Sripuram, at Thirumalaikodi on the southern edge of Vellore, is a large spiritual park built around the Sri Lakshmi Narayani Temple – usually just called the Golden Temple. Its vimana and front hall are covered in gold, and at dusk, when the lights come on and the gold glows against the dark hills, it is a striking sight.
Unlike the ancient temples of Tamil Nadu, Sripuram is modern: the temple was consecrated on 24 August 2007. It is run by the Sri Narayani Peedam, a charitable trust led by the spiritual leader Sri Sakthi Amma, which also runs a hospital nearby. People of all faiths are welcome. From Pondicherry it is about 160 km, making it a comfortable day trip by car.
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What makes the temple unusual
The temple is dedicated to Sri Lakshmi Narayani, a form of the goddess Lakshmi. Its gold covering was made by hand: gold bars were beaten into foil and laid in nine to ten layers over etched copper plates, which were then fixed to the structure. Every panel carries detailed temple-art motifs.
The complex covers about 100 acres (40 hectares) of landscaped gardens at the foot of green hills. Visitors approach the temple along a star-shaped path, laid out as a Sri Chakra, more than 1.8 km long. Spiritual messages are displayed along the way, and the walk ends in the central enclosure with the golden shrine surrounded by water.
Rules to know before you go
Sripuram is stricter than most temples, and it is worth planning around the rules. According to the official website at the time of writing:
- No phones or cameras: mobile phones, cameras and other electronic gadgets are not allowed inside and must be deposited at the designated counters. Leave them in the car if you can.
- No large bags: backpacks, large bags and suitcases are not allowed, nor are sharp objects.
- No outside food: packed food from outside is not permitted; tobacco and smoking are banned.
- Dress code: shoulders and knees must be covered. Men can wear trousers, dhoti or kurta; women sarees, salwar kameez or kurtas. Sleeveless tops, shorts, short skirts, ripped jeans, sportswear and caps are not allowed.
- Footwear: removed at the designated counter before entering.
- Coins and offerings: do not throw coins or anything else into the water, and do not pay money to staff or volunteers.
Timings
At the time of writing, darshan hours are 8 AM to 8 PM. Timings, darshan arrangements and any charges can change, especially on festival days and weekends, so check the official Sripuram website before you go.
Best time to visit
The walk along the star path is partly in the open, so the middle of the day can be hot. Most visitors aim for the late afternoon, so they can walk in the cooler hours and see the temple lit up after dark. Weekends, holidays and festival days are much busier and queues can be long; weekday afternoons are quieter. Allow two to three hours including the walk.
Combine with Vellore
Vellore Fort, a 16th-century granite fort with a moat, is about 20 minutes’ drive from Sripuram and holds the finely carved Jalakandeswarar Temple. Together they make a full day. Tiruvannamalai’s Arunachaleswarar Temple and Gingee Fort lie on alternative routes between Pondicherry and Vellore.
Visiting from Pondicherry
Our Vellore Golden Temple day trip leaves Pondicherry in the morning, visits Vellore Fort and reaches Sripuram for the evening lights before driving back. Leave your phone and bags in the car with the driver. For more temple journeys see our temples page.
Frequently asked questions
Are mobile phones allowed in Sripuram Golden Temple?
No. At the time of writing, mobile phones, cameras and electronic gadgets are not allowed inside and must be deposited at designated counters.
What is the dress code at Sripuram?
Clothes must cover shoulders and knees. Sleeveless tops, shorts, short skirts, ripped jeans, sportswear and caps are not allowed; sarees, salwar kameez, kurtas, trousers or dhotis are fine.
What are the Sripuram Golden Temple timings?
At the time of writing, darshan is from 8 AM to 8 PM. Check the official website before you go, especially on festival days.
How far is the Golden Temple Vellore from Pondicherry?
About 160 km by road, which makes it a day trip by car from Pondicherry.