Thiru Kovilur, also known as Tirukovilur, is a historically and spiritually significant town located in Kallakurichi district, Tamil Nadu, India. It is
famous for its ancient temples, especially the
Ulagalantha Perumal Temple and Veeratteswarar Temple, and is closely associated with Tamil saints and spiritual legends.
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Key Attractions in Thiru Kovilur
1. Ulagalantha Perumal Temple (Vishnu Temple)
Deity: Lord Vishnu as Trivikrama (Ulagalantha Perumal)
Importance: One of the 108 Divya Desams (holy shrines of Lord Vishnu)
Legend: Based on the Vamana avatar of Vishnu, where he measured the world in
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The temple story and nearest famous places around Thiru Kovilur (Tirukoilur):
🛕 Thiru Kovilur Temple Story
📍 Ulagalantha Perumal Temple (Vishnu Temple)
One of the 108 Divya Desams – sacred Vishnu temples sung by Alwars.
Dedicated to Lord Vishnu as Trivikrama (Ulagalantha Perumal – "One who measured the worlds").
📜 Legend (Story):
Lord Vishnu incarnated as Vamana, a dwarf Brahmin, to humble the demon king Mahabali, who had conquered the three worlds.
Vamana asked for three feet of land as alms.
Once granted, he grew into a giant form (Trivikrama) and:
1. Covered Earth in one step
2. Sky and heavens in the second
3. Placed the third on Mahabali’s head, pushing him to the netherworld.
Lord Vishnu's footprint is worshipped here as part of the temple structure.
🌟 Special Features:
Rajagopuram (Main tower): 11 tiers and 192 feet high – one of the tallest in Tamil Nadu.
Moolavar (Main deity): Ulagalantha Perumal in majestic form with one leg raised.
Thayar (Goddess): Poonkoval Nachiyar.
The temple is also the meeting place of the three Alwars – Poigai, Bhoothath, and Pey Alwar – who composed hymns here.
Unique Sanctum Sanctorum showing the Vamana to Trivikrama transition.
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🛕 Veeratteswarar Temple (Shiva Temple)
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Lord Shiva killed the demon Andhakasura here.
The place is one of the Ashta Veeratta Sthalams – 8 sacred sites where Shiva performed fierce heroic acts.
Lord is known as Veeratteswarar, and his consort is Periyanayagi Amman.
🌟 Special Features:
Very ancient temple architecture with inscriptions from Chola and Pandya eras.
Known for its massive Lingam and powerful spiritual aura.
Important for Shaivites and devotees performing rituals for removal of obstacles.
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🗺️ Nearest Famous Places Around Thiru Kovilur
1. Tiruvannamalai – 🔥 Arunachaleswarar Temple (37 km)
One of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams – representing fire (Agni).
Massive temple complex and famous Annamalai Deepam festival.
Sacred for Girivalam (circumambulation) of Arunachala Hill.
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2. Gingee Fort (45 km)
Historic hill fort built by Cholas and expanded by Marathas and French.
Known as the “Troy of the East” due to its massive fortifications.
Great for trekking, photography, and history lovers.
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3. Melmalayanur Angala Parameswari Temple (35 km)
Powerful Goddess temple where Lakshmi worshipped Parvati.
Especially famous on New Moon (Amavasya) days.
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4. Villupuram (30 km)
Major town and railhead.
Access to multiple temples and junction for trains across Tamil Nadu.
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5. Thirukameswarar Temple, Villianur (Puducherry) (80–90 km)
Ancient Shiva temple known for festivals like Panguni Brahmotsavam.
Often visited in combination with Pondicherry trips
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The nearest railway station to Thiru Kovilur (Tirukoilur) is:
🚉 Tirukoilur Railway Station (Code: TRK)
Located directly in Thiru Kovilur town
Falls under Southern Railway, Tiruchchirappalli division
Features 3 platforms and handles approximately 20–30 trains daily, including major express and passenger services
📍 Station Details:
Address: Railway Station Road, SH-7 (MG Road), Arakandanallur, Tirukoilur, Kallakurichi district, Tamil Nadu, PIN 605752
Elevation: Around 99 m above sea level
Station Code: TRK
🚆 Connectivity Highlights:
Hosts a mix of local passenger trains and long-distance express services
First train often arrives early morning (around 03:56–04:50); last departures late evening (around 22:30–22:42)
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Distance from Tiruvannamalai
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The distance from Tiruvannamalai to Thiru Kovilur (Tirukoilur) is approximately:
🛣️ 37 km by road
🕒 Travel time: 45 minutes to 1 hour
🚗 Route: Via NH77 / SH9
Tiruvannamalai → Thenmathur → Arakandanallur → Tirukoilur
🚆 By Train
Distance: Around 36–38 km
Travel time: Approximately 40–50 minutes
Trains: Several passenger and express trains run between Tiruvannamalai (TNM) and Tirukoilur (TRK)
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