On returning from Tirupati, we headed to the famous Golden Temple of Vellore, a religious center and spiritual park of Sripuram. The temple is amidst green mountains in Malaikodi at Vellore city in Tamil Nadu state, also known as Tirumalaikodi.
As usual, our drive took us through long stretches of green fields, misty mountains, lakes, bridges and small creeks of water flowing below it. It was surprising to note that the small lanes in a remote village would lead us to such splendid beauty of the golden temple located across hundred acres of land.
We get to see the view of the main temple only after entering and reaching the main entrance of the temple; which is gilded with 1500 kg of pure gold, double the 750 kg gilding of the dome of the Golden Temple at Amritsar and believed to be the biggest amount in entire world. The temples houses the deity of Sri Lakshmi Narayani or female consort of Vishnu Narayana.
We need to walk length of over 2 km, featured as a star shaped path as appears from a bird's eye view, like circumambulation to reach the temple, and also keep us healthy. As we walk, we get to read spiritual messages of Guru Shakti Amma that enlightens us and makes us understand the purpose of our existence.
The roof of the temple both within and outside are covered with gold that glitters at all times of the day but especially after sunrise and before sunset due to the sun's angle of elevation. The evening aarti time is something we should not miss. With the small pond surrounding the temple, the reflection of the lights in the waters adds to its beauty. The copper plates are etched with several layers of gold foil over the intricate minute designs of elephants and peacocks and the general temple art designs, which are significant of the Vedas.
As we view the Golden Tower, we can feel the positive energy flowing within us and experience the vibration. We circled the water body and get into the Grbha Gruha to offer prayers and thanked the Goddess for everything.
For devotees, there are special sevas and poojas to perform to the deity. The idol is adorned with gems, gold, diamonds and silver. But, it's not the gold, but the power of the Goddess and the positivity of the temple that makes us visit and worship the deity.
The long wait in the queue finally ended when the curtains were raised by the poojaris after the evening aarti and we could offer our prayers. There are free meals offered to all devotees and of course prasadam made with pure ghee, which is nourishing and filling.
It was very peaceful and relaxing here, unlike the Tirupati temple, where devotees are pushed aside by the security guards as one closes their eyes and prays and which is quite irritating.
In all, I like the ambience and greenery that surrounds the temple and water flowing around it that makes one feel relaxed. It is a must see temple at lease ONCE! :)
Jai Narayani Namostuthe!!
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