There are many pilgrimage trains that are popular with pilgrims who are looking for a spiritually complete journey. There are a lot of trains currently which take you on a religion specific journey from Buddhist Circuit Tourist Train to Panj Takht Express which covers the sacred gurudwaras of Sikhism. Ram Sethu Express is a Bharat Darshan package which connects devotees of Hinduism with their deities in South India.
The itinerary includes a visit to 15 temples including 9 Navgraha tempels that pay tribute to celestial planets. First up is the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple which is one of the eight self -manifested shrines of Lord Vishnu that has statue of the deity in reclining form. Next in line is Samayapuram Mariamman temple where Goddess Sakhti safeguards the devotees who venerate her with all their devotion. Jambukeswarar Temple is admired for its Dravidian architecture which is spread over 18 acres of land showcasing 5 prakrams. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Ramanathaswamy temple is a holy site of immense importance dedicated to Lord Shiva which witnesses hundreds of devotees especially on the occasion of Mahashivratri. Meenakshi Amman Temple is a massive structure that is both overwhelming and disorienting . It is dedicated to goddess Parvati and is covered in painted sculptures of divine and demonic figures. Thanjavur Brahadeeswara Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site that is also the seventh largest Hindu temple in the world. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a supreme example of Dravidian architecture.
After a fascinating tour of all these temple tourists proceed towards Nine Navgraha Temples which are covered one by one. Below is the description of the temples and what one may find there :-
House of Chandran
Named Kailasanathar, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Chandran (Moon). The most famous of all Navgraha temples, it is popular for its pristine Dravidian architecture and surrounding holy waters of the river Cauvery.
House of Saturn
Visit Tirunallar temple, dedication to Shani (Saturn) to be serenaded by hymns from the 7th century accompanied with the signature Ajapa Thanam processional dance.
House of Guru
This monumental temple is dedicated to Guru (jupiter) and is famous for its 5-tiered entrance or Rajgopuram. The temple hosts spectacular festivals with Brahmotsavam being the most major celebration one can come across.
House of Sukran
With Sukra (Venus) as it’s presiding deity, this temple is also dedicated to Lord Shiva. Marked by a magnificent 5-tier Rajagopuram, the temple also has two prakarams for its worshippers.
House of Raghu
Visit the enchanting temple bejeweled by 4 gopurams or entrance towers and witness one of the most beautiful ornamental temple halls built in the Nayak period. The temple worships Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati and Rahu (Uranus).
House of Sooriyan
A spectacle of prime Dravidian architecture, the temple is dedicated to Surya (Sun). What sets this temple apart is the granite wall that encloses all the shrines of the temple.
House of Kethu
Dedicated to Ketu (Neptune) and Lord Shiva, this beautiful temple inculcates Dravidian architecture. The main attractions include a 2-tier rajgopuram and 2 prakarams.
House of Budhan
Built to worship Budha (Mercury), this temple is visited by worshippers looking for wisdom and intellect. It is said that offering prayers at this temple helps overcome difficulty in studies, nervous disorders and mental instability.
House of Mars
Dedicated to Angaraakan (Mars) and Lord Shiva in the form of Vaidyanathar, this Navgraha temple is believed to have healing powers. A dip in the holy waters at the temple is known to cure all diseases.
An extensive tour of all the prominent temples of Tamil Nadu is not all that the package consists of. The tour has been compiled after taking in all factors which will make one’s journey comfortable and spiritually overwhelming. The facilities include all meals on board – breakfast, lunch and dinner, a pantry car to cater to your regular hunger pangs at irregular hours, road transport between destinations, night stays at Dharamshalas and a tour guide for a complete overview of temples and the legends associated with the gods worshipped here.
Moreover, passengers need not worry about the security of their belongings as adequate protection is provided on board to keep one’s possessions safe. Fresh Up facilities are also provided at train stations where passengers can relax and recharge themselves for travelling to the next destination.
To book your package, visit: https://www.irctctourism.com/pacakage_description?packageCode=SZBD350