is close to Thirumukkudal and is gigantic (for its location, surrounded by fields on all directions that the eye could perceive) and there were several inscriptions in stone. According to the Sivachariar, Thirupudaimaruthur is the third in the line of Siva temples located in Srisailam (Mallikarjunar) and Thiruvidaimaruthur (Mahalingaswamy). The first temple (Srisailam) is believed to have come from the leaves of Arjuna or Maruthamaram; the second temple (Thiruvidaimaruthar) is believed to have come from the trunk of the “maruthamaram”. This temple at Thirupudiamaruthur is believed to have come from the foot or root of the maruthamaram. Kapila sithar on his visit to this temple, encountered a flooded region and could not reach the temple. He sensed fragrance in the air and started to sing in praise of the lord. The lord tilted his head to hear the devotee’s music (hence the linga is tilted here; naar poo naathar).
Rangasamudram and Kovilkulam
In the vicinity (about 4 km) from Thirupudaimaruthoor is Rangasamudram in which Srinivasaperumal Koil is located. This is a small temple but the Agraharam is vibrant with several residents and a Vedapathasala. Kovilkulam is on the Ambai-Alangulam road and is about 4 to 5 km ride from Rangasamudram. This temple is open only in the morning and is closed in the evening. When we visited, the eastern parapet wall had collapsed and gave insight about how old brick-mortar walls were closed with granite to enhance their endurance in time. Within one km of Kovilkulam and just off the road to Alangulam there were two temples (one is for Narasimhaswamy) both of which are closed in the evening. By optimizing the duration spent in each temple it should be possible to visit all the temples before 11 a.m. when the temple is closed after morning “poojais” and “aaradhanas”. If one must prioritize based on taste we would suggest visiting the three temples in Cheranmahadevi and Thiruppudaimaruthoor, before it is noon. How to reach Cheranmahadevi?Onward and return journey: Chennai Egmore to Tirunelveli; may consider Vande Bharat Train that leaves Egmore at 5 a.m.Boarding: Tirunelveli or Kallidaikurichi. There are guest houses in the Agraharam of Kallidaikurichi. Local travel: From Tirunelveli a private taxi would help in covering these temples within the morning worship hours. However, if one takes public transport then it is preferable to visit Cheranmahadevi during the morning hours and visit Thiruppudaimaruthoor in the evening.
Wandering at 60's 