PALANI

Name : Arulmigu Dandayudhapani Swami Temple - Palani

Location : Palani is located about 60km from the District centre of Dindigul.

Legend : Sage Agastya wanted to take two hills—Sivagiri and Sakthigiri—to his abode in the South and commissioned his disciple Idumban to carry them. Idumban bore the hills slung across his shoulders, in the form of a kavadi one on either side. When he was fatigued, he placed the kavadi near Palani to take rest.

At this stage, Subrahmanya or Muruga had been outwitted in a contest for going round the world. Ganapati had won the prized fruit (pomegranate or mango) by simply going round His parents. Long after, this, Subrahmanya came sweating on His peacock to find that the prize had already been given away. In anger, the frustrated child left the divine parents and came down to Tiru Avinankudi at the Adivaram (pronounced Adivâram. It means foot of the Sivagiri Hill). Siva pacified Him by saying that He (Subrahmanya) Himself was the fruit (pazham) of all wisdom and knowledge; nee —you. Hence the place was called ‘Pazham Nee’ or Palani. Later, He withdrew to the hill and settled there as a recluse in peace and solitude.

When Idumban resumed his journey, he could not lift the hill. Muruga had made it impossible for Idumban to make it. In the fierce battle that ensued, Idumban was killed but was later on restored to life. Idumban prayed that:whosoever carried on his shoulders the Kavadi, signifying the two hills and visited the temple on a vow, should be blessed and he should be given the privilege of standing sentinel at the entrance to the hill.

Temple & Deity : Palani (Tiru Avinankudi) is the third Padai Veedu of lord muruga situated on palani hill

The deity of Palani is known as Dandayudhapani Swami, the Lord having the Staff in his Hand. The deity at the sanctum sanctorum is made out of an amalgam of nine minerals popularly called Navabashana. The deity is in a standing position with a baton in his hand. He has the look of a person who has renounced all worldly pomp. He has just a loincloth besides the baton. He is a mute messenger of the great precept ‘Renounce all to reach Me’. The icon is unique in the whole world. It was made by siddha Bhogar by combining nine poisonous substances (navabashana).

Rituals & ceremonies :

Vilaa Pooja (6.30 a.m.)
Siru Kall Pooja (8.00 a.m.)
Kaala Santhi (9.00 a.m.)
Utchikkala Pooja (12.00 noon)
Raja Alankaram (5.30 p.m.)
Iraakkaala Puja (8.00 p.m.)
Golden Car Darshan (6.30 p.m.)

Fairs & Festivals :

The major festivals at the temple are
Thai Pusam
Pankuni Uttiram
Agni Nakshatram
Kanda Sashti
Vaikasi Visakam
Tiru Karthikai

Official website : http://palani.org/

Blogsite : http://shanthiraju.wordpress.com/page/21/

PARVATI HILL - PUNE

Location : Pune

Steps : Parvati hill is the daily visiting place for a number of citizens and for many people, going to Parvati (103 steps) forms a part of their daily exercise regimen. A special black quarry stone has been used for all these steps. It is weather-resistant and except for a few places, the stone has survived for over two hundred and fifty years even after being fully exposed to sun, wind and water. The steps are so wide that an elephant can easily walk with all pomp and gaiety towards the temple. They are not too steep and even old people can climb with ease.

Altitude : 2100 feet above sea level and 260 feet from the city level.

Description : The temples on Parvati hill are the oldest heritagestructures in Pune and reminiscent of the Peshwa dynasty.

There is one Devdeveshwar temple on the hill and other temples of Lord Kartikeya (Murugan), Vishnu and Vitthal. Every temple has a place in the history of the Maratha empire.

Located on this hill is an interesting museum that commemorates the Peshwa rule. It is from this museum that we come to know that the Parvati Hill and Temple of Pune bore an idol which was carved out of gold by a craftsman from Karnataka; but it was stolen and replaced by a golden plated silver idol.

Timings : Parvati gates open at 5.00 am and close at 8.00 pm.

Website : More information on http://www.parvatidarshan.in

CHENNIMALAI

Name : This hill is also called Sigaragiri, Pushpagiri and Siragiri.

Location : This temple is located in the city of Chennimalai of Perundurai, Erode District. Chennimalai is 26 kilometres from Erode and 13 kilometres from Perunthurai. The nearest railway station is Ingoor and can be reached by road from Perundurai also. The Devasthanam has provided special buses to reach the hilltop.

Hill : This temple is situated at about 600 meters above sea level and this hill is noted for its natural flora and fauna. This hill also has rare medicinal herbs in its lush green forests.

Deity : The moolavar here is popularly known as Siragiri Dandayudhapani. This deity as per Sthala Puranam gave Dharsan to Saravana Munivar as single faced Murugan after appearing as the six faced Arumugam in the first instance. The utsava murti is Muttukumara Subramaniyar with his two consorts Valli and Teyvannai. 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.

Special Features : The most famous temple of Lord Muruga in Coimbatore District is Chennimalai. 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. Saravana Munivar wrote the most popular Chennimalai Sthalapuranam before 700 years. Milk and curds are used as special offerings to Lord Muruga in Chennimalai and it is the general belief that curds do not become sour here.

Temple : The temple of Chennimalai is situated on the banks of Noyal also called Kanchima Nadhi. The Sanctum Sanctorum faces the east. Just in front of the temple we find the Puliyadi Vinayagar. Inside the temple to the right of Moolavar we find the Srines of Markandeswarar and to the left Umayavalli. On the left side we find the Srines of Kasi Viswanathar and Visalakshi.

If we take the steps found just behind the Moolavar Sannidhi, we reach the Valli Teyvannai Temple. The two consorts enshrined in a separate temple are a very unique phenomenon. On the top of the hill we find the Pinnakau Siddhar cave with the front yard filled with Vel of different sizes and shapes. This Siddhar is one of the popular 18 Siddhar known to the world for their Siddha yoga. Near this cave we find the Saravana Mamunivar's Tomb. There is also another very ancient cave near this temple.

Speciality of this temple : The main deity Murugan is equated to the Sevvai graham or planet Mars and all the rest of the eight planets encircle the Lord in perfect harmony. If one circumambulates the main deity he is believed to get the benefit of circumambulating the navagrahas and worshipping them.

Kanda Shasti Kavacham offering : Another most important feature here is that the popular daily prayer of Murugan Devotees, Kanda Shasti Kavacham was first offered to the world in this temple by Balan Devaraya Swamigal. From that day onwards till today many devotees keep chanting this prayer every day.

Sirasuppu Utharavu Kettal : Asking for the Lord's permission before taking up any task like building a new house or getting their children married or any other issue is customary in this temple. Devotees offer an Archnai and perform Sirasappu offering. If the reply is positive they whole-heartedly perform that action or event. Traditionally if the answer is negative the Devotees do not venture further.

The holy water for Abishekam is being brought everyday by the temple bulls, which are being maintained by the Devasthanam. This procedure is also a very unique one not found in other temples.

Sthala Theertham :
1. Mamanga Theertham - This spring is on the southwestern slope of Chennimalai just opposite the Vinayagar Srine.
2. Kandu Kanach Sunai - This spring can be seen only by yogis and saints (reference Verse 27 Siragiri Manmiyam)
3. Subramanya Theertham - This is found on the northern side of foothill. This is also called Saravanapoigai, Kumara Theertham. Saravana Munivar established this city on banks of this spring (Alayam Kanda Manmiyam verse 11).

Sthala Vriksham : Tamarind tree and is found in front of the temple where there is a Shrine for Puliamarathadi Vinayagar.

Website : http://murugan.org/temples/chennimalai.htm

Odhi malai Sri Kumara Subramaniar Temple

Name : The Odhimalai Sri Kumara Subramanyar temple

Location :

The Sri Kumara Subramanyar temple is situated at Odhi malai (hill) near Sirumugai, Mettupaalayam, Kovai.
Bus: Mini Bus from Puliam Patti & Bus from Mettupalayam to Puliam Patti Town Buses and Private bus. Bus stop Name is “Irumbarai”. There are buses from Kovai, Mettupalayam, Tiruppur and Avinasi to Annur. Kovai to Annur is around 35kms. Odhimali is situated around 16kms from Annur.

Legend :

1. Why the hill is known as "Odhi Malai" ?
There is a belief that Lord Muruga revealed, recited (odhinaar) the meaning of the Pranavam "OM" to his father Lord Siva on this hill & hence the name "Odhi Malai". Among the arupadai veedus of Muruga, Swamimalai is said to be the sthalam where Lord Muruga revealed the meaning of Pranavam to his father. But, there are locations near Odhimalai, which makes the locals believe this story.

2. Once Lord Brahma, the God of Creation walked past Lord Muruga without greeting him. The angered Muruga wanted to teach Brahma a lesson & asked him to tell him the secret of Creation & when Brahma answered that the Pranavam "OM" was the basis for all creation, Muruga asked him to explain the meaning of "OM". The angry Muruga gave a knock on Brahma's head & put him in a prison at Irumbarai. Irumbarai is about 3kms from Odhimalai. (Irumbu + arai means an iron room). Lord Siva pacified Muruga & released Brahma from the prison. There is a temple for Lord Siva at Irumbarai, where He gives darshan as Kailasanathar.

The reason for the 5 faces & 8 arms :
Originally Lord Muruga at Odhimalai is said to have had 6 faces & 12 arms. Bhogar, one of the 18 siddhars was performing yagna at a location about 1 km from Odhimalai. Lord Muruga gave darshan to Bhogar after he had completed three yagas. Bhogar wanted to reach Pazhani but was not sure of the way. Muruga took a form with one face & four arms and led Bhogar towards Pazhani. He stopped at a place about 4kms from Odhimalai & gave further directions to Bhogar to reach Pazhani and vanished from the scene. This location is Kumaarapaalayam. The Murugar idol in this temple at Kumarapalayam is seen with 1 face & 4 arms. And the Lord resides at Odhimalai with the remaining 5 faces & eight arms.
 

Description :

Lord Muruga is said to reside on hills and it is believed that this hill is the highest of all Murugan Temples. The Lord gives darshan with 5 faces and eight arms. The five faces indicate that he is identical with Siva. The Lord of this temple is hence also known as Sivakumaran and Kumarasivam.

There are around 1,880 steps to reach the temple situated on the hill. Vehicles cannot go up to the temple. Along the way is a sannadhi for Lord Ganesha. There are also separate sannadhis for Naagar, Idumban, Viswanathar, Visalakshi, Rajarajeswari, Sapthamathas. Lord Muruga gives darshan in standing posture with 5 faces & 8 arms facing east. Since Muruga of this temple is a young lad before the Soorasamharam, the vahanam behind the idol is considered to be Indran in the form of the peacock. (After the Soorasamharam, Lord Muruga transformed a portion of Suran into his vahanam, the peacock and another portion into the cock on his flag.) He has one foot forward, as if he is ready to rush to assist his devotees. The right lower arm is in abhaya mudra & the left lower arm is in varada mudra. In his right upper arms he holds the sword, arrow and vajram. In this left upper arms he holds the shield, bow and paasam.

For every 300 steps there is a resting mandapam till 850steps. After that there is no resting place till the temple. There is another hill by the name Odhi malai near Sholingar. The Odhimalai mentioned by Arunagirinathar in his Thirupugazh is the hill - Gnanamalai near Sholingar.

The temple is open for darshan only on Mondays, Fridays, full moon & new moon days, Krithigai and on other special pooja days.

Websites : http://www.indian-heritage.org/temple/odhimlai.html

PRANAVA MALAI

Location : Tirupporur is 45 km from Chennai

I have no details about Pranava Malai. Anyhow i have the legend associated with it described as below.

It dates back to the times of Pallavas and Tirupporur is known by different names like Poriyur or Yuddhapuri or Samarapuri. There are many legends related to Tirupporur and one of them relates to Lord Shiva relieving Lord Vishnu and his consort Lakshmi from the curse of Kanva rishi. This Lord Shiva and his son Murugan are worshipped here. According to the Sthalapurana, it was here that Lord Murugan with his consorts Valli and Devayanai granted protection to the demi-gods and explained the true meaning of Pranava or the real truth to them and Agastya Muni. Thus, the hill behind the temple is known as 'PRANAVA MALAI ', where Lord Vishnu is said to have worshipped Lord Shiva. Legend also has it that Skanda worshipped Shiva as Vanmeekeswara to rid himself of the sin of having killed Soorapadman.

Tirupporur got lost into oblivion until it was rediscovered in the 17th century and was renovated by Chidambara Swamigal. The idol of Lord Murugan is said to be the 'Swayambhu Murti', (not made by the hands of a man) and was found by Chidambara Swamigalin in an anthill. The temple enshrines Skanda in several forms based on the legends of Skanda Puranam. To the east of the temple the the 'Palmyra' tree and the anthill where the image of Skanda was found can be seen. The anthill is now covered with Kavacha (armor) and other jewels. The other things enclosed in the temple premises are a 24-pillared hall, a 30-pillared circular hall, a shrine to 'Vembadi Vinayaka' under a Neem tree

Stala Theerthams : 'Saravana Poigai' and 'Valliyar Odai' to the south of the temple, and another Teertham known as 'Pranavamritam'.

Kumaran Kunram, Chromepet

Name : BalaSubramaniyar Koil - Kumaran Kundram

Location :

The Subramanyar temple at Kumaran Kunram in Chromepet (near Chennai, Tambaram). The Subramanyar shrine is located on top of the hill and is visible over a distance and commands an impressive view of the surroundings.

History :

Way back in 1956, when Paramacharya visited Chromepet, looking at the hill, he said a temple for Murugan would come up there. It happened 20 years later. The temple for Siddhi Vinayakar was the first to be built in 1956. While clearing the hill side for a path, a lance (Vael) was found and this inspired the devotees to speed up work. The Swaminathaswamy temple took shape and consecration was performed in 1979. Gradually the hill acquired more shrines and the temple has been expanded and consecration conducted at regular intervals

Description :

At the base are shrines for Vinayaka, Sri Kaliswari, Idumban and navagraha. The steps, 108 in number, are well-laid. The rugged path that devotees once used runs adjacent. A few steps above is a small temple for Meenakshi-Sundareswarar with niches for Nataraja, Sarabeswara and Chandikeswara. Nataraja has his right foot up in the classic Cosmic dance pose.

On top is the shrine of Swaminathaswamy. The Moolavar is a lovely granite idol set in serene surroundings. There is a niche for Durgai. A perennial spring called Kumara Tirtham supplies water meeting the needs of the temple. Beneath the shrine is Dhyana mantapam. Considered pariharasthalam for Chevvai and Ketu, the temple draws a steady stream of devotees, it is said.

The view from top shows Chromepet and its neighbourhood spread out as a vast expanse. Silhoutted in the distance is the gopuram of the Tiruneermalai temple. Also distinctly visible is the Trisula hill.

Festivals :

Festivals are conducted with great fanfare. Maha Skandasashti is celebrated on the lines of the Tiruchendur temple. Soorasamharam is an elaborate affair, complete with fireworks. The young and old participate with great enthusiasm. Programmes for the entire year are charted out on a huge board at the entrance.

The Kartikai deepam festival when the temple is illuminated with a number of lamps rendering it visible all around, is of great beauty is data about the temple.

Websites :

http://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/history-and-culture/hill-temple-in-chennai-city/article2301891.ece 

VENNAI MALAI

Description : The Balasubramanyaswami temple at Vennaimalai is an ancient one, revered by the Tiruppugazh hymns of Arunagirinathar, although its current structure is a recent one.

Location : Karur near Tiruchirappalli. The temple is built on a small hill and it enshrines Balasubramanyar, Kasi Viswanathar and Visalakshi.

Festivals : Skanda Sashti in the tamil month of Aippasi, Thai Poosam and Aadi Krittikai.

KUMARAR KOIL - TiruMalai

Description: Sri Kumarar Koyil is located in Ilanji near Tenkasi. Nearby, in the village of Panpoli is the hill temple of Tirumalai Kumarar. Ilanji is located at a distance of 5 km from Tenkasi and 3 km from Kutralam.

The name ilanji stems from the stala vriksham magizha maram and also from the richness of the land abounding in water resources. Arunagirinathar has revered this shrine in his tiruppugazh hymns. Ilanjimurugan Ulaa, and the Kutralanathar Puranam speak of the glory of this temple. Several other literary works also speak of the glory of this shrine.

Legends: This temple is closely linked to Kutralam, in terms of the legends associated. Both these temples are associated with the legend of Agastya muni, proceding to the southern lands from the Himalayas, following Shiva's command - to balance the tilt of the earth with his weight; the earth had tilted dangerously following the assembly of all living beings at the Himalayas to witness the divine marriage between Shiva and Parvati.

Following Shiva's bid, Agastyar is believed to have reached Kutralam, the site of the present day temple to Kutralanathar, which then was a Vaishnava temple, into which he was refused entry.

Agastyar is then believed to have worshipped Murugan at Ilanji, and then proceded to Kutralam in the guise of a Vaishnava devotee and by a miracle converted the image of Vishnu to that of a Shivalingam. The name Kutralam comes from the legend that the image was shrunk (kurukkudal) into that of a Shivalingam.

The Temple: This east facing temple has 2 entrances, 2 prakarams, an ardhamandapam, mani mandapam and mahamandapam. Also here are shrines to Surya, Dakshinamurthy, Saptamatas, Jwarahareswarar, 63var, Venugopalar, Kasi Viswanathar, Visalakashi, Kutrala Nathar, Shanmukhar.

Iruvaalukanathar's shrine is to the left of Skanda's shrine. This temple was renewed in early 15th century.

The presiding deity here is Kumaran, enshrined in the central sanctum, flanked by his consorts Valli and Deivayanai. There are also major shrines to Iruvaluga eesar (believed to have been worshipped by Agasthyar) and Iruvaluga Eesarkiniyaal. There are also shrines to Kanni Vinayakar, Shenbaga Vinayakar, Kuzhal Vaimozhiamman, Chandikeswarar, Bhairavar, Venugopalar, Suryan, Saneeswaran, Agasthyar, the Saptamatas, the 63 Nayanmars and Ayyanar.

This temple with 2 prakarams has two entrances. The sanctum faces the east; there are the Ardha mandapam, the mani mandapam and the maha mandapam in front of the sanctum. A three tiered gopuram covers the entrance to the innerprakaram. Shiva's shrine faces east while Ambal's shrine faces south. Much of the current structure of the temple dates back to the 15th century.

The name Iru valuga Eesar arises from the fact that Agasthyar made a two Shivalingams out of the white sands (valugam) of the Chitra nadi flowing nearby and then combined the two into one Shivalingam, which now adorns the sanctum. Since the Shivalingam is fashioned out of white sand, no abhishekam is performed. Offerings of Shenbaga flowers to Shiva are considered to be very special here.

Stala Theertham : Idumban Sunai and Kuvalai Poonchunai are the theerthams here. The Kuvalai Poonchunai consists of the Soma, Surya and the Agni theerthams.
No of Steps : 540

Festivals: Six worship services are offered each day here.The procession bearing Skanda stops at the Kutralanathar shrine to receive offerings during the annual Bhramotsavams.

Skanda Sashti is celebrated in great splendour here. During this festival, Subramanyar is portrayed as Bhrama, Vishnu, Shiva, Maheshwara, Sadasiva and finally again on Shiva on the 6 days of this festival. The final day of this festival involves the enactment of Surasamharam.

This portrayal is tied to the legend that Subramanya here manifested himself as the trinity Bhrama, Vishnu and Shiva - when asked by the sages Kapila, Kashyapa and Durvasa the question as to who was the greatest among the trinity. Chittirai Vishu (Tamil new years day) and Kartikai asterism in the month of Aadi are also celebrated here.

KUMARAN KOIL - Velli Malai

Description: This ancient temple to Murugan known as Kumaran Koyil is located at Padmanabhapuram, home to the palace of the erstwhile Travancore Maharaja, on the slopes of the Veli hills. It is located in a commanding position, visible for miles around.

Legend : Murugan married Valli here and hence the name Velimalai, Manamalai or Kalyanamala.

Deities: The main deities worshipped here are Subramanyar and Valli. A majestic 10 feet high image of Subramanyar of great workmanship adorns the sanctum. The festival image of murugan here is Manavaalakumaran and this image is taken in procession everyyear during Navaratiri to Tiruvanandapuram, along with Saraswathi and Bhagavathi from the padmanabapuram palace. Manavaalakumaran is also taken in procession to take part in the annual festival of the Suchindram temple.

Festivals: Kerala Tantram is a protocol of worship offered in this temple along the lines of most other temples in Kanyakumari district. Fridays, especially the last fridays of every tamil month are considered to be very sacred here. The Kanji which is distributed here on fridays as prasadam is believed to have miraculous healing properties.

Murugan’s and Valli’s marriage is celebrated with great splendor in the month of panguni. This Thirukkalyanam is an enactment of the divine wedding and is attended by thousands of pilgrims from allover the state.

The 7 day festivities begin in the star of Anuradha in the month of Panguni. Vaikasi Visakam is celebrated for 10 days and as in other Murugan temples Skandasashti is celebrated for 6 days.

Pushpabishekam is celebrated on the last friday in the month of aavani when the image of Kumaran is completely covered with hundreds of baskets of flowers contributed by the congregating pilgrims.

Website : http://murugan.org/temples/kumarakoil.htm

Marutha Malai Subramaniyar Temple

Name : Maruthamalai, Maruthachala Moorthy, Maruthamalai Mamani

Location : 14Kms from Coimbatore

Main Deity : Murugan in Somaaskantha Posture ( ie., Murugan in between Sivan and Ambaal)
To Right of Muruga is Sivan(pateeswarar) & Left is Maragathambigai

No of Steps to Temple : 837

Stala Puranam :
Paambatti Sithar, used to search poisonous snakes for extracting preparing antivenom. Once when he was in Maruthamalai for search of a NagaRathina snake, Sattai Munivar gave darshan to him and preached that “Search the Snake within your Body (KUNDALINI sakthi). That is the purpose of your birth. Searching snakes in the bush is useless. “ This enlightened Pambatti Sithar. He started meditation and Lord Muruga showered his darshan with Valli & Deivanai. This temple is one of AruPadai Veedu of Lord Murugan.

Stala Theertham :
The "Marudha Thirtam" and the"Pambatti Sunai" are springs on the hills with holy waters and a dip in them cures a number of diseases for they contain Medicinal Properties.

Panja Virutcha Vinayagar :
Usually Vinayaga would be below Arasa maram.
In this place Five trees namely Arasa, Atthi,vanni, Korakattai & Vembu are joined together and below this Vinayagar seen as PanjaVirutchaVinayagar.

Other Attractions :
Suyambu Thaanthondri Vinayagar, Idumban sannathi, Pambatti Sithar Sannathi, Saptha Kaniyar sannathi.

Important festives :
Navarathri
Aadipperukku
Tamil New Year
Vaikasi Car Festival
Karthigai Deepam
Margali Pooja
Aruthira Darisanam
Thai Poosam - Thirukalyanam

Timings : 5.30AM to 1.00PM & 2.00PM to 8.30PM