Back to Results
Temple Image

Sri Gopalakrishna Swamy Temple

Thiru Kavalampaadi, also known as the Gopalakrishna Perumal Temple, is situated in the Tanjore district of Tamil Nadu, about 5 miles from the Vaiteeswaran Kovil railway station. This temple is one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is renowned for its Dravidian architectural style. The temple hosts four daily rituals. Although bus services are available from the railway station, there are limited accommodation options in the area.

Timings

Opens from 6.00 am to 6.00pm

Entry Fee

Free of cost

Origin/History :-


Thirukkavalampadi, also known as the Gopalakrishna Perumal Temple, is located in Thirunangur, a village on the outskirts of Tiruchirappalli in Tamil Nadu, South India. Dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu, the temple is constructed in the Dravidian architectural style and is celebrated in the Divya Prabandha, a Tamil canon of the Azhwar saints from the 6th to 9th centuries AD. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped here as Taamariyaal Kelvan, with his consort Lakshmi known as Shegamalavalli.


Puranic Significance :-



According to legend, the 11 temples of Thirunangur are closely interlinked. After Sati (Datchayini) sacrificed herself in Daksha's Yaga, Shiva danced furiously, carrying her body. Each time his matted hair touched the ground, eleven forms of Shiva appeared. The celestial deities feared that this dance would lead to the destruction of creation, so they sought Maha Vishnu's help to stop Shiva. Upon seeing Vishnu, Shiva calmed down and requested Vishnu to appear in eleven different forms at Thirunangur. Vishnu, known here as Tamaraikannudiyabiran (the one with lotus eyes), obliged.


Another legend recounts that Satyabhama wished for a Parijatha flower. Krishna searched for it without success and performed penance to Shiva, who revealed this place rich with Parijatha flowers. Krishna, along with his consorts Bama and Rukmani, resided here, making it akin to the Southern Dwaraka.

The term "Kavalam" refers to a dense flower forest or a small quantity of food. Krishna is said to accept whatever is offered by devotees, which is why the place is named Kavalampadi. Notably, there is no madapalli (kitchen) for cooking offerings at this temple.

In another legend, Rudra (Shiva) severed the fifth head of Brahma, which led to the Brahmahathi dosham (sin). To atone, Rudra worshipped Krishna of this temple.


Additionally, Vishvaksena was the son of Kundalai and Varuna, the rain god. Kundalai was cursed by Indra to be reborn as a hunter's daughter. Varuna, who loved her, fathered Vishvaksena. Through penance, Vishvaksena became the head of the Nithyasuris and attained Paramapada. Vishvaksena had the divine vision of Narayana in the form of Krishna at this temple.

Do's and Don'ts

  1. Pray to Your Ishta Devata before starting your pilgrimage.
  2. Contact the Temple Information Center for details and pooja arrangements.
  3. Reserve Travel and Accommodation in advance.
  4. Bat and Wear Clean Clothes before entering.
  5. Focus on the Deity during your visit.
  6. Maintain Silence and recite your mantra quietly.
  7. Follow Temple Customs and Traditions.
  8. Respect Religious Sentiments.
  9. Deposit Offerings only in the hundi.


  1. Don’t Visit for Non-Worship Reasons.
  2. No Smoking or Alcohol.
  3. Avoid Non-Vegetarian Food in the temple area.
  4. Don’t Use Mediators for quick darshan.
  5. No Weapons or Headgear.
  6. Avoid Sastanga Pranama inside the Sanctum Sanctorum.
  7. Be Brief during Sparsa Darshanam.
  8. Don’t Buy Prasadams from unauthorised vendors.
  9. Avoid Encouraging Beggars.
  10. No Spitting or Creating Nuisance.


Dress Code

For Men:

  1. Wear Traditional Attire: Preferably a dhoti or lungi with a shirt or kurta.
  2. Avoid Western Wear: Avoid jeans, shorts, or t-shirts.

For Women:

  1. Wear Traditional Attire: Preferably a saree, salwar kameez, or churidar.
  2. Avoid Revealing Clothing: Avoid short skirts, sleeveless tops, or any attire considered inappropriate.

How to reach

By Train:

Nearest Railway Station: Vaitheeswaran Koil Railway Station (approximately 5 miles from the temple). From Station: Take a taxi or auto-rickshaw to the temple.

By Bus:

  1. From Tanjore: Buses run from Tanjore to Thirukkavalampadi. Check local bus schedules for timings.
  2. From Trichy (Tiruchirappalli): Buses are available to Tanjore, and from there, you can take another bus or taxi to the temple.

Nearby Cities and Rivers

Rivers:

  1. Kaveri River: The Kaveri River is one of the major rivers in Tamil Nadu and flows relatively close to Thirukkavalampadi. It is a significant river for the region and plays a crucial role in agriculture and the local economy.
  2. Vettar River: A tributary of the Kaveri, the Vettar River flows through parts of the Tanjore district, including areas near Thirukkavalampadi.


Cities:

  1. Tanjore (Thanjavur): Approximately 20 kilometres from Thirukkavalampadi, Tanjore is a major city known for its historical temples, including the Brihadeeswarar Temple, and its rich cultural heritage.
  2. Trichy (Tiruchirappalli): About 50 kilometres away, Trichy is a significant city in Tamil Nadu with historical sites such as the Rock Fort Temple and the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam.
  3. Kumbakonam: Around 40 kilometres from Thirukkavalampadi, Kumbakonam is known for its numerous temples and is a prominent city in the Tanjore district.
  4. Thiruvarur: Located approximately 70 kilometres away, Thiruvarur is known for its ancient temples and is an important pilgrimage site in Tamil Nadu.