There is an update to my Blog with a travelogue to Sri Venugopala Swamy Temple at Kottaimalai (Padavedu):
Highlights:
· Ancient Sambuvarayar period stone temple with a beautiful stone dwajasthambam · Opens only on Saturdays from 9AM to 4PM and is located on top of the Raja Gambeera Mountain popularly known as Kottaimalai at a height of about 2500 feet. · The only route available is a ghat road running through a thick and beautiful forest. A breath taking journey to this temple can be performed partly by a specially made tractor which takes people to the foot of the temple from where there are about 350 steps to climb. En route one has to pass through a few iron bridges constructed around the hill which are engineering marvels. · Due to the 2500 feet height factor and the many mountains around, a very strong and cool breeze blows out at the mountain top and one has to stand very carefully with a firm grip on the ground. · The main deity is the beautiful Lord Venugopala Swamy standing in a very stylish posture playing flute along with his consorts Rukmini and Satyabhama. · A temple not to be missed since this has something for all types/ ages of people - as a spiritual place and as a pleasure spot - so near Chennai. · Not possible to miss the temple once seen in photos