Sri Lakshmi Narayani Golden Temple — Attraction in Tamil Nadu

I had a mixed experience today. Some of the staffs are very humble and kind; and some of them are irresponsible and unkind.

Let me explain our experiences one by one, so that Sakthi Amma or temple management will take necessary actions to correct some of the issues in the temple in the near future.

At the counter, we bought 250 rupees ticket for darshan; also bought a ticket for wheelchair usage but I paid 100 rupees for it. However, they give a bill only for 50 rupees. When I ask for the change, they said they will return only if I return the wheel chair within 1 hour. Based on my experience, it's not possible to return the wheel chair within 1hour as the temple size is very huge. So, It would be better if they give 100 rupees ticket directly to the devotees, instead of 50 rupees. Because the remaining 50 rupees is now unaccounted. The person in the counter mentioned that they will pay the remaining 50 rupees as donation if I came late. However, I am not aware how that remaining money was used.

This temple is wheel chair accessible, and that needs to be highly appreciated. Because most of the famous temples in Tamilnadu, not wheelchair accessible. Most of the security staffs are friendly while entering the temple. They also guided us how to reach the sanctum without any hustle.

Since we bought 250 rupees, we were allowed to sit infront of Sri Lakshmi Narayani for few minutes, and thats the divine experience. However, they didn't allow the wheelchair near the sanctum, so my mom felt difficulties while sitting infront of the goddess. It would be great if the old-age people/ physically challenged people to use wheelchair near the sanctum as well. Because, they also deserve to see the archana and arthi without any pain in their body.

While return back from the sanctum, we decided to visit Swarna Lakshmi as well, so we bought 100 rupees ticket again inside the temple. This place is not wheelchair accessible, so it's difficult for old-age/ physically-challenged people. However, we waited in a long queue to pour water to Swarna Lakshmi. The priest in this temple is not kind and he didn't allow me to pour the water fully by myself. Instead, he pulled the water from my hand, and poured it by himself within a second. (We people see the idol as God, the priest see the Swarna Lakshmi as just idol, and thats why he just poured the entire water from my hand within a second.) It's not because of the time constraints because only very few people standing behind us in the morning. Moreover, he allowed a lady, who gave money to him, to pour water by herself. I had a full disappointment with his behaviour today. I hope Sakthi Amma/Temple management should take necessary action to fix this problem.

While return back, near the perumal temple, the exit road was blocked. So, we returned back in the entry path as we used the wheelchair. After moving for quite some length in the entry path, security near that place ask us to use the exit path. When I said it was blocked. He asked us to go underneath the chain in between the barricade. He didn't provide any help to cross the barricade. I finally, I removed the chain by self and cross the barricade. It would be better if there's no barricade in the exit path in the future.

Hope my message will reach Sakthi Amma/Temple management! Om...

The Sri Puram Golden Temple, also known as the Golden Temple of Vellore, is a spiritual park located in Thirumalaikodi, a small village near Vellore in Tamil Nadu, India. It is one of the most striking and opulent temples in India, dedicated to the Hindu goddess Sri Lakshmi Narayani. The temple is renowned for its massive structure, entirely covered in pure gold, making it a popular pilgrimage and tourist attraction.

History and Background

Inception and Purpose: The Sri Puram Golden Temple was conceived and constructed by spiritual leader Sri Sakthi Amma, also known as Narayani Amma. Amma is believed by followers to be an incarnation of the goddess Narayani (an aspect of Lakshmi). The temple was built to serve as a spiritual center to guide individuals towards peace, happiness, and divine wisdom.

Construction: The temple's construction began in the early 2000s and took approximately seven years to complete, with its inauguration in 2007. The temple complex is spread over 100 acres and is set within a serene natural landscape. The temple itself is located at the center of a star-shaped pathway that symbolizes the Sri Chakra, which holds a significant place in Hindu spirituality and tantra.

Golden Architecture: The temple is entirely coated with pure gold foil, covering both its exterior and interior. It is estimated that over 1500 kg of gold was used in the construction of the temple. Skilled artisans from various parts of India were employed to create intricate designs, carving elaborate patterns into the gold-coated structures, which display traditional Dravidian architectural elements. The gold coating process itself took nearly six years to complete.

Spiritual and Social Role: The temple, beyond being a marvel of gold architecture, serves as a spiritual hub that promotes teachings on dharma (righteous living), charity, and devotion. Sri Sakthi Amma founded the Narayani Peedam, an ashram that is part of the temple complex, offering various spiritual programs, social welfare projects, education, and healthcare initiatives.

The temple encourages visitors to walk the star-shaped path towards the sanctum, symbolizing the journey towards enlightenment. It serves not only as a place of worship but also as a center for meditation and spiritual education.

Visiting the Temple: The Golden Temple attracts thousands of devotees and tourists daily. The atmosphere is serene, and the temple's reflective pool, gardens, and the star-shaped path create a calming environment for meditation and prayer. Photography inside the temple is generally not allowed to maintain the sanctity of the spiritual space.

In conclusion, the Sri Puram Golden Temple stands as a unique symbol of devotion and spirituality, combining modern craftsmanship with ancient religious practices. Its opulent design and deep spiritual mission make it a notable landmark both for religious followers and for those interested in...

Golden Temple - Sripuram

The temple is located on 100 acres.

Constructed by the Vellore-based charitable trust, Sri Narayani Peedam, headed by its spiritual leader Sri Sakthi Amma.

Every single detail was manually created, including converting the gold bars into gold foils and then mounting the foils on copper.

Gold foil from 9 layers to 10 layers has been mounted on the etched copper plates.

Every single detail in the temple art has significance from the vedas.

The forehead or crown of the Temple has some of the most intricate designs ever seen in the Indian construction.

It is carved with complex art forms in gold and silver.

The development of this awe-inspiring forehead was completed on 24th August 2007.

It is believed that more than 1500 kg. of gold was used to make the forehead.

The location of the temple has been decided by taking “Vastu” , which is a traditional Hindu system of architecture into account.

Sri Lakshmi Golden Temple has been built in the center of a star-shaped path so that it absorbs a lot of positive energy from nature.

This star-shaped path is called “Sri Chakra”. The path to the temple stretches for around 1.8 km.

The Vellore Golden Temple history elucidates that this location is a source of peace, tranquility and relaxation for the devotees.

It is believed that ardent devotees who walk through this star-shaped path are blessed to read the messages of justice and truth which allow them to transform into powerful and supreme creatures.

The penultimate goal is to kindle concrete faith in Almighty and the ultimate aim is to change people.

People who practice different religions and faiths are allowed to enter the temple and offer their prayers.

The visiting hours are usually between 8 am. to 8 pm. with an exception of special occasions wherein the timings may be adjusted as per the needs and convenience.

Vellore Golden Temple dress code is also a strict one. A casual and elegant outfit is the best when visiting the temple.

One should avoid any kind of extravagant outfit. After all, you are going to offer prayers and not for ramp walking.

When visiting any Hindu temple, it is best to wear something ethnic or traditional. Kurti with churidar or Patiala and saree are the best options for women.

For males, kurta with pyjama or dhoti and jeans with shirt are ideal options.

When opting for any Western outfit, ensure that its length is well below your knees. Carrying any kind of head cover such as dupatta, scarf or handkerchief is the...