Sripuram – The Devinity Of Goddess Narayani

About Sripuram Golden Temple

The Sripuram Golden Temple is located in the Vellore district of Tamil Nadu. The main deity of the temple is the goddess Sri Lakshmi Narayani. The Vimana and Ardha mantapa, which house the goddess Lakshmi covered in pure gold, is the temple’s most significant features. The goddess Mahalakshmi is also gold-plated. The temple’s 1500kg gold covering has intricate work done on it, and the art has Vedic significance. Every detail is handmade, including the transformation of gold bars into gold foils and the subsequent mounting of the foils on copper.

Sri Sakthi Amma, also known as Narayani Amma, built the golden temple on a 10-acre plot of land. He is the spiritual leader and founder of the charitable trust Sri Narayani Peetham, which is based in Vellore. The design of Sripuram includes a 1.8-km-long star-shaped path through the verdant green garden. The architecture of the temple and its star-shaped structure have significant implications and are in accordance with certain parts of Vedic texts. You can read various spiritual messages along the star path until you reach the temple.

Sri Lakshmi Narayani Shrine

The four hands of Goddess Narayani represent Artha, Dharma, Moksha, and Karma. The idol has been placed in the ardha mandapam of the temple. The gold kavacha and ornaments adorn the granite stone idol. On the premises, in addition to this shrine, there are shrines to Swarna Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, and Lord Balaji. At the nearby Narayani peetham, there are shrines to Sri Puthu, Sri Swayambu, Adi Narayani, and Durga.

Swarna Lakshmi Shrine

The shrine has a 70kg gold Lakshmi idol where you can perform Abhishekham. The interior walls and ceilings are ornately decorated. However, only the devotees who purchase a ticket worth 100 rupees or more are eligible to perform Abhishekham. Because the majority of people are unlikely to notice this shrine, there will be a small queue, as this will not be communicated at any ticket counter. Additionally, male devotees must remove their shirts while performing pooja. After the abhishekham, you can take prasadam and return on the same path.

Star Path

You will almost walk through the star-shaped structure from entry to exit. Prepare to walk a lot because it is a huge area. You can, however, take a break at any time.

Entry and Ganesha Shrine

The path to the Golden Temple is in the shape of a star. There is an open hall near the entrance where havan or fire ritual and other pooja take place. If you’re lucky, you might see a temple elephant near the entrance. You will first come across a Ganesha shrine as you follow the star-shaped path. This enchanting Ganesha idol is sculpted from 1700 kg of silver. Take the Lord’s blessing and proceed.

Star-shaped Path

The entire star-shaped path is wide and designed so that you can see greenery on both sides as you walk throughout. There are plaques throughout the temple with spiritual quotes from Shakti Amma Swamiji in English, Hindi, and Tamil. Additionally, sitting on the benches dotted along the path allows you to rest before continuing. There will be no rush or queue until you reach the golden temple podium, so take your time. Along the way, there are several stalls selling coffee, tea, and milk, as well as some snacks. There is also a photo booth where you can take photos in front of the temple. Prasadams and souvenirs are also available for purchase.

Glimpse of Goddess

There will be a crowd as you approach the goddess Narayani shrine. It will take more time here than elsewhere in the complex to receive the goddess’ blessing. While waiting in line, you can admire the intricate carvings of the mantapa and its reflection in the tank. Then embrace the blessings of Narayani Amma. The crowd management at the Narayani shrine is poor, as there is no queue as you approach the shrine. Besides, even security will not help to keep the peace. Further, in front of the temple, there is a large Kamadhenu cow idol to which people whisper their wishes. There will be a crowd until you reach this point. Following that, the return path will be less crowded similar to the entry path. There are fountains in front of the temple, and the Swarna Lakshmi shrine is located at the end of the fountain path.

Exit and Balaji Shrine

A Balaji temple is almost directly in front of the Ganesha temple. On your way back, stop here to seek Balaji’s blessings. This Balaji shrine features a large idol of a smiling Balaji. Among the Balaji and Ganesha temples is a plaque depicting Shakti Swamiji and his paduka. You are welcome to pray there if you so desire. You will then proceed through some shops to the prasadam counter and finally to the exit gate.

Narayani Amma Peetha

Narayani Amma Peetha is only 500 m from the temple. This peetham houses the Adi Narayani Amma shrine. People are not allowed to capture photographs inside the temple. This complex contains three shrines. One shrine contains Swayambu Linga and puthu/hutta which means anthill. The second is for Adi Narayani Amma’s idol. The third shrine features a large Durga devi idol at the top and a small Narayani amma idol at the bottom. Furthermore, a yagashala is located within the Narayani Peetham complex. The halls are brightly hand-painted with floral patterns, and images of the gods and goddesses on the pillars and ceilings.

Swayambu Linga

According to common belief, Sakti Amma predicted that a Swayambu Linga would appear on its own in September 1992. It appeared with thunder, much to the delight of those who witnessed this rare occurrence. After a few weeks, a ‘puthu,’ or anthill, appeared behind the Swayambu. On January 9, 2000, Sakti Amma built a shrine for Swayambu Linga.

Adi Narayani and Durga

Another shrine honors Goddess Narayani. Narayani is the merged form of the goddesses Saraswati, Lakshmi, and Durga. She is regarded as the supreme universal force. The Durga statue stands 25 feet tall, with the Adi Narayani Amma idol beneath it.

How To Reach Sripuram Golden Temple

From Bangalore:

Sri Narayani Golden Temple is 207 km from Bangalore.

By Road

Bike/Car:

• Take NH 48 through Hosur, Krishnagiri, and Vellore. It will take about 4 hours to get there.

Bus:

• Various buses run between Bangalore and Vellore. Then, take an auto from Vellore to Golden Temple, which is approximately 10 km away.

By Rail

• There are numerous trains from Bangalore to Katpadi junction that take approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes. From there, take an auto or cab to Sripuram, which is about 15 km away.

By Air

• The nearest airports to Sripuram are Chennai, Bangalore, and Tirupati.
• Tirupati airport is the closest, at a distance of 115 km. A cab ride from there will take about 2 hours.
• Further, it will take approximately 3 to 4 hours from the airports in Chennai and Bangalore.

Travel Tips To Visit Sripuram

• A large parking lot is available for vehicles.
• There is drinking water and restrooms both inside and outside the premises.
• The temple has its lodging facilities, but if you want to stay in one of the temple lodges, you must book ahead of time because they are usually full. Other lodging options are also available near the temple.
• Anna prasadam is served daily from 12 pm to 3 pm for free. At other times, they serve pongal prasadam.
• Vegetarian food options are plenty in the temple’s immediate vicinity. People were not friendly in some of the hotels, based on our experience.

General Sripuram Temple Guidelines

• The temple is open from 8 am to 7 pm.
• To enter the temple, you must wear a mask. Inside, cameras and cell phones are not permitted. Furthermore, you must deposit your money at the counter or keep it in your vehicle. There are also separate counters for dropping off luggage and shoes. Devotees should wear appropriate attire.
• There are various queue systems for entering the temple grounds. You have the choice of going in the ‘Free Darshan’ or ‘Paid Darshan’ queues. There is an option of purchasing a 100, 250, or 500 rupee ticket. Buying a 100 or 250 or 500 rupee ticket will save you time. Further, if you buy a VIP ticket for 250 or 500 rupees or more, you will be able to sit in front of the goddess Narayani shrine for Archana and one aarthi. Other ticket holders, on the other hand, are not permitted to sit or stand in front of the shrine for an extended period. Because the shrine is slightly higher for a clear view, you can see a good glimpse of Goddess from either queue.

Overall, a pleasant visit to the temple in a relaxed setting. Viewing the golden temple in the evenings when the lights are turned on is dazzling. The temple’s shadow is reflected in the water surrounding it. Kindly share with us about your visit to Sripuram.