There is a wonderful temple dedicated for Lord Panduranga and it is situated in Govindapuram, Tamil Nadu. This temple was built by the famous Vittal Nama Sankirtana expert Sri Sri Vittal Maharaj, who is the Grandson of the famous Panduranga devotee, Sri Anantharama Deekshethar. Sri Vittal Maharaj built this big temple, through the valuable donations which he received out of performing Panduranga Bhajans throughout India. He follows the foot-steps of Sri Haridas Giri Guruji, with regard to performing Hari Sankeerthanas throughout India.
This big temple is situated near by Thiruvidaimaruthur. Devotees are allowed to touch the Utsava Idols of Pandaranga and Ma Rukmini, and in the main shrine big statues of Panduranga and Ma Rukmini can be found. Recently I have visited this temple, and got the blessings from the Divine couple.Devotees must have to climb few stairs in order to step inside the temple. We can offer lotus garlands and Tulasi Mala to the deities. Free Prasad items like curd rice are offered to the devotees and it really tastes very good.For visiting the Goshala (Cow shed), situated inside the temple premises, we have to walk for some distance, and there we could find about 300 holy cows, which are fed properly by the temple staffs. We can buy Agati Keerai, a type of green, which is available nearby the Goshala, and we can offer it to the cows, since it is considered to be a very sacred deed. Most of the cows are brought from Dwaraka, the holy City of Lord Krishna, and these cows are considered to be the successors of those holy cows which were lived during the time of Lord Krishna in the previous Dwaparayuga. Swami Bothendral, an ex-pontiff of Kanchi Mutt has attained liberation nearby this place.
I am residing at a retirement home situated a few kilometres far away from this temple, and most of the residents of this retirement home, would regularly visit this temple, especially during Saturdays, which is considered to be the auspicious day for Lord Vishnu. Sri Vittal Rukmini Temple is a holy centre of worship where Krishna Bhakti spirit is spread on the souls of all the devotees. The puja procedure at this temple is carried out similar to Sri Pandurangan Temple, Pandharpur, Maharashtra. Sri Sri Krishna Premi Swamy used to visit this temple and perform Divine discourses. Here the cows in the Goshala are given prime importance next to Lord Panduranga and Ma Rukmini.
Those, who are interested to donate generously to the temples, or those who are interested to write a will (UYIL) to the temples, can approach the office of this temple,and it is purely based on their own personal interest.In order to know more details about this temple, the temple office staffs can be contacted through the Phone No. 04352472300.
“OM MA RUKMINI SAMEDHA SRI PANDURANGAYA NAMAHA”
WRITTEN BY
R.HARISHANKAR