Aaru Padai Veedu - Lord Murugan

<?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comffice:smarttags" /><st1lace w:st="on"><st1laceName w:st="on">Marudhamalai</st1laceName> <st1laceName w:st="on">Murugan</st1laceName> <st1laceType w:st="on">Temple</st1laceType></st1lace>

Fifteen km west of <st1:City w:st="on"><?xml:namespace prefix = u1 /><u1:City u2:st="on">Coimbatore</st1:City></u1:City>, on the Western Ghats, situated in a lush, green milieu is the <st1lace w:st="on"><st1laceType w:st="on"><u1lace u2:st="on"><u1laceType u2:st="on">temple</st1laceType></u1laceType> of <st1laceName w:st="on"><u1laceName u2:st="on">Marudhamalai</st1laceName></st1lace></u1laceName></u1lace>. Said to belong to the 12th Century, the temple is surrounded by the hilly range on three sides. Several buses ply between <st1:City w:st="on"><st1lace w:st="on"><u1:City u2:st="on"><u1lace u2:st="on">Coimbatore</st1lace></st1:City></u1lace></u1:City> and the foothills of Marudhamalai, from where devotees board mini buses to reach the temple. Stone inscriptions dating back to the 12th Century contain words such as Marudhan and Marudhachalam, which reveal that the names were in vogue even then.

Marudhamalai abounds in medicinal herbs and the pure air and serene atmosphere should make it a haven for the health-conscious. The hill is dotted with small mandapams for the devotees to relax on their way uphill. At the foothills, where the steps to the temple begin, is the <st1lace w:st="on"><st1laceName w:st="on"><u1lace u2:st="on"><u1laceName u2:st="on">Thaan</st1laceName></u1laceName> <st1laceName w:st="on"><u1laceName u2:st="on">Thondri</st1laceName></u1laceName> <st1laceName w:st="on"><u1laceName u2:st="on">Vinayakar</st1laceName></u1laceName> <st1laceType w:st="on"><u1laceType u2:st="on">Temple</st1laceType></st1lace></u1laceType></u1lace>. The 18th step above the <st1lace w:st="on"><st1laceName w:st="on"><u1lace u2:st="on"><u1laceName u2:st="on">Vinayakar</st1laceName></u1laceName> <st1laceType w:st="on"><u1laceType u2:st="on">Temple</st1laceType></st1lace></u1laceType></u1lace> is another significant spot because those, who are unable to make it to Sabarimala find praying at this place equally gratifying.

Another deity that draws your attention on the way is Idumban, who is seen on a huge circular rock at the <st1lace w:st="on"><st1laceType w:st="on"><u1lace u2:st="on"><u1laceType u2:st="on">Temple</st1laceType></u1laceType> of <st1laceName w:st="on"><u1laceName u2:st="on">Idumban</st1laceName></st1lace></u1laceName></u1lace>! The three huge stones that stand out for the colour that’s different from the rest, and the mandapam of Kudhirai Kulambu are the other noticeable places on the route. High above these are the <st1laceName w:st="on"><u1laceName u2:st="on">Paambaatti</st1laceName></u1laceName> <st1laceName w:st="on"><u1laceName u2:st="on">Siddhar</st1laceName></u1laceName> <st1laceType w:st="on"><u1laceType u2:st="on">Cave</st1laceType></u1laceType>, <st1lace w:st="on"><st1laceName w:st="on"><u1lace u2:st="on"><u1laceName u2:st="on">Uchchi</st1laceName></u1laceName> <st1laceName w:st="on"><u1laceName u2:st="on">Pillaiyar</st1laceName></u1laceName> <st1laceType w:st="on"><u1laceType u2:st="on">Temple</st1laceType></st1lace></u1laceType></u1lace> and Pancha Vriksham that convey a lot about the hoariness of Marudhamalai.

The Adhi Moolasthanam is in the shape of a lingam, where Lord Muruga is seen with Valli and Deivanai. The beautiful deity of Muruga in the Moolasthanam is both a devotee’s and connoisseur’s delight!

Noted yesteryear filmmaker M.M.A. Chinnappa Thevar made immense contribution to the proper maintenance of the temple, clearing the hilly route for devotees to climb up easily, building resting houses, providing lights on the path to the temple and so on. Water has been provided at the hill at a cost of more than Rs.6 lakhs.
Apart from religious activities, serving society is part of the agenda. The temple manages a home for destitutes, where now 45 children benefit. Besides food, clothing and shelter, the temple takes care of their education till the high school level.
At the foot of the hill, a siddha hospital treats the poor and distributes medicines worth Rs. 30,000 free, annually. In Vadavalli, the temple management also runs a school, which had initially been functioning under a thatched roof. It has now shifted to a permanent structure and has grown into a high school.


Location
<st1laceName w:st="on"><u1laceName u2:st="on">Marudhamalai</st1laceName></u1laceName> <u1laceType u2:st="on"><st1laceType w:st="on">Hills</u1laceType></st1laceType> <u1laceName u2:st="on"><st1laceName w:st="on">Arulmigu</u1laceName></st1laceName> <u1laceName u2:st="on"><st1laceName w:st="on">Subramanyaswamy</u1laceName></st1laceName> <u1laceType u2:st="on"><st1laceType w:st="on">Temple</u1laceType></st1laceType> is situated at a height of about 500 feet in a plateau on the Western Ghats, fifteen kilometers <u1:State u2:st="on"><st1:State w:st="on">north west</u1:State></st1:State> of <u1:City u2:st="on"><u1lace u2:st="on"><st1lace w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on">Coimbatore</u1lace></u1:City></st1:City></st1lace>, amidst lush vegetation and salubrious climate.

The city of <st1lace w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on"><u1:City u2:st="on"><u1lace u2:st="on">Coimbatore</st1:City></st1lace></u1lace></u1:City> is well linked to the capital of Tamil Nadu, Chennai by road, rail and air. From <st1:City w:st="on"><st1lace w:st="on"><u1:City u2:st="on"><u1lace u2:st="on">Coimbatore</st1lace></st1:City></u1lace></u1:City> bus stand many city buses ply to Marudhamalai. The Devasthanam has provided 3 buses from the foothill to reach the temple on top.

Several amenities and facilities have been provided for the benefit of the devotees to worship the deity. A good motorable road has been laid upto the hilltop by the <st1lace w:st="on"><st1laceType w:st="on"><u1lace u2:st="on"><u1laceType u2:st="on">Temple</st1laceType></u1laceType> <st1laceName w:st="on"><u1laceName u2:st="on">Devasthanam</st1laceName></st1lace></u1laceName></u1lace>.

Facilities
This is by all means a great boon to the physically handicapped who cannot climb the steps. There are three mini buses run by the Devasthanam, plying to and fro in quick succession at a very nominal charge for the benefit of the devotees. The <st1:Street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on"><u1:Street u2:st="on"><u1:address u2:st="on">Ghat Road</st1:address></st1:Street></u1:address></u1:Street> is also electrified.

At dusk, it is a varietable feast to the eye to stand far away from the hills and gaze at the illumination spiraling like stars strung together in the sky.

On the hilltop there is a wedding hall for celebrating marriage and at the foothill, there is a rest house, called Marudham which has twelve rooms provided with excellent amenities for stay and worship.

Nearby Tourist Spots:
Chennimalai
Tiru Murugan Poondi
Othimalai
Yercaud
Ooty
Avinashi

Hill
Marudhamalai Hills, dedicated to Lord Muruga (Dandāyudhapāni) is classified under Kunruthoradal, one of the six main abodes of the god. Set against the backdrop of hazy blue hills dotted with shrubs and bushes of varied hues, the sacred shrine verily reflects the picture of Lord Muruga, magnificently mounted on his vehicle peacock, flaunting and swaying its feathers and plume in full bloom.
The Sanskrit word "achalam" denotes mountain. As the mountain here abounded in marudham trees, it came to be known as Marudhachalam. Marudhamalai is also called Marundhumalai, for it is overgrown with shrubs and bushes of medicinal properties. Hence, Marudhamalai is befittingly given the name Marudhamalai (<st1lace w:st="on"><st1laceType w:st="on"><u1lace u2:st="on"><u1laceType u2:st="on">Mountain</st1laceType></u1laceType> of <st1laceName w:st="on"><u1laceName u2:st="on">Medicines</st1laceName></st1lace></u1laceName></u1lace>). This is referred to as Marudhamalvarai, Marudhavarai, Marudha Verpu, Marudha Kundru, Marudhavôngal, Kamarpirangu, Marudhachalam, Velvarai in Perur Puranam.

Special Features
The holy shrine of Marudhamalai is believed to remove both physical and mental afflictions and attachments as the hill abounds in Medicinal herbs. The pleasant breeze and the peaceful environments bring harmony and quietness to the minds of devotees. The saints and holymen used to prefer this hill and came here in search of 'KayaKalpam' the Divine medicine for Salvation. The celestial cow 'Kamadhenu' is believed to have grazed in the pastures of this hillock and drunk from the springs under the Marudham tree as per Perur Puranam written by Kachiappa Munivar.

 

Marudhamalai <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comffice:smarttags" /><st1laceName w:st="on">Murugan</st1laceName> <st1laceType w:st="on">Temple</st1laceType>

<st1lace w:st="on"><st1laceType w:st="on">Temple</st1laceType>
<st1laceName w:st="on"><?xml:namespace prefix = u1 /><u1laceName u2:st="on">Thanthonri</st1laceName></st1lace></u1laceName> Vinayagar
As we approach the foothills, at a little distance from it, the deity Ganesha greet us. Offering our prayers to Sri Vigneshwara, the remover of obstacles, we begin our ascent to the hills. It is significant to note that the deity is not a chiseled one but it is of a spontaneous origin (Swayambu). The 'Thanthonri Vināyagar' (self-born) is extolled in the 'Marudhamalai Thanthonri Pathigam' of Perur Puranam. Tamil scholars are keenly devoted to the Lord.

After worshipping Thanthonri Vināyagar, we ascend what is known as 'Pathinettam Padi', which has exactly a flight of eighteen steps, reminding us of Lord Ayyappa. Such if those as could not undertake the strenuous trek to the Sabari Hills offer worships here and fulfil their vows.

The flight of steps from the foothill to the top causes hardly any strain; rather the climb is light and exhilarating as one goes up the neatly carved steps, gazing round the luxuriant growth of vegetation and breathing the refreshing cool breeze wafted along the herbs of the hills.

Petrified from thieves
Standing at the foot hill, as we gaze towards the north, in the distant hills, we discern three stones in diverse colours, which are the petrified form of three thieves cursed by Lord Muruga for their sinful act of plundering the treasures belonging to the temple. Just below the stone forms, there is a flat stone which, it is said, is but the jewel box stolen by the thieves. It is said Lord Muruga came in the guise of cavalier, chased and punished them.

The Srine of Idumba
The shrine of Idumba is located almost in the middle of the path of steps. The image of the deity is carved on a huge round rock in the posture of carrying a Kaavadi. Married couples having no issues worship the deity and offer toy cradles with the firm faith of being blessed with progeny by the Grace of god.

Kudirai Kulambu
Continuing our ascent, we find a beautiful mandapam, enshrining what is called 'Kudirai Kulambu' (hoof marks of the horse). It is believed that the horse of Lord Muruga caused the Marks, as He marched against the Demon Surapadma. Or the horse on which Lord Muruga rode and chased the robbers referred to earlier might have imprinted by them.

Primal Srine
The presiding deity, it is said, is a later installation, the original deity being that of Lord Subramanya with His two consorts, Valli and Teyvannai, enshrined nearby to the south in the outer Prakara. They are the very deities referred to in the Perur Puranam. It is here the gods persecuted by Surapadama approached Lord Subramanya and implored Him to destroy the demon. The deities are all of spontaneous origin (swayambhu).

The Main Srine
The shrine is not a big one. The sanctum sanctorum and the Ardha Mandapam are comparatively small. The front mandapam is wide enough to accommodate a fairly large number of devotees. Sivalingam flanks the presiding deity on the left and Ambigai on the right in the outer Prakara.

<st1lace w:st="on"><st1laceName w:st="on"><u1lace u2:st="on"><u1laceName u2:st="on">Pambatti</st1laceName></u1laceName> <u1laceName u2:st="on"><st1laceName w:st="on">Siddhar</u1laceName></st1laceName> <u1laceType u2:st="on"><st1laceType w:st="on">Cave</u1laceType></st1laceType></st1lace>
</u1lace>Siddhas are mystic philosophers who exercise their mental faculties to the utmost and attain godhead by means of meditation and reflection. They are endowed with incredible powers of the mind by which they perform great miracles and astound the common world. Siddhas can set at rest all their senses and awaken their spirit alone. Thus they are bodily asleep and spiritually awake. In this blessed mood they enter into a personal communion with god.

As the Siddha used to animate dead snakes and dance with him, he was popularly known as Pambatti Siddhar. Once he transmigrated into the deadbody of a king and performed great miracles. He composed songs of enlightenment. 'Siddharudam' is a work, attributed to his prophetic genius. Lord Muruga took joy in teasing and tantalizing the Siddha with His spiritual pranks. Once as an enormous boulder came down, rollinggaining momentum, the siddha tried to halt it, Arrested its movement and averted a great havoc.

The <st1lace w:st="on"><st1laceName w:st="on"><u1lace u2:st="on"><u1laceName u2:st="on">Pambatti</st1laceName></u1laceName> <st1laceName w:st="on"><u1laceName u2:st="on">Siddhar</st1laceName></u1laceName> <st1laceType w:st="on"><u1laceType u2:st="on">Cave</st1laceType></st1lace></u1laceType></u1lace> is another shrine drawing our attention. It is located on the slopes towards the east and can be approached by a narrow path, protected by a stone hedge or parapet. Pambatti Siddhar used this cave as his abode for meditation on Lord Muruga and attained salvation here. One can notice a natural image of a snake on the rock.

Of the eighteen noted siddhas with such attributes, was one Pambatti Siddhar greatly revered in the Kongu region. He is credited with having lived in the company of snakes and made them dance to his tunes. He himself was delighted to dance with them. Once, in the course of his wanderings, he chanced to meet one, Sattai Muni Siddhar, a contemporary and counterpart who initiated him into the art of entering into trances - the Jeeva Samadhi Nilai.

A snake comes to the cave everyday and feeds itself on the fruit and milk kept for it. There is an underground passage from the cave to the primal shrine through which the Pambati Siddhar wended his way everyday to worship Lord Subramanya in the Company of His consorts.

Panchavriksha
There is a cluster of trees closely interwinding one another. Under this is installed an Idol of Lord Ganesha. Daily poojas are performed to this deity also. The breeze wafting along the foliage has an unfailing cure for all diseases of the people. A host of saints, invisible to the common man's eyes, are supposed to dwell here doing meditation. An aged Irula tribesman, 75 years old identified the entangled trees as Korakattai, Ichi, Banyan, Vakkanai and Ottu maram and added there was one tree in the group, Peepal in the days of yore, and it is extinct now. The tribesman also said that this tree existed in the same manner even during his childhood. This is a unique phenomenon attracting not only devotees but also botanists.

Uchipillayar Kovil
Two kilometers north of the main shrine is situated 'Uchipilliayar Kovil' gracing the devotees. The idol has been installed recently. On every 'Chathurthi' the deity is bedewed, anointed and adorned and devotees throng the temple in great numbers to worship on that day.

Right from foot hills to the temple on top we find elegantly built mandapams erected for devotees to take rest. These are a boon to the sevarthees who frequent the temple.

Other Srines
To the right of the main shrine inside the prakara we find Sri.Patteeswarar shrine (the main deity of Perur). To the left is located Sri.Maragathambigai shrine (the main goddess of Perur). The main shrine of Lord Muruga is a unique Somaskanda Moorthy as the Lord is enshrined between Just in front of Maragathambigai, we have the Navagraham shrine. Another unique feature of the temple is the Perumal shrine towards the left of Alangara Mandapam. The Sapta Kanimar shrine is located at the banks of Marutha Theertham. This is the reason why it is called Kanni Theertham.

 

<?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comffice:smarttags" /><st1lace w:st="on"><st1laceName w:st="on">Marudhamalai</st1laceName> <st1laceName w:st="on">Murugan</st1laceName> <st1laceType w:st="on">Temple</st1laceType></st1lace>

Water Source
There are springs of holy water with the names Marudha Theertham and Skanda Theertham. A dip into these springs brings forth health and wealth to devotees.

Sthala Vriksham
The Marudham tree is the sthala vriksham (sacred tree of the shrine)

deity Moolavar
At length, we reach the top where Lord Subramanya reigns supreme in all His radiance, exuding all grace and charm! The idol made of granite is about five feet in height, facing the east with the right hand holding Dandayudham (rod), the left hand placed on the hip and a spear (vel) placed across. The image bears a close resemblance to the deity at Palani. The statue at the sanctum sanctorum, divested of all its adornments, loined with a slender cloth brings to our mind the 'Andi Kolam', the aspect of a mendicant assumed by the Lord in Palani. What distinguishes Marudhamalai Andavar from Palani Āndavar is the sporting of a turban on the head with a tuft behind. The beauty of the deity defies all description and is more a thing to be experienced than expressed!

Sage Kachiyappar says even tens of thousands of <st1:City w:st="on"><st1lace w:st="on">Maras</st1lace></st1:City> (love gods) cannot match Lord Muruga of Marudhamalai in His magnificence! The word Marudhachalāpati means Master of the Hills that abound in Marudham trees. The Lord assumed the appellation after the association of the words, Marudham, Achalam and Pati, representing the Marudham tree, the hills and the Master respectively.

Mythology
Perur puranam lists the three neighboring hills, vellingiri, Nili and Marudhamalai as the very manifestations of Lord Siva, Parvati and Subramanya respectively and the three hills taken together as the very symbol of Somaskanda. A siddha, overcome by excessive tiredness and thirst, sought shelter under the shade of a Marudham tree and prayed for the mercy of Lord Muruga for a shower of water, which sprang at once, as though by a miracle from the tree.

As water gushed out from the roots of the Marudham tree, the Siddha jumped in joy, glorifying Muruga as the Lord of Marudham and jalam (water). With the passage of time, Marudhajalapati became Marudhachalapati.

According to Perur Puranam, Surapadma, the scourage of the gods aided by his mighty brothers, Singamukha and Taraka arrayed against them and struck terror in their already agitated minds by his sudden and surprising charges and depredations. Unable to bear the agony and anguish, the gods approached Lord Siva and sought His succour.

Lord siva comforted the gods that Lord Muruga would come to their rescue, root out and destroy Surapadma and his retinue enmasse. The gods should hasten to the Marudhamalai Hills and await the advent of Lord Muruga, their Saviour! Perur Puranam also alludes to a king called kusathvajan, who it is said, was blessed with a male issue, only after worshipping Marudhamalai Murugan.

History
The hoary past of the temple can be traced in such ancient works as Sage Kachiappar's Perur Puranam. The origin of the temple is rooted in legendary antiquity and dates back to the age of Surapadma, the demon destroyed by Lord Subramanya referred to in Skandapuranam. The inscriptions found in <st1lace w:st="on"><st1laceName w:st="on">Tiru Muruganatha Swami</st1laceName> <st1laceType w:st="on">Temple</st1laceType></st1lace>, Tiru Murugan Poondi places the origin of the temple in the 12 th century A.D. Kongu Nadu was divided into 24 regions in the early days. It is learnt that one such Arai Nadu in the west has its boundary in the Marudhamalai Hills. Perur Puranam and the inscriptions at Tiru Murugan Poondi speak of Marudhamalai as the very manifestations of Lord Muruga Himself and the Marudham tree as the symbolic representation of his spear (vel). Marudhamalai is celebrated by Saint Arunagirinathar in his celestial songs.

Method of Worship
The daily puja is performed according to Kamika Agamam.

<st1lace w:st="on"><st1laceType w:st="on">Temple</st1laceType> <st1laceName w:st="on">Pooja</st1laceName></st1lace> Times
6.00 A.M. (Ushakkalam) Kalasandhi 9.00 A.M. Uchikkalam 12.00 A.M Tiru koil kappiduthal .00 to 2.00 P.M in day time Sayaratchai 5.00 P.M.
Ardha Jama 8.30 P.M. (Rakkalam)

The offering of tiru kappu may change on certain occasions and festive days.

Festivals & Poojas
Festivals
There are several festivals celebrated glorifying Lord Marudhachalapathy like Kārttikai, ādi Pathinettu, Padivizha, Tamil New year's Day, English New Year's Day, Kārttikai Deepam, Thaipoosam - Brahmotsavam, Panguni Uttiram etc. The Thaipoosam Car Festival is a festival, most splendid and spectacular, attracting a large number of devotees.

Daily Poojas and Archanas
Daily poojas and archanas are performed for the presiding deity. There are schemes enabling the devotees to perform abhishegam and archana for the deity everyday. An endowment investment of Rs. 3000/- under 'Nitya Pooja Kattalai' will facilitate a devotee to perform abhishegam and archana in his or her name on a day specified. An offering of Rs. 50/- to the temple will fetch the prasadam of the deity of the Archana performed in the devotee's name on Krithigai for one full year. Prasadam is sent to the devotee concerned by post. Mention may be made here that several devotees from abroad have joined these schemes and are blessed by Lord Muruga.

Inscription
The names like Marudhachalam, Marudham have been in existence even in the 12th century. Evidence of their information is found on the inscriptions in the temples of Avinashi and Tiru MuruganPoondi. Many inscriptions especially No. 249 and AR No. 573 of 893 found on the walls of the Garbagraha of Tiru Muruganpoondi, Sri Muruganathar temple explain incidences where these names are mentioned.

Hymns & Songs
by Arunagirinathar Adigal

Thiripuram Adhanai oru Nodiyadhanil
Erisèi Tharuliya Sivan Vazhvé!
Sinam udaiasurar Manamadhu veruva
Mayiladhu Mudugi Viduvèéôāné!
Aruvarai yadhanai Uruvida Eriyum
Arumugam udaiya Vadivelā!
Pashalaiyô danaiyum elamulai magalai
Madanvidu paghazhi thodalamô!
Karithiru Mugamum idaiudai vayirum
Udayavar piragu varuvône!
Kanadhanamudaya Kuravar Thammagalai
Karunaiyô danaiyum Manimarba!
Aravanai Thuyilum Arithiru Maruga
AnisèiyuMarudha Malaiyôné!
Adiyavar Vinayum Amarargal Thuyarum
Ara Aruludavu Perumālé!

Address:
Deputy Commissioner / Executive Officer
Subramanya Swami Tiru Kovil
Marudhamalai
<st1:City w:st="on"><st1lace w:st="on">Coimbatore</st1lace></st1:City> - 641 046
<st1lace w:st="on"><st1laceType w:st="on">Temple</st1laceType> <st1laceName w:st="on">Office</st1laceName></st1lace> Phone : + 91 (422) 422490

 

Sri Subramanya Swāmi Devasthānam
Kumāra Vayalur

Lord Muruga blessed the Saint Poet Arunagiri Nāthar at Vayalur and initiated him to compose Tirupugal. Arunagirināthar wrote 18 verses (910-927) on Vayalur in the famous Tiruppukal. Lord Natarajar is in the Sadura Danda pose in this temple.

Location
Vayalur is located nine kilometers west of Tiruchy (Tiruchirappalli). On the way we come across Uyyakkondan Hill, Somarasan Pêttai. Vayalur is also known as Kumāra Vayalur, Ādi Vayalur, Vanni Vayalur and Agnishwaram. Poet Saint Arunagirināthar calls Vayalur as Vayali, Vayarpati Melai Vayali, Seippati and Vayalinagar.

From Tiruchy buses ply to Vayalur. Tiruchy is a commercial centre and well linked by road and rail to all parts of Tamil Nadu. Tiruchy also has a domestic airport. One can also fly to <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comffice:smarttags" /><st1lace w:st="on"><st1laceName w:st="on">Madras</st1laceName> <st1laceType w:st="on">Airport</st1laceType></st1lace> and take bus, rail or air route to Tiruchy.

Amenities. The Devasthānam has provided a resthouse with eight rooms. Tiruchy being a commercial centre has a variety of private boarding and lodging houses and restaurants.

Nearby Tourist Spots
<st1lace w:st="on"><st1laceName w:st="on">Madurai</st1laceName> <st1laceName w:st="on">Arulmigu</st1laceName> <st1laceName w:st="on">Mīnakshi</st1laceName> <st1laceType w:st="on">Temple</st1laceType></st1lace>
Arulmigu Tiruparankundram
Palamudircholai
Palani
Kodaikanal
<st1lace w:st="on"><st1laceName w:st="on">Tiruchy</st1laceName> <st1laceName w:st="on">Rock</st1laceName> <st1laceName w:st="on">Fort</st1laceName> <st1laceType w:st="on">Temple</st1laceType></st1lace>
Tiruvanaikaval
Tiruvarangam
<st1lace w:st="on"><st1laceName w:st="on">Arulmigu</st1laceName> <st1laceName w:st="on">Samayapuram</st1laceName> <st1laceName w:st="on">Mari</st1laceName> <st1laceName w:st="on">Amman</st1laceName> <st1laceType w:st="on">Temple</st1laceType></st1lace>
Tirukarkudi- Uyyakkondan Hill
Hill

Sarpa Nadi river originates from Uyyakkondan Hill. The pathway is adjacent to the river. The temple is surrounded by lush green fields called vayal in Tamil and hence the name Vayalur. As the name implies, the temple is on the plains surrounded by fields.

Distinctive Features
Lord Muruga blessed the saint-poet Arunagiri Nāthar at Vayalur and initiated him to compose Tiruppugal. Arunagirināthar wrote 18 verses (910-927) on Vayalur in the famous Tiruppukal. Lord Natarajar is in the Sadura Danda pose in this <st1lace w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on">Temple</st1:City></st1lace>.

<st1:City w:st="on"><st1lace w:st="on">Temple</st1lace></st1:City>
The temple is surrounded on all four sides by lush green fields. We also find rivulets crisscrossing the green fields. Stretches of coconut, palms add beauty to the paddy fields. Lord Siva enSrined in this temple is called Agnīshwarar. In front of the temple we find a beautiful pond and this is called Sakti Tīrtham. This is believed to have been created by the Sūlāyudham of Lord Muruga.

Near the pond we find the Teradiyan Srine. As we enter through the main doorway we find the sthala vriksham - Vanni Maram and a well in the first prakara.

After worshipping the sthala vriksham we cross another gateway to enter the second prakara. The New Gopuram is found on this gateway. The Agnīswarar sannidhi is located in this prakara.

Just behind the Iswar sannidhi we find the Srine of Lord Arumuga with his two consorts Valli and Deyvanai. In the prakara around the sanctum sanctorum we find the Srines of Arunagirināthar and Vinayāgar in the south and the Srines of Mahalakshmi and Navagraha in the North.

The outer prakara is 320 feet in length facing east-west direction and 87 feet in breadth in the north-south direction.

Vayalur Lord Murugan is called Vayaluran, ādi Kumaran, Vannitalakumaran and Muttukumara Swami. In the second prakara we find the Kīla Pillayar and Mela Pillayar Srines.

Sri Ādināthar Swāmi

Sri Ādināthar Swāmi Srine is located at the entrance of the <st1lace w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on">Temple</st1:City></st1lace> is a swayambu lingam. He is called Agnīshwarar as He was worshipped by the fire god Agni; "Mahā Devan" because He is the Lord of all devas; Vidangar and Marapillināthar as He remembers devotees and blesses them towards salvation. This place also gets the name Agnīshwaram from the name of Lord Agnīshwarar.

Sri Ādināyaki
Adjacent to the Srine of Sri Ādināthar Swāmi facing south we find the Srine of Sri Ādināyaki, the divine consort. She is also called Munnilai Nāyaki meaning the first.

Sri Poiya Ganapati
In between the Srines of Sri Arunagirināthar and Sri Subramanya Swāmi we find the Srine of Sri Poiya Ganapati. Sri Poiya Ganapati is believed to emancipate mankind from the falsehood of life centered on the senses and help in Self-realization. The Lord holds the pomegranate fruits which symbolises the universe or in other word fullness.

Sri Subramanya Swāmi
Behind the Srine of Sri ādināthar Swāmi we find the main Srine of Lord Subramanya Swāmi with His two Divine consorts Sri Valli and Sri Teyvanai seated on the peacock.

Water Source
Just in front of the <st1:City w:st="on"><st1lace w:st="on">Temple</st1lace></st1:City> we find the temple tank called "Sakti Tīrtham" which is believed to have been created with the Lord's vel. This is also called Kumāra Tīrtham and Agni Tīrtham.

Sthala Vriksham
The Sthala Vriksham in this temple is Vanni.

Mūlavar
In Vayalur Lord Muruga is single faced with four hands, Sri Valli and Sri Teyvanai flanking Him on either side. He is in a standing posture facing east with the peacock behind Him. According to mythology, Devendran himself takes the form of the peacock vehicle before Sūlrasamhālram.

Another noteworthy feature here is that the peacock is turned towards Sri Teyvanai on the left of the Lord. The Lord, unlike in other Srines, creates the water spring called "Sakti Tadagam" with His Vel and in a worshipping posture along with His Divine consorts Sri Valli and Teyvanai.

Utsava Mūrti
The utsava mūrti or processional deity is a metal icon and known by the name Sri Muttukumāra Swāmi. He is seated on the peacock.

Mythology - History
Vayalur attains great significance since the world famous hymns Tiruppukal was created by Sri Arunagirināathar here.

At Tiruvannamalai Lord Muruga blessed Sri Arunagirinathar with the first few lines "Muthai Tiru". After writing these few lines Sri Arunagirinathar goes back into deep meditation. Lord Muruga beckoned him to Vayalur and asked him to sing Tirppugal. Sri Arunagirnathar was overwhelmed and requested the Lord to show him the mode of presentation. With Lord Muruga's blessings he initially wrote a verse on Sri Poiya Ganapati Kaithala Nirai Kani and later the Tiruppukal verses. Thus Vayalur gains great importance as this is the place where Sri Arunagirinathar wrote Tiruppukal which is the main gospel for Muruga bhaktas.

Historically the Subramanyar temple at Kumaravayalur dates back to the period of the Cholas, as testified by the inscriptions seen here. The Chola kings who had Uraiyur as the capital in the 9th century built this temple. Later Sri Kripananda Variyar contributed immensely towards the further development of this temple.

Worship
Kamika Agamam is followed for the daily ritual. Daily puja is conducted six times a day:
Ushakkālam morning 6.00 a.m.
Kalasandhi morning 8.00 a.m.
Uchikkalam morning 1.00 p.m
Sayaratchai evening 5.00 p.m
Erandām kālam evening 7.00 p.m
Artha Jamam evening 8.00 p.m
Pujas and Festivals
Vaikāsi Visākam (12 days)
Kanda Shasti (6 days)
Panguni Uttiram
Sri Arunagirinathar Utsavam
Sri Vināyagar Chathurti
Tamil New Year Day
New Moon day in the month of ādi

Taippucam
Special abishekam, puja and processions are conducted every month on Kārttikai and Shasti days.

Devasthānam has also made special provisions for the devotees to conduct Abishekam, Shanmuga Archanai, Tirukalyanam and gold kavacham on the day of their choice with a nominal advance payments.

Inscriptions
Researchers who have studied the inscriptions are of opinion that this temple was built during the reign of the first Ādittha Cholan. Nearly 20 inscriptions found on the walls of the garbhagraha of Sri Ādinathar Srine have been listed (1957; 138 -157). These inscriptions belong to the period of Chola kings, Paranthagan I, Rajarajan I, Rajendran I, Kulotungan I and Rajakesari I.

Monthly we find details of gifts of land and gold given by the general public and women towards burning the temple lamp. A lady by the name Sentankari took the goddess of the temple to be her daughter and spent all her riches in celebrating the marriage of the goddess with the Lord. According to the inscriptions this place was also called Uraiyur Kūtrattu Vayalur and 'Tenkarai Brahmadeyam Nandivarma Mangalam'.

Literature
Tiruppukal Arunagirinathar 18 verses (910 - 927)
Vayalur Patthu by R. Ramanathan
Kumāra Vayalur by S. Kothandapani
Kumaran Kumāra Venpa
Shetra Kovai Pillai (author not known) Tamil (72th verse)

Tiruppukal
(authored by Arunagiri Adigal)

Āramulai Kāti Māranilai Kāti
Yādaiyani Kāti Arurāha
Ālavili Kāti Ôsaimoli Kāti
Ādaruvu Kāti Evarodum
Eranagai Kāti Nēramigai Kāti
Ēvinaigal Kāti Uravādi
Ethamayal Kātu Mādarvalai Kāti
Edalithal Kāttalamai yādho,
Vīravaba rattu Sūrarpadai Kāti
Vīlalai ūti Mayilūrthi
Vēlaiyurai Nīti Vēlaithani lóttu
Vēla villaiyāttu Vayalurā
Sēramalai Nāttil Varamudan Vētta
Sīlikura Vātti Manavalā
Dēsupugal Thītti Yasaivaru Kotti
Dēvarsirai Mītta Perumālē!

For more information contact:
The Executive Officer
Sri Subramanya Swami Devasthānam
Kumāra Vayalur
Tiruchy District - 620 102 <st1lace w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">India</st1:country-region></st1lace>

 

<?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comffice:smarttags" /><st1lace w:st="on"><st1laceName w:st="on">Viralimalai</st1laceName> <st1laceName w:st="on">Sri</st1laceName> <st1laceName w:st="on">Shanmuganathan</st1laceName> <st1laceName w:st="on">Murugan</st1laceName> <st1laceType w:st="on">Temple</st1laceType></st1lace>

Location
Viralimalai is on the bus route between <st1lace w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on">Madurai</st1:City></st1lace> and Tiruchy. It is 25 kilometers from Tiruchy and 40 kilometers northwest of Pudukottai. From Azhankudi Viralimalai is 371/2 Kilometers. A railway station is very close to the town. Viralimalai temple is on top of a big rock and can be seen from a great distance.

Viralimalai temple is situated in the heart of the town of <st1lace w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on">Viralimalai</st1:City></st1lace>. Hence the town takes the name of the hill. Buses, which ply from Tiruchy to <st1:City w:st="on"><st1lace w:st="on">Madurai</st1lace></st1:City> and from Pudukottai to Illupur go via Viralimalai. Devotees can reach Tiruchy by road, rail or air and hence proceed to Viralimalai. In Tiruchy and Viralimalai there are many private boarding and lodging houses and food facilities are also available.

Nearby Pilgrimage Sites:
Madurai Arulmigu Meenakshi temple
Arulmigu Tiruparankundram
Pazhamudircholai
Kodaikanal
Palani
<st1lace w:st="on"><st1laceName w:st="on">Tiruchy</st1laceName> <st1laceName w:st="on">Rock</st1laceName> <st1laceName w:st="on">Fort</st1laceName> <st1laceType w:st="on">Temple</st1laceType></st1lace>
Tiruvanaikaval
Tiruvarangam
Arulmigu Samayapuram Mariamman temple
Tiru karkudi- Uyyakondan Hill

Hill
The hill is small and rocky. From the foot of the hill a beautiful flight of steps take us to the top. These footsteps are engraved on the rock and are 207 in number. In between there are beautiful mandapams for devotees to rest. There are thick woody orchards on the hill and peacocks abound in these orchards. Great saints and yogis are said to have lived in the form of <st1lace w:st="on">Kura</st1lace> trees and worshipped Lord Muruga and hence the name Viralimalai derived from the Tamil word Viravi.

Special Features
This temple is specially known for the peacocks that are found in plenty. Cigar is a unique offering similar to the sandal paste offered to Lord Dandayudhapani during Arthajama puja in Palani. During the reign of Ramachandra Thondaiman of Pudukottai the Lord is believed to have appeared in his dream and requested the offering of cigars for the Kalasandhi and Sayaratchai puja. The king is said to have been cured of his diseases after the offer of cigars to the Lord according to history. We also find a number of caves in which saints and yogis have performed penance. This is a place where the Lord blesses devotees with the power to control the indriyas or senses. Rishis Narada and Kashyapa offered prayer to Lord Subrahmanya for getting their sins propitiated. The mute Sivachariyar obtained the power of speech after worshipping Lord Murugan here. These and many more are the marvels of this temple.

<st1:City w:st="on"><st1lace w:st="on">Temple</st1lace></st1:City>
We find the statue of Kashyapa Muni and Narada Muni in the hill temple along with sculptures of Arundhati and Vashishta. We also find the sculpture of Arumugan and Arunagirinathar on the pillars found on the way to the temple. The temple is located on top of the hill and can be seen from a great distance. A beautiful flight of steps along with mandapams for devotees to rest, take us to the top of the hill. At the foot of the hills the water tank called Saravana Poigai is located on southern side. On the eastern side there is a Srine for the goddess Maikannudaiyal. It is customary to worship this goddess before climbing up the hill.

On the way to the hill top we find the Idumban Sannidhi a small cave Srine for Meenakshi Sundareshwar and a mandapam called Sandana Kottam at the end of the flight of steps. Adjacent to the Sandana Kottam Mandapam we find the Navaratri and Shanmuga Moorty Mandapam.

Next to the Navaratri Mandapam we find the south-facing Raja Gopuram. In the Shanmuga Moorthy Mandapam of this temple with a single prahara the utsavamoorthy gives darshan together with devas. In the western part of the prahara we find the Srines of Vinayagar, Dakshina Moorthy, Agasthiyar and Arunagirinathar and in the northern side we find the Srine of Chandikeshwarar and Bhairavar.

The Srine for Navagraha is located on the way to the Maha Mandapam in front of the sanctum sanctorum. In the Maha Mandapam Natarajar, Sivakami, Manika Vinayagar and Srinivasa Perumal with consort await to bless the devotees. On the outer walls of the garbhagraha we find inscriptions. Inside the sanctum sanctorum Lord Muruga showers blessings upon the devotees.

Theertham
On the southern part of the foothill Saravana Poigai, the Sthala Theertham is located. It is also called Naga Theertham. The Sthala Vriksham in this temple is Kasi Vilvam.

Moolavar
The vision of the Lord inside the Garbhagraha is soul-stirring. The Lord is in the form of Arumugan, six-faced and with twelve hands seated elegantly on the peacock facing east. The divine consorts Valli and Deivannai stand on either side. As the Sivachariyar offers camphor the devotees can see the three faces at the back in the mirror which the other three can be viewed directly.

Mythology
Sages and saints were in the form of <st1lace w:st="on">Kura</st1lace>trees and worshipped the Lord of Viralimalai. Hence this place was called Viravi Malai which later became Viralimalai. The poet Saint Arunagirinathar has mentioned in his songs about saints staying and worshipping Lord Muruga in this hill temple.

Saint Vashishtar's wife Arundhati forgets to feed Lord Murugan when he was born at Saravana Poigai. Due to this her husband cursed her. In turn Vashishtar was cursed by Lord Murugan for the ill fate he brought on his wife. As per mythology both Vashishtar and his wife Arundhati prayed here in Viralimalai to ward off their curse. Saints like Kashyapa Munivar and Naradar are believed to have offered their prayer here in Viralimalai to ward off curses.

The representative of the Palayamkarar Karupamuthu Pillai used to visit the temple every Friday. During one such visit, due to heavy rains there was flood and tanks bunds were broken. The river Mamundi was also flooded and Karupamuthu Pillai was cut off from the mainland. He neither had food to eat nor cigars to smoke and was in great misery as he was a chain smoker. Lord Murugan appeared before him, gave him cigar and matchstick and also took him to the temple for darshan. From that day cigar is offered to Lord Murugan along with neiveidyam and given away as prasadam to devotees.

History
When the temple and its allied properties were acquired by Vadi Lakkaiya Naicker, the temple was renovated and built by their successors and the descendants of Marungapuriyar. In the 18th century the temple was under the control of Pudukottai Thondaiman. In the 18th and 19th century during the Karnataka war Viralimalai Tiruchirapalli was a military area. The tourist Bungalow here was built in 1822 for the army chiefs to halt and rest. The Palayamkarar's used to offer cigar to the Lord.

Method of Worship
The daily puja is performed six times a day and as per Kamika Agamam.

Festivals and Pujas
Taippucam, Pankuni Uttiram, Kanda Sasthi and Adikrittikai are the main festivals as in other Murugan temples.

Inscriptions
On the outside wall of the sanctum sanctorum, we find a few inscriptions. These contain certain information on the history of the temple.

Literature
Muthu Pazhani Kavirayar authored Viralimalai Kuravanchi. This Kuravanchi was staged regularly every year during festivals.

Hymns and Songs
Legend tells us that Saint Arunagirinathar was directed in a dream to go to Viralimalai, which in those days was situated amidst thick jungle. Not far from Viralimalai Arunagiri lost his way in the jungle. From out of nowhere there appeared a Veddar or hunting tribesman who guided Arunagiri to large rock from where he could see Viralimalai hill. The Veddar vanished and only then did Arunagiri realize that his mysterious guide was none other than Lord Murugan Himself. Today the spot is marked by an ashram where bhaktars meditate on Lord Murugan's mercy.

Poet saint Arunagirinathar described the beauty of the Lord, the way Sri Krishna hide the sun with floods, the way peace was brought into the Uruthirasanmar Sangha before he wrote divine verses on Lord Murugan.

From his verses and lines we understand that Arunagirinathar was in his youth while he wrote these poems and also that Viralimalai was a part of Konadu. When Arunagirinathar was in Viralimalai the Lord gave him jnanopadesam in the Sandana Kotta Mandapam and we can decipher this information from his verses. Viralimalai has been praised by Arunagirinathar is 16 verses of Tirupugazh (344 -364). In Shastra Kovai Pillai Tamizh the 25th song is about Viralimalai.

Tiruppugazh:
Maalaasai Koba Moyathi Naalu
Maaya Vihaara Vazhiye cel
Mapaavi Kali Thaaninu Naadhaa
Maatha Pithaavum Ini Neeye
Nalaana Veda Noolaga Madhi
Nanodhi Nenu Milavine
Nalpoi Vidaamalaaraaru Meethil
Jnaanopadesam Arulvaye
Baala Kalaara Amoda leba
Pateera Vahaa Animeethe
Paadaala Bhoomi Yaatra Meena
Paneeya Melai Vayalura
Pola Viraali Vazhve Samooga
Vedalaa Bhoota Pathiseye
Veeraa Kadora Soorariyese
Vele Suresar Perumale

<st1:City w:st="on"><st1lace w:st="on">Temple</st1lace></st1:City> address:
Sri Shanmuganathan Devasthanam
Viralimalai
Tiruchirapalli - 621 316 <st1lace w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">India</st1:country-region></st1lace>

 

Arulmigu Balamurugan Tirukkovil, Rathinagiri

The History of the Shrine
<?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comffice:smarttags" /><st1lace w:st="on"><st1laceName w:st="on">Rathinagiri</st1laceName> <st1laceName w:st="on">Bāla</st1laceName> <st1laceName w:st="on">Murugan</st1laceName> <st1laceType w:st="on">Temple</st1laceType></st1lace> was built around the 14th century. Over the passage of time an ordinary sand structure was converted into a stone shrine.

Greatness of the Shrine:
Ancient Hindu scriptures say that wherever there is a hill, Lord Murugan resides as the all-powerful Deity. Of these Tirupparamkundram, Tiruchendur, Tiruvavinankudi, Tiruveragam and Palamuthircholai are famous shrines, collectively called 'Kundruthoradal'. The holy shrine at Rathinagiri also features in this category.

Literary Evidence:
The 14th Century poet Arunagirinathar has sung about this temple as Rathinakiri Vazh Murukane Ilaya Vaaramarar Perumaley', which means 'Murugan, the God of Devas resides in Rathinagiri'.

Divine Blessings
The Omnipotent Power manifests His Blessings to mankind in three forms:

In the form of idol in the shrine.
In the form of the guru.
In the form of the devotee.

Of these three, Lord Bālamurugan manifests himself at Rathinagiri in two forms. The first is in the form of the deity with his two consorts Valli and Teyvanai. The second is in the form of our Guru, Swami Bālamurugan Adimai.

The History of Swami Bālamurugan Adimai through whom the Blessings of Lord Bālamurugan are channeled to us is praise worthy.

History of Swami Bālamurugan Adimai
Born on the 24th of January 1941 (in the Vikrama year of the Tamil calendar on the 11th day of the month of Thai) in the small <st1lace w:st="on"><st1laceType w:st="on">village</st1laceType> of <st1laceName w:st="on">Kilminnal</st1laceName></st1lace> adjacent to Rathinagiri, he was the fourth child born to Sri Kandaswami Mudaliar and Smt. Sinagarammal. He was named Dakshinamurthy and Sachidanandam, both being names of Lord Shiva.

On completion of his schooling he entered the services of the Electricity Department. Soon after, he entered into holy matrimony with Sivakami and was blessed with two daughters and a son.

One day in his 27th year, on his way to work, he climbed the hill to offer his prayers. There was neither camphor nor incense available at the temple. He walked around the shrine with a heavy heart and was suddenly overcome with divine awakening. He fell in a faint to the ground and on waking up was unable to remember his own self. He dressed himself in a loincloth. He took a sacred vow not to leave until the temple was restored to its former glory.

This memorable event of Swami's spiritual awakening took place on 20th March 1968. Ever since then Swami's spiritual well being of his devotees has continued unabated.

Motorable Road
This road will ensure that no devotee, however old or infirm, should come to Rathinagiri without ascending the hill to enjoy the darshanam of Rathinagiri Bala Murugan.

Six Sided Holy Tank
A six-sided tank has been dug out and steps have been made. Further progress on this work has postponed until Kumbhabhishekam of the main temple.

Archana in Tamil
Lord Murugan being the God of Tamil it is only befitting that worship be carried on in Tamil. All mantras are chanted in Tamil so that the common man can better understand the worship.

Service to the Devotees
Public toilets and drinking water have been provided for the general visitors.
Around 40 shops at a low rent have been built along the Arcot - <st1:City w:st="on"><st1lace w:st="on">Vellore</st1lace></st1:City> road.
Four marriage halls are present for public use at a low rent.
A police outpost, post office, bank and a co-operative store are present for the benefit of the public.
A hall with bathrooms for those who wish to tonsure their head has been provided.

Education
In order to provide facilities to enable the rural youth to compete with the urban, a matriculation school was established for the children of the employees of the shrine in 1987. It has gradually developed and at present about 1,019 children of the surrounding 18 villages are benefited by it.

Every first Friday and Saturday lectures are held on Tiruvilaiyadal Purina, Tolkapiyam, Periyapuranam and Tirukkural for the public.

Health Facility
A 25-bed charity hospital has been built for the benefit of the poor. Specialists from all fields offer their services freely to the poor. Free eye camps are held every month and around 70 patients are operated free of cost.

Cottages for visitors
Cottages for the devotees have been built and are available
<st1:City w:st="on"><st1lace w:st="on">Temple</st1lace></st1:City> hours
<st1:City w:st="on"><st1lace w:st="on">Temple</st1lace></st1:City> is kept open between 6 am to 1 pm & 4 pm. to 8 pm.
Abhishekam timings: 6 am to 10:30 am & 5:30 pm.
<st1:City w:st="on"><st1lace w:st="on">Temple</st1lace></st1:City> office working hours: 9 am to 1 pm & 3 pm to 6 pm.

Days of principal importance in the calendar year
Tamil New Year Day;
Ādi Krittikai celebrations (Lord Murugan's Birthday);
Ādi Velli (auspicious Friday in the month of August or September);
Kanda Shashti celebrations (Six Days);
Navaratri (Nine Nights of the Goddess Festival);
Panguni Uttiram;
January 1st;
The anniversary of Swamiji's enlightenment 20th March

For further details contact:
Arulmigu Bālamurugan Tirukkovil
Rathinagiri, Kilminnal
Walajah Taluk, Vellore Dist.
Tamil Nadu - 632 517 <st1:country-region w:st="on">India</st1:country-region>
Phone: (91) 4172 266330 (Office)
Phone: (91) 4172 266350 (<st1lace w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on">Temple</st1:City></st1lace>)

Or

Thavathiru Balamurugan Adimai
Arulmigu Bālamurugan Tirukkovil
Rathinagiri, Kilminnal
Walajah Taluk, Vellore Dist.
Tamil Nadu - 632 517 <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1lace w:st="on">India</st1lace></st1:country-region>

 

Sri Ettukudi Murugan Temple – Ettukudi

<?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comffice:smarttags" /><st1lace w:st="on"><st1laceType w:st="on">Temple</st1laceType> <st1laceName w:st="on">Details</st1laceName></st1lace> :
Moolaver: Lord Muruga

City Location:Ettukudi

<st1lace w:st="on"><st1laceType w:st="on">Temple</st1laceType> <st1laceName w:st="on">History</st1laceName></st1lace>:
There once lived a sculptor in a village called Porulvaithaseri chanting ever the glory of Lord Muruga with Sharavana Bhava mantra. He sculpted an idol of the Lord with six faces. Seeing the beauty of the idol, a jealous Chola king cut off the thumb of the sculptor so that he could not do another one for anybody. The sculptor moved to another village, enduring all the pain made out another one with equal beauty.

The chieftain of the village saw this idol and enjoyed its beauty. While the idol was nearing completion rays of light flew from the idol and the peacock bearing Lord Muruga began to fly. The chieftain cried, jump and catch it meaning Ettipidi in Tamil. In the effort of catching it, the leg portion of the peacock was a little damaged. This idol was installed here. The name of the place came to be known as Ettipidi, changed to Ettikudi and finally stood as Ettukudi.

The sculptor made a third idol also which was installed in Enkan. The first was installed in Sikkal, the second in Ettukudi. All the idols are similar in look. A clarification to the special feature: Lord Muruga in this temple appears in different forms to the eyes of the devotees depending on the imagination of their mind as a child, youth and an elderly person.

<st1:City w:st="on"><st1lace w:st="on">Temple</st1lace></st1:City>’s Speciality:
A Siddha, Vanmeekar by name attained Samadhi in this place. The Samadhi is under the Vanni tree in the temple.

Festival:
Chitra poornima (April-May) festival is celebrated for 10 days continuously. The temple will be opened on the previous day would not be closed till the following day of Poornima-full moon, when milk abishek would be performed continuously. Devotees would be thronging in thousands with their Milk Pot Kavadis – minimum 23,000. Skanda Sashti is celebrated for six days in Iypasi (October-November) and Vishakam in Vaikasi (May-June) for a day. For the Ammai-Appa in the temple (Shiva and Shakti) Tiruvadhirai is celebrated in Margazhi (December-January). Kruthika is celebrated every month.

Prayers and Poojas:
People pray for relief from the fear complex in children, removal of obstacles in marriage alliance talks, child boon and progress in education of the children.
Devotees perform abhishek and offer clothings to Lord Muruga as a token of their gratitude for his grace.

<st1lace w:st="on"><st1laceType w:st="on">Temple</st1laceType> <st1laceName w:st="on">Opening Time</st1laceName></st1lace>:
The temple is open from 4.30 a.m. to 12.30 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. to 9.00 p.m.

<st1lace w:st="on"><st1laceType w:st="on">Temple</st1laceType> <st1laceName w:st="on">Travel</st1laceName></st1lace> Guide:
The temple is 20 km from Nagapattinam on the <st1:Street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on">Tiruthuraipoondi Road</st1:address></st1:Street>. Frequent bus services are available.

<st1laceType w:st="on">Temple</st1laceType> <st1laceName w:st="on">Address</st1laceName>:
<st1lace w:st="on"><st1laceName w:st="on">Sri</st1laceName> <st1laceName w:st="on">Ettukudi</st1laceName> Murugan <st1laceType w:st="on">Temple</st1laceType></st1lace>, Ettukudi – 610 212, Nagapattinam district.
Phone No: +91- 4366-245 426

Nearest Temples:
♦ Sri Thanthondreeswarar temple
♦ Sri Pallavaneswarar temple
♦ Sri Aranyeswarar temple
♦ Sri Naganathar temple
♦ Sri Valampurinathar temple
♦ Sri Kuttramporuthanathar temple
♦ Sri Velladainathaswami temple

 

Sri Muthumalai Murugan Temple – Muthukavundanur

<?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comffice:smarttags" /><st1lace w:st="on"><st1laceType w:st="on">Temple</st1laceType> <st1laceName w:st="on">Details</st1laceName></st1lace> :
Moolaver : Lord Muruga
City Location : Muthukavundanur, Kinathukadavu

<st1lace w:st="on"><st1laceType w:st="on">Temple</st1laceType> <st1laceName w:st="on">History</st1laceName></st1lace>:
While Lord Muruga was going around the world in his Peacock vehicle, a pearl from his crown fell down. The Lord placed his feet on this place to pick up the gem, hence the name Muthumalai.

Lord Muruga appeared in the dream of a girl and told her that there were three Karai plants in a row and that He was under the plant in an idol form. The girl informed the villagers but there were no takers. Lord Muruga appeared repeatedly in the dream of the girl on three Kruthika star and Bharani star days and reminded her. The curious girl herself went to the place and was excited to see the plants. The villagers began to believe her. They planted the Vel weapon and began the worships on Kruthika days. A committee was then formed and the temple was built with Mandaps and the idol installed in the sanctum sanctorum.

<st1:City w:st="on"><st1lace w:st="on">Temple</st1lace></st1:City>’s Speciality:
The devotee gets relieved of all adverse aspects on him if he worships Muruga in this temple on Thaipoosam day, the Lord holding His Vel weapon. Devotees say a ray of light emanates from an ant-hill near the temple.

Festival:
Kruthika star day is celebrated each month. Special pujas are performed on Thai Poosam day in January-February, car festival on Panguni Uthiram day in March-April and Kavadi Aattam and Annadhanam on Mondays and Fridays are the festivals celebrated in the temple.

Prayers and Poojas:
Devotees benefit from their prayers to Lord Muruga in matrimonial and child boon matters.Devotees, on realizing their prayers, perform abishek to Lord and offer what they could for the temple and arrange feeding the poor.

<st1lace w:st="on"><st1laceType w:st="on">Temple</st1laceType> <st1laceName w:st="on">Opening Time</st1laceName></st1lace>:
The temple is open from 6.30 a.m. to 7.30 p.m.

<st1lace w:st="on"><st1laceType w:st="on">Temple</st1laceType> <st1laceName w:st="on">Travel</st1laceName></st1lace> Guide :
Bus facilities are available from Kinathukadavu to Muthukavundanur where the temple is situated. Kinathukadavu is on Coimbatore-Pollachi road.
<st1laceType w:st="on">Temple</st1laceType> <st1laceName w:st="on">Address</st1laceName>:
<st1laceName w:st="on">Sri</st1laceName> <st1laceName w:st="on">Muthumalai</st1laceName> Murugan <st1laceType w:st="on">Temple</st1laceType>,Muthukavundanur,Kinathukadavu, <st1:City w:st="on"><st1lace w:st="on">Coimbatore</st1lace></st1:City> district. Phone No: +91 – 422 – 234 0462, + 91- 4253 292 860.

Nearest Temples:
♦ Sri Amaneeswarar temple
♦ Sri Nanjundeswarar temple
♦ Sri Aranganathaswami temple
♦ Sri Kalyanavaradarajar temple
♦ Sri Thandeswarar temple
♦ Sri Dattatreyaswami temple

 

After witnessing Kanda Sashti festival at Tiruchendur, if one makes a bee-line north straight to the Andhra Pradesh border in Vellore district, one will arrive to Valli Malai, the birthplace of Valli Amma according to tradition, just at the time of the annual Guru Puja commemorating the samadhi on 22.11.1950 of Vallimalai Sri Satchidananda Swamigal, who popularised Saint Arunagirinathar's <CITE>Tiruppukazh</CITE> songs and Valli Malai all across South India during the early part of the 20th century.

The power and beauty of this sakti peetam (Skt: 'seat of sakti or subtle power') are among the better-known secrets known to Murugan bhaktars. Indeed, Valli Malai remains as Valli Amma's own playground where She and Bala Murugan romp and play Hide-and-Seek with each other and with their devotees to this day. The stunning beauty of Valli Malai with its pools, fresh greenery, caves and unusual rock formations stands as mute testimony to the continuing presence of the ever-youthful Goddess Herself.

Unlike towering <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comffice:smarttags" /><st1lace w:st="on"><st1laceType w:st="on">Mount</st1laceType> <st1laceName w:st="on">Kailasa</st1laceName></st1lace> in the trans-Himalaya where Lord Siva abides in cold silent majesty, the Valli Malai hills by comparison are child-sized. Indeed, the whole of Valli Malai appears designed to please the goddess of Valli Malai, Valli Amma or Pongi (literally 'bubbling over', i.e. with joy). Pongi is the spirit of a twelve-year old girl, just as Murugan always remains a kumara or youth. Valli Malai was the birthplace in prehistoric times of Lord Murugan's sweetheart Valli and to this day her spirit remains here and in the hearts of her devotees.

Vallimalai Sri Satchidananda Swamigal has since been succeeded by his disciple Valli Malai Balananda Sadhu, whose renown as a friend of Pongi Amma and exponent of Tiruppukazh songs has been spreading across the world of Murugan devotees. Balananda Sadhu has single-handedly restored the delapitated Vallimalai Satchidananda Tiruppukazh Ashram and turned it into a model ashram and center of devotional activities including daily annadanam and annual functions that attract and feed hundreds of devotees.

A life-long brahmachari and former automotive engineer, Balananda Sadhu is well-endowed with the energetic drive and talents needed for one who serves as Pongi Amma's own cook, driver, manager, engineer, foreman, accountant, priest and secretary all rolled into one. He is constantly engaged in devotional service of Pongi Amma and Lord Murugan.

It should be said that nowadays most visitors to Valli Malai regard it not so much as a sacred sakti peetam but rather as a splendid destination for a school outing or picnic. This has resulted in a gradual diluting of the sacred atmosphere that is noticeable to devotees. The best way to counter this trend is to follow the example set by Balananda Sadhu who tries to educate young and old, devotee and casual visitor alike to respect Valli Malai, Pongi Amma and Her traditions. One should kindly note that Valli Malai does not offer comfortable facilities for visitors, who must 'rough out' and sleep out of doors like Balananda Sadhu who does so year-round.
Valli Malai
Valli Malai is situated in <st1lace w:st="on">North Arcot</st1lace> district near the town Walaja. There is a Murugan temple for Lord Muruga along with Valli and Devayanai.

Behind the temple there is a kulam Saravana Poikai. Near the kulam there is a Valli temple also. On the top of the hillock there is another temple for Lord Muruga. One has to climb 444 steps to reach this temple that is carved in a single rock. On the steps there are a number of resting mandapams. Out of the many canopies one of them is still not renovated. When they tried to renovate it, Mr. Arunachalam, Mr. Apathurai and Kripananda Variar tried to remove the stone. When they had smoke incense smell coming from the chamber below the stone they had the vision of siddhas and rishis seated in yoga posture. All the three had a shock and became unconscious. From that time the stones were closed and this particular canopy has been left as it is without renovation. There are a number of stories about this.

Valli Malai Shakti Peetam (Iccha Shakti)
Here Valli Devi has importance from very ancient time many siddhas lived on this hill. In fact one may call it a Siddha Bhumi. On top of Valli Malai near the ashram there is a place where Valli made a paste of turmeric for taking bath. Nearby is the place where Murugan took the form of a tree. Valli Malai Swamigal removed what remained of the tree and made it into a water pool.

Pongi (a la Valli)
One day while Vallimalai Satchidananda Swami was walking on the hill he met Valli in the form of a little girl who sang Virakara Nokkiyam. Swamigal felt very happy and was astonished. He asked the girl who she was.

She said, "It does not matter who I am, but did you not feel very happy in your mind upon hearing my music?"

From that time Valli Malai Swami started singing with rāga and tāla. He gave the name Pongi to Valli. He consecrated her on a rock called Pongi Parai.

Ganesa Giri
There is a natural rock formation like an elephant and Lord Ganesa has helped in the Valli Tirumanam. Lord Ganesa is in the form of a natural rock formation the Ganesa Giri and protects all the bhaktas.

Tiruppukazh Asramam
Near the Valli Malai rock temple the asramam is situated. Swami Satchidananda accepted Tiruppukazh as the Veda Mantra and taught all with music. In 1950 he attained samadhi. This samadhi is made of a single rock. Presently this asramam is administered by Sri Balananda Swami.
Siva-Visnu
On the top of the hillock there is a Siva lingam called Tirumal Gireeswara. Here Vaisnavism and Saivism commingle. After the puja the priest blesses the devotees with sadari proving that this is a Vaisnava site.

Kumari Teertham
On the west of the asramam, there is a spring which is called Suriyan Kanaa Cunnai, meaning the pond that does not see the sun, i.e. the sun's rays never touch it. The story goes that Lord Murugan came as an old man and asked Valli to give honey and tinai maha (millet flour) to eat. On eating the same he had hiccups and asked for water from a pond which does not get either sun rays or moon rays. The water is perennial and is considered as <st1lace w:st="on">Ganges</st1lace> water. There are references about this spring on palmyra leaf sources. Young women sprinkle this water on their head and pray to Valli for a good husband.

Valli and Devasena and temple history
Maha Visnu's daughters were Valli and Devayanai. They wanted to have a husband who will never get angry. They performed penance and Lord Muruga appeared before them. Both of them wanted to get married to them. He said that Devayanai will be married as daughter of Indra and Valli to Veddas and then he will marry them.

After destroying Surapadma, Lord Muruga restored the Indra Loka to Indra As a gift Indra gave his daughter Devayanai to Lord Murugan in wedlock. Valli was born on Valli Malai and brought up by Vedda king Nambi Raj. Valli and Lord Muruga played a lot of leelas for nearly twelve years and ultimately married. This hillock where Valli was born therefore gets the name Valli Malai.

During the annual ten-day Valli Malai festival, after the Valli Tirumanam, all sumangalis married women with living husband are offered mangal sutra, kumkuma red vermilion and turmeric powder presented by Tiruppukazh Asramam.

<st1lace w:st="on"><st1laceName w:st="on">Jain</st1laceName> <st1laceType w:st="on">Caves</st1laceType></st1lace>
On the way back form the Valli temple there are Jain caves. They are very old and many exquisite sculptures are seen there. Indian Archaeological Dept is currently administering the site.

Valli Tavapeetham
This is the platform where Valli did penance. Near the Muruga temple Kripananda Variar has built this Tavapeetham. You have the Arupadai Murugan Sannidhi in this tavapeetham. Variar Swamigal used to say that every person born in this world should at least visit Valli Malai at least once and have a darshan of Lord Murugan. He used to repeat this in almost all his lectures.

 

<?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comffice:smarttags" /><st1lace w:st="on"><st1laceName w:st="on">Singaravelavar</st1laceName> <st1laceName w:st="on">Subrahmanya</st1laceName> <st1laceType w:st="on">Temple</st1laceType></st1lace>, Sikkal

Sikkal is situated about five kilometers from Nagapattinam on the Nagapattinam-Thiruvarur route.

Actually this is a Saiva temple with Lord Siva bearing the name Sri Navaneetheswara. But the main deity is Lord Subrahmanya called Singaravelavar. Sage Vasishta made a sivalinga made of butter obtained from the milk of the divine cow Kamadhenu for worship. After puja, the sivalinga could not be shifted and got stuck and hence the name sikkal in Tamil for this place. This temple was worshipped by sages Vasishta, Viswamitra, wish-granting cow Kamadenu and Emperor Muchukunda of Deva Loka. Saints Sambandhar and Arunagirinathar have sung in praise of the Lord Sikkal Singaravelavar.

The name of the goddess in the standing posture here is Velnedunganni. Ganapati, Mahalakshmi, Nataraja, the sixty three Nayanmars, Bhairava, Surya and Chandra are also having sannadhis at the respective places as per agamic standards. The sthala vriksha (sacred tree) here is jasmine. There are three holy tanks for this temple namely Ksheera (ie. milk), <st1lace w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on">Gaya</st1:City></st1lace> and Lakshmi Tanks.

During the Tamil month of Arpasi, Skanda Shashti is celebrated in a grand manner for the main ruling deity Singaravelavar. Tradition tells us that the Lord received the Vel at Sikkal and killed Surapadman at Tiruchendur the next day. During Skanda Shashti, Lord Singaravelavar will receive the Vel one day prior to Surasamharam from his mother to destroy the demon Surapadman. After receiving the Vel even today, one will find Muruga's face perspiring, which is a miracle. The Singaravelavar is in the form of utsavamurti with his consorts Valli and Devayanai, showering his divine grace.

Legend has it that Muchukunda Cholan, associated with the Tiruvarur legend built this temple. Vasishta is said to have prayed to Shiva to recover his Kamadhenu, whose milk flowed and froze to form butter. Fashioning a lingam out of butter (Venneippiran), Vasishtar tried in vain to move it; it had gotten stuck (sikkal). Interestingly, Tirukkannankudi - a Vaishnava Divyadesam (near Keevalur nearby) has a legend associated with Vasishtar offering worship to an image of <st1lace w:st="on">Krishna</st1lace> which he had fashioned out of butter. The Ksheera Pushkarini (Paal Kulam) tank is located behind the temple. Legend also has it that Vishnu sought the blessings of Shiva before venturing out to the court of the demon king Mahabali, and there is a Kola Vaamana Perumaal shrine adjacent to the temple.

<st1lace w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on">Temple</st1:City></st1lace>: The seven-tiered rajagopuram that adorns the entrance to this temple is about 80 feet in height. Inscriptions from the imperial Chola period and from the Vijayanagar period abound in this temple which covers an area of about two acres. The Kartikai Mandapam in the forefront exhibits a number of paintings depicting legends related to Subramanya.
Festivals: Six worship services are offered each day here. A number of marriages are performed in this temple in the kalyana mandapam. The annual brahmotsavam is celebrated in the month of Cittirai. Singaravelar receives his Vel (spear) from Devi during Skanda Sashti festival in the month of Libra; and it is believed that his image then breaks out in sweat. Soorasamharam is enacted here during this festival.