Addendum to Madurai Tour Diary

This is a followup to the latest article on travelling to the Pandiya Divya Desams.
We (my father, mother, wife and self) went on a small tour to 8 Divya Desams through a tour operator. Being an organised tour, this would seem more optimized in terms of distance travelled, time taken versus the number of temples covered.

First we took the Podhigai Express from Chennai to Srivilliputhur via Madurai. Got down at Srivilliputhur, freshened up and went to Thiruthangal first. Had darshan there, and then came back to Srivilliputhur.

After lunch proceeded to Madurai, Koodalazhagar sannidhi. Had darshan there, and then went to Kallazhagar temple (Thirumaliruncholai). On the way back took the path leading to Thirumogur temple. Had sevai there. Then proceeded to Thirupullani. On the way had dinner, and halted at Thirupullani for the night.

A word about the timings: Kallazhagar temple is supposed to be open till around 745. Thirumogur again closes around the same time. So please be advised that you might have to rush to the temples to avoid disappointment.

In Thirumogur temple renovation work is going on. Samprokshanam is due shortly, and once completed, the temple should be back to its glorious self.

Next day early morning, went for Sethukkarai, had sankalpam and performed Sethusnanam. Then came back and had darshan of Jagannatha Perumal and Darbha sayana Ramar.

Had lunch and then proceeded via Paramakkudi, Sivagangai, Thirupathur to Trichy. On the way had darshan at Tirukoshtiyur and Tirumeyyam.

Boarded train from Trichy to Chennai.

Entire journey we travelled by Tempo traveller. So for those who can afford to pay for the entire trip by road, by making their own travel arrangements, this would be the best travel plan as they can cover all the 8 Divya Desams in and around Madurai, as against the 7 that we covered, as per the earlier blog entry.