The Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab, is one of the holiest pilgrimage sites in Sikhism. Each year, millions of devotees from around the world visit this sacred shrine. However, there is another temple in India that is covered in even more gold — the Sri Lakshmi Narayani Temple in Vellore, Tamil Nadu, popularly known as the Sripuram Golden Temple. (News18 Hindi)
This stunning Hindu shrine is renowned for its gold-covered structure and spiritual ambience. Dedicated to Goddess Sri Lakshmi Narayani, the divine consort of Lord Vishnu, the temple stands as a symbol of devotion, prosperity, and architectural brilliance. (News18 Hindi)
Located in the Sripuram Spiritual Park at the foothills of Malaikodi in Vellore, the temple is just 10 km from Vellore city, 120 km from Tirupati, and 145 km from Chennai. Spread over 100 acres, the temple was built under the guidance of the well-known spiritual leader Sri Sakthi Narayani Amma. Construction began around 2000 and was completed in 2007. (News18 Hindi)
What sets this temple apart is its lavish use of gold. Reports suggest that around 1,500 kg of gold has been used to coat the upper portion of the temple, nearly twice the amount used in Amritsar’s Golden Temple, which was plated with 750 kg of gold under the patronage of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. (News18 Hindi)
The gold work was carried out by skilled artisans trained in traditional temple art. Raw gold bars were converted into fine foils, which were then mounted on intricately carved copper plates. The gold coating, applied in 9 to 10 layers, adds both grandeur and spiritual depth to the temple. (News18 Hindi)
But the Sripuram Golden Temple is not just about its golden exterior. The complex features well-maintained gardens, sculptures, and a peaceful environment that enhances the spiritual experience. One of its most unique features is the 1.8-kilometre-long star-shaped path called the Sri Chakra. As devotees walk along this path, they are greeted with spiritual messages displayed throughout, making the journey to the temple both reflective and meaningful. (News18 Hindi)
Today, the Sripuram Golden Temple stands as a glowing example of faith, artistry, and serenity, attracting crores of visitors each year and shining brightly as one of Tamil Nadu’s most cherished spiritual destinations. (News18 Hindi)
