Kottaimalai Venugopala Swamy Temple, Padavedu

Address

Kottaimalai, Padavedu,

Thiruvannamalai district,

Tamil Nadu -635703

Moolavar

Venugopala Swamy

Amman

Rukmini and Sathyabama

Introduction

The temple for Lord Venugopala Swamy is located on the top of Raja Kambeera Mountain popularly known as Kottaimalai. This is 3 KM away from Arulmigu Renugambal temple on the western side. The height of the mountain top is 2500 feet. The only route available to this temple is a Ghat road running through thick and beautiful forest.

Puranic Significance

The sanctum was beautiful flute playing Lord Venugopala Swamy is in a standing posture along with his consorts Rukmini and Satyabama. The idols of this temple are known for their artistic beauty. The Temple is believed to be 1000 years old.

This Ancient Sambuvarayar period stone temple has a beautiful stone Dhwajasthambham with the lightning arrestor at the top. There are two water streams (sunai) on either side of the temple and water from one of them is very clean and is being used for drinking and Abhishekham. Due to the 2500 feet height factor and the many mountains around, a very strong and cool breeze blows out at the mountain top. This temple for Lord Venu Gopala Swamy opens only on Saturdays from 9AM to 4 PM.

Festivals

During a Purattasi Saturday, sun rays falls on the foot of the deity and raises to head during the early morning hours. Some say that this happens on the third Saturday. There will be 100s of people staying overnight to witness the event and the place wears a festive look with good lightings. Lot of Annadhanams by many people takes place on the mountain top temple.