Temples & Other interesting Places
1. Sri Gowmariamman Temple :
Sri Gowmariamman Temple at Veerapandi is located 6 kms from Theni. This temple attracts many pilgrims from Southern Tamilnadu. This 14th century temple was built by the king ‘Pandya’. He is said to have vision by praying the lord Sri Gowmariamman and Kanneeswaramudayar. The important festivels of Sri Gowmariamman Temple falls in May, are celebrated for 8 days with gaiety.
2. Veerappa Ayyanar Temple :
Veerappa Ayyanar Temple is situated 3 km away from Theni-Allinagaram town. Here lord Veerappa Ayyanar is said to be a ‘Suyambu’ (self appeared idol). The temple is very popular in Theni district and festival is being celebrated on the first day of Tamil month ‘Chitrai’.
3. Mavoothu Velappar Temple :
Velappar Temple at Mavoothu is situated in the Varusanadu hill ranges, 35 kms. away from Theni. The main shrine is Velappar (Lord Subramaiya). The temple also has shrines of Vinayaka and Sapthakannikas). The temple is very popular in and around Theni. In Tamil months Adi and Thai, ‘Adi Amavasai’ (Amavasai – new moon day), ‘Thai Amavasai’ are celebrated with gaiety. Annual festivel fall in the Tamil month ‘Chitrai’ is also celebrated. Saneeswarar (Saturn) Temple :Saneeswarar(Saturn) temple at Kuchanoor is situated 25 kms away from Theni. Saturn or Saneeswarar is the main deity worshipped here. Here, he is also called ‘Kuchanooran’. This is the only temple in India, which means solely for Lord Saneeswarar, ie he is present in splendid isolation benefit of other planets. Saneeswarar is said to be a ‘Suyambu’ (self appeared idol). This temple attracts many pilgrims from all over India. Every year the festival is being celebrated on every Saturday of the Tamil month ‘Adi’.
4. Saneeswarar (Saturn) Temple :
Saneeswarar(Saturn) temple at Kuchanoor is situated 25 kms away from Theni. Saturn or Saneeswarar is the main deity worshipped here. Here, he is also called ‘Kuchanooran’. This is the only temple in India, which means solely for Lord Saneeswarar, ie he is present in splendid isolation benefit of other planets. Saneeswarar is said to be a ‘Suyambu’ (self appeared idol). This temple attracts many pilgrims from all over India. Every year the festival is being celebrated on every Saturday of the Tamil month ‘Adi’.
5. Kannaki (Tamil Goddess) Temple:
The Kannaki Temple situated 70 kms from Theni, in Tamil Nadu territory and 40 feet from the Kerala boundary. Kannaki Temple is also known as Mangala Devi Temple. Kannaki is the heroine of Tamil literature ‘Silapathikaram’, written by Tamil poet Ilango Adigal. After Kovalan’s death (Kannaki’s husband) Kannaki curses the city of Madurai, which brought such a calamity on her. As soon as she utters the curse, the city goes into flames. After the destruction of Madurai, to prove her spinster she walked towards west of Madurai and left her final breath in the top. On her memory in that place, the then Tamil King Cheran Chengutuvan erected this temple. From then, Tamils worshipping the Goddess Kannaki, in the month of every April – May on full moon day (‘Chitra Powrnami’).
6. Kamatchi Amman Temple :
Kamatchi Amman Temple at Devadanapatti is situated on the banks of ‘Manjalar’ River. This 200 years old temple is located 30 kms north from Theni. The doors of ‘Karuvarai’ (sanctum) never opened. so, all pujas are offered only to the portals. The important festivals are Masi Maham and Shivarathri which falls February – March. Special poojas will be performed on ‘pournami’ (fullmoon day) of every month.
7. Vaigai Dam :
The main tourist spot Vaigai Dam is built across the River Vaigai, near Aundipatti, 15 Kms away from Theni. Its height is of 106 feet, length of 11,675 feet and storage of water is 71 feet. The dam is unique for the lighting in the evening of Saturdays and Sundays and garden around it. The children park, Zoo and Play field are other attractions for children.
8. Kumbakkarai Falls :
The Kumbakkarai Falls is an important place of Tamilnadu tourist attractions. It is surrounded with forest and is located at 24 kms from Theni. The water originates in Kodaikanal hills. The water flows throughout the year. The water of this falls contains goodness of minerals and herbals. As it is in the foothills of Kodaikanal, it is adventure for students of trekking to reach Kodaikanal by walk through ghat.
9. Suruli Falls :
Suruli falls is located 45 kms south from Theni. It falls from a height of 150 feet gathers in to a pool. The dense forest that surround it provides s spectacular sight of natures beauty. The special feature of the fall is water flows throughout the year. The holy water is said to cure several incurable diseases. The beauties of Suruli falls and Suruli hill are mentioned in the Tamil epic ‘Silappathikaram’. Surli Andavar temple known as Suruli Velappar Temple situated here is also attracts more pilgrims.
10. Thekkady :
Thekkady is situated 65 kms north from Theni at the border of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. It is a reservoir surrounded by forest. As this forest is a sanctuary of animals like elephant, sambar, wild boars, bison and we can have a closer look at animal while boating. The sanctuary offers an enchanting view of the wild life by taking a boat trip in the lake. Jungle walks can also be interesting. The best time to visit the sanctuary is between September and May.