Yercaud - 'Poor man's Ooty'

Tamil Nadu has the highest concentration of magnificent temples in all India. Tourist officials and locals will encourage you to visit these, but always check before venturing into the sanctum. Chidambaram was one of the capitals of the Chola Empire (9071310), and its temples are said to be the oldest in south India. According to legend, Vira Chola Raja (927997) dreamt of Shiva dancing on the shore with Paravati, a dance representing the tower of creation. Accordingly, the raja built a golden shrine dedicated to Shiva Nataraja (or Natesha), the Lord of the Cosmic Dance. Around this has grown the present temple in a precinct 600m by 400m with a tall gopuram in each wall. The main shrine has a magnificent bronze statue of Shiva Nataraja. A ThousandPillared Hall (there are actually 984) and other important shrines stand in the main courtyard. The temple is closed noon4.30pm, the best time to visit being for evening puja.

The cave extends beyond the temple and the locals say it extends all the way to the Kaveri in Karnataka, a distance of 480 km. Very few have explored the full cave. One of the shopkeepers Mathaiyan said, "I have tried going inside this cave once. I could go only 3 km. I did this after a strict fasting for 41 days. After 3 km. it is pitch dark; no ventilation; snakes all over. it is believed some saints, in the days gone by, had travelled the full length. Tippu Sultan was supposed to have hidden in this cave during a war." To the south east of the temple is a very old well and it is a wishing well! The locals believe if they are able to throw at least one stone, from three picked up from the temple, inside the well, with their backs to the well, they will succeed in whatever they plan to do. If one walks down from the Temple, one reaches Killiyur falls. Water, falls from a height of 300 m. During the rainy seasons, the locals say, these falls are very dangerous. Next to the Servarayan temple is the Raja Rajeswari Amman temple. There is also the Jothi Samadhi ashram. The massive Rajarajeswari idol is installed in a sitting posture, and 4.5 feet tall. One can buy prasad, gem stones and lucky stones. There is also a hall for meditation. One can get a full view of Namakkal and Salem from the "Ladies Seat". The Anna Park is a quiet place to relax.

Temple Servaroyan Temple, Sri Raja Rajeswari Temple,Murugan Temple. Churches Sacred Heart Church, The Retreat Church, St.Joseph's Church, Holy Trinity Church, C.S.I. Church and Lutheran Church. Mosque Yercaud Mosque.

Sri Raja Rajeswari Temple

The deity of this temple is said to be the goddess of all gods in the Hindu Pantheon. The idol of the goddess Sri Raja Rajeswari is seen surrounded by a plethora of gods. Founded by Tirukovilur Thapovanam Srila Sri Gnanananda Giri Swamigals Parampara disciple HH Swami Poornananda Giri in the year 1983, there is a belief that with the deities blessings one can attain wealth and prosperity and may be elevated to higher levels of spirituality.

Holy Trinity Church is a century old and is beautifully maintained. Other churches include the 100yearold Trinity Church, the Sacred Heart, Lutheran, St Joseph's and The Retreat.