Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary – Virudhunagar

Srivilliputhur Wildlife Sanctuary

The Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary also known as Srivilliputhur Wildlife Sanctuary is located mostly in Virudhunagar district and partly in Madurai district. The sanctuary is bounded by Andipatti hills to the north, Tirunelveli district to the south, Srivilliputhur and Rajapalayam towns to the east and Theni district to the west. This sanctuary shares borders with Periyar Tiger Reserve on the South western side, Megamalai Reserve Forest on the North western side and Sivagiri Reserve Forest on to the Southern side.

The sanctuary was established in the year 1988 with an aim to protect the vulnerable giant squirrel. It covers an area of 485 square kilometres in the eastern slope of the Western Ghats.

The Sanctuary – Nature’s Treasure Trove

The sanctuary and its surroundings are abounding with natural beauty with serene valleys and high hills with a number of peaks reaching upto 5,900 feet.

The rivers Periyar, Naragaiar, Pachaiar, Mangar, Kovilar and Pairakudraiar run through the sanctuary providing water in the region for vegetation and wildlife. The Pilavakkal and Koilar Dam are found at the foothills of the sanctuary that attract a large number of tourists to have a divine experience watching the wildlife and birds. Sanctuary offers its visitors a venturesome experience through trekking and can be visited throughout the year.

The place is ideal for nature walks, bird watching, jungle safaris, trekking and to enjoy the serene ambience of the woods.Tourists can avail accommodation at the Forest Guest House at Mudungiar, Pudupatti and Mudaliaroothu or at the PWD Rest House at Srivilliputhur. Transportation and guides are also provided by the forest officials.

Flora and Fauna

The sanctuary has some of the rare and endemic species. In addition to grizzled giant squirrels, other animals spotted here are elephants, Bengal tiger, Nilgiri langur, Nilgiri Tahrs, gaur etc. Some of the rare migratory birds, over more than 275 species of birds, numerous reptiles and over 220 species of butterflies can be seen in the sanctuary. The Grizzled Squirrel (Ratufa Macroura) is the crown jewel of this verdant retreat.

Several water sources help the sustenance of ecology by feeding the dense vegetation and flora in the sanctuary. The sanctuary is inhabited by rich and varied fauna owing to the diverse forest formations. The forest that comprises of the sanctuary is a terrestrial combination of tropical evergreen forest, semi evergreen forest, dry deciduous forest, moist mixed deciduous forest, grasslands and cultivated land.

Useful Information for Tourists

The Sanctuary is open on all days from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The fee details are as below:

• Entry Fee (below the age of 5 years) : Free
• Entry fee (from the age of 5 to 12 years) : Rs. 10/-
• Entry Fee (for adults) : Rs.15/-
• Parking Fee : Rs. 15/-
• Still Camera Fee : Rs. 25/-
• Video Camera Fee : Rs. 150/-

How to reach Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary

The sanctuary can be reached via road, the outskirts of the sanctuary are connected by national Highways NH 41, 44 and 186. The sanctuary is located at a distance of 45 kilometres from Virudhunagar town from where TNSRTC buses can be availed. Srivilliputhur Railway Station (5 kilometres away) and Virudhunagar Railway Station (15 kilometres away) are the nearest railway stations to the sanctuary. Madurai houses the closest airport to the sanctuary (around 100 kilometres away).

Shenbaga Thoppu Meenvetti Parai Falls is found in Shenbaga Thoppu, a forest area on the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats. ‘Thoppu’ in Tamil means ‘groves’, and Shenbaga Thoppu is one of the most ancient natural groves of Tamilnadu. The forest is at a distance of around 8 kms from Srivilliputhur in Virudhunagar District. The forest surroundings are a habitat for tribal communities. It is a good option for trekking and is considered to be one of the best reserve forest areas in the State.

The forest is home for many rare and endemic varieties of flora and fauna. It also encompasses the Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary which spreads over 480 square kilometers. The sanctuary hosts different varieties of animals and birds. The sanctuary is bordered by Periyar Tiger Reserve on the southwestern side and the Megamalai Reserve Forest on the northwestern side.

The Meenvetti Parai Falls is a serene place to relax and refresh yourself with a bath. It is at its best in the rainy and winter season (June to February). It is advisable to carry essentials such as water and snacks as you would not find many shops in the forest area.

The place is connected by bus service from Srivilliputhur but is easier to reach the forest area by two-wheeler or cycle. Accommodation could be availed at Srivilliputhur which is just 8 kilometers from the Sanctuary. There is good rail connectivity from Madurai and Chennai to Srivilliputhur. Srivilliputhur is around 75 kilometers from Madurai.

Sathuragiri Hills

Sathuragiri hills are around 15 km from Watrap or Vathirayiruppu village near Srivilliputhur. Sathuragiri Shiva Temple surrounded by mountains is referred to as the abode of Lord Shiva and the innumerable saints who are still believed to religiously worship Lord Shiva in Sathuragiri Hills. The name “Sathuragiri” is supposed to be derived from the Sanskrit term “Chattur” meaning four and “Giri” meaning hills, and so it is “the place where all four Vedas meet and become one”. Some also believe that since the hills are square (Chathuram) in shape, hence the name Sathuragiri.

History of Sathuragiri Hills:

History has it that one day Lord Shiva came to the temple disguised as a devotee and struck a conversation with the priest. When the priest informed Lord Shiva about how the temple was a very old one and belonged to its landlord, Lord Shiva conveniently claimed that the temple and surrounding land belonged to him. In order to prove his point, Lord Shiva asked the priest to take all the land that he needs. To this, the priest replies, after having thought for a moment, “let a conch be blown and the area covered by its sound shall become a part of the temple”. And thus, as far as the sound of the conch reached, became the temple property. The hill has three main temples – Sri Sundara Mahalinga Swamy Temple, Sri Santhana Mahalinga Swamy Temple, and Anadavalli Amma Temple.

Sathuragiri Trekking Journey:

Sathuragiri Trekking is one of popular trekking in Tamilnadu. The journey uphill is for about 8 kms. The trail to the temple starts at Thanipaarai (base of the hill). Hereafter devotees are offered Annadhanam at Ashrams and we could get essentials like a torch, water bottles, biscuits, etc.

First Quarter of Sathuragiri Trekking Journey:

Around half hour walk and you reach Kudhiraiootru. Going further, the route through Vazhakkuparai is slippery and leads to Sangali Parai. Enroute one could find small water streams flowing.

Second Quarter of Sathuragiri Trekking Journey:

Path following Sangali Parai leads to Korakkar or Goraknath Cave. You then make way through rocks and water to reach the Irattai Lingam cave.

Third Quarter of Sathuragiri Trekking Journey:

The trek that follows leads to Vanadurgai Temple – the protecting deity of the forests and to Pilavadi Karuppasamy Temple – the guard of the hills.

Divine Darshan:

An uphill walk further for about 15 minutes will bring us to Sundara Mahalingam Temple and his disciple Sundara Moorthy Swamy Temple. The Sundara Mahalingam is said to be Anidai Lingam i.e. A Lingam worshipped by the Siddhas. Behind Sundara Mahalingam temple is Anandavalli Amma temple who is formless. She’s said to take form only during Navarathri. An upward trek again for about 15 minutes brings us to The Santhana Mahalingam Temple.

Around 4 kms away from Santhana Mahalingam Temple is the Periya Mahalingam, which, as the name suggests is a huge Lingam. Other deities you could offer prayers to enroute are – Oonjal Karuppan Temple, Vellai Ganapathi, Nadu Kattu Ganapathi, Naga Kanni Kaavu and Lord Ganesha at Thavasi Cave.

Essentials for Sathuragiri Trekking:

It is advisable to carry water, torch, and blankets for stay at base camp. Elders prefer to use sticks while trekking. Annadanam is provided to pilgrims by Ashrams on the way, it is advisable to avoid carrying food items as it attracts monkeys. It is preferable to wear flexible and normal clothing suitable for trekking. Dolis (Human carriers) are available for the elderly and physically disabled. The ideal time to start the trek would be before 8:00 AM and to return to the base after darshan by 6:00 PM.

Sathuragiri Temple Visiting Time:

Temple is open only for 6 days a month – 3 days during New Moon (Amavasya) and 3 days during Full Moon (Pournami). It is also open during Aadi and Thai Amavasya and devotees usually throng the temple during this time. Timing is between 6:00 AM and 4:00 PM which again depends on the weather conditions.

Sathuragiri Routes and Distance:

Thaaniparai is about 80 Kms from Madurai, 28 Kms from Srivilliputhur. Srivilliputhur is the nearest railway station.
Pilgrims coming from Chennai have to go to Madurai – Srivilliputhur – Watrap – Thanipaarai.
Pilgrims traveling from South have to go to Nagercoil – Tirunelveli – Rajapalayam – Srivilliputhur – Watrap – Thanipaarai

Epilogue:

Visit to Sathuragiri Shiva Temple is a blend of adventure and spiritual exploration. An apt place for seeking the blessings of Lord Shiva and to get a breath of fresh air.

Watrap or Vathirayiruppu is a peaceful village found alongside the Arjuna River. The traditional name of Watrap was “Vatratha Iruppu” meaning “surplus water”. Rightly called so, it has plenty of rain during the monsoons.

The Pilavakkal Dam in Watrap village forms a favorite picnic spot in Virudhunagar. It is used for agriculture and irrigation purposes. The dam is located at the foothills of Western Ghats and is surrounded by green paddy fields on one side.

The dam is situated at around 55 km from Virudhunagar and 90 km from Madurai. The dam includes two divisions – The Kovilar Dam and The Periyar Dam. The limit of Periyar Dam is 192 mcft while that of Kovilar Dam is 133 mcft.

Srivilliputhur is the nearest railway station. There is good rail connectivity from Madurai and Chennai to Srivilliputhur. There are frequent buses from Srivilliputhur to Watrap. The calmness and beauty of the location provide a picturesque treat to the eyes.

Image Attribute : Paramatamil

Srivilliputhur Nachiyar (Andal) Thirukkovil

Andal Renga Mannar Temple located in Srivilliputhur, Virudhunagar Dist., is one of the 108 Divya Kshetrams or holy abodes of Lord Sri Vishnu.

The temple’s history dates back to the rule of Pandia Dynasty and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu worshipped as Vatapatrasayi (Lord resting on a banyan tree leaf) and his consort Lakshmi as Andal. The temple also marks its divinity as the birthplace of Periyalwar and his adopted child Andal – an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu.

The temple houses a huge complex with ancient sculptures and drawings. It has two divisions – the first part constructed by King Villi is known as Vadabadra Sayana Temple. The second part constructed by different Kings of Pandia is known as Andal Sannadhi. The Rajagopuram (temple tower) rises to an awe-inspiring 192 feet high. The inscriptions of the great poet Kamban praising the temple is found in the tower.

The temple tower proudly adorns the symbol of the Government of Tamil Nadu

The temple of Srivilliputhur has given Tamil literature Tiruppavai – a collection of 30 poems composed by Andal and Tirupallandu composed by Periyalvar. These Vedic hymns are recited even today in the temple and hence visitors of the temple are assured of a soul-enriching experience. The temple is a must visit place for devotion and serenity and also for its architectural grandeur.

The temple observes festivals throughout the year, but one would find it elaborate in the month of Margazhi (starting mid of December).

It is around 75 KM from Madurai which is the nearest airport and is well connected by trains and buses. The Intercity bus services provide connectivity to all major cities including Chennai, Madurai, Erode and Coimbatore.
If you have a sweet tooth, don’t miss to buy the Sirivilliputhur Palkova. And while you are here, do visit Kattalagar Kovil (9 km west of Srivilliputhur). You could also experience the reserved forest areas at The Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary in Srivilliputhur.

Srivilliputhur Andal Renga Mannar Temple Timings:

The temple timings are as follows:
Morning hours: 6.30 A.M to 1 P.M
Evening hours: 4 P.M to 9 P.M

Srivilliputhur Andal Renga Mannar Temple Pooja Details:

The Pooja timings as below enlisted are different for each shrine.

Andal Temple Pooja Details:

Vadapatrasayanar Temple Pooja Details:

Azhvar Sannathi Pooja Details:

Srinivasa Perumal Temple Pooja Details:

For more details about the temple, please check the below Official Website of Andal Andal Renga Mannar Temple at Srivilliputhur.
http://www.srivilliputhurandaltemple.tnhrce.in/index.html