Ooty is a splendid resort town nestled amidst the undulating hills of Western Ghats range. This gorgeous hill station from Tamil Nadu is one of the most sought-after summer destinations in the Southern region of the country. This place was primarily founded by British officials to enjoy a perfect summer retreat from the blistering heat of plains. Read on to know about the most visited temples in Ooty.
Famous Temples in Ooty
Although Ooty is famous for its colonial feel, it is also the home to a number of popular shrines and temples. Temples in and around Ooty allow visitors to offer their prayers and spend a few hours in complete repose.
Here is a list of the most popular temples in Ooty
Elk Hill Murugan Temple
Elk Hill Murugan Temple is undeniably the most celebrated holy places near Ooty. This Murugan temple is an exact replica of Batu Caves in Malaysia. A 40 feet tall statue of Lord Murugan in Suthai form marks its towering presence inside the temple complex.
There are many other temples within the boundary of this complex, and each of them is dedicated to different Hindu deities, namely Ganesha, Shiva, Shakti, Nava Kanikas etc.
Thanks to the charming greenery and rolling mountains, the Elk Hill Murugan Temple is also considered as a prominent tourist destination near Ooty. Temple remains open all days, at all time.
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Mariamman Temple
Mariamman Temple is one of the most visited Hindu temples in the town. Dedicated to local deity Mariamman, the Goddess of Rain, this temple celebrates Ooty Mariamman Temple Festival every year.
This festival pulls a massive crowd coming from every stratum of life. Devotes flock to this temple and many of them walk barefoot over flame-hot coal to showcase their faith in the Goddess. This festival comes in the month of April.
Mariamman Temple is positioned just opposite the Ooty market and remains opened for visitors on all days from 6.00 am to 8.00 pm.
Annamalai Murugan Temple
Located at a distance of 20 kilometres from Ooty town, Annamalai Murugan Temple is another most celebrated Hindu temple in the region. As the name suggests, the temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan.
This particular temple is often described as the 7th hill house of Lord Murugan. Perching on a hilltop, Annamalai Murugan Temple is shrouded by thick greenery and peaceful surroundings.
Lord Murugan Festival is the main crowd-puller to the temple. This place is also known for its meditation sessions amidst fresh air and serene atmosphere. Visiting hours of this temple are 5.00 am – 12.00 pm and 4.00 pm – 9.00 pm.
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Vasupujya Swami Shwetambar Jain Temple
Vasupujya Swami Shwetambar Jain Temple is a spectacular shrine in Ooty. This is not just a temple but also acts as a Jain Dharamshala in the town. It is believed that this temple can clear out or purify the mysteries of one’s mind to secure mental peace.
Jain devotees flock to this temple to witness and practice spiritualism that ultimately leads them to self-enlightenment. Holy days of Paryushan and Mahavir Jayanti are the best time to visit this temple.
Sitting near Upper Bazar, Vasupujya Swami Shwetambar Jain Temple opens its door at 6.00 am and shuts down at 9.00 pm all days.
Muniswarar Temple
Muniswarar Temple is an ancient shrine, and it is located in the Northern fringe of Tamil Nadu. Dedicated to Hindu deity Lord Muniswara, hundreds of devotees visit this temple each day to offer their prayers.
Muniswarar Temple flaunts a fabulous traditional design with unmatched craftsmanship and awe-inspiring artworks. It is also a very calm and spiritual place to visit while vacationing in Ooty.
Since it is a religiously sacred place, visitors have to remove their shoes outside the temple premises before entering. Also, be sure to wear something decent to enter the complex.
Visiting time of Muniswarar Temple is form 6.00 am to 10.00 pm. It is one of the most visited temples in Ooty.
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Valparai Linga Temple
Nestled at the enchanting hills of Ooty, Valparai Linga Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Built by the people from the surrounding villages with sheer devotion, this temple is a major religious site in Ooty.
Visited by countless Hindu devotees each year, Valparai Linga Temple is a crowd-funded temple in Tamil Nadu. Blessed with divinity and serenity, this temple is a place to find inner peace, and definitely, a must-visit place in Ooty.
During religious festivals like Maha Shivratri, the temple offers a great vibe to celebrate spiritualism. The visiting time in Valparai Linga Temple is from 6:30 am to 12:00 pm and again from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
Toda Temple
Known for its stunning Dravidian style of architecture, unique rituals, mesmerising tribal wall paintings and religious celebrations – Toda Temple is surely a crowd-puller in Ooty.
Built in the shape of a tribal hut, this temple is dedicated to the local tribal Gods. Though it is a religious place due to its serenity, Toda Temple draws tourists throughout the year.
Snuggled in a lush green valley, Toda Temple is also a great spot to enjoy greeneries and nature. To enter the temple, visitors have to obey the temple rules and regulations. The temple has no entry fee and is open 24 hours for visitors.
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Nasiyan Temple
Located on Prithvi Raj Road in Ooty, Nasiyan Temple is devoted to the first Jain Tirthankara, Rishabhdeoji. Due to its immense grandeur, this temple is an ideal tourist destination for you and your family to have a wonderful day-out in Ooty.
The construction of the temple started in 1864, and it was inaugurated in 1895. Right next to the temple, there is a museum which is also a very popular tourist attraction in the town.
Being one of the holiest sites for Jain pilgrims across the world, Nasiyan Temple is one of the oldest Jain temples in the country. The temple is open all days of the week from 9.00 am to 4.00 pm.
Ooty is a mesmerising hill station in Tamil Nadu that allows tourists to enjoy breathtaking views of Western Ghats and to relish cool and pleasant weather.
Ooty is the land of amazing things, and it never fails to enchant its guests. It doesn’t matter whether you are a great religious devotee or not, stunning temples of Ooty will surely instil a sense of serenity in you to make you realise the power, silence and peace.
Hope you liked this article on the most popular temples in Ooty. Do share your thoughts with me in the comments section below.