Sri Lakshmi Narayani Golden Temple is one of the major tourist attractions in Vellore, Tamil Nadu. It is a spiritual haven visited by people from various parts of the world. Devotees of all religions come here for spiritual awakening and to feel liberated.
When we talk about Vellore, we cannot finish it without mentioning Sri Lakshmi Narayani Golden Temple. The temple is situated at the green foothills of Thirumalaikodi in Vellore. Even though it was constructed and consecrated in recent years, its significance in the story of Vellore is very high. Keep reading to learn more about this stunning construction and its story.
History and Background
Sri Lakshmi Narayani Golden Temple was constructed by ‘Sree Narayani Peedam‘, a spiritual community and charitable trust operating in Vellore. They built the temple under the leadership of Sree Shakti Amma/Narayani Amma.
Sree Shakti Amma is the chief of Sree Narayani Peedam, who was considered the reincarnation of Goddess Lakshmi by the devotees.
“Goddess Lakshmi is the wife of Maha Vishnu and the goddess of wealth, power and prosperity.”
Sri Lakshmi Narayani Golden Temple has taken only 7 years to finish its construction, even though it is massive in size.
Sree Narayani Peedam Trust finished its construction in 2007 and was consecrated on August 24, 2007.
The main deity is Maha Lakshmi and they worship the goddess for wealth and prosperity.
Unique Design and Architecture
The construction of the temple was held out according to the Vastu Shastra.
“Vastu Shastra is the Vedic science of construction, which balances universal energy into bringing positivity and harmony to the place.”
The temple covers an area of 100 acres. Ponds, trees, plants, greenery and birds inside the land make it a shrine of calmness and serenity.
The temple is an artisanal wonder that shows the skills of the people who constructed it. The detailing deserves immense praise.
Another notable thing about the Sree Lakshmi Narayani Golden Temple in Vellore is that it is covered with real gold, which weighs 1500 kilograms.
The complex designs on the temple are made by hand. Sree Chakra, the star-shaped path around the temple, is a unique feature of Sree Lakshmi Narayani Golden Temple.
Walking through the Sree Chakra is like taking a journey towards spiritual enlightenment.
The Star-shaped Path (Sri Chakra)
The star-shaped path around the temple signifies the spiritual journey a person has to take to reach divinity.
The shape of it symbolizes the geometric design of Goddess Lakshmi’s cosmic energy.
It is a 1.8 km long path that leads to the main shrine, surrounded by the beauty of the Thirumalaikodi hills.
The scenic beauty of the land and the calming energy of the temple make it one of the favorite places for devotees and tourists alike.
A person has to walk through the Sri Chakra to reach the main shrine, where the idol of Goddess Maha Lakshmi is.
The walls of the Sri Chakra are inscribed with various sacred scriptures related to God, the gift of human birth, the importance of spirituality, etc.
Significance of Gold in the Temple
Would you believe it if I said, in Sree Lakshmi Narayani ‘Golden’ Temple, there is pure gold?
Yes, the idol and the covering of the temple are made using pure gold.
The Golden Temple of Amritsar is made using only 750 KG of gold. But Sree Lakshmi Narayani Golden Temple used 1500 kg of gold.
For the construction of the temple, the artisans converted gold bars into thin sheets and mounted 8 to 9 foils onto copper.
Within the seven years of constructing the temple, it cost over ₹300 crores.
Every design on the temple is connected to the Vedas and the beliefs of Hinduism.
Sree Lakshmi Narayani Golden Temple is not only a spiritual abode of believers and a tourist place. It is a sight to see.
The temple reflects the morning sun and shines throughout the day; such an experience is something we should never miss.
Spiritual Experience at the Temple
The temple is famous for its peaceful and serene environment that calms your mind and makes you feel connected to the divine power inside us.
You can also meditate on the teachings of Sri Narayani Amma written on the walls of the path about human life, spirituality and devotion.
Devotees visit the temple for Darshan to connect with God and to take blessings from Goddess Lakshmi.
The believers are offered various types of ‘Prasadam’, food offerings that are believed to be blessed by the deity. People queue for hours just to have an intake of it.
How to Visit the Temple
Vellore is a place that is connected to the neighboring states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Kerala. Traveling to the temple from these states is easier compared to other states of India.
Visitors can travel by air, road and railway.
Nearest Railway Station
Katpadi Junction – 20 km from the temple
Nearest Airports
Vellore Airport
11.3 km
Tirupati airport
131.1 km
Chennai Airport
148.3 km
Distance From the Temple to Nearby cities
Chennai – 150.4 km
Tirupati – 116.1 km
Bangalore – 207.4 km
Salem – 225 km
Tanjore – 285 km
Where to Stay When You Visit Sri Lakshmi Narayani Golden Temple
Vellore is a famous tourist place in Tamil Nadu with several tourist attractions.
From Vellore Fort, Jalakandeswarar Temple, Yelagiri Hills, Amirthi Zoological Park to Sree Lakshmi Narayani Golden Temple, the city of Vellore has so much to offer its visitors. During the peak times, visitors face difficulty finding places to stay.
Vellore has several hotels that are very hospitable. JK Inn is one of the best hotels in Vellore, which is only 20 minutes away from the temple.
We offer the most luxurious rooms in the city at an affordable rate. We have the service of multilingual staff to break the barriers of language.
If you’re coming to Vellore from Bangalore Airport or Chennai Airport, we offer you a free airport pickup and drop-off.
JK Inn has 50 rooms of varying sizes and facilities. Our rooms are perfect for you, whether you are traveling alone or with your family.
Get in touch with us to book our coziest and most comfortable rooms for a heavenly stay in Vellore.
Conclusion
Sree Lakshmi Narayani Golden Temple is one of the most prominent tourist places in Vellore.
The construction and the artistic carvings of this massive structure covered in gold make it a favorite place for believers and nonbelievers alike.
The temple is a symbol of divinity and spirituality. Every stone and wall of the temple has a Vedic story to tell since its construction is fully connected to the Vedas.
The sight of the temple is not to be missed by any travel enthusiast who loves spiritual retreats and gets connected with the self.
Plan your tour to Vellore today itself and visit Sree Lakshmi Narayani Golden Temple in Vellore.