35 Famous Murugan / Subramanya temples around Coimbatore, Tamilnadu

Words of Wisdom

Temples are the bridges between the unseen, invisible and the infinite God and ourselves, who are drops in the vast ocean. We are not satisfied with contemplating the invisible God. Somehow or other, we want something which we can touch, something which we can see, something before which we can kneel down – MAHATMA GANDHI

Index of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Google Map of 1000 Murugan / Subramanya/ Karthk Temples
3. Tiruppugazh Sthalangal
   • Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple, Palani
   • Chennimalai Murugan Temple (Siragiri Velavan)
   • Utthanda VelayudhaSwamy Temple , Uthiyur
   • Vattamalai Murugan Temple
   • Akilandeswari Amman Temple , akilandapuram
   • Sivanmalai Subramanyaswami Temple
   • Kanagagiri Malai,Kandiankoil
   • Kaithamalai Murugan Temple, Uthukuli
   • Konganagiri Murugan Temple , Tiruppur
   • Murugan temple, Vanjipalayam, Avinashi
   • KNT002 – Shiva Temple, Thirumuruganpoondi, Avinashi
   • Arulmigu Avinashi Lingeshwarar Temple
   • Pattiswarar Temple, Perur
   • Ponmalai Velayuthaswamy Temple,Kinathukadavu
   • SRI KALYANA SUBRAMANYA SWAMY TEMPLE,  Palakkad
   • Mandiragiri Velayudaswamy Temple
   • Vikrama cholleswarar Kovil, Kannapuram
   • Nageswar Temple, Vijayamangalam
4. Murugan / Subhramanya temples
   • Maruthamalai Subramanya Swami Temple
   • Rathnagiri Murugan temple,Coimbatore
   • Kurunthamalai Temple, karamadai
   • Kumaran Kundru Murugan temple
   • Uthayagiri Muthuvelayuthasamy Temple
   • Sakthi Murugan Temple. KALIAPPAMPAYAM
   • Arulmalai Murugan Temple , Thoranavavi
   • ThittaMalai Murugan Temple , Nambiyur
   • Andavar Malai Lord Murugan Temple
   • Pachaimalai Murugan Temple
   • Pavala Malai Murugan Temple
   • Thavalagiri Bala Dhandayuthapani Thirukovil
   • Sri Balathandayuthapani Temple, Korumaduvu
   • Subramanya Temple, Kazhani , Kerala
   • Muthumalai Murugan Temple
   • Alagumalai Murugan Temple
   • Veerakumara Swamy Temple, Vellakoil

NOTE Since the Blog is lengthy, If you Click on any Title, you will be taken to the concerned paragragh by the link provided. Also you can return to the Index of Contents for which links have been provided at several places in the Blog.

1. Introduction

In this blog, details of Murugan / Subramanya temples within a radius of 80 kms around Coimbatore are given. The list includes temples wherein Saint Arunagirinathar has sung Thiruppugazh songs in praise of Lord Murugan. A few Murugan temple details were covered in my earlier Blog :    Kshethradanam – 30 Important Murugan /Subhramanya/ Karthikeya temples for Darshan with Map of 1000 Temples. 30 Famous Murugan / Subramanya temples around Salem,Tamilnadu were covered in my earlier blog. In the Salem – Coimbatore region, there are a number of small hills and Lord Murugan resides in many of them (18 Thiruppugazh sthalams and 17 Murugan temples covered in this Blog) .   

New Blog : Famous Shiva Temples established by Lord Murugan around Tiruvannamalai – Part 2 of 5  (Sapta Karaikanda Sthalams and Sapta Kailaya Sthalams). To read, Click Here

I have created Customized Google Maps giving location of various temples in each category :

1. Google Map of  2500+ Sri Rama Temples, . Web link  
2. 1000 Murugan / Subhramanya with 30 Famous Temples web link  
3. Map of Sri Parashurama  Prathishta Shiva  , Bhagavathy and Dharma Sastha  Temples and Parashurama Kshetrams (650). Web Link 
4. Google Map of  300+ Thevara  Vaippu  Sthalangal . Web Link     
5. 1000+ Sri Narasimha / Narasingh temples,with 35 famous temples web link  
6. 1500 + Saraswati Temples with 20 Famous Templesweb link NEW
7. 4000+ Krishna Kshetrams with 30 Famous Temples – Part 1 Part 2 NEW

2. Google Map of 1000 Murugan / Subramanya/ Karthk Temples

Embedded Interactive Google Map of 1000 Murugan/Subramanya/ Kartik Swamy Temples are given below. By clicking on a location, photo of the temple, web links for more details of temple, Video (Youtube) links if any can be seen. Also you can paste the location details from the Blog to get the location of the temple

3. Tiruppugazh Sthalangal

Thiruppugazh is one of the major works of medieval Tamil literature, known for its poetical and musical qualities, as well as for its religious, moral and philosophical content rendered by Saint Arunagirinathar. Arunagiri visited temples all over South India and composed 16,000 songs – at present about 1,334 alone were found. His songs show the way to a life of virtue and righteousness and set the tone for a new form of worship, the musical worship.

The works of Arunagirinathar include Thiruppugazh , Thiruvaguppu, Kandar Alangaram, Kandar Anubhuti ,Kandar Andhaadhi, Vel Viruttham, Mayil Viruttham, Seval Viruttham, Thiru Elukūtrirukkai etc. For Lord Murugan’s devotees Thiruppugazh is equivalent to Thevaaram, Kandar Alangaram is equivalent to Thiru Vaasagam and Kandar Anubhuti is equivalent to Thiru Mandhiram. Tiruppugazh, composed by saint poet Arunagirinathar, is unique because it brings before us the image of Lord Muruga in full splendour and glory and bestows us the abounding grace of Muruga. Among many saints who guided humanity to the path of perfection, Arunagirinathar occupies a unique position. His songs not only sparks the flame of devotion in the minds of people but also the light of knowledge in the intellect. He showed the way to the life of virtue and righteousness. He showed the way to the Lotus Feet of Muruga. Arunagirinathar has visited / sung in praise of Lord Murugan in over 200 Temples.

I have started a You tube Channel  Kshetradanam – Pilgrimage    which gives much more information for the temples than given in this blog. Some of the Murugan temples are given below. I will be adding more videos shortly. 

See below my You tube video which gives a lot of information about this temple.

Click Here to return to Index of Contents. Otherwise Continue

3.1 Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple, Palani

Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple, Giri Veethi, Palani, Tamil Nadu 624601 Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple, Pazhani,Tamil Nadu is  Located at 60 kms from Dindigul .Saint Nakeerar  in his Tamil writings compilation Thirumurugatruppadai  and saint Poet Arunagirinaathar, who composed Tiruppugazh, have both sung in praise of Palani Andavar .It was in this holy place that Sage Agasthya did penance and learnt Tamil Grammar from Lord Murugan.

As per a legend, Six mountain temples across the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu became camps where Murugan and his forces rested to destroy demon Soorapadma.. These camps came to be known as Arupadai Veedu and comprise Swamimalai, Pazhani, Pazhamudhircholai, Thiruchendur, Thiruparankundram and Thiruthani.

As per Legend,, Sage Narada  presented Shiva  a fruit, the gnana-palam (fruit of knowledge). Lord Shiva  decided to award it to whichever of his two sons who first encircle the  Seven worlds created by Him  thrice. Accepting the challenge, Murugan started his journey around the globe on his mount peacock. However, Ganesha, who surmised that the  seven world was no more than his parents Shiva and Shakti combined who had created them,, circumambulated them and won the fruit. When the illustrious Subrahmanya returned after his strenuous voyage around the world, he found that the coveted fruit had already been given to his brother. The boy  was very angry. He left Kailash and moved to Podhigai Malai to do  penance and meditation and as a hermit discarded all his robes and ornaments.

The idol of the Muruga in Palani was created and consecrated by sage Bogar, one of Hinduism’s eighteen great siddhaas, out of an amalgam of nine poisons or navapashanam. The hill top temple has 690 steps There are two modes of transport from the foothills to uphill. There is a winch and a rope car. Surmounting the sanctum, is a gopuram of gold,  The  shrines in the temple are : Shiva, Parvati, Bhogar, Ganapati, Subramanya, Nakkerar and Arunagirinathar.                                                                                                           On the Palani hill bottom (Malai Adivaram) called Thiruvavinankudi temple is actually located at the foot of the hills. The most common form of worship at the temple is the abhishekam with oils, sandalwood paste, milk etc . The temple is the richest among temples in the state. One of the main traditions of the temple, is the tonsuring of devotees. Another is the anointing of the head of the presiding deity’s idol with sandalwood paste, at night, prior to the temple being closed for the day – called as rakkāla chandaṇam                                                                                                                Palani Panchamirdam (mixture of five) is very famous and is a divine mix of honey, dates, banana, raisins and jaggery.Festivals are the Thai-Poosam, the Panguni-Uthiram, the Vaikhashi-Vishakham and the Sura-Samharam. Devotees carry kavadi on shoulders and  sanctified water, known as theertha-kāvadi, for the priests to conduct the abhishekam on the holy day.  Six poojas are performed

3.2 Chennimalai Murugan Temple

Chennimalai Murugan Temple , 45, Telephone Exchange Street, Kumarapuri, Chennimalai, Tamil Nadu 638051 (Siragiri Velavan)  Chennimalai Murugan Temple is located at Chennimalai, Tamil Nadu at a distance of 30 Kms from Erode. This world famous temple of Lord Muruga is where Lord Arunagirinathar was blessed with “Padikasu”, wealth of coins. This is where an unusual phenomenon, rather a miracle took place in the year 1984 on 12th February. A bullock cart with two bulls climbed the 1320 steps on their own on this eventful day. Tiruppugazh sthalam. Big temple on a high hill. Can be reached by car on a motorable road.

This hill is also called Sigaragiri, Pushpagiri and Siragiri. The Lord of mountains ‘Kuringi Andavar’, Murugan is highly praised and sung with reference to this abode in Kundruthoradal. Chennimalai is one of them and abounds in natural beauty and splendor.

In this  place  Balan Dhevaraya Swami staged the hymn Kanda Shahshti Kavasam  on  Chennimalai Subramania Swamy – Siragiri Velavan.

As per legend, Once upon a time Anandan a.k.a Nagarjuna and Vayu Deva were contending that each of them to be superior an d important. So there was a fight between them to prove their strength. When Anandan embraced Mahameru (Big hill) and held firmly, Vayu Deva responded by blowing strongly. As a result, head (Peak) of Mahameru was blown away and fell at Poondurai (Today’s Perundurai) town. This peak of Mahameru is known as Sira giri, Sigara giri, Pushpa giri, Makutagiri or Chennimalai (The head of hills).

About 3 miles from Chennimalai, on the banks of Noyyal River, there is a village named ‘Kodumanal’. It was once a flourishing ancient trade city known as Kodumanam, as inscribed in Patittrupathu of Sangam literature.  Once upon a time, this village used to be a big town and was ruled by a petty king.

Hundreds of years ago there lived a Land lord in this town who had hundreds of dairy cows in his farm, one among them was a Black Colour Cow (Karam Pasu). Every day the cowherd locks up all the cows in the evening after they have grazed the whole day. The cowherd noticed that there was no milk in the udder of the Karam Pasu for a few days and informed this to the Land Lord. The land lord also observed for some time that during the evening, when all the cows come back after grazing, this Karam Pasu used to separate from the rest and proceed to a particular spot and discharge the milk by itself. He decided to dig the spot where the cow flows its milk every day.

On digging about 5 to 6 ft a beautiful Statue of Lord Muruga was found. He was ecstatic on finding the idol. Further, he noticed that idol was beautifully sculpted upto the hip and the lower portion was rough. The best artisan was summoned to complete the job. Everyone was shocked to see that on the first chisel, the idol started to bleed. The land lord realized that this is God’s will to be the way it was. So he consecrated this idol of Lord Dandayudapani on a nearby hill, which is today known as Chennimalai hill. Even today one can see lower portion of the Moolavar Vigraham is still the same way.

As per legend, the temple is dated approximately 3000 years back, constructed during the King ‘Sivalaya Chola’ period. The King, while on a pilgrimage to get rid of ‘Brahmahatti Dosha’, was taking bath in the river Noyyal, saw this hill, climbed the hill along with his troops and entered the temple. Lord Muruga appeared in the form of an ‘Archagar’ and performed Puja on himself and relieved King Sivalaya Chola of Brahmahatti Dosha.

The Samadhi of  Poet Saint Saravana Munivar is at the hill temple.. Saravana Munivar collected the history of Siragiri from the Copperplate inscriptions with the Maraiyavars and transcribed the contents and brought it to Chennimalai.

Moolavar is manifested in the form of ‘Dandayudapani’. Contrary to regular practice, here Moolavar pooja and Nivedya precedes that of Lord Vinaya in the temple premises. It is Ancient Lore that since Lord Muruga was angry that Mango was not given to him and is seated in this hill, Nivedya and Pooja is performed first to Lord Muruga to pacify him

3.3 Utthanda VelayudhaSwamy Temple, Uthiyur

Arulmigu Utthanda VelayudhaSwamy Temple , Ponnuthi Hills, VGRF+QVR, Erode-Dharapuram Rd, Uthiyur, Tamil Nadu 638703  Arulmigu Utthanda VelayudhaSwamy Temple is located on the Uthiyur Hills at  Uthiyur,  Tiruppur district Tamil Nadu at a distance of 70 kms from Coimbatore Railway station and 68 kms from Coimbatore Airport. It is dedicated to lord Velayudhasamy   and his consorts Valli and Deivanai. The temple is located at the hilltop. 

It is a Tiruppugazh sthalam – sung by Sri Arunagirinathar. There are more than 1000 Murugan / Subramanya/ Kartikeya temples in India.- some of them sung by Sri Arunagirinathar.

Sri Uthanda Velayudhasamy Temple  has more than 200 steps to climb. Kacha road is there for car to come near temple. Better to inform the gurukkal before darshan

As per legends, this hill was the abode of several Siddhars.  The most notable among them was Shri Konganar.  He did penance in a cave in this hill and Lord Shiva appeared before him.  Despite his spiritual activities, Konganar was also having scientific curiosity. He was interested in Rasa Vaadam ( converting base metals into gold ).  He was doing some experiments here using herbal juices and a fire pit.  For stoking the fire pit as well as to pour the herbal juices, he used clay pipes, some of which are still seen in this temple.

Since he blew into the tubes ( Oodudhal in Tamil ), this hill came to be called Oodhiyur Malai which over a period of time, came to be known as Uthiyur.  It is also known as Kongana Giri.  As per another story, when Hanuman carried the Sanjeevi Hills, a part of it fell here and hence the local people also call it as Sanjeevi Hill.  In view of the gold experiment, it is also known as Pon Uthiyur ( Pon=gold ).

While climbing the steps, one comes across the Mayil mandapam.  The shrine of Shri Paada Vinayagar is situated here.  En route, one comes across the shrines of Idumban and Hanumantharayan.  The top of the hill is called Kurattu vasal and the temple is situated here.  In the main shrine, Velayudhaswamy appears with his spear and peacock.  There is a shrine for Bhairavar.  The images of other gods like Sun, Vishnu, Ramar, Lakshmana and others appear on the pillars of the Mahamandapam.  The story of Sundaramurthy Nayanar getting back a lost child from a crocodile in the Avinashi episode  is depicted in the Vadhya Mandapam.  

The temple entrance is on the south side. In the east is the Rajagopuram with the gate. In the sanctum sanctorum, Uthanda Velayudha Swami stands five feet high towards the east. It is noteworthy that his statue is located towards the west in the direction of Lord Palani. Adjacent to him are the shrines of Lord Ganesha and Bhairava.

The temple belongs to the ninth century. This temple is considered auspicious for Kongu Velalar Gounder community as it is partionised by sage Konganar who is a Siddhar from the same community. This Shaivite temple built in dravidian architecture follows Karana Agama rules based on Saiva Siddhanta philosophy. 2 periods of puja have been conducted for this temple. This temple owns 1500 acres of land. Annual festival is held on Panguni month in this temple. This temple is an important pilgrimage for Palani Pada Yatra devotees

Konkana Siddhar Temple and Thavapeedam, Uthandavelayudaswamy Temple, Mariamman Temple, Idumbakumaraswamy Temple, Uchivinayakar Thirukoil, Hanumantharayaswamy Temple, Prakalanayaki Sametha – Kailasanathar Temple, Chetty Thambiran Siddhar Temple are other temples located in the Uthiyur Hills. Nice, calm and serene temple. 

3.4 Vattamalai Murugan Temple

Vattamalai Murugan Temple , Kangayam – Dharapuram Rd, Vattamalai, Tamil Nadu 638703  Vattamalai Murugan Temple is located at Vattamalai, Tamil Nadu , 35 kms from Tirupur &  7 kms from Kangeyam  . It is at a distance of 68 Kms from Coimbatore Airport and 70 Kms from Coimbatore Railway station. It is a Tiruppugazh sthalam – Arunagirinathar has sung- Konganagiri –  Kongana Siddhar had done pooja here.There are more than 1000 Lord Murugan / Subhramanya/ Kartikeya temples in India .

The presiding deity is Shri Muthukumaraswamy in the company of Shri Valli and Shri Devasena.. The temple is facing west. The main shrine is that of Shri Subramanyar with a spear in his hand.  There are separate shrines for Valli and Devasena.   The temple is atop a small hillock with nearly 100 steps.  Among the eighteen Siddhars was Shri Kongana Siddhar.  As per Siddha system, he was the disciple of Boggar and a great scholar who attained Samadhi in Tirupathi .  He resided on this hill and hence this place is also known as Konganagiri.

Till 1949, this was known as an ancient Shiva temple, built some 1300 years ago.  Its antiquity and connections to the Pandya Kingdom are seen by the Fish emblem in different parts of the temple. The statue of Shri Sundaramurthy Nayanar in one of the pillars in the Vadhya Mandapam also confirms its long history.  When the Kumbabhishekam was performed in that year, the main shrine was shifted positions and Shri Muthukumaraswamy was installed as the main deity.  The Shivalingam and Parvathi shrine are in the southwest side of the Mahamandapam.

Near the shrine of Shri Muthukumraswamy, Adiseshan is also installed, which is a rare thing in a Murugan temple.  It is said that a snake permanently stays in this temple and does not harm the devotees.  In the Mahamandapam, there is a Mahanyasa Peetam in which a big Lotus flower is carved.  On the Panguni Uthiram day, a pot of water brought from the temple theertham (Saravana Theertham), is kept on this lotus and poojas are performed.  Afterwards, this water is used for performing Abhishekam to the Lord.  This Saravana Theertham is is believed to have been created by lightning and thunder.  It is also called Neeradi-Neruppadi Sunai.  Special prayers are offered to the Lord on Tuesdays with Sevvarali flowers ( Ghanera ).

When one starts climbing the steps, one come across the shrines of Vinayagar and Idumban. At the end of the climb,  a 3 tier rajagopuram is seen..   There are carved figures of Veerabhadrar, Vishnu, Lakshmi, Anjaneya, Narasimha and Badrakali.    As per local customs, a newly married husband should carry his wife to the top of the hill and if he accomplishes this, their married life is blissful! Must have darshan in this nice & beautiful temple.

3.5 Akilandeswari Amman Temple , akilandapuram

Akilandeswari Amman Temple , akilandapuram, Kalimedu, Kangayam, Tamil Nadu 638701 (singkai-kAngkeyam) Agastheeswarar temple   Akilandeswari Amman Temple is located at akilandapuram, Kalimedu, Kangayam, Tamil Nadu  at a distance of 70 kms from Coimbatore Railway station and 68 kms from Coimbatore Airport.

It is a Tiruppugazh sthalam – sung by Sri Arunagirinathar.(singai – kangeyam). There are more than 1000 Lord Murugan/ Subhramanya/ Karthikeya temples in India. Some of them are sung by Sri Arunagirinathar. 

The place got its  name after the Ambal Akilandeswari of this temple as Akilandapuram. It is  also one of the Thevara Vaipu Sthalam – sung by   Saint Thirunavukkarasu Swamigal without actually visiting the temple. Thirunavukkarau Swamigal has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of Agatheechuram along with Nandhikechuram, Mahalaechuram, Nagechuram, Kodeechuram, Kondeechuram, Kukkudechuram, Akkeechuram, Adakechuram, Ayaneechuram Aththeechuram, Siddheechuram and Ramechuram. It is believed that, this is one of the 108 Shiva Lingas installed by  Sage Agasthiyar in Thondai Nadu.

Moolavar  : Sri Agastheeswarar ; Ambal : Sri Akilandeswari;  Ambal Akilandeswari is on the left side of the moolavar in a separate temple similar to moolavar.  The temple facing east with a 5 tier Rajagopuram. Balipeedam and Rishabam are in front of the sanctum sanctorum under a mandapam. In koshtam, Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma and Durgai.

In praharam Chandikeswarar, Nirutha Ganapathy, Valli Devasena Subramaniar, Natarajar, bhairavar, Chandran, Suriyan, Shaniswaran, Navagraha, Lakshmi Narasimhar, Garudan, Anjaneyar and Vinayagar with Nagars.

The sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum sanctorum, antarala, and artha mandapam. Ambal temple is also similar to moolavar temple. Both are interconnected with a common maha mandapam. A two tier Nagara Vimana is on the top of the sanctum sanctorum. The Adhisthana is of Padmabandha adhisthana. The Adhisthana and walls are painted with black colour. Couldn’t identify the original structure.

It is believed that the temple was built by Kongu Chozhas / Pandyas. The temple was completely reconstructed during recent years without leaving any trace of antiquity. A Soolam with an inscription stone is installed in front of the School and temple and white washed on both sides.

As per the legend, during celestial wedding of Lord Shiva and Parvati, all the Devas and Maharishis assembled at Mount Kailash. Due to this, the south side of earth raised up and north went down. To balance, Lord Shiva asked Agasthiyar to go to south, believed to be Pothigai hills. On the way Agasthiyar installed many Shiva Lingams and worshiped. It is believed that this is one of the place where Agasthiyar installed a Shiva Lingam and worshiped. Hence Lord Shiva is praised as Agastheeswarar. 

Temple timings are : 7 am to 11 am  and  5 pm to 7 pm. Contact phone : 9943022003 Sivaraja Gurukkal Click Here to return to Index of Contents. Otherwise Continue

3.6 Sivanmalai Subramanyaswami Temple

Sivanmalai Subramanyaswami Temple , 295, East St, Sivanmalai, Tamil Nadu 638701  (pattAliyUr)  Sivanmalai Subramanyaswami Temple is located at  Sivanmalai, Tamil Nadu  at a distance of 70 kms from Coimbatore Airport and 72 kms from Coimbatore Railway Station.

Even though the hill is called as Sivan malai the temple is dedicated to Sri Subramaniya Swamy. The Sivamalai of today is also known as Sivamamalai, Sivachalam, Sivathri, Sivasailam, Sivagiri, and Shakthi Sivamalai. The deity is so powerful because it is supposed to be an integrated embodiment of Siva, Vishnu, Brahama, Murugan, Vinayaka and Indra. In each “yuga” ( the Hindu term to mean eon) Sivamalai has been referred to with special names. Panamalai. Vellimalai, Sembumalai, and now in the Kali yuga as Kamarupa Jothigiri. Such is the antiquity of this sacred mountain. Sivanmalai Subramanyaswami Temple is a Tiruppugazh sthalam (sung by Sri Arunagirinathar.

Various names by which Sivamalai Murugan is known as : Kandaswami, Kangeyan, Guhan, Kumarar, Guruswami, Shanmukhan, Sivathrinathan, Saravanan, Sravanabavan, Sivasubramanaian, Sivachalan, Sivachalapathi, Sevalavan, Duraiswami, Maragathamayuran, Murugan, Murugayyan, Muthayyan, Vadivelan, Vallimanalan, Veluswami, Visakar, Velayudhan, Velan, and Kalyanasubramaniar.

Lord : Sri Subramanya Swamy; Goddess:  Sri Valli and Sri Devasena. The East facing temple has a 5 tier Rajagopuram on a 400 feet high hill with 500 steps.  Moolavar is in standing Posture. Sri Valli and Devasena are in the mandapam facing South. In Koshtam Dhakshinamurthy and Bala thandayuthapani & In the outer Prakaram Sannadhi for Uchi Pillayar ( end of the steps), Kanni  moola Ganapathy, Sandikeswarar, Nava kanniyar, Sani Bhagavan, Navagrahas, Bhairavar, Suryan, Naagars, Kailasanathar with Ganambigai

As per legend, in his conquest of Tripuram – the three celestial cities which the Asuras (demons) had taken over, and wreaked havoc over them. The Devas ( celestial gods) appealed to Siva for help and asked him to save them from the demons. Siva made mount Meru his bow, and Vasuki the serpent his bow-string and prepared to wage war against the Asuras. The very tip of Siva’s bow ( Mount Meru) fell on earth and that became Sivamalai . It is also known as Sakthimalai because Parvathi the goddess did penance once on this hill.

The sage Agastya came to this mountain and performed penance in order to gain knowledge about the Agamas. He also created a natural spring on this mountain from the waters of the Ganga which he brought in his Kamandalam. It is said this miracle took place on Karthigai Pournami day ( full moon in the month of Karthigai) and thus it is venerated by devotees as a special day.

There is a wooden box with a glass door fixed on the mandapam pillar called ”Andavan Utharavu petti”. Devotees  keep a material in side the box after getting approvalfrom the moolavar through white and red flower. Subsequently the materials kept inside box’s value will go up or down or become scarce.

Hanuman too prayed here after being directed to Sivamalai by the sage Vyasa. He was accorded as much power and strength as Vishnu-Narasimha after his penance in Sivamalai. Hanuman, it is believed, even carried flowers from the banks of the Ganga to worship at Sivamalai. Many miracles are said to have taken place in Sivamalai involving celestial beings like Indra whose kingdom was restored to him after a battle with the Asuras. Cursed by Agasthya, king Nakutan became a snake. Sage Dhurvasa asked him to pray to Sivamalai Murugan who restored his original form.

Murugan is said to have gone to Vallimalai on the advice of Narada and married Valli there and brought her to Sivamalai to make it their beloved abode. Like Parvathi in Kancipuram, Valli also did penance in Sivamalai, which included thirty two sacred duties. Later Murugan went to Tiruthani and brought his consort Devayanai also to reside with him in Sivamalai.

VariousTamil Scholars have sung in praise of Sivamalai :  Tiruppugazh, Sivamalai Puranam, Sivamalai Pillai Tamizh, Sivamalai Mayil Vidu Thoothu, Siva Thangaratha Sadakam and Thanipadal. The temple timings are : 6am to 12 noon and 4.30  – 8.30 pm

3.7 Kanagagiri Malai, Kandiankoil

Kanagagiri Malai,Kandiankoil, Tamil Nadu 641665  Kanagagiri Malai is located in Kandiankoil, Tamil Nadu at a distance of 20 kms from Tiruppur, 60 Kms from Coimbatore Railway Station and 60 KMs from Coimbatore Airport. It is a Tiruppugazh sthalam – sung by Saint Arunagirinathar.

 Kanakagiri, near Sankari situated 2 kms from Alagu malai,houses a hill temple of Subramanya revered by the hymns of Arunagirinathar. Kanakagiri derives its name from the fact that gold mines used to be situated here. It is believed that the golden roof of the Chidambaram temple  (see image below) was fashioned out of the gold mined from Kanakagiri.  The presiding deity Velayudaswami in a standing posture is enshrined in the sanctum, and much of the structure here is of recent origin. 

Lord Murugan stands in Tribhanga pose with parrot in left hand. Contact phone number  : Thangamani gurukkal 9842046653 ; There is another temple by the same name –  Kanagagiri, Tamil Nadu  at a distance of 24 kms from Salem.

3.8 Kaithamalai Murugan Temple, Uthukuli

Kaithamalai Murugan Temple, karatupalayam, Uthukuli, Tamil Nadu 638751  Kaithamalai Murugan Temple, is located at Uthukuli, Tamil Nadu , 40 kms from Erode , 15 kms from Tiruppur and 60 kms from Coimbatore Airport..   Lord is called as “Vetri Velayudha Swami” and the Temple is   located on Hill Top & Hill is called Kaithamalai  Uttukuli isfamous for Butter. It is a Tiruppugazh sthalam – sung by Saint Arunagirinathar.

As per legend, Once  Saint Agastiyar came to this place for meditation but was not able to find water. He prayed to Lord Murugan to help him. Soon Lord Murugan appeared before him and thrust His lance (Vel) in the sand. Soon water spring came from the spot. That place is called “Utrukuli.” “Later only it came to be called Uttukuli. This water source is now above the hill near the temple which offers water at all times.

The temple car is in the hill and devotees pull the temple car in the slopes so that no place in the world where a temple car is pulled in the hill. There is a 5 tier Raja gopuram at the entrance.

Mayuragiri Siddhar Samadhi is located in the south east direction of the temple as snake temple. Peoplewho are having problems in birth of a child and separated couples worship lord Muruga for theirwellness. Milk abhishegam with new clothes is offered to lord Muruga after fulfillment of wishes. The temple timings are : Morning: 6 A.M to 2 P.M. Evening: 4 P.M to 7.30 P.M.

3.9 Konganagiri Murugan Temple, Tiruppur

Konganagiri Murugan Temple , College Rd, Konganagiri Rd, Vivekananda Nagar, Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu 641602 (கொங்கணகிரி திருமுருகன் ஆலயம்)  (kongkaNagiri)  Konganagiri Murugan Temple is located at Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu at a distance of 40 kms from Coimbatore Airport and 50 kms from Coimbatore Railway station.

The temple is more than 1,000 years old and the temple is said to have been built by Konkan, one of the Siddhas.

Murugan graces Vallitheivayanai with the goddess in the sanctum sanctorum. During the Moolavar Pratishtha, the Yantra Sthapanam is placed under the idols. Yantras are embedded in the pedestal itself in this temple. 

 Also, the miracle of milk that is offered in front of the Lord  boils is a testimony to the sanctity of this temple. This is why this place is worshiped as “Pongu Thiru Thalam”. Another marvel is the pala (palai) tree that grows all over the hill. The people of the region carry a stick of this tree and use it mainly in mangala(subha) events. It is hoped that these good deeds will continue to happen.

Venkatesa Perumal has a sannidhi in the Vayu corner of the temple. Thus, it is very rare for Maman to be with Marugan. As well as the  Kanni (Virgo) corner Selva ganapathy ,Navagraha murthys with goddesses and vehicles grace Isaana corner. It is believed that planetary doshas are removed by visiting Navagrahas. Shashti worships and Trisathi worships on Tuesdays are also held here, which is also known as the site of Chevvai dosha parikaram.

Konganagiri Murugan Temple is also a Vaipu Sthalam (Sung by Appar  without actually visiting this temple) and Thiruppugazh Sthalam(sung by Arunagirinathar. There are more than 250 such Vaipu Sthalams in Tamilnadu. 

3.10 Murugan temple, Vanjipalayam, Avinashi

Murugan temple, Vanjipalayam, Avinashi, Tamil Nadu 64166  Murugan temple is  located at  Vanjipalayam, Avinashi, Tamil Nadu at a distance of  45 kms from Coimbatore Railway station and 35 kms from Coimbatore Airport. It is a nondescript, simple temple located on the roadside..

Murugan temple in Vanjipalayam Avinashi is a famous and old  temple. In India more than 1000 Murugan /Subhramanya/ Karthikeya temples are there.  Click Here to return to Index of Contents. Otherwise Continue

3.11 KNT002 – Shiva Temple, Thirumuruganpoondi, Avinashi

KNT002 – Shiva Temple, Thirumuruganpoondi, Avinashi,, 5876+HFG, Thirumurugan Poondi, Avinashi, Tamil Nadu 641654  (thirumuruganpUNdi  KNT002 – Shiva Temple is located at , Thirumuruganpoondi,   Avinashi, Tamil Nadu  at a distance of 38 Kms from Coimbatore Airport and 48 kms from Coimbatore Railway station.

Thirumuruganpoondi  Shiva temple   is a  Padal Petra Sthalam  (Sung by   Sundarar) There are 278 Padal Petra Sthalams  (Sung by Saint Sundaramurthy Nayanar (Sundarar). This temple is also a Tiruppugazh Sthalam – sung by Saint Arunagirinathar.  

Moolavar : Sri Avudainayagar /Sri Thirumuruganathar ; Lord Shiva graces in the temple as Swayambumurthi (self-manifested) Ambal : Sri Avudainayaki /Sri MuyangupoonMulayammai;  Thala Virutcham (Sacred Tree) : Gurukkathi / Mullai; Theertham : Shanmuga Theertham, Gnana Theertham, Brahmma Theertham; The temple is west facing. There is no main tower (Rajagopuram) here. A large stone Sthupam (Lamp Pillar) is present in front of the temple, as in most of the Kongu Nadu Shiva temples.

This is an ancient temple and believed to have been built in the 9th Century CE. The temple is now maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and is declared as a National Heritage Monument.

As per the legend,  proud of his prowess gained through rigorous penance, demon king Soorapadman tortured the Celestial Gods (Devars) and imprisoned them. Fearing for their lives, the disturbed Devars approached Lord Shiva to seek his help. Lord Shiva sent Lord Murugan with a large number of soldiers headed by lieutenant, Veerabhahu to destroy Soorapadman and his associates. After a fierce battle, Lord Murugan destroyed the demon and relieved the Devars.

It is believed that Lord Murugan got Brahamahathi Dosham due to the killing of the demon king Soorapadman and others in the battle. This battle was referred to as “Surasamharam”. To seek respite from this dosham, Lord Murugan installed a lingam at this place and worshipped it. Since this lingam was installed by Lord Murugan, it was given the name “Thirumuruganathaswamy”. 

It is believed that while coming to worship Lord Shiva, Lord Murugan left his divine spear (Vel) and his mount peacock outside the temple. Because of this, Lord Murugan’s idol inside the shrine does not have the Vel and the peacock with him.

It is believed that the Brahmmahati (the sin accrued by the killing of a Brahmin) that left Murugan is now in form of a square stone under a neem tree near the temple.

Another legend associated with this temple is that of Saint Sundarar, one of the most celebrated saints of Saivism. It is believed that Saint Sundarar received valuable gifts from king Cheraman Perumal for his poetic excellence. When Sundarar was travelling with his gifts near this place, Lord Shiva felt the need to listen to his compositions. He decided to play a little game with the saint and sent his Boodhaganas (the Lord’s army) in the guise of hunters to rob the Saint off all his valuables.

Sundarar complained and prayed to a nearby Vinayakar to help him recover the gifts. Lord Vinayakar in turn directed him to this Shiva temple. Sundarar went to the temple and rendered a pathigam blaming the Lord for not protecting him from the hunters. Through his song, he expressed that the Lord’s divine presence in such a notorious place was meaningless. He demanded Lord Shiva’s immediate action to help him get back his valuables.

Lord Shiva enjoyed the Saint’s composition and returned the stolen goods. This incident is celebrated as a festival called ‘Vedupari’. There is a separate place in this temple where it is believed that the Lord gave Saint Sundarar back his valuables (Pon maraithu vaidha idam).

Interestingly, the King Cheraman Perumal who brought Saint Sundarar to this place later became a revered Shiva devotee occupying a place among the 63 celebrated Nayanmars. 

Ambal is in a separate temple adjacent to Moolavar’s shrine. Shrines for Saneeswarar, Navagrahas, Bairavar, Pancha Linganms, Suryan, Sandikeswarar, Dhakshinamoorthy, Bhavaneeswarar, 63 Nayanmars, Durgai and Lingothbavar are in the corridors.

There are  two Sundarar idols at the entrance of the Lord Shiva’s shrine –  one sad and the other joyous, depicting his state of mind prior to and after the incident. Lord Shiva’s idol is also there as a Hunter (Veduvan).

Sages Agasthyar, Markendeyar and Dhurvasar are believed to have worshipped the Lord here. Sage Durvasar is said to have brought the Mullai tree – the Sthala Vriksham from “Karpaka Lokam” (Heaven).

Behind the sanctum sanctorum, on either sides of Lord Lingothbavar, there are idols of Lord Mahavishnu and Lord Brahma in a worshipping posture. Devotees can enjoy the darshan of all the three lords (Trimurthys) – Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. This is considered to be very auspicious.

There is also a hall in the outer corridor (Prakaram) called “Adalvallan Sabha” where the Lord is believed to have performed the “Brahmma Tandava” dance.

There are three springs in the temple – the Shanmuga Theertham, Gnana Theertham and Brahmma Theertham.

Saint Arunagirinadhar has also sang in praise of Lord Murugan of this temple in his revered Thirupugazh.

Lord Murugan’s idol inside the sanctum Santorum has six faces and it has the distinguishing feature of being carved out of a single stone.

There is a shallow well opposite to Lord Vinayagar’s temple. It is believed that once in every 12 years’ water gushes out of this well.

Just across the road, there is another Shiva temple which houses Sri Madhavaneswarar and Goddess Mangalambika. This temple is considered to be the original Thirumuruganpoondy temple.

Greatness of this temple:   1) It is believed that devotees can be relieved from mental ailments and can get respite from the evil effects of curses by worshipping the Lord at this temple.

2) This temple is also famous as a Parikara Sthalam for Kethu Dosham and Brahmahathi Dosham.

3) It is also believed that devotees can recover their lost items by reciting Saint Sundarar’s Pathigam of this temple.

4) It is believed that taking a dip in the Shanmuga Theertham grants the boon of childbirth to the childless couples. It is also said that the Pandya King Maharadhan performed pooja here and was blessed with twins.

Temple Timings  are : From 5:30 AM to 12:45 PM and from 3:30 PM to 8:15 PM. Contact Tele:  +91- 4296- 273 507;  priest Sri Muthu Subramaniya Gurukkal : 094437 61520 and 090032 89179.

3.12 Avinashi Lingeshwarar Temple, Avinashi

Arulmigu Avinashi Lingeshwarar Temple, Mangalam Road, Avinashi, Tamil Nadu 641654  (thiruppukkoLiyUr)  Arulmigu Avinashi Lingeshwarar Temple is located in  Avinashi, Tamil Nadu at a distance of 34 Kms from Coimbatore Airport and 43 kms from Coimbatore Railway station. Avinashilingeswarar temple   is a  Padal Petra Sthalam  (Sung by  Saint Sundarar)   It is also a Thiruppugazh Sthalam(sung by Arunagirinathar) 

Vinasam in Sanskrit and Tamil means perishable. Avinashi means imperishable (eternal). The colloquial name of this temple is Karunaiyaathaal Temple. Avinashi is referred to as Dakshin Kashi (South Varanasi). The historical name of the place is Tirupukkoliyur. Thiru meaning grace of God and Pukkoliyur meaning a place of refuge. It is said that once Devas took shelter in this temple in fear of Asuras.

Moolavar:  Sri Avinasi Appar / Sri Perungkediliyappar; The Moolavar is Swayambumurthy (self-manifested). Ambal : Sri Karunambikai / Sri Perungkarunai Nayaki; Theertham: Kasi Kinaru (well), Naga Kanni Theertham, Iravata Theertham, Kashi Gangai Theertham in the form of a well; Sthala Vriksham (Sacred Tree) : Pathiri Tree .The main tower (Rajagopuram) is 7-tiered and is more than 100 feet in height. The temple is a protected monument under the Archaeological survey of India.

The temple belongs to 10th century CE. The present structure of the temple was originally built by the Kings of Chola, Hoysala and the Mysore dynasties. The main tower was first built during the period of King Sundarapandian and later reconstructed by the King of Mysore.

As per the legend,  The Lord Avinashilingeswarar enshrined in this temple is believed to be an offshoot of the one in Kashi (Varanarasi). For this reason, Avinashi is also known as Dakshin Kashi.As per the Tamil saying “Kasiyil Vasi Avinashi”, it is believed that devotees looking to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva in Kasi-Varanasi, can do so by worshipping Lord Avinashilingeswarar in Avinashi.

The Theertham (holy water) in the “Kashi Kinaru” and the idols of Lord Avinashilingeswarar and Lord Bhairavar are said to have been brought from Kashi. Bathing in the Kashi well in this temple on new moon day (Amavasya) is considered to be auspicious.

It is said that the temple has a close relationship with the Mysore Royal family. In the early days, it was customary for the king-designate to go to Kashi, bring a Lingam from there and perform poojas in this temple before assuming power and stately responsibilities.

The legend is that Goddess Karunambikai did her penance and worshipped the lingam under the Pathiri Tree here. The Pathiri tree of this temple would blossom only during the Brahmmotsavam festival and not during other days of the year. According to this temple Sthala Puranam, this shows the devotion of the tree to Lord Shiva.

According to scriptures, it is said Sage Vasishta worshipped in this temple to seek respite from the adverse effects of Sani Bhagwan (Planet Saturn). It is believed that he installed an idol of Sani Bhagwan in this temple. This idol is now worshiped as Anugraha Murthy. The lord of this temple is also known as Brahmapureeswarar because it is believed that Lord Brahma worshipped here to seek atonement for his sin. Lord Ram, Iravath (Lord Indran’s white elephant), Thadagai and Naga Kannigai are also believed to have worshipped Lord Shiva here.

Another interesting and significant legend associated with this temple is that on his way to meet King Cheraman Perumal at Thiruvanchikulam, Saint Sundaramurthy Nayanar happened to pass by Avinashi and heard conflicting voices from two neighbouring houses. One blooming with happiness and joy and the other gloomy and melancholy. He was told that three years ago, when two boys of the same age had gone to take bath in the nearby tank, one of them was devoured by a crocodile. The surviving boy was supposed to have his Upanayanam (sacred thread ceremony) that day which was the reason for celebration in one of the houses. On the other hand, the members of the other house were mourning the loss of their son as they felt that they too would be celebrated had he been alive.

On seeing this, Saint Sundarar immediately went to the temple and demanded the Lord to direct the crocodile to give back the boy it had swallowed three years ago. Sundarar rendered a soulful Pathigam pleading Lord Shiva to resurrect the dead child. As he sang the fourth stanza his prayers were answered. To the joy of everyone around him, water started flowing into the dry tank, a crocodile emerged from it and ejected a full grown boy of seven years. Saint Sundarar took the boy to the parents and arranged his Upanayanam too.  

This story is depicted beautifully in the form of paintings and reliefs in this temple.

Deities in the temple : There are two Ambals in the temple, one in penance under a Mango (Pathiri) tree and the other with the Lord in the sanctum sanctorum. Here the Goddess is on the right side of the Lord instead of left side, as is the tradition in other temples.

In this temple, the shrine of Lord Kala Bairavar is aesthetically designed and occupies a special significance among devotees. Amongst others, idols of Vinayakar, Murugan and his consorts, Natarajar, Dakshinamurthy and the Navagragam can be seen in the corridors.

Salient Features: 1) There is a 70 feet high pillar constructed of a single stone called “Deepa Sthambam” with sculptures of Lord Vinayakar and Saint Sundarar.

2) The temple has two precincts. The Navaranga Mandapam in the inner precinct has intricate sculptures and reliefs highlighting the artistic excellence of the era.

3) The large Nandi and the carved image of a scorpion inside the Goddess’s sanctum are also of significance.

4) This temple is also called Villvavanam as the premises was once believed to have been surrounded by a large number of Vilvam trees.

5) Saint Manicka Vasagar referred to this temple in his celebrated Tiruvasagam hymns.

6) Saint Arunagirinadhar has also sang in praise of Lord Murugan of this temple in his revered Thirupugazh.

7) Saint Thirumular has also immortalised this temple in his Thirumantiram.

Greatness of this temple : 1) The Kashi Kinaru (well) inside the temple is considered to be the Ganges of Kasi itself and is considered to be auspicious. 2) It is believed that devotees get respite from the adverse effects by worshiping Sani Bhagwan (Planet Saturn) here.

Temple Timings : 5  am to 1 pm and 4 to 8 pm ; Telephone: +91- 4296 – 273 113.

3.13 Pattiswarar Temple, Perur

Pattiswarar Temple , XWG7+8WV, Siruvani Main Rd, Perur, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 641010  Perur Patteeswarar Temple located on the bank of the Noyyal River  at 9 kms from  Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu  is a Vaipu Sthalam (Sung by Appar and Sundarar  without actually visiting this temple) and Thiruppugazh Sthalam(sung by Arunagirinathar. There are more than 250 such Vaipu Sthalams in Tamilnadu.

This temple is more than 1000 years old. this temple is known by different names such as: Kamadenupuri, pattipuri, Adhipuri, Daksha Kailasham, Thavasiddhapuram, Gnanapuram, Kalyanapuram, Pirava Neri Thalam, Pasupathipuram, Western Chidambaram.

This Sanctum sanctourm of this Temple was built by Karikala Chola in the early Christian Era. In the Kongu Chola Period (11th to 13th centuries Ardha Mandapa and Mahamandapa were built and used for inscribing the details about the numerous gifts made to the temple. From 14th to 17th centuries, the Hoysala, Vijayanagar and Nayaka kings gave endowments.

The famous Kanaka Sabhai was built by Alagadri Nayak of Madurai in the 17th century. Tippu Sultan of Mysore attached half of the Inams of the temple in the 18th century. Later on, the East India Company restored it to the temple. The Swami and Amman Temples were renovated in the Middle of the 18th century and later on the Mantap of 63 Saints was built. In the 20th century, the Kalyana Mantapam and the front Mantapam were built and the tower was repaired.

The foot print scar of divine cow Kamadenu is still visible on the head of Lord Patteeswarar. The heads of the eight directions are figuring in the vimana of the sanctum sanctorum.

In this Temple the Kanaka Sabhai or the Golden Hall of Dance, has a beautiful form of Nataraja in the dancing posture which he manifested to the Rishis, Gomuni and Pattimuni.

The vimana of Mother Pachai Nayaki is square in shape. There is a shrine for other Ambica Mother Manonmani. Lord Muruga is in between the shrines of Lord and Mother in the Somaskanda form. As this is a salvation centre, Lord Bhairava appears without His dog vahan as Gnana Bhairava.

The shrine of Lord Varadaraja Perumal is outside the shrine of Mother Pachainayaki. Sri Anjaneya in the temple is made of wood. As Lord played here as one from a lower community, the sapling planting festival is devotionally celebrated in the temple. There is a tamarind tree in front of the temple the seeds of which do not germinate if sown, indicating the truth that those pray to Lord Patteeswara will attain total salvation and will br freed from the cycle of births and deaths.

The bones of those dead, when placed in the Noyyal river flowing near by the temple turn white stones, it is said. It is believed that Lord utters the five lettered Na Ma Shi Va Ya mantra on the ears of those dead and takes them with Him. It is a wonder that no germs could be found in cow dung around this place.

This temple has several gopurams and halls, famous of which is the one with the golden statue of Nataraja. The pillars have carvings of the various manifestations of Shiva and the ceiling has a series of stone chains.

There is a Patti Vinayagar shrine, dedicated to Ganesha. The Arasambalavanar Shrine dedicated to Shiva at the spot where Shiva is believed to have performed his Thandav under a peepul tree.There are also statues of Gajasamhara, Virabhadra, Bikshadana, Oordhva Thandava, Saraswati with Veena. The sacred trees associated with temple are the palm and tamarind trees, called Irava Panai and Pirava Puli. The temple timings are 6 am to 1 pm and 4pm to 8.30 pm

3.14 Ponmalai Velayuthaswamy Temple, Kinathukadavu

Ponmalai Velayuthaswamy Temple , R2C9+V5C, NH 209, Periyar Nagar, Kinathukadavu, Tamil Nadu 642109  Ponmalai  Velayudhasamy temple is  atop a small hillock of 600 ft height. in Kinathukadavu,  Tamilnadu at a distance of 32 kms from Coimbatore Airport and  22 kms from Coimbatore Railway Station..

There is a good motorable road to reach the Lord Murugan temple.Arunagirinathar has sung here. This temple was built by the Mysore kings 700 years ago. Situated on a small hill about 600 ft high called Ponmalai about 200 steps lead upto the temple. CAR CAN GO TO TEMPLE.

 The hill could be climbed using the carved steps.  The hillock is called Ponmalai ( Kanakagiri ) and the temple is that of Shri Velayudhaswamy.  This temple is also believed to be in existence for nearly 800 years as Shri Arunagirinathar has sung a Thirupugazh on this Lord.

As per Sthala puranam, a local Zamindar of Puravipalayam, was a great devotee of Pazhani Murugan.  Once when he went to Pazhani, he could not have the darshan in view of sudden sickness.  The Zamindar returned to his village with disappointment and prayed to his favourite God.  Murugan appeared in his dream and advised him to come to the foothills of Ponmalai.  When the Zamindar went there, he saw the footprints of the Lord.  He was very happy to get such a blessing and enclosed the footprint with proper fence and started praying there.  Even today, Poojas are first offered to the foot print and then only in the main shrine.  As per another legend, when Murugan left Kailash in a huff over the mango fruit, he came around this place and left His footprints which later came in the dream of the Zamindar. 

There is also another story about a Mysore Dewan who was having an incurable sore in his feet.   When he prayed to Murugan, the Lord came in his dream and instructed him to visit this place and worship the foot prints.  He came here to offer prayers and when Vibhuthi given here was applied on the sore, it disappeared.  Dewan narrated the entire incident to the Maharaja of Mysore and the latter constructed the hill temple.

Since the Lord appears with His Vel, He is called Velayudhaswamy.  He is a four feet tall Murthy in a small shrine, facing east.  While the right hand holds the Vel, the left is on His hips.  He is also adorned with Rudrakshamala and the special feature of this shrine is the presence of aspects of Sun and Moon. The Utsavar with Valli and Devasena is called Pon Velayudhaswamy.    The images of the Utsava Murthis are very beautiful.  The stala vruksham is an unusual tree- sandal tree. Contact Phone number :99408-18828 ; Temple timings : 7AM to 1 PM 5 PM to 7 PM

3.15 KALYANA SUBRAMANYA SWAMY TEMPLE, Palakkad

SRI KALYANA SUBRAMANYA SWAMY TEMPLE, PMRX+H42, Palakkad, Kerala 678551 PRST57  (Kodumbu Subramanya Swamy Temple)  SRI KALYANA SUBRAMANYA SWAMY TEMPLE  located at  Kodumbu  in the valley of the Soka Nasini river, Palakkad district  Kerala at a distance of 8 kms from Palakkad is one of the 1000 Subhramanya temples in India. It is also is a Parashurama Siva Temple PRST57 . Sri Parashurama is the sixth Avatar of Lord Vishnu and He established 108 Shiva Temples, 108 Bhagavathy temples and 108 Dharma Sastha temples in Kerala .It is one of the oldest Murugan temple in Kerala region. In Thirupugazh Arunagiri nadhar sys   that “KOdumbu” is half of Pazhani..Devotees believe that if a devotee takes bath in the Soka Nasini river, all his sorrows would fly away.

Kodumbu Mahadevar Temple is now known as Sree Kalyana Subramanya Swamy Temple. The main deity in this temple is is Subrahmanya Swamy. Lord Siva is in the Sivalinga form on the north side.

The tower, chariots and chambers of the temple are constructed as per Dravidan style. In the sanctum sanctorum of the temple, Subramanya Swami, standing with  Valli and Deivanai. The complex of the temple is also dedicated to Lord Shiva, Umadevi, Lord Parasurama, Lord Krishna, Shasta, Bhairavas. This temple also have statue of Senguntha Navaveerargal and Veerabahu who’s were the ancestors of Senguntha Kaikolar.The Sthala Vruksha of the temple  is a Champaka tree,

As per legend, a group of Tamil merchants belonging to the SEngutha mudaliyar caste were regularly coming to do business in Kerala and settled down in Kodumbu. They used to  go to Avinasi town to sell cloths, Once when they were going , they head voice from the bush near Kozhi mampatti village telling them , “I also will come’.. I also will come.” Though they tried their best to locate the source of that voice, they were not able to. During the bext trip same thing happened. They searched thoroughly  , they found a Subramanya statue along with Valli and Devayanai

They took the idol with reverence and kept it on the cloth bundle  and  started worshipping the god.   After several years they wanted to build a temple for that god.,  The local administrator  at that  time was one  Kurror Mana Nambuthiripad.He allotted them a place inside the shiva temple    to build their temple.The temple was built . The poojari I of shiva temple during those   days was   one Achuthan Namboodiri. He insisted that the pooja should be performed according to the Agama followed in Kerala and the Mudaliars were not prepared for it  .

The kurror Mana Nambudiripad asked the Malayali side as well as Tamil side to keep a Kumbha  at the northern gate of the tewmple and asked the Nambudiris to lift the pot kep by the Tamil side  .They were not able to. A decendant of Manikka Vachakar the great Saivite saint  who represented the Mudaliars easily lifted   the pot kept by Nambudiris. So it was decided that  the pooja in Subramanya temple would be according to Tamil Agama and that of the Shiva temple  following the Kerala Agama. This is being followed to day.

Soorasamharam and Thaipooyam are the main festivities of the temple. Soorasamharam is an annual festival celebrated in the Malayalam month of Thulam (October-November), which begins on the day of the new moon and ends on the day of Skanda Sashti. According to Skanda Puranam, Lord Muruga killed Soorapadman the demon with his Vel (lance) and this divine act is known as Soorasamharam, to celebrate the devout conduct of the Lord’s victory in this festival. The ritual battle between Lord Subrahmanian and the demons begins in the afternoon and lasts three hours. The devotees carry huge effigies of the demons Aana Mahaa Sooran, Singa Mughan, Banu Gopan and Soora Padman. The idols of Lord Veera Baahu and Lord Bala Subrahmanian and Lord Kalyana Subrahmanian are transported in separate chariots.

The temple timings :5,30 Am  to 12 noon and  from 4.30 Pm to  8Pm There are special poojas conducted at the temple   during Pradosham,  Karthika , Sashti  and Thiruonam. The Brahothsavam of the temple is conducted during Thai Poosam. Click Here to return to Index of Contents. Otherwise Continue

3.16 mandhiragiri velayudhasamy temple, Senjerimalai

mandhiragiri velayudhasamy temple, Senjerimalai, Tamil Nadu 641671   Tiruppugazh sthalam  Mandhiragiri  Velayudhasamy temple is situated in Senjeri malai at a distance of 45 kms from Coimbatore Railway Station.,  Tamilnadu. Saint Arunagirinathar has sung Thiruppugazh songs in praise of Lord Muruga here.  Arunagirinathar Tiruppukazh  -referred as  Tenserigiri  Nice hill temple – can be reached by car.

This place is also called Manthragiri and the Lord is called Manthrachalamurthy or Dhandayuthapani or Velayudhaswami.  There is a spring on this hillock which is perennial and does not dry up even in summer.

In the Puranams, this place is called Thenserigiri.  As per the Thenserigiri Sthala Puranam, Lord Murugan was created to destroy Surapadman, the demon king who was harassing the Devas.  Before Lord Murugan started his journey for the war,

Goddess  Parvati wanted Him to be instructed on Satrusamhara Mantra by Lord Shiva.   When Lord Murugan approached His father, He told him that it could be done only after severe penance and it must be done at a place where the Four Vedas are present in the form of Kadamba Tree, Ganga Water, Dharbai and shrine where Mahavishnu got Shiva Deeksha.

Lord Murugan came to the earth and started searching for the place with all these characteristics.  He found them in Senjerimalai- kadamba tree, Dharbai, Ganga water in the form of Gnana Theertha Chunai and Chinnamalai where Mahavishnu got Shiva Deeksha, all of which are in a straight line and nearby each other.  He did penance here and after being fully satisfied, Lord Shiva instructed the Mantra and also conferred the invincible powers.  Since the Mantra was administered here, it became Manthragiri.  Since the temple precedes even the Surasamharam, it is called Adi Padaiveedu.

There are several special things about this temple.  The Moolavar is a Murthy with 12 hands.  He holds both the flag with Cock as well as a cock in one of his hands.  There is a Vishnu Murthy in this temple holding a Shiva Lingam in His right hand!  In the Navagraha  shrine, Sun faces west and the remaining planets face Sun.   The original temple was built by Karikala Chozhan and the subsequent renovation was carried out in the 13th century by Veeraballala III.

Sayiloka Theertham, Gnana Theertha Sunai, Saraswathi Theertham, Lakshmi Theertham, BrahmmaTheertham, Kanar Sunai and Valli Theertham are the Theerthams associated with this Temple. There is aspring on this hillock which is perennial and does not dry up even in summer. Sthala Vriksham is Kadamba Tree (Neolamarckia Cadamba).

11-day Brahmmotsavam in Thai (January-February), Vaikasi Visakam in May-June, Tirukarthikai inNovember-December, Skanda Shashti in October-November, Aippasi Annabishekam, Tamil New year,Kiruthigai, Shivarathri and Masi Magam in February-March and Panguni Uthiram in March-April are thefestivals celebrated in the temple. The Car festival here is very famous and happens in the Tamil monthof Thai.

It is believed that if the devotees circumambulate 12 times the temple tree and light a lamp in the main Sannidhi they will get relived from any disturbances in their business, marriage problems and from any kind of evil forces.

Temple timings are : 7AM to 1 PM 5 PM to 7 PM; Contact phone numbers are : 04255-266515 , 268415, 9942763874

3.17 Vikrama cholleswarar Kovil, Kannapuram

Vikrama cholleswarar Kovil, Kannapuram, XJ4V+43X, Kannapuram, Tamil Nadu 638701 TPS   Vikrama cholleswarar Kovil is located in  Patchapalayam, Kannapuram, Tamil Nadu at a distance of 80 kms from Coimbatore Railway Station and 40 kms from Tiruppur Railway station.

sree vithvanayaki sametha sree vikramachozheeswarar temple, kannapuram is thirupugazh temple – songs rendered by Saint Arunagirinathar . Education/Knowledge – temple to worship for getting good knowledge and good education, worshiping ambal sree vidhvanayaki here gives the knowledge.

This temple has been built by Vikrama Cholan of  chola empire and worshiped by famous kongu vellalar community. It is common for 7 groups of this community. Pathariyar is one of the vellar community from Arasipalayam Coimbatore whose kula deiva kovil lies here. Since Ambal Vidvanayaki is on the right side of Lord Shiva, it is a “Thirumana kolam” – marriage posture. 

Lord Subhramanya gives darshan East facing with six faces, twelve hands and with Goddesses Valli and  Deivayanai. Nearby is the famous Kannapuram Mariamman koil

Chitra pournami festival is celebrated for 10 days. Temple timings are : 7 am – 12 noon and 4 pm  -6 pm. Contact phone numbers : M.K.Natrajan, E.O. Palaniswamy 04257-260519,256375

3.18 Nageswar Temple, Vijayamangalam

Eswaran Temple, 6GR4+XHJ, National Highway 47, Vijayamangalam, Tamil Nadu 638056  TPS  Eswaran Temple (Nageswar) is located in  Vijayamangalam, Tamil Nadu  at a distance of 73 kms from Coimbatore Railway station and 28 kms from Erode. This is a Thiruppugazh sthalam- songs redered by Saint Arunagirinathar on Lord Murugan of this temple.  The place is also called as Vijayapuri. It is one of the 1000 Murugan temples in India.

As per the legend, Pandavas during their exile came to Viradapuram (now known as Tharapuram). Arjuna (also called asVijayan) hide all his weapons in a Vanni Tree near Vijayapuri Amman Temple. He disguised himself as awoman and started to live in hiding in Viradapuram. He defeated Duryodhana in battle at the end of hisexile. To commemorate his victory, he built this Temple for Nageswarar. Also, he named the place afterhis name Vijayan. Hence the place is called as Vijayapuri / Vijayamangalam.

Moolavar : Sri Nageswarar / Nageswaraswamy ; Ambal : Sri Govarthanambigai. This temple was believed to be constructed during 7th to 8th Century by Cheras. It is believed that Nagas used to worship Lord Shiva here. Hence Lord is called as Nageswarar

The temple is facing west with a newly built 5 tier Rajagopuram. There is a Vilakku Thoon or Garuda Thoon in front of Rajagopuram. Presiding Deity is called as Nageswarar and is facing west. Lord is a Swayambu Moorthy. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Dwarabalakars can be found at the  entrance of the sanctum.Deepasthambam is infront. Nagars and Vinayagar are under a Bodhi ( Arasamaram ) tree. Dwarapalakars are at the entrance of arthamandapam, Deer and Mazhu on the left side dwarapalakr and soolam and damaru on the right side dwarapalakar. In koshtam Ganapathy, Dakshinamurthy, Durgai, Lingothbavar and Brahma.

In prakara /mahamandapam Valli Deivasena samedha Sri Subramaniyar, Bhairavar, a Big size Nagar and 5 Shiva Lingas of Panchabootha sthalangal and Sandikeswarar. Urchavars and Saba in the front mandapam. Ambal is in a separate temple and facing west. This was built during 12th century.

Ganapathy, Dhakshinamoorthy, Durgai, Lingothbavar and Brahma are the Koshta Idols, located around the sanctum walls. There are shrines for Lord Subramaniyar with his consorts Valli & Deivanai, Bairavar,a Big size Naga and 5 Shiva Lingams of Pancha Bootha Sthalangal and Sandikeswarar in the Mahamandapam. Utsava Idols and Nataraja Sabha can be found in the front Mandapam

Mother is called as Govarthanambigai and is facing west. She is housed in a separate shrine on the southern side of prakaram. It is believed that this shrine was built in the 12th Century AD. Idols of Nagas can be found under a Bodhi (Arasamaram) tree in front of the temple. There is a shrine for Saptha Mathas in the Temple premises. The Temple is rich in inscriptions. Inscriptions can be seen all over the temple (i.e. Temple walls, Ardha Mandapam, Maha Mandapam etc.).

Shanmuga Subramanyar is 5 feet tall. LOrd Murugan gives darshan with six faces and twleve hands sitting on the peacock with Devis Valli and Deivayanai. It is near Chennimalai Murugan temple. Pinnakku Siddhar  avatara sthalam.

Temple timings : 6am  to 12 noon  and 5 pm – 8 pm.  Contact phone number : Sri Shunmuga Subramania Gurukkal and mani Gurukkal  +919488152412.

4 Murugan / Subhramanya temples

Details of 14 Murugan temples(Maruthamalai, Saravanampatti, Kurunthamalai, karamadai, Kumaran Kundru, Uthayagiri, Malayappalayam, KALIAPPAMPAYAM, Gobichettipalayam, Arulmalai, Thoranavavi, ThittaMalai, Nambiyur, Andavar Malai, Pachaimalai, Pavala Malai, Thavalagiri and Kazhani) are given below.

4.1 Subramanya Swami Temple, Maruthamalai

Arulmigu Subramanya Swami Temple, Maruthamalai,Temple Rd, Maruthamalai, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 641046  Arulmigu Subramanya Swami Temple,is a popular temple located at Maruthamalai, 12 kms from Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. It is situated at a height of about 500 feet in a plateau on the Western Ghats, amidst lush vegetation and salubrious climate. It is one of the 1000 Murugan / Subhramanya temples.

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

As per legend, Perur Puranam alsoalludes to a king called Kusathvajan,who, it is said, was blessed with a male issue, only after worshipping Marudamalai  Muruga. The Divine Cow Kamadhenu is reported to have grazed in the pastures of the hills of Marudamalai. Perurpuranam lists the three neighbouring hills, Vellingiri, Nili and Marudamalai as the very manifestations of Lord Siva,Parvathi 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 amarudham tree and prayed for the mercy of Lord Muruga for a shower of water, whichsprang 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

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 Thaan Thondri Vinayakar Temple. The 18th step above the Vinayakar Temple 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 Temple of Idumban! 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 Paambaatti Siddhar Cave, Uchchi Pillaiyar Temple and Pancha Vriksham that convey a lot about the hoariness of Marudhamalai.

The Adi 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 an 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

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 free,

There is a  cave referred to as “Paambaatti Sitthar Kugai” dedicated to a Sitthar who lived here.There is a cluster of trees – Pancha Virucham –  closely intertwining one another.Under this is installed an Idol ofLord 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. The temple timings are : 5.30 am to 1 pm and 2pm to 8.30 pm

4.2 Rathinagiri Maruthasalakadavul Kovil

Karattumedu Temple / Rathinagiri Maruthasalakadavul Kovil , 32V6+H76, NH948, VGP Prem Nagar, Saravanampatti, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 641035 (Rathnagiri Murugan temple) Karattumedu Temple / Rathinagiri Maruthasalakadavul Kovil  (Rathnagiri Murugan temple) is located at  Saravanampatti, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu at a distance of 14 kms from Coimbatore Railway station and 11 kms from Coimbatore Airport.

The temple is on a small hill with a Girivala path around Lord Sri Muruga graces with four hands on His peacock facing the left side. Lord Vinayaka – Swayambu Vinayaka from a rock– is by the side.

As per the legend, a demon performed penance on Lord Shiva and got some extra ordinary powers. With that he was harassing the Devas. Once the demon saw Indira, the King of Devas in his hideout and chased him.  Indira reached this Ratnagiri mount where Lord Muruga changed him as a peacock, his vehicle.  The demon returned disappointed.  The incident  took place here, according to scriptures.

In olden days, boys and girls related to each other qualifying a marriage liberty (Murai Mappillai and Murai Penn) visit the temple together on Mattu Pongal day.  The bridegroom-boy will offer the flowers to his fiancee.  They will then offer garlands to the Lord with the prayer to unite them in wedlock.  The custom has vanished in the modern days. 

A fasting known as Soopooparithal (meaning picking of someflowers) is followed in Murugan temples for getting a life partner of their choice, according to belief. Lovers aware of the custom visit here to pray to Lord Muruga to succeed in their love affair. The belief still remains that any one bringing flowers, making a garland himself/herself and offer it to the Lord will have the life partner of his/her choice. After marriage, they come again to offer their grateful prayer to the Lord to have wise children.

Those praying here are also blessed with child boon, freed from fears, cured of prolonged illnesses, blessed with fulfillment of aspirations, trade development and prosperity

As per another legend, many years back, a woman devotee was praying to Lord Ratnagiri Muruga for long years seeking child boon. She was undergoing severe fasting for the boon.

One day, she came tothe temple alone when no one was present in the  surroundings. She was in deep meditation for a long timeshedding tears and was going round the temple. A cow boy enquired her of her sorrow. The woman told him of her want.

The boy gave her a little sacred ash and advised her to go round the prakara with her prayer. After finishing the first round, when the woman wanted to see the boy, he was not there. The woman conceived within a few days then and understoodthat the boy was no less a person than Lord Muruga Himself. The temple has the reputation of blessing a woman devotee in person gifting her wish. Temple Timings: 6 AM to 2 PM and 4 PM to 7:30 PM Contact Phone number : 0422- 553 5727

4.3 Kulanthai Velayuthaswamy Temple, karamadai

Kurunthamalai Kulandhai Velaayutha Suvami Temple ,karamadai, Tamil Nadu 641104 Kurunthamalai Kulandhai Velaayutha Suvami Temple is located in  ,karamadai, Tamil Nadu at a distance of 37 kms from Coimbatore Railway Station. Kurunthamalai Temple is a Murugan temple  which can be reached from Coimbatore – situated on a small hillck – not many steps to climb. .

Arulmigu Kulanthai VelayuthaSwamy Thirukoil is one of the most beautiful temples in the region and was built around 750 years ago. The temple was named after its location on a hill covered with full of ‘Kurunda’ trees and hence the name ‘Kurunda Malai’.

Legend has it that Thiru Agasthiya Munivar got ‘Mandira Upadesam’ from Lord Muruga at this temple.

Moolasthanam is  on the west and Rajagopuram is on the north ;have 108 steps from the bottom reminiscent of the Vaishnava Divya Desams. Green fields and coconut groves are a feast forthe eyes all around Kurundamalai. At the base of the hill opposite the temple there are two water bodies called Gaja pushkarani and Anumantha sunai on the hillside. They use the waterin one for drinking and the other for bathing. Anjaneya Temple is opposite to Anumanta Sunai. Hanuman’s foot is embedded in the rock outside the temple entrance. Anjaneya Murthy standing here is three feet tall.

Kurundamalai kumaran has performed many miracles in recent times. Mr. C. Nanjappa  of Chikkampalayam, stayed in this temple for 52 days in 1943 and did penance.One day Lord Murugan appeared in the form of Tavathru Murukananda Swami ( Vellaikinaru Murukananda Swami) and gave Pranava Upadesha by putting on the  sacred “Athchadai”.

As per another story, Mr Balasubramanyan was working in Neyveli Brown Coal Company .In 1963, during his Thalai (First) Diwali, he went to Palani and visited Lord Palani. He bought an image of baby Murugan and used to worship it in the puja room of his house. From time to time, Murugan appeared to his wife in an invisible form and spoke to her.One day when his babygirl swallowed his ring and another time when a thief came to his house, Gurunathan informed his wife and relieved their suffering.

Also, the baby Velan’s fingers are embedded in the offerings of banana, sugar pongal, saffron, vada, etc., which they offer for puja.  The offering is also seen in the mouth  in the image of  Lord Murugan ,Annan Vinayagar. etc.

As a result, the ardent Muruga devotee Mr.Balasubramaniam along with his friends started an organization called Murugan Seva Sangam in Neyveli and has been conducting Laksharchan, Skanda shashti festival etc. to Lord Arumuga. Currently this work is going on at Panchavadi Murugan Temple in Nashik.

 One day in 1977  suddenly, his wife  called: Kurundamalai baby Vela! Come! He wondered  where is Kurundamalai Muruga?  He found out and visited Kurunthamalai Kulandhai Velaayutha Suvami Temple. Since then he developed intense devotion to Lord Murugan. He made  a silver shield for the shrine and a silver veel for Utsavar as a gift. Born to Murugan Thiruvarul, his son Mr Muthikumaran runs a leading machinery manufacturing company in Nashik.

Major festivals celebrated here include Thaipusam, Panguni Uthram and Chithirai Kani. During the festive occasions thousands of devotees throng here to obtain the blessings of the Lord.

The temple timings are :  Morning:7 AM To 12 PM, Evening4 PM To 7 PM. Contact phone number :  +91 94431 31324,  99654 96618,

4.4 Kumaran Kundru Murugan temple

Kumaran Kundru Temple ,Kumaran Kundru, 7276+96W, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 641697 (Kumaran Kundru Murugan temple)  Kumaran Kundru Temple  (Kumaran Kundru Murugan temple)  is located in Kumaran Kundru,  Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu at a distance of 36 kms from Coimbatore Railway station and 34 kms from Coimbatore Airport.

There is a small hillock on top which is the temple of Shri Kalyana Subramanyaswamy.  The hill is hardly 100 ft in height and is easy to climb.  Car can go upto the temple. It is one of 1000 Murugan temples in India.  The belief is that Subramanya Himself is present as the hill and hence the name.

This is one of the rare temples where Shri Subramanyar appears in the main shrine along with his consorts Valli and Devasena in the wedding alankaram.  Hence He is called Kalyana Subramanyar.  It is believed that a few centuries back the cow herds who were grazing their cattle in the hill slope, found a damaged Idol with different parts strewn around.  When they were joined together, they found it to be a Murugan Idol. The village elders constructed a small temple for the deity and were worshipping.  After some time, the idol was further damaged.  At that time, a blind stranger came to this place and he advised the villagers that worshipping the damaged Murugan idol alone was not auspicious and they should go for a new idol along with those of Valli and Devasena.  Accordingly the present temple shrine was constructed.

The rays of the Sun fall on the feet of Murugan on the first day of Tamil month of Chithirai ( Apl-May ) as if the Sun God worships Murugan.  Devotees assemble in this temple on the previous night itself and do Bhajans and in the morning see this rare sight.  Like Thiruvannamalai, here also Giri Valam is performed during the Thai poosam festival ( Jan-Feb ).

There are several appreciable things in this temple.  When the temple car ( ther ) is pulled, all the communities are invited to participate, without any discrimination.  Similarly the Kalasa Pooja is performed only by Adi Dravidars ( scheduled caste ).   For Panguni Uthiram festival, theertham is brought from Kodumudi.  En route, it is kept in Manneeswarar temple in Annur and is then brought here for abhishekam.    In this process, people from nearby places get a chance to participate in the function.  Like Gunaseelam near Trichy, those suffering from mental diseases, are brought here and the darshan of the Lord is believed to cure them.

Like Vaitheeswaran Koil, here also Shiva and Parvathi, are present as Vaitheeswaran and Thaiyal Nayaki and their shrines are on the rear side of the Murugan shrine with separate vimanam.  There are separate shrines for Vinayakar, Navagrahams, Veerabahu and Arunagirinathar.  There is also a separate shrine for Hanuman.  Perhaps this is only the place where there is a separate shrine for Pulipani Siddhar ( one of the 18 venerated Siddhars ) which is situated very near the Thorana vasal ( entrance arch ).   The vimanam on the main shrine is very colourful.  One of the sculptures in the vimanam is the Kuravan-Kurathi couple.  The kuravan is keeping a transistor radio as if hearing the music!  

4.5 Uthayagiri Muthuvelayuthasamy Temple

Shri Uthayagiri Muthuvelayuthasamy Temple , Malaiyapalayam-Savakkattupalayam Road, Malayappalayam, Tamil Nadu 638460 Shri Uthayagiri Muthuvelayuthasamy Temple  is located in  Malayappalayam, Tamil Nadu  at a distance of 53 kms from Coimbatore airport and  60 kms from Coimbatore Railway station.

Uthayagiri Muthu Velayuthasamy Temple is situated on a small rock / hillock. Car can go upto the temple. The presiding Deity : Sri Muthu Velayutha Swamy. It is Quite a big temple, neat and clean. There are more than 1000 Murugan / Subhramanya / Karthikeya/ Velayuthaswamy temples in India.

The temple is facing east on a small kundru ( hill ). Steps are constructed from south, where as car path is on the north side. On the step Vinayagar Sannidhi and Nagars are on the left side of entrance Gate and a Nagar Relief is on the right side. There is a Thirukural inscription on the back side of the Naagar. Deepa Sthambam or the garuda Thoon is in front of the temple. On both side of Sri Velayutha Swamy Shrine, Sri Kasi Viswanathar on the south and Sri Visalakshi is on the north.

In the prakaram Sannadhi for Naalvar. Vinayagar with 2 sthambams  under a bilva / Vilva tree, 6 Shiva Linga Sannadhis ( Pancha Lingas +1 ), Navagrahas, Sani Bhagavan, Chandran, Bairavar and Sahasra Lingam.

The temple consists of Sanctum sanctorum, artha mandapam and a mukha mandapam. A beautiful architecture sanctum and Mukha mandapam. The Mukha mandapam is supported with 10 beautiful ornamental pillars. The Mandapam was constructed during Nayak Period and the Nayakas statues are on the Pillars. The Sanctum sanctorum has two entrances. The entrance arch is on the south and mandapa is on the east.

 The Temple was built in 14th to 15th Century Kongu Kings period and extended during Vijayanagara period. Thirukkural inscription can be found on the east side of the temple.. on a boulder

  All the important festivals like Thaipoosam, Panguni Uthiram, Skanda Sasti, Karthigai Deepam, Vaikasi Visakam are celebrated in a grand manner. On 13th to 15th of Chithirai months ( April – May ), Sun rays falls on moolavar.

TEMPLE TIMINGS are : 7 am  to 12  noon  and  5-8 pm ;  CONTACT DETAILS:  9750467504 Click Here to return to Index of Contents. Otherwise Continue

4.6 Sakthi Murugan Temple. KALIAPPAMPAYAM

Sakthi Murugan Temple. KALIAPPAMPAYAM. Gobichettipalayam, Erode. Tamilnadu 638055  Sakthi Murugan Templeis located in . KALIAPPAMPAYAM.  Tamilnadu  at a distance of 75 kms from Coimbatore Railway station and  64 kms from Coimbatore Airport.

Sakthi Murugan Temple. is 3 kms from Thittamalai Murugan temple – it is in a relatively secluded place and so it is better to inform the Gurukkal of Thitta malai and fix up time for darshan. Nice small & calm temple.

Contact Phone numbers : Thirthagirisivam Sivacharyar 9677505303, 8012266357, 04285-225442(Admin)

4.7 Arulmalai Murugan Temple , Thoranavavi

Arulmalai Murugan Temple , Thoranavavi, Santhipalayam, Tamil Nadu 638110 Arulmalai Murugan Temple is located in Thoranavavi, Santhipalayam, Tamil Nadu at a distance of  70 kms from Coimbatore Railway station and 60 kms from Coimbatore Airport. India has mopre than 1000 Murugan / Subhramanya / Karthikeya temples. Many of them are in hill / hillock

Kumbhabhishekam was conducted in 2018 . Presiding Deity: Sri Murugan / Arulmalai Andavar without Sri Valli and Devasena, holding a stick, like Palanimalai Murugan. 

During the recent renovations, the Shiva Lingam and a Rishabam, which are kept in a small sannadhi was shifted to the renovated old Mandapam built during Vijayanagara Nayaks period. Vinayagar was also shifted to the Shiva Temple mandapam.

 Situated on a small hillock .  Steps are there to climb from the bottom of the hill. Temple is 800 years old.Nanjaiya Mahan has sung 12000 songs on Lord Muruga here

Contact phone numbers : Sivananda Iyer ,9944827940 , Somasundaram 9486773506 

4.8 ThittaMalai Murugan Temple, Nambiyur

ThittaMalai Murugan Temple , 89W4+CF2, Nambiyur, Tamil Nadu 638458  ThittaMalai Murugan Temple is located in  Nambiyur, Tamil Nadu  at a distance of 75 kms from Coimbatore Railway station and  63 kms from Coimbatore Airport. It is one of the 1000 Murugan / Subhramanya temples in India.

When we visited Thitta Malai Murugan Temple in 2017, it was  under renovation – balalayam . There is a Kailasanathar Temple in hill bottom . The  original name of the hill was  : Virunthitta malai . The  temple was  built by Mysore Maharaja for a Chettiar who cured Maharajs’s illness by giving prasadam of lord murugan. Thirthagiri Andavar & Kuzhandai Kumaraswamy ). The Murugan temple is on a hillock with nice scenery.

The contact phone numbers are : Sumathi – :9524923008. Thirthagirisivam Sivacharyar 9677505303, 8012266357, 04285-225442(Admin)

4.9 Andavar Malai Lord Murugan Temple

Andavar Malai Lord Murugan Temple ,C9GM+5X2, Andavar Malai, Tamil Nadu 638453  Andavar Malai Lord Murugan Temple is located in Andavar Malai, Tamil Nadu at a distance of 80 kms from Coimbatore Railway station and 70 kms from Coimbatore Airport. It is one of the  1000 Murugan / Subhramanya temples of India.

Andavar Malai Lord Bala Dhandayuthapani Temple is one of the 3 Hill temples for Lord Murugan in Gobichettypalayam area ; other two are : Balamuruga in Pachaimalai & Muthukumaraswamy in Pavalamalai.THis temple is also very famous – some 100 steps are to be climbed to reach the temple – It is small, nice, beautiful and clean.

There are shrines in the corridor-prakara- for Vinayaka, Shiva-Shakti, Valli-Devaseana, Lord Vishnu, Aditya Navagrahas (9planets) and Saturn – Sani 4.9Bhagwan.

Gobichettipalayam Andavarmalai Lord Muruga Temple is very ancient in history with a huge number of yogis and devoteesseeking His blessings.

 An enlightened soul, Poosari Siddhar was in this hill blessing the devotees with hispredictions. Kuppana Siddhar was then here for a long time. The temple is open from 6 am. to 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.to 8 p.m. Contact phone numbers : Thandapani Gurukkal 9842718833 stays opposite to temple 098652 83370; +91-4285-222 125 Karthikeyan +91 98652 83370   .

4.10 Pachaimalai Murugan Temple

Pachaimalai Murugan Temple , Arulmigu Subramanyaswamy Temple, Pachaimalai, Gobichettipalaiyam,, Modachur, Tamil Nadu 638476  Pachaimalai Murugan Temple, is located at  Gobichettipalaiyam,, Tamil Nadu, 35 kms from Erode , 75 kms from Coimbatore Airport and 85 kms from Coimbatore Railway station..

In Gobichettipalayam, there are 3 Hill temples for Lord Murugan – Pachai malai, Pavala malai & Andavar malai. There are  180 steps to climb to reach the temple on the top of the hillock. A nice motorable road is also there to avoid this. People longing for a child, take Shashti vrata for 7 days in Pavala malai and pray to Lord Muruga.

Pachaimalai means Green hill. It is believed that the presence of a water-spring directly below the sanctum sanctorum gives the hill/ temple its name. During the drought years of 2001 – 2005, when the wells went dry in the areas around the hill, water was still available on top of the hill.

As per legend, Sage Durvasa was performing penance in the nearby Modachur, near Gobi.  At that time, he wanted to have darshan of Lord Subramanya.  Since he could not find any Murugan temple nearby, he used his spiritual powers and located a small hillock nearby.   He installed a Balakumara idol facing west, on top of the hill as advised by Shiva.  The direction faced by the Lord here is the same as that of Pazhani.  Though the temple is more than 3000 years old, the present structure came into existence, thanks to the efforts of one the local devotee by name Shri Kuppuswamy Gounder.  His family members were responsible for the First Swarnabhandana Kumbabishekam in 1980.  The last one was performed in 2006.  In Swarnabhandanam, the base of the idol is gold plated and this is a very rare procedure, not done in many temples.

The temple is having a five tier Gopuram and the construction is done in typical Dravidian style. Apart from the main shrine of Dhandayuthapani ( Balamurugan ), there is one more large statue of Murugan outside the temple, which is visible from Gobi.  The visit to this temple commences with the worship of Vidya Ganapathi who is offered the Arugampull garland ( green grass ).  In addition to this Ganapathi, it is reported that there are 13 more Ganapathis in Pachamalai and worshipping all of them on the Vinayaka Chaturthi day, is considered very auspicious.

The other shrines:  Shri Maragathavalli sametha Shri Maragathaeeswarar, Kalyana Subramanyar with Valli and Devasena, Sridevi Bhudevi sametha Shri Maragatha Venkatesa Perumal, Bhairavar and Dakshinamurthy. Readers may note that the names of Shiva, Vishnu as well Ambal, have a prefix Maragatha  ( Emerald, which is green in colour ) as this hill itself is called Pachamalai ( green hill ).  Navagrahams are present with their consorts.

The wooden chariot of this temple is one of the largest in TN.  This is used for taking the Lord around the hill temple on the Panguni uthiram day ( Mar-Apl ).  In addition, there is a golden chariot for special occasions.  The Lord comes in golden attire, mounts his golden peacock and go around in this golden chariot, which could not be seen even in Pazhani or Tiruchendur!  The important festivals are Panguni Uthiram, Vaikasi Visakam, Thai Poosam and Skanda Shasti.

 Temple timings are : 6-10 am and  5. 30-8.30 pm. Contact phone nu,bers : . 9698235352 DINESH Sivacharyar 04285-221425, 222125 +91 4285 222 125. Click Here to return to Index of Contents. Otherwise Continue

4.11 Pavala Malai Murugan Temple

Pavala Malai Murugan Temple , 50,Rudramurthi Vathiyar Veedu, S Park St, Gobichettipalayam, Tamil Nadu 638452  Pavala Malai Murugan Temple is located in   Gobichettipalayam, Tamil Nadu  at a distance of 85 kms from Coimbatore Railway station and  75 kms from Coimbatore Airport.

Pavala Malai Murugan temple is located in Gobichettipalayam on a small hillock. There is a good motorable road to reach the temple. Here Lord  Muthukumara Swami is reverred next to  Vaitheeswarankoil,  Tamilnadu Muthukumara swamy. Sri Kailasanathar linga in the temple is a swambu murthy.. Gobichettipalayam has 3  Murugan hill temples – Pavala Malai, Pachai malai & Andavar malai.

Pavalam in Tamil means Coral, the red gem.  It is also the colour of the planet Mars. As Subramanya is the Adhipathi ( Lord ) of this planet, His worship on Tuesdays is very auspicious in this temple.  The presiding deity is Shri Muthukumaraswamy.

As per the legend, when Adiseshan covered Meru Hill with his body, Vayu blew the top of the hill, parts of which fell in different places.  One such piece is believed to have fallen here.  This temple was constructed by devotees from Kanavala Kula community.

Kutrala Kuravanji, is included in many of the Bharathanatyam concerts. This was the creation of a famous Tamil poet, Thirikooda Rasappa Kavirayar.  It speaks about the life of a group of nomads – gypsies, called Kuravas.  They are believed to be nomads with a pure, sinless life.  When they sing about their native place in this poem, they say “ Pachamalai Pavalamalai Engal Naadu, Parameswaran vazhum malai Engal Naadu “( We are natives of Pachamalai and Pavalamalai and that is also the abode of Shiva ).  Hence the joint pilgrimage of these two hills. There is a belief that this place was ruled by King Pari, one of the Kadayezhu Vallals ( seven philanthropic kings ).

Normally the Poojas of deities are performed with Ashtothrams ( 108 ) and Sahasranamams ( 1008 names ).  But there is another form of worship called Trisadhi where 300 names of the God are chanted and Pooja performed.  Some of the Trisadhis like Lalitha, Shiva and Subramania are well known.  The last one is performed very often in this temple where every 50 names are chanted for each face of the Arumugan ( Muthukumaraswamy ).  Performing this on Tuesdays for this Lord relieves one of the ill effects of Mars.  The special prasadams for this Pooja are Paruppu Payasam and Vadai.

In this temple, the Lord is a Brahmachari.  Hence Valli and Devasena appear as they were before marriage to the Lord, in a separate shrine.  Several decades ago, the Swayambu Murthy of Shri Kailasanathar was found in a nearby field by the farmers.  This idol was installed in this temple along with that of Mother Periyanayaki.  Milk abhishekam is performed to this Murthy on Tuesdays. Temple timings are : 6 -11 am and  4 pm-8 pm . Contact phone numbers : 04285-222125; +91 99942 00916

4.12 Thavalagiri Bala Dhandayuthapani Thirukovil Sathyamangalam

Thavalagiri Bala Dhandayuthapani Thirukovil (Malai Kovil), Periyakodiveri Rd, Sathyamangalam, Tamil Nadu 638503   Thavalagiri Bala Dhandayuthapani Thirukovil (Malai Kovil), is located in  Sathyamangalam, Tamil Nadu  at a distance of 65 kms from Coimbatore Airport, 70 kms from Coimbatore Railway station and 20 Kms from Gobichettypalayam. Thavalagiri Bala Dhandayuthapani Thirukovil  is a  Beautiful and very scenic  hill temple in Satyamangalam forest area. 

This temple is also known as “Mountain Temple”. For most people, a mountain temple is immediately obvious.The temple is located on a small hillock on the banks of the Bhavani River on the way to Kodiveri near the village of Komarapalayam. The temple is accessible by both steps and a motorable  road. There are a total of 270 steps to the top. There is ample parking space at the top of the temple.

The first level before the main shrine has Lord Vinayakar and Lord Murugan’s consorts of Valli and Dheivanai. There is also a shed for conducting yagam’s and poojas.The main temple is located at the top after a small staircase and it faces to the west. It is one of the few Murugan Temples facing west. It is believed that Durvasa Rishi had installed the Lord Murugan idol. 

The temple is similar in layout to the Palani Murugan temple with a west facing entrance and Lord and the Bhavani River running below just like the Shanmuga River. The temple was built 500 years ago by Sage Thiruvasagar as a formless deity. The temple is spacious, clean and well maintained. 

For those having obstacles in their life for marriage, for their trade or studies can visit this temple. The Lord wears a Dharshini ring in his right hand. Those who cannot visit Palani can come to this temple and pray to the Lord.

In the lower part of this temple, Valli and Goddess are shown to the devotees as virgins. The statue of both Valli and Deivanai looks like they were penance towards east to marry Muruga. This auspicious temple is suitable for removal of marriage ban, witchcraft, business development, Mars malefic, removal of enemies, business development.

It is believed that offering pujas to Valli and Deivanai Swami in this Thiruthalam with 21 lamps will remove the barriers to marriage. Special pujas are performed on the days of Poornami, Amavasai, Krittikai and Shashti. On Kanda Sashti, Murugan appears in six avatars in six days

The temple offers peace, tranquility and solitude and the view from the top is amazing. The Bhavani River and Sathyamangalam town in the foreground against a backdrop of coconut plantations and the western ghats make for a beautiful sight.

4.13 Balathandayuthapani Temple, Korumaduvu

Sri Balathandayuthapani Temple, Korumaduvu dam Road, G8X3+838, Korumaduvu, Erode, Tamil Nadu 638503    Sri Balathandayuthapani Temple  is located in  Korumaduvu, Erode, district , Tamil Nadu at a distance of 25 kms from Gobichettypalayam, 80 kms from Coimbatore Railway station and  73 kms from Coimbatore Airport. It is one of the 1000 Murugan / Subhramanya swamy temples in India.

Only in some temples devotees are allowed to offer flowers directly to spiritual idols.In this temple, one can offer flowers directly to the idol.

Lord murugan temple is west facing  as in Palani temple indicating more blessings to devotees.Here special agni kundam and pachai panthal are used for removing brammahathidosha by jumping agnigundam. Rituals are conducted as in thiruvidai maruthur mahalinga swamy temple for removing brammahthi dosha. Devotees worship their Kuladeivam called selvanayagi here in separate temple.Devotees worship south faced dhakshinamurthy with his wife under a banyan tree for good education, marriage, peace and good family.

Lord Chandrasekhara, Mother Mangalambica  grace devotees here. As a tradition, Ambal  is on the left of Lord Shiva in all temples.Here Ambal  is on the right side facing north with Her right leg on the ground and the left folded and placed on the right leg. Lord Vishnu and Mother Mahalakshmi grace thedevotees from a separate shrine facing east.

Devotees pray to Lord Muruga for relief from the delaysoccurring in wedding proposals, for child boon. They pray toLord Dakshinamurthi for education, wisdom, family unity,mental peace, progress in trade and favourable Jupiter aspectfor wedding alliances.

Periyaswamy Poojari 8682857853 , 9585057853;    The temple is open from 6 am. to 9 am. and from   4 pm. to 6  pm.

4.14 Lord Subramanya Temple, Kazhani

Lord Subramanya Temple, Kazhani , Kavasseri-II, Kazhani, Kerala 678543 The holy ancient Lord Subramanya Temple located in the calm and beautiful atmosphere of Kazhani in Kavassery Panchayat in Alathur taluk of Palakkad district at a distance of 34 kms from Palakkad , 90 kms from Coimbatore Airport and  75 kms from Coimbatore Railway Station. It is one of the sub temples of Mangotukavu  Bhagavathy Temple. It is one of the 1000 Murugan / Subramanya temples in India.

Built by Perumthachan and is about 1,200 years old, the temple upa devatas are  Ganpati, Shasta and Nagar in addition to Bala  Subrahmanya Swamy. The Thaipooyam Mahotsavam in the month of Makara is conducted extensively by the Temple Committee and the Mangotukavu Devasvam. Apart from this, shashti, mandalam maasacharana and navratri are the main features.

Devotees come here to pray for early marriage and for getting children – after observing  Shashti vratham. Abhishegams are conducted with Milk, Panchamritham and vibhuti. Click Here to return to Index of Contents.

4.15 Muthumalai Murugan Temple

Muthumalai Murugan Temple,  QWWH+XFW, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 642109  Muthumalai Murugan Temple is located at a distance of 30 kms from  Coimbatore Railway station,, Tamil Nadu .The temple is located on the top of a hill

 As per the  legend, when Murugan was going around the world on His peacock, a pearl fell from his crown.  When Murugan searched for the pearl, He located it on top of this hill and He set foot on the hill to retrieve it.  Since Murugan’s pearl fell on this hill, it came to be called Muthumalai (Pearl Mountain).

As per another Legend, few centuries ago, Murugan came in the dream of a local lady and told her that He was lying underneath a row of three Karai plants ( wild jasmine ).  When the lady narrated this to the local elders, none believed her.  Murugan appeared again in her dreams for three consecutive Krithigai and Bharani star days.  The Lady went in search of the Lord and to her surprise, found the row of three karai plants. The village elders believed her and installed a Vel ( spear ) on that spot and worshipped it as the representative of Murugan. Later a temple was constructed on this spot.

Apart from the Murugan in the main shrine, there are shrines for the Utsavar ( Murugan with Valli and Devasena ), Manikavinayakar, Vellingiri Andavar ( Shiva ) and Nagas.  This kshetram is known for offering special prayers for getting relief from Naga Dhoshams.  There is an ant hill near the temple.  There is a light emanating from this ant hill during nights and it was witnessed by several devotees.  The reason for this luminescence could not ascertained so far.  There is a meditation hall adjoining the temple which is frequently used for meditation purposes.

The devotee gets relieved of all adverse aspects on him if heworships Muruga in this temple on Thaipoosam day, the Lordholding His Vel weapon

Kruthika star day is celebrated each month. Special pujas areperformed on Thai Poosam day in January-February, carfestival on Panguni Uthiram day in March-April and KavadiAattam and Annadhanam on Mondays and Fridays.

Temple Timings :   6 AM – 11:30 AM and  4 PM – 9 PM and Contact Phone number : +91 97155 12323

4.16 Alagumalai Murugan Temple

Arulmigu Alagumalai Murugan Temple,Muthukumarasamy Temple, Alagumalai Panchayat, 2C7Q+H52, Thonguttipalayam, Tamil Nadu 641665 Arulmigu Alagumalai Murugan Temple is located in  Thonguttipalayam, Tamil Nadu  at a distance of  20 kms from Tiruppur  and  62 kms from Coimbatore Railway Station. It is  one of the hill temples of Lord Murugan ; One has to  climb 300 steps to reach thye temple  – or can go by a motorable hill road to reach temple.

 Alagumalai means a wide and high mountain. Similarly, it is very appropriate to call this mountain as “Azhagumalai”  with  green clothed  natural beauty.  There are more than 1000 Murugan / Subhramanya/ Karthikeya temples in India.

One of the most important Murugan temples in Tirupur district is the Muthukumaraswamy Balathandayuthapani Temple. Lord Muruga Temples are found in the hills and hills of Tamil Nadu as  the saying goes: there is a Kumaran wherever there is a hill. In that way, the most important of the Murugan temples in Tirupur district is the Alagumalai Muthukumaraswamy Balathandayuthapani temple.

There are historical evidences and literary evidences to know the history of Alagumalai temple site. An inscription from the Tirumala Nayak period is in front of the Kailasanathar temple. The inscription was written in AD 1641. Alagu  means ‘nose’. The mountain is said to be called ‘Alagu Malai’ because of its shape like a nose. Some people also say that the mountain got its name because there is a guardian deity (Kaval deivam)  named Alaghapuri Amman below the Alagumalai  Hill.Lord Muruga resides on the mountain and blessing the devotees.

At the base of the hill is the Peacock Vehicle Hall. After that, if you step down and pass the eight-pillared mandapam, you can visit Padavinayaka on the left. Pada Ganesha temple is located at the beginning of Alaguamalai steps. After worshiping Ganesha, after passing the steps towards the north, the Idumban Sannidhi is located on the left side.

Passing the Itumban sanniti and climbing  the 300 steps on the west side of the hill, one can have darshan of Lord Muruga’s Arupadai Veedu. This six house temple was built in 1984. Among the six Arupadai veedu temples,  in Tamil Nadu, Lord Muruga is present whatever pose (kolam) , the same way the shrines are here – is the special feature of these shrines. There is also a shrine for Shanmughar. Standing in the Kartikai Mandapam on the mountain path, one can simultaneously have a breathtaking darshan of the Arupadaiveedu Lord Muruga and the seventh-padai veedu  Lord Alagumalai Kumara above. Adjacent to the Arupadai veedu Sannidhis is the Navagraha Sannidhi.

Adjacent  to  Itumban Sannidhi is the Kumaran Temple . Here, Alagumalai Kumaran is present as Balakan (child). Balamurugan is the deity who fulfills the wish for begetting children. The Lord appears in the “Andi Kolam” as in the Palani Hill, with a little tuft of hair and holding a spear in his right hand.

 The flagpole is the first place to enter the temple  To the west of the flagpole is a peacock  and an altar near it. As the main tree, the Vilva tree is located on the left side of the temple. Ananda Vinayaka and Valampuri Vinayaka grace the special Sankatahara Chaturthi festival for the past 18 years on the right inside the temple’s Maha Mandapam. On the left side platform, Veerabahu Deva and Goddess Valli and Deivana are enshrined in the separate shrine towards the south. As Murugan is in Andi Kolam in Garbhagraha, Valli and Deivanai temple is set up separately.

 In this temple, Murugavel bears the name ‘Muthukumara Bala Dandayuthapani’ and appears as a wise guru with a dandayutham in his hand while his eyes are slightly lowered. Solving the grievances, concerns and problems of those who devote themselves to him as a wise guru is a phenomenon that still happens today. The eyes refuse to close the eyelids even when Lord Muruga is seen in a silver armor displayed in a 4 and a half feet tall  idol(Thiruvuru)

 One has to climb about 300 steps to see this thousand year old temple. There is also a road facility for vehicles to reach the temple. In the village of Alagumalai is situated with an area of ​​4000 acres.  Along with Sun, there are nine planets, Navagrahas. Similarly there are seven hills around this mountain. They are Chennimalai, Sivanmalai, Vattamalai, Udiyurmalai, Palanimalai, Marudamalai and Kadhithamalai. In the midst of these seven hills, Alagumalai is visible. This is also a special feature of Alagumalai.

Contact phone number : Ramachandra gurukkal 9842783759  The temple timings are : 7 to 1 pm 4 pm to 6.30 pm

4.17 Veerakumara Swamy Temple, Vellakoil

Sri Veerakumara Swamy Temple, Nagapattinam – Coimbatore – Gundlupet Hwy, Vellakoil, Tamil Nadu 638111  Sri Veerakumara Swamy Temple is located in  Vellakoil, Tamil Nadu at a distance of 85 kms from Coimbatore Railway station.

It is one of the ancient temples in kongu mandalam (kangayanadu). An important fact about this temple is that only males are allowed into the temple premises to worship the Lord, and the females are not allowed. This practice has been going on since more than a decade.The place is called “Vellaikovil” alias vellakovil (or) vellakoil. 

 The god veerakumaran belongs to 11 sections of the people of Kongu vellala community. This temple was designated by 18 Siddhars and has 300 years of history.

 The temple has a rich history which is about 600 years old. During this period, this place was fully covered by forests. One of the notable people of that period was Aantha kula Nallana Gounder. The son of Nallana Gounder, Mudali Gounder appointed Santhana Nadar as the person who was responsible for cattle management in his area. At the time of milking, it was found that one of them had no milk. Nallana Gounder suspected Santhana Nadar. This situation continued for some days and later Santhana Nadar discovered that the milk was discharged by the cow itself in a sand castle (puttru). The following day, Mudali Gounder too, found a similar scene, that the cow dispensed milk at the puttru and a snake came out with a childlike face and drank the milk. He was amazed and thought it to resemble Lord Muruga. Mudali Gounder organized to construct a shrine. The God is known by various names like Veera kumara,Veera kumar and Veera kumaran!

The sculpture that dates back to the 1800’s is seen in the construction of the temple. The construction work began on the 24th of June, 1974 and Kumbhabheshegam was completed on the 5th of September, 2005. This temple was chosen by Salem Chinnamalai Gounder. Kannimar swamisgal and Siddhars, Veera Kumar’s footwear, the statue of Palani Gounder, Balavinayagar’s statue, the Pechiamman temples, the statues of Naripalani Gounder, Karuppana Swamy and Kumarappa Gounder, Sellappa Gounder, etc are established in the holy place too. The Royal Tower and temple car are the majestic additions to the temple.

 Towards the outside, in the southern part of the temple, there exists a sand tower called Puttru. Another feature of this temple is Potli, and it is probably the cracker used in the temple. Devotees worship the Karkkattan tree in the temple as a divine tree. The god Veerakumaran belongs to 11 sections of the people of Konguvellala community. Non-following of vaasthu (building rules and practices) and no entry for woman in moolavar temple are the other unique features of this temple.Pantaram, a section of people, traditionally perform the regular pooja (prayer) procedure in the temple. On Monday and Friday special pooja procedures are arranged in the temple. Pournami (Full Moon day), Amavasai, Kirthigai, Pongal and New Year’s day are the special pooja days. Sandal and turmeric are the main things that are used while worshipping the God . Those who are unable to participate in this pooja, can get vibuthi & prasadham via post by paying the fee.Special archanas like Kaalasanthi Kattalai, Ucchikaala Kattalai will be done on a particular day with the name and star according to the wish of the donor. Every day, after the Uchikala pooja in the Vellakoil temple, ‘Annadhanam’ is given to the devotees.

Royal Tower and temple car are the majestic features of the temple. 18 siddhars and kannimar swamigal, Veera kumar’s foot wear, Balavinayagar statue, Sellappa gounder, Palani gounder statue, salem Chinnamalai gounder, Naripalani gounder, Kumarappa gounder statue’s and Karuppana swamy, Pechiamman temples are also installed in the temple premises.

Temple timings are : 6AM 1200 HRS 5 PM -8 PM;  Contact phone number :  04257- 260519 Click Here to return to Index of Contents.