Last week I visited Swarna Vinayaka Temple near Ponnai town, located in the Vellore district of Tamil Nadu. This place is about 30 kms from Chittoor district. Ponnai is a small town in the border region of Andhra Pradesh(AP) and Tamil Nadu. Chittoor is the southern most district of AP where in the world famous Tirumala Tirupati Temple is located.
On the eve of Ganesh Chathurti, we visited this temple last week. The Swarna Vinayaka Temple near Ponnai is a beautiful temple. Here in this temple, you get to see 2 idols of Lord Ganesha (Vinayaka) inside the sanctum. Of these one is man made and another one is swayambhu (Sanskrit word meaning naturally grown in the shape of a god). This temple has a great architecture, take a look at the pics of this temple here. Since the temple is about 2.5 kms from the town, you still get to feel the village sceneries around with agricultural farms around. Due to this, the premises adjacent to temple is very peaceful without any noticeble external noise. The special pooja’s are offered to the god here in the form of “Maha Ganapati Homa“.
Also, there is a Navagraha Kottai temple (Planets God’s Fort) next to this Ganesha temple. Speciality of this place is that all the 9 planet gods along with their wife/wives are set up individually. At this place, one can perform Navagraha pooja in the form of a ‘homa‘. Rahu-Ketu pooja is done with all proper rituals. Many suggest this place as an alternative to Srikalahasti for the same pooja since all devotees are paid individual attention unlike other temples. Of all the things, my attention was at the internal design and theme of these two temples. I am sure, you would have figured it out by looking at the pics by now. Nice place to visit for sure… Feel free to visit this place sometime.
Gopi says
Hi friends,I am Going from Singapore. I like to visit this temple for some Poojas rituals.For that I need to book the dates suitable for this Pooja prior and they have to make arrangements for that rite.so we should plan accordingly to visit . can anyone pls help to find gurukul no.
Gopi says
Hi friends,I am Going from Singapore. I like to visit this temple for some Poojas rituals.For that I need to book the dates suitable for this Pooja prior and they have to make arrangements for that rite.so we should plan accordingly to visit . can anyone pls help to find gurukul no.
kumar says
Will visit tomorrow. Let you know
Gopi says
Thank u so much.waiting for your reply
Prabhu.S says
Sir this is Prabhu from mylapore chennai. Am going to this temple on 22 of this month. At what time Navagraha homom is available. Kindly let me know.
Prabhu.S says
Sir this is Prabhu from mylapore chennai. Am going to this temple on 22 of this month. At what time Navagraha homom is available. Kindly let me know.
Deepika says
Hello Mohan, I visited to this temple 2 times. But, this time I am little bit confused about opening and closing timing. We are starting this weekend. Pls advise me.
Thank u
Deepika says
Hello Mohan, I visited to this temple 2 times. But, this time I am little bit confused about opening and closing timing. We are starting this weekend. Pls advise me.
Thank u
Magesh says
Hi Deepika,
It will be opening from morning around morning 7 AM – 6 PM.
Regards,
Magesh
V. Suresh says
Dear sir, my name is Suresh from jp nagar bangalore. Sir, I need temple phone number. pls help me
Mohan says
Hi Suresh, I don’t have the number but there are a bunch of readers of this blog who may have the contact number of this Ponnai Temple. Hoping someone can help you here.
abhilash says
Sir
How to reach navagraha temple from Tirupati pls send details
Magesh says
Hi,
From Tirupathi come to Chittor, and from Chittor reach Ponnai(around 22 km from chittor.), from Ponnail you can reach navagraha temple in just less than 3 km.
abhilash says
Sir
How to reach navagraha temple from Tirupati pls send details
Magesh says
Hi,
From Tirupathi come to Chittor, and from Chittor reach Ponnai(around 22 km from chittor.), from Ponnail you can reach navagraha temple in just less than 3 km.
Dakana chari says
Namaskaram sir iam from ananthapur we visted once to ponnai and we paid 300rs for prasadam for monthly service for a year nw i want to get prasadam how much i want to pay pls send the adress we ill send a DD for that adress
ricky says
first of al u may come to, vellore new bus stand, and then each 45 min after u, should get buses for ponai vilage. then u do next step ,get down ponnai stoping ..that u consult there auto drivers. finaly you arive the temple…
Logeswaran says
Hi Deepa,
From Koyambedu you can get Arcot buses and from Arcot you can get ponnai bus.You need to check with people where ponnai buses will stand in arcot.
Once you reach ponnai there are so many Auto will be available from 4.00 A.M to evening 8.00 P.M( 30 rupees per side)
Visit given link: http://www.suyambuganapathy.com/
Logeswaran says
Hi Deepa,
From Koyambedu you can get Arcot buses and from Arcot you can get ponnai bus.You need to check with people where ponnai buses will stand in arcot.
Once you reach ponnai there are so many Auto will be available from 4.00 A.M to evening 8.00 P.M( 30 rupees per side)
Visit given link: http://www.suyambuganapathy.com/
Dheepa says
I would like to go to ponnai vinayagar temple from Chennai. Can u suugest me the bus facilities from Koyambedu bus terminus please?
ricky says
first of al u may come to, vellore new bus stand, and then each 45 min after u, should get buses for ponai vilage. then u do next step ,get down ponnai stoping ..that u consult there auto drivers. finaly you arive the temple…
Dunes Kumar says
Yes available Ponnai bus come very easy 1 Ponnai vai Arcot 2 Ponnai vai thiruttani ..
Sangram Singh says
Pranam
once my sister visted this temple she told the fact.ONe i prayrd that my daughter
has to complete her law.yes god is great and blessed her she compled and once she
enrolled as advocate i will visit the temple and pay my humble respect to the lord for
fulfilling the wishes.
pranams
Sangram Singh says
Pranam
once my sister visted this temple she told the fact.ONe i prayrd that my daughter
has to complete her law.yes god is great and blessed her she compled and once she
enrolled as advocate i will visit the temple and pay my humble respect to the lord for
fulfilling the wishes.
pranams
Mahalakshmi Saravana says
Hello Mr. Mohan!
Many thanks to you for your post on the Navagraha Kottai temple! A documentary of this temple was aired in SUN TV on 26th of January 2013 as a programme entitled “Vaazhkkai Koilgal”. We intend visiting this temple the following Sunday(25.02.2013). In SUN TV it was told that the temple is 40 km away from Thiruthani towards Chittoor in Andhra Pradesh. But here it is being said that it is in Vellore district and is only 35 km away from VIT. Hence, could you please tell us the exact directions from Chennai? It ‘ll be a great favour for us. Looking forward to hear from you soon. Thanking you in anticipation!
Magesh says
If your coming from Chennai, the better way is, come to Ranipet(via poonamalle, sriperambutur highway) and from there just 20-25 kms.
It is the easiest way from chennai to that temple.
Mahalakshmi Saravana says
Hello Mr. Mohan!
Many thanks to you for your post on the Navagraha Kottai temple! A documentary of this temple was aired in SUN TV on 26th of January 2013 as a programme entitled “Vaazhkkai Koilgal”. We intend visiting this temple the following Sunday(25.02.2013). In SUN TV it was told that the temple is 40 km away from Thiruthani towards Chittoor in Andhra Pradesh. But here it is being said that it is in Vellore district and is only 35 km away from VIT. Hence, could you please tell us the exact directions from Chennai? It ‘ll be a great favour for us. Looking forward to hear from you soon. Thanking you in anticipation!
Magesh says
If your coming from Chennai, the better way is, come to Ranipet(via poonamalle, sriperambutur highway) and from there just 20-25 kms.
It is the easiest way from chennai to that temple.
nataraj.g.a says
Dear Mr.Mohan thnaks for giving information on your blog of Ponnai Ganesha Temple, can u exactly guide me a road map from Bangalore to go over there and make a prayer with family, thnaks
Magesh says
Hi Sunil,
Go to this link [+] and u can find gurukkal contact no of this temple.
pragnya says
hey mohan,
can you just let me know the temple timings! the navagraha kottai temple’s timings and the pujas offered there in the temple? is the temple open even in the afternoon at 2?
Magesh says
Hello pragnya,
Temple will be opened from morning to till 7 PM. but navagraha temple will be closed by 6 pm itself.
if u need to know any detail u can visit temple website [+] and there is contact details in this website.
Manjunath says
Mainly do the pooja on saturday & sunday in raghukalam timings.
pragnya says
hey mohan,
can you just let me know the temple timings! the navagraha kottai temple’s timings and the pujas offered there in the temple? is the temple open even in the afternoon at 2?
Magesh says
Hello pragnya,
Temple will be opened from morning to till 7 PM. but navagraha temple will be closed by 6 pm itself.
if u need to know any detail u can visit temple website [+] and there is contact details in this website.
Manjunath says
Mainly do the pooja on saturday & sunday in raghukalam timings.
Sunil says
Hi Mohan,
Could you please share the updated contact details to book the maha homa and rahu kethu pooja. This is very important for me.
your immediate help is highly appreciated.
Thank you for doing a wonderful job, Im sure there are many blessing that will follow you for the good deeds of yours.
god bless
Sunil
Magesh says
Hi Sunil,
Go to this link [+] and u can find gurukkal contact no of this temple.
bindu says
sir, please tell us about the temple timings and the days when they perform ganapathi homam.
thanks
bindu.
Magesh says
Ya sure bindu,
Temple will be opened from early morning to till 7.30 PM. but Navagrha temple will be closed by 6 PM. If visitor want ganapathi homam, they will do it, have to pay some cost for it.
special ganapathy homam will be held on sangada hara sadurthi on every month from evening 6 to 12. that will come after 4th day of Full moon day.
That is the special of that temple.
If u need any other detail about that temple let me know i will tell.
praba says
hai to everyone,
when i was studying i came to this temple i known the village name as vinayagapuram & iam purchased the vella eruku vinayagar. i was searched the temple by this name but i didnt get the result.now i get the village name now iam very happ…….y. i will be go to the temple with my husband & my daughter& my family members.alredy i told about this temple to my amma,akka,husband& my in-laws.now i am very happy.the temple is very nice place
Magesh says
Thanks praba,
to describe about our village temple.
you wanna know more about our temple, have been launched a website http://www.suyambuganapathy.com. You can visit and know more about temple and you can get pictures and songs about temple.
vishu says
We chanced upon the temple on being told by a friend at Vellore. The serene location the calmness of the place is really something to feel than be described. It is one of the temples were you feel so calm that you would like to spend more time and would like to visit it again.
S Sivan says
Hi… I am basically from KONDAREDDYPALLI settled at bangalore… Thanks for publishing this article about our village.. If somebody wants to have a beautiful trip to villages, Ponnai will be your best choice…. A holly place with number of great historical temples around…. VISIT OUR VILLAGE AND ENJOY!!!
REPLY
sivagami says
hiii sivan how r u this is sivagami,now i m n saudi arabia one of my schoolmet name was sivan from ur village may u r the one r who i dont know i have finished my highersecondary 1996 i think u r my 10th classmet ,then how r u ,now u r with ur family
how is prema,our classmet
Magesh says
Dear Mohan,
First thing lot of thanks for you to publish our village temple on net. But the name of the village is Oddeneri (Vinayagapuram).
I am Magesh from Oddeneri village.
Please Upload temple photos, it may useful for others those who willing to visit and they cant.
If need photos to upload please contact me.
One more good news to all people,
New website going to be launch for our village temple by january 23rd 2011.
there is a big function like festival on that day, so many VIP’s are coming including IAS of vellore district.
I am inviting all the people to come and join in the function.
Once again Thanks to Mohan, Specially inviting you.
Thanks & Regards
Magesh.M
Mohan says
Having a webpage of this temple would be awesome! A major milestone I would say. Thanks for the Invite Magesh. I will not be able to make it for the mentioned date, but I will certainly visit sometime soon.
Magesh says
Always welcome!!!
venugopal.p says
Hi Magesh,
This is venugopal P working as asst professor in VIT University.I would like to visit the vinayaga temple. How do I come to oddaneri from vellore and how much time it takes form here. And also I want to know which is the best day in the week.
Magesh says
Hello Sir,
Welcome,
From VIT nearly 35km only, for travel it may take less than one hour by bus.
If u plan to come by own vehicle come to ‘Tiruvalam’ before tiruvalam take left turn and come along with the road. there is only one road.
u will reach ponnai after vallimalai, from there just 2km.
If u plan to come by private bus, there is direct bus to ponnai, from there u can take auto.
u can come by week ends saterday or sunday, if u want know more detail please visit,
http://www.suyambuganapathy.com/
there is a contact detail in that site, u can contact Ramesh gurukkal.
Thank you sir.
angusamy says
hi to all, on 30.08.10 me and my family visited the suyambu vinayagar temple near poonai also navagarha kottai and we had maha homam, its a beautiful moment and we like the pleasent place to pray the god,
Mohan says
Good to know that. May the god’s blessings bring in lot of good health, happiness and may all your wishes come true.
Raju says
Hey can you give some details hw to reach thr from hyd if you know or just let me know from any nearest place…
Where u taken accomidation whn u travel …
Please these needfull things.
Regards,
Raju
Mouli says
Thanks for ur interest
U can come to Chittoor which is just 25 kms away from Ponnai. No accomodation availabile now at the place u can have in chitoor. I think you dont need a way to chittoor.
Magesh says
Hi Mouli,
Thanks for intimation.
But your wrong, Rooms are available for accommodation.
But they collect rent for accommodation.
Sumanth says
This is one of the beautiful place, luckly i was there for 2 days in this place.
we did Naga pratista and homa here. We had a nice discussion with Mr.Velu ( founder of the temple) there is lot to learn from him.
Peaceful place & beautiful temple.
Raju says
Hey dude….
Do you have any idea how to travel from hyd… And also do we need to contact any one to make those homa and Navagrha pooja… Also how abt accommodation..
Can you pls provide the details…
I appreciate u if you reply to this message
sumanth says
Hi Raju,
Its near to Tiruttani just 70km. You can contact Priest by name Ramesh swamigal ( 09442979800).
Accommodation available for visitors, i am not sure of the price…….. as my relative made all the arrangements for my visit.
You can contact above number for more details.
Thanks,
Suman.
Raju says
Hi Suman,
Thank you very much for ur help…..
Regards,
Raju
Maimoona says
hiii sir. I’m from ponnai village. i’m really happy to read about our village in net. I was just searching for ‘ponnai’ and your link appeared on top. I’m really surprised to see your detailed article. Thank you for writing about my village!
Babu Devarajan says
The most impressive thing about this temple is it doesn’t have a hundial I heard the Promoters of this temple are taking care of the maintenance themselves and don’t rely on public offering, The atmosphere and the setup of this temple is something unique and I did felt a vibrant energy flowing here, this is a temple a must see place when you are in pilgrim around the Vellore belt.
sridharan says
Dear all
Please let me know how to reach to this navagraha kottai from Hyderabad. is there any train going very newr to that place.
regards
sridharan
C.Prakash says
Hi… I am basically from Oddaneri Vllage ( Other Name : Vinayagapuram).thank for puplishing this article about our village… Please could you tell the which location temple that name is actually “Oddaneril village”.the founder of temple Mr.Velu (Bangalore). Now his settled in Oddaneril village.After seeing this article i am so happy.I now working as a Estimation Engineer in Abudhabi one of Reputed Big company.
Mohan says
Hi Prakash, nice to know about you. I am glad that I was able to put up an article on your home town. Whenever I visit a place which doesn’t have much info on internet, I plan to convey some message about the place through this mode. I am pleased to read that you liked the article.
Prakash says
Dear Mohan,
That is the rural village last 20yrs before they developed.Temple founder Mr.Velu now oddaneri village only. if u can discuss with him.u will get much more information. It will usefull for your article.
Ganesh says
Hi… I am basically from Ponnai… Thanks for publishing this article about our village.. If somebody wants to have a beautiful trip to villages, Ponnai will be your best choice…. A holly place with number of great historical temples around…. VISIT OUR VILLAGE AND ENJOY!!!
Raju says
Hi Ganesh,
It is really luck guy to born in that village, hey I need small help on this village dude…I am planning to visit the Navagraha temple with my friends, Could you please send the details for the below one’s
1. What is best place to stay there?
2. To whom I need to contact to get more details about pooja.
3. What is the nearest station to get down from train, we are staying in Hyderabad.
4. Is there any other visiting place to visit.
5. Can you please provide ur contact number if possible, so that i can contact u or some else who stays there.
I really thank you in advanced for you great help.
Mohan says
@Naveena
You are most welcome 🙂
@prasad
Yes, this place is also known as Vadneri or vadeneru. I am sorry, I don’t have any contact number as such. It is better to go there during Rahukal. Appropriate days would be either Saturday or Monday.
Usually, temple opens at around 5:45 in the morning. I am not sure till what time it will be open during the evenings.
prasad says
hi dear Mohan. The info on this temple is very useful. can you pl clarify few more things as I will have to go there to perform rahu-ketu puja. Is this place called Vadeneru (near Ponnai)? Do you any contact telephone number of the temple or its purohit/manager etc so as to set up a prior appointment for performing the puja. what are timings of the temple?
Naveena says
Hey Mohan, thanks for the info about this temple. I will be visiting Tiruttani this weekend. From your map link, I could make out that this temple is on way to that place. I shall visit this temple. Thanks for including the map and specialilty of the temple.