Temple trips-Kumbakonam

First visit in Kumbakonam was to Suryanar Temple, dedicated to Sun god. Even this temple is over a thousand years old. There are separate shrines for "navagrahas" around the main deity.

Next stop was thirumanamcheri. This is a Siva temple near Cauvery river.

From Thirumananchary, we went to Thirunageswaram another 1000 year old temple. Beautiful architecture, internal pillars and huge temple pond.

From Thirunageswaram, we went to Alalgudi, a Siva temple. We reached just in time before temple closes for afternoon break.

From Alalgudi, we reached Uppiliappan temple. This is a Vishnu temple.

From uppiliappan temple, we went to Vaitheeswaran kovil. On the way we saw Sri Vittala Rukmani Sthanam. It was not in our itinerary, but the beauty of this temple made us stop for some pictures. We couldin't go inside since it was closed till 4.00PM. (We passed there at 2.00).

Temple trips-Srirangam, Tanjore

Temple trip this year started from Sabarimala.

Next place we visited after Sabarimala was Vekkaliamman Kovil in Trichy. After getting her blessings, we visited Ranganathaswamy temple,Srirangam.
This is a vishnu temple with vast area around the temple complex.

This cop is sitting on steps, but looks like he is riding that elephant!!!

These are some internal halls with many pillars. 

This gentleman seems to be in a good mood.

From Srirangam, we drove to Tanjaur. First stop was Brihadishvara temple. This is a Siva temple, with one of the biggest Siva linga, 3.7mts tall. Quiet an old temple, built around 1003 AD, its architecture is amazing. Legendary "Perunthachan" is believed to be the brain behind this structure.

The Kumbam is approximately 80 tons.

 
The Nandi at entrance is carved from a single 20ton rock.

Next stop was at Punnai Nallur Mariamman temple, also in Tanjavur. We reached there after sundown. Relatively new temple, this was built in 1680. This temple was initially built on a termite mount. We could find lot of small lamps lit inside temple. There was also a classical dance program (small girls dancing, possibly "arangettam") happening.