Sri Venugopala Swamy Temple

The Sri Venugopala Swamy Temple is located in Vellore and is dedicated to God Venugopala Swamy. This temple has as its presiding deity, the God Venu Gopala Swamy. He is seen here, in a standing pose, along with his consorts, Rukmini and Satyabhama. The story goes that Uma Devi, the mother of the world, was born to Eraivadha Maharaja, the king of Vidharppa Desam, with the blessings of Brahma. The child was named Renugai and once she reached a marriageable age, travelled the world along with her friends, looking for a suitable husband. When they came to Kundalipuram, they saw Jamathakni doing penance. The place where Renugai and her soldiers camped was called Padai Veedu now known as A.K.Padavedu (Amman Koil Padavedu). Soon war broke out between the disciples of Jamathakni and the soldiers of Renugai. Durga, who came with Renugai, sent out fire from her third eye and wrought havoc. To quench this fire, Jamathakni brought all the water from the three worlds in his water jug or the kamandalam and poured it on the fire and put it out. This became a river "Kamandala Nadhi". A voice from heaven told Renugai that this Jamathakni would be her husband. They were married and had a child - 'Parasuramar', a Vishnu Avatar. The only route to this temple is one that goes through a thick forest. Special tractors are available to take pilgrims and materials to the foot of the hill, after which, you have to climb on foot, crossing wooden bridges that are hailed as marvels of engineering.