Thalamalai Sanjeevi Perumal Temple

Name : Thalamalai Sanjeevi Perumal Temple aka.,Nallendra Perumal Temple

Location :

At a distance of 5 km from Sevinthipatti, 39 km from Gunaseelam, 34 km from Namakkal, 95 km from Erode, 65 km from Trichy & 354 km from Chennai, the ancient and famous Thalamalai Perumal Temple is situated on a unique rock on the peak of Thalaimalai Hill. It is a renowned Vaishnava temple.

Legend :

1. In Ramayana, great of the two great epics of Hindu mythology, Lord Rama on his way back to Ayodhya with Sita after rescuing her from Ravana in Lankan lands, he had to stay at this Sthala, a spring by name Ramar Sunai was made and there is water flow always. When a person goes close this spring, he can breathe the pleasurable smell of turmeric.

2. In Ramayana, the Yuddha Kanda, Indrajit, son of Ravana and the primary of army of demons showered deadly weapons (the Brahmastra.) to kill his enemies - Rama, Lakhmana and vanaras and they were unconscious. Jambavan sent Hanuman to fetch the Sanjivi, a powerful life-restoring herb to revive the unconscious. Unable to find the specific herb before nightfall, Hanuman brought the entire mountain Dronagiri which was full of medicinal plants, to the fight field, thus helping find the herb and even with the approach of the Sanjivi hill, (fragrance of the herbs) Rama and Lakshmana and the Vanaras felt the darts slip off their bodies. Their wounds healed. Jambavan told Hanuman to replace the Sanjivi Hill but Hanuman was tired to go back to the spot and he tied the hill in his tail and threw it with full vigour. The top portion of the hill fell and that place came to be known as Thalaimalai.

Description :

 The temple is open only in the Tamil month of “Puratasi” (Mid of September to Mid of October). During this period, people from surrounding areas would come to this temple and worship. The temple is  atop nearly 2300 Feet above sea level.

This hill gets its name because it resembles the head of a person. This hill is also known as Siragiri.

The presiding deity of the temple is Nallendra Perumal, a form of Lord Vishnu. One can find shrines of Venkatachalapathy, Alamelu Mangai Thayaar, Goddess Mahalaxmi, Sri Devi, Bhudevi, Lord Anjaneya, Garudazhvar, and Karupanna Swami. If one takes a holy dip in the Kannimar Sunai and pray to Lord Nallendra Perumal, they would be void of the bad effects of Lord Shaneeswar. This temple was built by Madurai Nayaks.

There is a spring called Ramar Sunai with water flowing all the time.

Visitors need to trek for about 4 kms through rocky path running through steep stretches at times. It usually takes about 2 hours to trek upwards. The trekking starts from Thalamalai foothill, which is about 10 kms from Appananallur. From Trichy, the route goes through Guanseelam, Musiri, Manamedu and Appananallur.

Devotees walk around on a narrow path around the temple for pradakshinas. People strongly believe that going round this rock temple would give them successful marriage, wealth and child birth. Doing this ritual is now banned after an accident.

One can find Sanjivi herb spread in this hill and the pilgrims who workshopped this temple would be guarded against the sting of poisonous insects and snakes. There is no threatening to their lives.

Festivals :

Annual festival is celebrated in Tamil month of Puratasi (September / October), once in three years poojas for Edi Bhagavan (Thunder) are performed here.

Timings: 6 AM to 9 PM on Monday to Saturday and 6 AM to 2 PM on Sunday

Websites :
http://www.gconnect.in/guestarticles/thalaimalai-hills-unseen-serene-beauty-of-nature.html

http://amudhasurabi.com/tour/Trichy/ThalamalaiTemple

https://www.trawell.in/tamilnadu/tiruchirappalli/thalamalai-perumal-temple

Dharmalingeshwarar temple, Madukkarai

Name :  Dharmalingeshwarar temple

Location :

Darmalingeswarar temple is situated on the Palghat Main road 10 km from Coimbatore near Marappalam on the western side.  

Legend :

During their exile, Pandavas visited this place and worshipped the Swayambulinga on the hill.  During Darma’s worship at the hill,  Bheema was at the foot hill as a security to his brother, according to the sthalapurana.  There is a statue of Bheema here worshipped as the custodian deity of the villagers.

Description :

Lord Shiva in the temple is a swayambumurthi. The height of the hill is about 300 metres.  Steps are provided to reach the temple.  Lord Vinayaka and the Navagraha shrines are at the foot of the hill.

There is a mango tree near the Navagraha-9 planets shrine that yields fruits with three different tastes.  Sacred tree of the temple is Vilwa.  There is mandap and an anthill behind the Vinayaka shrine.  It is said that an aged serpent is still living in the anthill.  There is also a well nearby that is perennial even during severe drought times.  Water is taken to the hill through pipes from this well.  The devotee can reach the hill temple in 30 minutes through the steps.

With Nandhi just opposite the presiding deity, Lords Vinayaka and Muruga are on both sides of the sanctum.  The tribal people worship Lord Darmalingeswara s their family deity.

The temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and from 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.
Phone :  + 91 98422 22529

Temple's Speciality :

Those seeking justice and success in court cases worship here, as Dharma the eldest of Pandavas worshipped Lord here.

Festivals :

During the Karthikai month (November-December) the villagers light lamps on the hills from each family in turn for three days.  Thousands undertake Girivalam on full moon days as in Tiruvannamalai. 

Bajans are sung in the temple during the whole night of Maha Shivrathri in March-April. Pradosha, Kruthika, new moon days are observed with special pujas and aradhanas. Annabishekam is performed on Aipasi Poornima day and on Thaipoosam in October-November and January-February respectively.

Websites :
http://temple.dinamalar.com/en/new_en.php?id=607

St. Thomas Mount, Chennai

Name :  Church of Our Lady of the Mount

Location :

St. Thomas Mount (known in Tamil as Parangimalai) is a small hillock located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, near the neighbourhood of Guindy and very close to Chennai International Airport.

The neighbourhood is served by the St. Thomas Mount railway station on the southern line of the Chennai Suburban Railway Network. Integration of the Metro and MRTS with the suburban station in the neighbourhood, is expected to make the suburb the city's largest transit hub after Chennai Central.

Legend :

According to tradition, the Cross chiselled on a stone of this hill by St Thomas himself and used by him for his personal prayer gave strength to him when he was pierced from behind with a lance as he was praying before it. It is believed that the Cross should have been stained with the blood of the Martyr. This Cross was accidentally discovered later by the Portuguese when they dug the foundations for the new Church in 1547.

According to ancient records, this Cross sweated blood during the Holy Mass celebrated by Fr. Gasper Coelho on the 18th December 1558. In the early years, this Cross used to sweat blood every year, then every two or three years and, later, at longer intervals. The last occasion on which it was found sweating blood was in 1704.

Popular faith says that innumerable miracles of cures were attributed to this sacred stone cross through mere contact with it in faith and it has roused the conversion of many unbelievers. Even today the natural dampness on its surface is a perennial factor of surprise and devotion. The image of the Cross itself is unique

It was in 1908 after much disputation that the inscription around the cross was deciphered as: "Through the Cross, the Messiah borught salvation to the world".

As per tradition, the oil painting of the Madonna of the Blessed Virgin was painted by St Luke the Evangelist on wood and was brought here by St Thomas and used by him for prayer. Hence it is popularly known as the "Scapular of St Thomas.".

In "Tombs and Descriptions in the Madras Presidency" ( A Government Publication ), Mr. J. J. Cotton says : "This is a picture painted by St Luke who was an artist. The Virgin died when Thomas was away and on his return he had the tomb opened in order that he might once more look upon her. It was found that the body had been miraculously removed and Thomas was so disturbed that St. Luke offered to paint him a portrait of the Virgin as a consolation. This portrait St. Thomas carried with him on all his wanderings".

The first written account of this painting is made in 1559 when the King of Bisnaga took it to his Court in Chandragiri and later returned it in a palanquin to the Mount.

The wear and the warp of this sacred species are explained by the efforts of the people down the ages to bury and hide it in order to protect it from the onslaught of the invading enemies.
However the Madonna is considered to be one of the oldest and most venerated paintings in India and countless favors and blessings have been recorded by devotees who have stood and prayed before it.

Description :

The ancient Syrian Christian community of India trace the origin of their church to St. Thomas the Apostle, believed to have been martyred in St. Thomas Mount . The altar of this Shrine was built on the spot, where St.Thomas was martyred in 72 AD.  The St. Thomas Garrison Church is located at the bottom of St Thomas Mount. The St. Thomas Syro Malabar Catholic church is located east of the shrine at North Silver Street , foot holds of the mountain Shrine.

A shrine dedicated to "Our Lady of Expectation" (Mother Mary) was built in 1523 on top of the mount. An Arch inside the church bears the title in Portuguese: "Senhora da Expectacao" (Our Lady of Expectation) with the year of its construction 1523.   At the northern foot of the mount, is a gateway of four impressive arches surmounted by a cross bearing the inscribed date 1547. A flight of 160 steps leads up to the summit of the mount. There are 14 stations of the cross erected on the way to the summit.

History :

The Mount was a grant to the church by the Kings of Bisnaga, or Vijayanagar, who called the place in Telugu "Fringy Kondah" meaning "European Hill" The Portuguese called the place Monte Grande (Big Mountain)

St Thomas Mount is a Holy place of international prominence, historical eminence, religious glory and tourist attraction.The ancient Church on the top of St. Thomas Mount has served as the light house for the Portuguese and Armenian ships and vessels in the Bay of Bengal in the 16th and 17th centuries. Interestingly, it is said, when sailors sighted the Church they offered prayers for a safe Voyage and then discharged from their artillery in salutation.

The Mount of Saint Thomas is easily accessed by the devotees who make the vowed climb through the 134 granite steps as an act of penance and sacrifice. An ornate arch with an imposing elegance remains an attraction to all those who happen to glimpse it with a note of the year of its construction, 1726.

The Armenian merchants of old were great benefactors of many Catholic Churches in and near Madras. Petrus Uscan was the greatest among them. He built a brick paved road with granite steps at intervals flanked by a double wall leading from the road below to the top of the mount. In his foresightedness, he also left a sum of money with the Administrator-General of Madras for the upkeep of these steps.

To make possible for modern vehicular traffic fully asphalted road laid by the military from the south- western base of the hill right upto the top in 1962.

The fifteen Stations of the Cross adorn the sides of the steps. The minute precision with which the figures have been moulded and the heaviness of the rare metal used in them add colour and life to the scenes of the Stations of the Cross along the steps of the Mount.They are spots of inspiration and they spiritually dispose the pilgrims who climb the steps for an eventual spiritual experience on the hill top Every year during Lent thousands of people flock the hill to make their Stations of the Cross with the help of these depictions. The annual mammoth gathering of people for the Mass celebrated by the Bishop on the Palm Sunday evening is the culmination of their Lenten pilgrimage.

Fr.Gaspar Coelho, Vicar of the Church in Mylapore in 1545 records that one Diego Fernandes, a Portuguese, built a small oratory on top of the hill over the foundation of a very ancient church in 1523 AD. The spot was already a place of pilgrimage.

Since this oratory dedicated to the Mother of God was very small and since the number of pilgrimage was increasing, Fr. Coelho laid the foundation for a bigger church on March 23, 1547 and completed the existing church within a year. It was then known as the Church of Our Lady of the Mount.

 Fr. Gaspar Coelho, who had built the church was buried in it and there is an inscription over his grave at the very entrance of the church.

The welcoming gate of the Hill Shrine with its Indian lamp conveys the message that Jesus Christ is the Light of the World. The two lampstands with seven wicks each symbolize the witnessing life and death (Rev 11:4) of the Prophet Martyrs like StThomas. An osmosis of light at the entrance reminds us that a city built on the hill top cannot be hidden (Mt 5:14) but that it will shine.

The shrine church entombs a piece of the Bone of St Thomas casketed in a beautifully ornamented monstrance. People have witnessed to many miracles that have been effected through the efficacy of this holy relic.

This Sanctuary is said to be the spot where St Thomas was martyred. Any one standing on this surface will certainly feel the vibrations of the hidden current that floods this main altar area. The excellent artistic background elevates the inner soul.

The framed oil painting of St Thomas being pierced with a lance from behind in his praying posture on the wall behind the high altar is the high point of awe and devotion for all who climb the hill to reach this sanctuary.

The artistic finale exhibited in the attractive wooden podium of the fifteenth century is a monumental piece of ancient art. It bespeaks the importance attached to the Breaking of the Word in the liturgy of the early centuries. The ornamental wood carving in unison with the main altar is a banquet for the eyes of the beholder. This is another gift of Petrus Uscan. The Italian marble laying, the dim lighting effects, the antique hanging lamp, and the Portuguese styled ancient altar add to the serenity of the place and the sanctity of the Chapel.

The votive shrine that shelters the colourful Statue of Our Lady in the sitting posture is of a later fashioning and it exhibits a graceful look and maternal benevolence.

The huge framed paintings of antiquity screening before us the images of the twelve Apostles and that of Christ and of St. Paul are marvelous treasures of art and faith. They not only adorn the church but they also elevate our spirits. Though such pictures of the Apostles are common in the great Basilicas of the West, the uniqueness of these consists in their miniature picturesque information about the way in which each of the Apostles glorified their Master in their final offering.

The open air stage meant for public worship and the grilled open space provide an exquisite sight of the whole city of Chennai. The presence of a huge banyan tree and a green peepul/ pipal tree on the Hill is a natural gift to the seekers since both the trees are a rare sacred species in the Indian context.

Festivals :

+Every year the 18th December has become the Annual Feast Day of this Shrine Chapel, which is celebrated with function and devotion.

Timings :
This Adoration Chapel is kept open everyday from 7.00 a.m to 7.00 p.m

Websites :

http://www.stthomasmount.org/

Anuvavi Subramania Swami Temple

Name : Anuvavi Subramania Swami Temple

Location :
 
Anubhavi Subramaniar Temple is an ancient temple situated in the outskirts of Coimbatore & it is located on the Anaikatty highway.

Legend :

While passing through this hill with the Sanjeevi mount, Sri Anjaneya felt thirsty.  He prayed to Lord Muruga here for water.  Lord punched a place here with His Vel from where water sprang up and flowed as a river. This shows that Muruga worship was n vogue even during Valmiki’s period.  There are also 2 mentions about the velocity of the arrow of Rama as that of Muruga’s Vel.

The word Hanu stands for Sri Anjaneya.  Vavi in Tamil means water resource.  Hanuvavi means a water source that appeared for Hanuman-Anjaneya.  In days that followed the name changed as Anuvavi.  As Kumara-Muruga helped Hanuman, the hill is also praised as Hanumakumaran Malai.  Malai in Tamil means hill.

Description :

Lord Subramania in the temple is a swayambumurthy and Lord Murugan is worshipped as Anubhavi Subramaniar here. Presiding deity Muruga blesses devotees in His standing posture with consorts Valli and Deivanai. Lord Vinayaka and Muruga’s army chief Veerabagu are in the front Mandap. Sri Anjaneya is facing north. There is a shrine for Navagrahas the nine planets. Lord Shiva blesses in the name Sri Arunachaleswara. Till now, the origin of the spring in the temple could not be discovered. It is noteworthy that the famous Marudamalai Murugan temple is on the southern side.

The beautiful scenery of Western Ghats makes the devotees to love this temple. Devotees believed that the natural spring at this temple has healing powers. Hence they take a dip and then worship this lord.

You have to climb a thousand steep steps to get to the temple. The temple is 1 km far from the foot hills. Idumban shrine is before the hill temple. This Anubhavi Subramaniar temple has a natural water outflow, which spouts water all through the year. The spring in the hill is mentioned as Kaanachunai – meaning not discoverable – in a document by a king of Mysore. It is perennial. People use to place a flower on the head of the deity seeking his approval before starting any new work.

Those seeking child boon worship here for five Tuesdays. Bathing in the spring before sunrise continuously for some days offers an effective cure for mental and skin diseases, it is said. Those facing delay in marriages use to offer mangal sutras, vastras and perform wedding festival for Lord Muruga.

Temple Timings :

Devotees can worship this lord on Monday - Friday: 6.00 AM - 8.30 PM, Saturday: 6.00 AM - 8.30 PM, Sunday: 6.00 AM - 8.30 PM, Public Holidays: 6.00 AM - 8.30 PM

Festivals :

Aipasi Sura Samharam in October-November; Krithika star days and Karthigai in November-December; Panguni Uthiram in March-April and Vaikasi Visakham in May-June are the festivals celebrated in the temple with special abishekam and pujas.

Contact :

Sri Subramania Swami Temple,
Anuvavi, Coimbatore district
Phone: +91-94434 77295, 98432 84842,

Connectivity :

By Road: This Place is well connected to Coimbatore by Road
By Airport: The Nearest Airport to Anubhavi Subramaniar Temple is Coimbatore Airport, Coimbatore which is 16 Kilometers away from Anubhavi Subramaniar Temple.
By Railway: The Nearest Railway Station to Anubhavi Subramaniar Temple is Coimbatore Railway Junction which is 7 Kilometers away from Anubhavi Subramaniar Temple.

Websites :

http://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.in/2015/10/anubhavi-subramaniar-temple-coimbatore.html

Sri Prasanna Venketasar temple, Thiru vaiyavoor

Name : Sri Pranna Venkatesar Perumal Temple

Location :
Sri Prasanna Venkatesar Temple, Tirumalai Vaiyavur, Chengalpat, Kancheepuram district.

Legend :

Prasannam means that which appears in the mind.  There are staunch devotees who attain darshan of Lord in their mind though they could not have it with physical eyes.   King Tirumalai Naicker had such a darshan of Lord Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal and built a temple at Tallakulam in Madurai.  Similarly, a king of the Thondaiman dynasty in Thirumalayavur prayed to Lord Venkatachalapathi for safety to his land.  Lord protected his land.  When the king expressed his gratitude to the Lord, He came to this hill with His scepter and granted darshan.  Thondaiman king built this temple and named the Lord Prasanna Venkatesar.

Description : 

According to rules of worship in Tirupathi, the first worship should be dedicated to Lord Aadi Varahaswami before reaching Lord Srinivasa-Venkatachalapathi.  The same system is followed in this temple too.  There is a separate shrine for Lord.  When Perumal took Varaha Avatar, Garuda Bhagwan could not have this darshan.  Hence, this Varaha darshan was granted to Garuda in this temple.

Lord Prasanna Venkateswara in the sanctum sanctorum looks majestically holding the scepter-Sengole.  Two Mahalakshmis are on His broad chest on both sides.  Divine serpent Adi Sesha has his place in the Tiruvasi frame.   Lord is wearing Ashalakshmi-Sahasranama malas and Dasavatara Odyanam the belt around the waist.  Lord grants Netra darshan (Darshan of eyes only) without any special Alankaras on Thursday mornings.  The view of Lord falls on the devotees.  Of the Dwarapalakas, Jayan is wearing the Simha design ear ring and Vijayan is wearing the Gaja –elephant designed ear rings.  This is a different feature in this temple.  There is a separate shrine for Mother Alarmelmangai Thayar.

Lord Lakshmi Varaha is in a separate shrine with His own Kodimaram-flag post.   He has his right leg on Adisesha’s tail and the left on head head, holding Mother Mahalakshmi on His lap.  The first Deepa Aradhana is dedicated to Him as He is the pradhan murthi in the temple.  Even during festivals to Lord Prasanna Venkateswara, the flag hoisting is done in this shrine only.

Each month on the Tiruvonam Star day, Ona Dheepam is lighted in the temple.  It is said that Emperor Mahabali was a rat in one of his previous births and lived in a Shiva temple.  When a lamp in the temple was about to extinct, the rat incidentally fell on the lamp rekindling the wick of the lamp.  The lamp continued to burn.   This rewarded him with a royal birth as Emperor Mahabali.  He was graced by Lord Vishnu on a Onam Star day.  Remembering the event, a big lamp (Aganda Dheepam) is lit in the temple on each Tiruvonam star day.

Lord Srinivasa offers Darshan on the day in the front mandap.  Yajnas, Tirumanjanam and wedding pujas are performed here.  The Aganda Dheepa is placed at the feet of the Lord.  Those facing problems about marriage, concerned about children offer ghee to the lamp for relief.

There are two procession deities, Srinivasa and Kallarpiran.  The former comes in car procession during the Purattasi festival and later in Chithirai festival.  There are shrines for Chakarathazhwar, Venugopalar and Lord Sri Rama in the temple.  Sri Veera Anjaneya is at the foot of the temple in a flying posture.  Devotees submit their prayers in writing to Sri Anjaneya, cover it in a yellow cloth along with an unstripped coconut.  Lord Lakshmi Ganapathi shrine is nearby.

Moolavar    : Prasanna Venketasar
Urchavar    : Srinivasar, Kallapiran
Amman / Thayar    : Alarmel Mangai
Theertham    : Varaha Theertham
Agamam / Pooja     : Vaikanasam
Old year    : 500 years old

Websites :

http://temple.dinamalar.com/en/new_en.php?id=405

Ratnagiri Murugan Temple, Saravanampatti

Name : Ratnagiri Murugan Temple

Location :

Sri Ratnagiri Murugan Temple, Saravanampatti, Coimbatore district.
+91 - 422- 553 5727

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 to the temple alone when no one was present in the surroundings.  She was in deep meditation for a long time shedding 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 understood that 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.

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.

Poo parithal – picking flowers:

It was customary in days of yore, that boys and girls related to each other qualifying a marriage liberty (Murai Mappillai and Murai Penn) visit the temple together on Mattu Pongal day (almost on January 15 according to the Gregorian calendar).  The bridegroom-boy will offer the flowers to his fiancée.  They will then offer garlands to the Lord with the prayer to unite them in wedlock.  The custom has vanished in the modern days.  Yet, 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.

Also, school friends, though placed in different places due to their occupations, use to come to this place, pray to Lord Muruga and share their old experiences.  The tradition is still followed, on the Mattu Pongal day.

Description :

Temple Speciality is Lord Swayambu Vinayaka appearing from a rock graces in the temple.
A demon performed penance for centuries on Lord Shiva and got the boon to rule all the worlds. Intoxicated by the power of the boon and his prowess, he began to harass the devas very cruelly forcing them to live in oblivion.  Once the demon saw Indira, the king of devas in his hideout.  Indira began to run but the demon chased him.  Indira reached this Ratnagiri mount where Lord Muruga changed him as a peacock, his vehicle.  The demon returned disappointed.  The wonder took place here, according to scriptures.

Festivals :

Thaipoosam in January-February, Mattu Pongal falling almost on January 15, New moon days, Kruthika days, Vaikasi visakam in May-June are the festive days observed in the temple with special pujas. The temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m. and 4.00 p.m. to 7.30 p.m.

Websites :

http://temple.dinamalar.com/en/new_en.php?id=772

Jnana Malai Murugan Temple, Kaverippakkam

Name : Jnana Malai Murugan Temple

Location :

Until recently the celebrated Jñāna Malai (Mount of Wisdom) could not be identified. Lord Jñāna Murugan only recently disclosed His presence at Jñānamalai situated near Kaverippakkam in Vellore district at a small village called Govindacheri 14 kilometres from Kaverippakkam. Though it a small hillock, yet there is no easy way to reach the top of the hill.

Description :

Lord Muruga is the embodiment of jñāna (spiritual insight). He is Jñāna Panditan, Jñānaswaroopan, etc. By worshipping the Lord as Jñāna Panditan, one obtains jñāna.

There is a small Murugan temple on this hill. In 1998 some local people along with Archeological Department officials discovered a worn stone inscription which translated affirms:

"...in the 18th year of King Sambuvarayar's rule, his son Prince Kaligarayan established steps to reach Jnānamalai of this village..."

The period is established as AD 1322-1340. On seeing this news item in the newspaper Dinamani our tiruppugazh thondar Ra. Krishnan, the author of several books including Arunagirinathar Adicchuvattil (In the Footsteps of Arunagirinathar), visited the site, conducted research and established conclusively that this sthalam is indeed Jñāna Malai celebrated in the songs of Saint Arunagirinathar.

Hectic activity followed, and last year some abishekams were performed by our Siruvapuri Murugan Abishega Committee and on 15 September 2000 kumbhabhishekam was performed after moderate renovation by the villagers.

There is a small temple in typical Pallava style on the hill with a small sanctum and a mandapam. The Lord is in the form Brahmasastā having rosary and kamandala in two hands. The other two hands are in abhaya mudra and resting upon the hip. Generally in Thondai Mandalam (north Tamil Nadu) Pallava and early Chola images conform to this Brahmasastā form. About three feet high with Valli and Devasena as consorts, these are beautiful moolasthana vigrahas. He is called Bālasubramanyar by local people.

Near the temple there is a small natural water source from which water is brought for temple abulations. On to the west there is a small Siva temple and behind we can see footsteps in the rock. They appear as footprints on molten lava. Incidentally this is a volcanic mountain from all appearances.

Foot steps of Lord Muruga

These footsteps are considered by the local folks as those of Lord Muruga Himself. There is also a belief that Murugan visited this place after marrying Valli Amman in Vallimalai on way to Tiruttani. Tiruttani and Vallimalai form form a triangle with Jñāna Malai and both can be seen from this hill. Around the hill there is a lake and in rainy season will look like an island.

Arunagirinathar came to Jnanamalai and recalled "his experience of being hated by his wife, own family members and local folks, decides to end his life and at that time Murugan shows His lotus feet and bless him. He wants the same blessing again." This internal evidence of the saint's life is found only in the Tiruppugazh of Jñāna Malai.

This tiruppugazh starts with "Maniaval nagaikka ooril anaivarum nagaikka loka..." There is also another Tiruppugazh for Jnanamalai starting "Soodukolai..."

Help make Jñāna Malai accessible to Murugan devotees

In order to facilitate worship this important Murugan temple we need to provide steps and other basic amenities.

Siruvapuri Murugan Abishega Committee members have decided to construct the steps as well as other facilities. As a first step on 19 August 2001 in the presence of Mr. T.R. Srinivasan (I.A.S.), Special Commissioner for Hindu Religious Charitable Endowments of the Government of Tamil Nadu, a foundation stone was laid and the formal inauguration of this great task was undertaken with the blessings of Lord Jnanamalai Murugan. For about five hours Thiruppugazh Anbargal sang tiruppukazh followed by abhishekam and annadanam. Hundreds of people attended this great event.

Murugan adiyars who wish to contrbute to this great cause are strongly encouraged to make material contributions. The hill needs about 225-250 stone steps to reach the summit. Each stone step costs about Rs. 2,000 (or US$ 42) to construct. In addition we intend to construct a small mandapam for the devotees in front of the sannidi and also other basic facilities (cooked food for annadanam is brought from Chennai currently). There will also be two small stone mandapams for pilgrims to rest on the way up and one at the foot of the hill as well.

Murugan adiyars and Kodaivallals are welcome to contribute liberally to the noble cause of steps. With each step, you will be drawn one step closer to Jñāna Malai Jñāna Panditan.

Websites:

http://murugan.org/temples/jnanamalai.htm

Ratnagiri Murugan Temple

Name : Rathinagiri Bala Murugan Temple

Location :

The Ratnagiri Balamurugan Temple is situated at Vellore in TamilNadu.This temple is around 13 kms away from Vellore adjacent to the vellore chennai national highway. Ratnagiri Bala Murugan temple is a small and cute temple. Lot of devotees visit Vellore Golden Temple, or travel to Vellore can visit this great shrine of Lord Murugan and get his blessings.

Greatness of the Shrine:

Rathinagiri Bala Murugan Temple was built around the 14th century. Over the passage of time an ordinary sand structure was converted into a stone shrine. Ancient Hindu scriptures say that wherever there is a hill, Lord Murugan resides as the all-powerful Deity. Of these Tirupparamkundram, Tiruchendur, Tiruvavinankudi, Tiruveragam and Palamuthircholai are famous shrines, collectively called 'Kundruthoradal'. The holy shrine at Rathinagiri also features in this category.

Literary Evidence:

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

Divine Blessings

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

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

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

History of Swami Balamurugan Adimai

Born on the 24th of January 1941 (in the Vikrama year of the Tamil calendar on the 11th day of the month of Thai) in the small village of Kilminnal adjacent to Rathinagiri, he was the fourth child born to Śrī Kandaswami Mudaliar and Smt. Sinagarammal. He was named Dakshinamurthy and Sachidanandam, both being names of Lord Shiva.

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

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

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

Cottages for visitors

Cottages for the devotees have been built and are available. Separate pathways were laid to ascend and descend the hill.

Temple hours

Temple is kept open between 6 am to 1 pm & 4 pm. to 8 pm.
Abhishekam timings: 6 am to 10:30 am & 5:30 pm.
Temple office working hours: 9 am to 1 pm & 3 pm to 6 pm.
Days of principal importance in the calendar year

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

Website :

http://murugan.org/temples/ratnagir.htm

Maragathaleswaraswami Temple - Thiruengoimalai

Name :  Thiruengoimalai Arulmigu Maragathaleswaraswami Temple

Lacation : 

This Temple lies 40 km from Tiruchirappalli and 5 kms from Musiri, Taluk headquarters in Tiruchirappalli District. Thiruengoimalai lies between Musiri and Thottiam.

Legend :

The name of the place is said to be derived from Thiru-i-ongaimalai (‘i’ meaning bee in Tamil) and to have been so called because the sage Agasthiar, finding the gates of the temple closed one evening, took the form of a bee and entered the temple to perform his worship.

Ambal worshipped Shiva here and so the hill is also called Sivasakthi malai.

Description : 

Moolavar : Maragadachaleswarar, (Trinajyotheeswarar), Eengoinathar
Amman / Thayar : Maragadambikai
Thala Virutcham : Tamarind tree
Year : 1000-2000 years old

The hillock is otherwise called Maragathamalai /Thenkailayam /Sivasakthimalai /Malaikovil /
Erattimalai. Name of the Goddess is Maragathambigai / Maragathavalli. God is also named as Aragathasalanathar/ Malaikozhnthar / Achutheeswarar / Birameswarar / Indreekarar / Threethar.

The river cauvery passes nearby the hillock. The river 'Surpanathi' passes adjoining the hillock. The river is otherwise called Kondayurumarai or Kondamarai.

The lingam of the temple is said to be transparent and also to throw a green shadow when camphor is burned. It is therefore called the 'emerald' (marakata) lingam. The god is connected with the deities of kadambarkovil and Ratnagiri. At all three temples special poojas are performed in Kartigai and the Taipusam day. Devaram songs will be sung in temple. At the base of the temple lies Bogar Sidhatemple. 500 vertical steps leads to the temple at the top of the hillock. Poet Nakkeerar has sung a booklet named Engoi-Elupathu ( 70 Engoi songs).

Temple's Speciality :

The rays of Sun fall on the presiding deity for three days during the Masi Shivrathri festival. The Linga changes colour during this time. Only a few Shiva temples are on hills and one such is in Eengoimalai in Tiruchi district.

There are three important sacred shiva temples in this region glorified by the Thevara hymns and Agathiar used to worship all the three in a single day. Agasthiar was not satisfied even after worshipping so many temples in south and finally got satisfaction after worshipping these three temples. He worshipped Kadamba nadhar at Kadambar koil in the morning, Rathnagreeswarar temple at Ayyarmalai (Thiruvatpokki) in the noon, and the Thiruvengi nadhar at Thiru-engoi-malai in the evening. It is considered that worshipping all of them in a single day will get us salvation.

The temple is sung in Devaram also. At the base of the temple lies Bogar Sidha temple. 500 vertical steps lead to the temple at the top of the hillock. Poet Nakkeerar has sung a booklet named Eengoi-Ezhupathu ( 70 Eengoi songs)

Bhogar Gennma Nakshatram is Bharani. So Abhishegam, Aaradhanai, Annadhanam @ 9AM onwards. Contact: Mr. Sundhar, 9095102695 & 9095102696

Festivals :

Brahmmotsavam in Panguni (March-April), Masi Magam in February-March, Thai Poosam in January-February and Pujas on all Full Moon days – Poornimas – are the festivals celebrated in the temple.

Websites :

https://shanthiraju.wordpress.com/trichy/

http://www.trichy.com/placesofworship/maragathal.htm

Kathitha Malai Vetri Velayutha Sami, oothukuli

Name : Kathitha malai Vetri Velayutha Swamy Temple

Location :

This temple is situated at oothukuli at a distance of 15 kms from thiruppur on the way to erode.

Description :

The famous place for Butter. Uttukuli is also famous for its temple. Uttukuli name came because Once the famous 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." ( ie., in tamil meaning : water from spring ) 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.

No one knows when the temple was build here, just they have the history. But only 200 years before some rural kings build the temple and five years before with the help of some donors the temple was rebuild and now it is the important spiritual place in Erode, Coimbatore Districts. Daily more than 200 people visit Uttukuli Murugan Temple and on special occasions like Thaipoosam more than 100,000 devotees come.

Specialities :

1) Mayuragiri siddhar samadhi is here in south east direction of the temple as snake temple.People who are having problems in birth of a child and separated couples worship lord muruga for their wellness. Milk abhisegam with new clothes is offered to lord muruga after fulfillment of wishes.

2) The important thing is that only in Kaithamalai 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.

Websites :

http://astrologicalscience.blogspot.in/2013/07/vetri-velayutha-swamy-temple-mayuragiri.html

Thindal Malai Velayuthaswamy Temple

Name : Thindal Malai Velayuthaswamy Temple

Location :


Thindal Malai is the small hill rock located in the Municipal corporation Erode, Tamilnadu. This Thindal malai hill rock is situated 8 Km away from Erode Bus stand and Railway station towards Perundurai and Coimbatore road.

Description :

Erode is well known city in Tamilnadu for its woven garments and turmeric business. The places around the hill rock is called as Thindal. The places above the this rock is called as Maelthindal or Thindalmedu. The eastern side of the hill rock is called as Keel Thindal. Thindal is the one of the costliest residential area in Erode city. The main deity in the thindal hill rock is Lord Murugan favorite god for tamils.

Lord Murugan is called here as Velayuthaswamy or Kuzhanthai velayuthaswamy or Kumara Velayuthaswamy. After entering into the temple arch near highway, we can see separate shrine for vinayagar. This vinayagar temple is located left side of the footsteps to the hill. Vinayagar is surrounded with Naagar (A snake God) in bottom of the Arasamaram (Peepal tree). This Thindal hill rock consists of 150 footsteps with 60m height. Before entering into the footsteps we can find another Sithi Vinayagar shrine surrounded with two nagars. Few steps away from the entrance we can find separate sannidhi for Idumban.

Above this hill rock Sri Velayuthaswamy shrine is located. Separate sanctum for urchavar  is situated left side of the main deity. In this urchavar sanctum lord Murugan is with Valli and Deivanai. Thannasi siddhar cave is located north west of the main shrine. Only on Karthikai festival special poojas are performed in this Thannasi siddhar cave.

North east side of this hill rock we can find temple water tank. This water is used for abishakam purpose and drinking purposes. Every year there are many festivals are celeberated in this Thindal malai temple. Kandhar Shasti,Thirukkarthigai,Thai Poosam and Panguni Uthiram are the major festivals celebrated here. Tamil poet Arunagirinathar written a poet about this temple in his Thirupugal.

Thindal Malai Murugan Temple Timings

Morning  – 6am to 12.30Pm
Evening  – 4pm to 8.30Pm

This temple remains open from 6am to 8.30pm on all festival days. Daily annadhanam will be provided 12.30 pm on every day. Erode is best place to get quality accommodation for staying.

Websites :

http://www.anupamablog.com/thindal-malai-murugan-temple-erode/
http://www.thindalmurugan.tnhrce.in/

Subramanya swamy Temple - Sivan Malai

Name : Arulmigu Subramanyaswamy Temple

Location :

Sivanmalai is located in the Tiruppur District, Tamilnadu. It is 5 kms away from Kangeyam town towards Tiruppur. This Sivanmalai is located in 25 Kms away from Tiruppur and 76 Kms away from Coimbatore.

Legend :

One of the well known myths associated with Siva is 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 according to legend. 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.

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.

Innumerable Tamil Scholars have immortalized Sivamalai with their songs of praise. Sivamalai is featured in the Tiruppugazh, Sivamalai Puranam, Sivamalai Pillai Tamizh, Sivamalai Mayil Vidu Thoothu, Siva Thangaratha Sadakam and Thanipadal.

Description :

The other names of Sivanmalai are Sivachalam, Sivathri, Shakthi Sivamalai. This town Kangeyam is famous for business coconut products like oil, nutshell charcoal products etc. The main deity of the Sivanmalai is Lord Subramanya Swamy it is the another name of Lord Murugan. The favorite deity of the Tamil people is undoubtedly Murugan, the son of Siva and Parvathi. This temple was build by Sivavakkiyar a famous Sidhhar. It is believed that this temple may be constructed in 12th century.

The presiding deity in the sivanmalai is Lord Murugan,Valli and Deivayanai. This murugan temple located in a hill top which can be reached by 450 footsteps or by 2 Kms hill road. This temple premises is calm and clean, which provides soothing serenity to the mind and body. Sri Arunagirinathar a famous Tamil poet has sung the song about this Sivanmalai in his Tiruppugazh.

God’s order box is placed before entering mulavar sanctum. Devotees coming to the temple needs to check what object is placed in the order box. After checking this devotees needs to enter the main sanctum. Lord Muruga is appearing to the devotees dream and ask them to place one object in the order box. (Those objects may be Water, Cloth, Sand, Soil and Gold) That person will bring that object to the temple. To find out that information true or false, they will place the flower in Mulavar sannadhi. Once it is confirmed, that object will be placed inside the God’s order box until the arrival of next object. Pooja’s will be performed to that object on daily basis. This procedure is followed for several hundred years.

The “Theerthas” (holy waters) of Sivamalai :

Once upon a time the Chola king Muchukunda was afflicted by leprosy. He heard from the sage Gautama that he would be cured if he took a dip in the holy theertha(waters) of Sivamalai. He did so and was miraculously cured, giving credence to the sanctity of Sivamalai. The various theerthas are : Agasthya, Anuma, Indra, Brahmananda, Mangala and Veera theertha.

Beautiful landscapes and seasons have always inspired great Tamil poetry and songs. One of the ancient forms of dramatic poetry is the Kuravanji Natakam. The Sivamalai Kuravanji describes the beauty of this place. It says that it is a mountain covered with medicinal and curative herbs and other fauna. Thus it is not surprising that it attracts important visitors like Nadi and Siddha medicine men (Vaidhiyars). They have found medicinal herbs for conceiving children, and also making the aged young. Many incurable wounds, and scars left by weapons have been cured by these herbal remedies. Some creepers grown here are even used to tame wild animals. There is a special type of grass called “jothi pullu” which lights up in the dark. Remedies are also found for prolonging one’s youthfulness, and fertility.

Sivanmalai Temple Timings and Festivals

This temple is opened for dharshan from morning 6am to 11am and in evening 4pm to 8pm. Kartikai asterism and new moon days in each month are considered to be of significance at Sivanmalai. Skandasashti is celebrated in great splendour as in other Murugan temples. Other festivals here include Thai Poosam, Aadi Kritikai and Pankuni Uthiram.

Website :

http://www.sivanmalaimurugan.tnhrce.in

http://www.anupamablog.com/sivanmalai-murugan-temple/

Sri Thanthondri Malai Kalyana Venkataramar Temple

Name : Sri Thanthondri Malai - Kalyana Venkataramar Temple

Location :

The Temple is on the top of a hill in Thanthondri malai situated around 5km from Karur, Tamilnadu.

Legend :

A devotee Susharma by name was proceeding to Tirupathi with his wife seeking child boon and stayed on the banks of Cauvery for a break.  Sage Naradha appeared in his dream and directed him to go to a place called Tirumakudalur where some would receive him.  When Susharma reached the place, some sculptors received him and took him to this place.  There appeared a bright light on a rock.  The rock split.  Perumal appeared from the gap and granted the boon sought by the devotee and chose to stay for every here for the benefit of devotees.  It is also said that this is the place where a bit of Tiruvengada hill fell during a contest between Vayu and Adhisesha. Antiquity of the temple : 300 years.

Description :

Lord Perumal of the temple is a swayambumurthi on a big rock in a standing posture. Devotees offer sandals as contribution to the temple. This is a cave temple.  The temple celebrates a strange event.  Lord Perumal will appear in the dream of some elders belong to cobblers making chappals.  He will tell one of them to get a chappal of his size either for the right or for the left foot or for both.  These people will prepare the chappal to Lord’s foot size and carry it as jesters and submit it to Perumal.  This is called Chemmali Samarpanam.
The temple is 300 years old.  Presiding deity is formless.  Mother Mahalakshmi is on the chest of Lord.  The place is praised as Dakshina tirupathi-Tirupathi of South.  As in Tirupati, there is no shrine for Mother-Thayar.

Devotees pray to Perumal for cure from pimples and scars in the body by placing salt, pepper and jaggery in the temple. They also pray for wedding and child boons.  Lord responds without fail to prayers of the devotees regarding their health problems.

Festivals :

22 day Purattasi utsav in September-October drawing huge devotee crowd; 17 day Masi Magam car festival in February-March; Krishna Jayanthi in August-September; Vaikunda Ekadasi in December and Tamil and English New Year days are the important festivals celebrated in the temple.

Websites :

http://temple.dinamalar.com/en/new_en.php?id=636

Tel : +91-4324 2355531, 2365309

Naina Malai Varadarajar Temple

Name : Sri Nainamalai varadharaja swamy

Location :

Around 20 kms South of Rasipuram and 15 kms North of Namakkal

Legend :

The Boodha Ganas (an army like division of Lord Shiva's empire) approached Lord Vishnu for relief from a curse spelt on them by Lord Shiva. Lord Vishnu created a spring here through a serpent named Ananha (Anantha Saras Theertham), gave darshan to the Bhoodas from its bank and relieved them of the curse.

As a token of their gratitude, the Bhoodha Ganas erected this temple for Lord Vishnu. Hence, the place is called Bhoodhapuri. The Lord is named Adikesava Perumal.

It has been there for many yugas and rishis had done topas there. The temple is called Nainachalam, because Naina rishi, the guru of Thirumalai Naicker, did penance here. Every 12 years, Lord Indira come and worship the Swamy in the form of thunder. There’s even a sculpture of his in one of the elaborately carved pillars.

The temple is considered to be present in all the 4 yugas in various names like Indhra Jalam, Padma jalam, Yadhava jalam and Naina jalam.

Description :

Nainamali varadharaja swamy is one of the most ancient temples in tamil nadu. This temple is called as "Thirupathi of Salem". Main deitials Sri Varadharaja Swamy and Kuvalayavali Thayar.

During the month of Puratasi lakhs of devotees come to the temple on saturdays. The temple is situated at a hill top. The hill top can be reached by climbing 3500 steps which would hardly take 3 hours trek up the hill. Thala vrucham is nali tree which is said to be there for four yugams in the temple.

In the maha mandapam, the sculptures of Ramar, Seetha, Lakshmanan, Krishnan with butter pot, Narasimhar, Veera Anjaneyar, Manmadhan, Rathi, Ayyappan and Dasavatharams are present.,
From the 1st of Tamil month Aani to the 30th of Aadi, Sun rays fall on the Lord. There are 3 water streams.

Here Thirumanjana deepam is very famous and is visible to the near by surrounding villages and town.

In the foot the nainmalai hills is the Sendamanagalam town. Here there is a big temple built during Nayakar kings time. The main deties are Sri Perundevi samathe Lakshmi Narayana swamy

Festivals :

Brahmotsavam (feb in the tamil month of Masi (feb7thfeb19th-2013)
and Puratasi viratham on saturdays 5weeks in month of september & October

Websites :
http://nainamalai-varadarajar.blogspot.in/
http://shanthiraju.wordpress.com/salem/

Address for contact and communication
Soundaraja Battachariar
No 3, perumal Kovil Street,
Sendamangalam
Namakkal District
Tamil nadu
637409
Cell     :   9443499854 & 9442397876
email :  soundararajan26@gmail.com 
email :  vararajar2012@gmail.com

Thathagiri Murugan Temple

Name : Thathagiri Murugan Temple

Location :

Kongu region is dotted with Murugan temples in top of the hills. This is yet another famous temple located in a small hill near Sendamangalam of Namakkal district.

Description :

This temple is located 10 kilometers from Namakkal towards Sendamangalam. Kripananda Variyar visited this temple frequently.

Websites :

http://www.nativeplanet.com/namakkal/attractions/thathagiri-murugan-temple/

Arapaleeswarar Temple

Name : Sri Arappaleeswarar temple

Location :

Shri Arappaleeswarar Temple, Kollimalai, Salem district, Tamilnadu

Legend :

In olden days, the temple area was an agricultural land. Once, when a farmer ploughed the land, he found blood oozing out. Surprisingly, he found a Shivalinga. Pujas began to the Lord. The scar caused by the plough injury is still visible on the head part of the Shivalinga. This is a significant feature in the head part of the Shivalinga.

Lord Shiva is a swayambumurthi. A scar on the head of the Shivalinga is visible caused by a hit of a plough. The construction of the shrine is such that a devotee could enjoy the darshan of Lord Arappaleeswarar, Mother Thayammai, Lord Vinayaka and Lord Muruga standing from a single spot

Temple :

There are shrines in the inner corridor of the temple for Lord Muruga with his consorts Valli and Deivanai, Lord Vinayaka, Lord Kasi Viswanathar, Visalakshi, Lakshmi, Saraswathi, Dakshinamurthy, Chandikeswara, Durga, Kalabhairava, Sun and Moon.

Devotees seeking child boon, removal of obstacles in marriage talks and brilliance in education pray to the Lord in the temple.

Description :

The beauty of Kollimalai is the sum total beauty of nature clothed by hills spanning a distance of fourteen miles far and wide with a proud history dating back to 2,500 years. It is "Kollipavai" that has crowned the fame of the region. Kollipavai is a most beautiful feminine form created by a divine sculptor to create lust in the minds of the demons who came down to Kollimalai with evil designs.

Kollimalai has the reputation of being ruled by the Chera kings. One of them, Valvil Ori was known for his charitable and compassionate traits. He was also a great warrior capable of defeating an elephant, deer, wild pig and such other animals with a single arrow. A part of the region ruled by him was known as Arappalli.

As Lord Shiva graces this place as a Swayambumurthy, Arappaleeswarar temple came into being here. There is a statue for Valvil Ori here. The temple is praised in the Thevaram hymns of Saint Ganasambandar and Saint Thirunavukkarasar as Araipalli.

Devotees use to feed the fishes in the Panchanadhi river and use to do nose-boring to them. Due to ignorance, a devotee caught the fishes and began to cook them for food. When the curry began to boil, live fishes began to jump and run. Symbolizing this incident, the Lord is praised as Arapaleeswarar who joined the fishes cut by the devotee.

Arapaleeswarar Temple is situated in an area called Valapur Nadu. The Lord graces the devotees along with Mother Thayammai, Lord Vinayaka and Lord Muruga. The devotee can have the darshan of the Gods standing at one place in the temple.

The carvings around the temple bear the history of the visit of Madevi, the great grandmother of Rajaraja Chola and wife of Sivagnana Kanadarathitya Chola and her gift of invaluable jewels to the Lord.

Enjoying a pleasure bath in the falls and the darshan of the Lord in the temple devotees become healthier both physically and spiritually.

There are five ever permanent rivers on the northern side of the temple, the falls of which look like flower showers from a height of 150 feet. They bring rare medicinal properties from the plants around the hills. There are plenty of fishes in the rivers. Devotees believe that Arapaleeswarar is in the form of a fish. Therefore, they offer food to the fishes in the people before entering the temple.

Rivers are flowing here even when there would be no rain. They are never dry.

Festivals :

Adi Perukku (July-August), Maha Shivarathri in Vaikasi (May-June), Navarathri in Purattasi (September-October), Karthikai Deepam in November-December, Annabishekam and Tirvadhirai in Margazhi (December-January).

websites :
http://temple.dinamalar.com/en/new_en.php?id=1023

Sri Madhuvaneswarar temple

Name : Sri Madhuvaneswarar temple

Location :

Nannilam city, Tiruvarur District of Tamilnadu

Legend :

Vayu the God of wind and divine serpent Adisesha claimed supremacy of their prowess in the court of the Devas.  Adisesha covered the peaks of Mount Meru with his thousand heads.  Vayu could not shake the mount.  This created panic in the world and yielding to the appeal of Devas Adisesha gave in one peak.  Vayu shook the peak and took it to south when one small piece fell in this place, according to sthala purana.
The piece of the peak that fell here became a small mount which was earlier a plain.  The temple is believed to have been built on this mount.  Lord Shiva appeared here as a Tejolinga as the result of the penance of King Bruhadrajan in Krutha Yuga.  During the Dwapara Yuga Lord changed all Devas into bees to protect them from the harassment of demon Vruddhasura.  Lord also advised the Devas to make bee-hives in the sanctum and worship Him.  As bees worshipped here the Lord is named Madhuvaneswarar (Madhu in Sanskrit means honey), Mother as Madhuvana Nayaki and the place as Madhuvanam.  There are bees around the place even now but they do not harm anybody.

Description :

Lord Shiva in the temple is a swayambulingamurthy. All festivals mentioned above are organized by Sri Madhuvaneswara Swami Vazhipattu Kazhagam, a body devoted to celebrating all festive events.

Devas in the celestial world including their king Indira, Bruhadrajan had worshipped the Lord in this temple.  It is built on a land covering an area of 270 feet in length and 135 feet in width.  The 30 feet tall 2 tier Rajagopuram is facing east with five Kalasas.  Lord Shiva in sanctum sanctorum is facing east and Mother the south.

In a small hill within the temple are shrines for Lords Nardana Ganapathy, Somaskanda, Dakshinamurthy, Annamalayar, Brahmma and Mother Durga.  In the prakara down the hill are Lords Siddhi Vinayaka, Subramanya, Chandikeswara, Agastheeswarar, Brahmmapureeswarar, Bhairava and Saturn (Sani Baghwan), Sun God and Navagrahas the nine planets and Mother Mahalakshmi.  Lord Nataraja graces from a separate shrine near the sanctum.

Moolavar : Madhuvaneswarar
Amman / Thayar : Madhuvaneswari
Thala Virutcham : Vilwa
Theertham : Brahmma theertham, Soola theertham
Agamam / Pooja : Shivagama
Year : 1000-2000 years old

Importance of this Temple :

It is believed that those bathing in the sacred spring in Masi Month-February-March and worship the Lord will gain all benefits in life and those worshipping on Ekadasi days-11th day of full moon or new moon days and pradosha days-13th day in both fortnights will reach Moksha-salvation.

This is one of the Mada Temples built by Chola king Kochenganan.  Yama the Lord Death in the south, Varuna the God of rains in the west, Indira in east and Kubera in the north installed Shivalingas in the place and worshipped the Lord.

Festivals :

Vaikasi Visakam in May June, Tirukarthikai in November-December and Margazhi Tiruvadhirai festivals are celebrated with procession of Lord. Other festivals are Guru Puja for Saint Sundarar in Aadi Swati star day in July-August; monthly pradoshams and Shivrathri and all Shiva related auspicious days.

Websites :

http://temple.dinamalar.com/en/new_en.php?id=355

Thirukoilur kabilar kundru

Name : Kabilar Kundru

Location :

Kabilar Kundru or Kabilar rock is a hill rock in the middle of the Ponnaiyar River near Tirukoilur in Viluppuram district, Tamil Nadu, India.

Description :

East of the Tirukoilur has the Sivan Temple situated on the banks of River Pennar. Near to the temple on the banks of the river, there exists Kabilar(Saint) Kundru (tiny mountain).

Tirukoilur is one of the "Ashta Veeratanams" [Ashta - eight Veeratanam - Place of Bravery].
Lord Shiva took various forms(incarnations) to destroy evil and establish justice, of which eight Avatars(forms) are very famous and Tirukoilur is one of them.

Kapilar (Tamil: கபிலர்) was refliterature Sangam poet. He was a contemporary of Karikala Chola, Irunkōvēl and Vēl Pāri. He was the close friend and confidant of Vēl Pāri, one of the Vēlir kings. He was born in Thiruvadhavur in the Pandyan Kingdom. Initially a poet at the Pandyan court, he would leave at an early age and show his talent at various places before finally ending up at the court of Vel Pari.Kapilar would hear about the generosity and virtue of Vēl Pāri, a powerful Vēlir King who ruled over Parambu nādu, a heavily fortified kingdom that comprised about 300 villages, and pay him a visit. They would go on to become the thickest of friends. He would be his confidant and stay with Vēl Pāri until the latter's last breath.
During this period the three crowned Tamil kings were in the process of expanding their empires and turned the independenet Velir chiefs into sub-ordinates or eliminated them. When the three crowned Kings besiege the kingdom of Parambu, Vēl Pāri a warrior like no other will refuse to bow and face them head on. Kapilar would sing some of the most notable poems in praise of his patron during this time. In the end, Vēl Pāri would finally be killed by treachery after defying them for years.

Kapilar, a true friend, would then take the two daughters (Angavai & Sangavai) of Vēl Pāri and go in search of appropriate grooms. He would knock on the doors of the other Vēlir kings and unsuccessfully plead with each before finally giving up. He would be let down each time as the other Vēls would fear retribution from the 3 crowned kings. The most notable of these encounters is when he sings to Irunkōvēl and the latter would throw an insult and shut the door on the great poet. He would finally leave the two princesses in the care of Brahmins.

The death of his friend will affect him so greatly that he would perform vadakirrutal, one of the Tamil acts of committing suicide. He would sit facing north and starve himself to death. The place where kabilar committed suicide by starving is now called as Kabilar Kundru.

It is one of the protected monuments in Tamil Nadu by the Archeological Survey of India.

Websites :

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kabilar_Kundru

http://www.theautomotiveindia.com/forums/voyage-junction/17129-not-easily-seen-but-exceptional-temples-tamil-nadu-villupuram-dist.html

Seenivasa Perumal Temple, Malaiarasan Koil

Name : Seenivasa Perumal Temple, Malaiarasan Koil Aruppukottai

Location :

The Temple is situated in Puliampatti, Aruppukottai, Tamilnadu

Description :

The 100year old Seenivasa Perumal Temple is situated on a small hillock. There are well paved steps to reach the Temple easily. Idols of Garuda and Hanuman are placed on either side af the beginning of steps.
There are separate sannathis for Lakshmi Narayanar and Suriya Narayanar. There is separate Girivalam road for circumbation of the Hill. People go for walking on this road on morning and evening.

There is a Shiva Temple on the malai adivaramknown as Malaiarasan Temple. This temple has a Swayambu idol. The Pooja done in this temple is a good example of Shaiva and Vaishnava unity in this region. The poojari gives Vibuthi and Kumkumam as per Shaiva ritual and then we will get Theertham, Sadaari and Thulasi. After getting the Theertham, we bow down our head to get the Sadaari as per Vaishnava ritual. In the west side of the temple Poigai river is there and the devotees are insisted to bath here and enter the temple.

Website :

http://www.etownaruppukottai.com/srimalaiarasantemple-aruppukottai

Narthamalai - Vijayalayacholeeswaram

Name :  Narthamalai - Vijayalayacholeeswaram 

Location :

Narthamalai is a cluster of small hills, is  36 km south of Trichi and 17 km north of Pudukkottai on the Trichi-Karaikkudi rail link in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. The temple complex is located on a gently sloping rock, the path winding through shrub jungle. The temple proper can be approached only by ascending the gently sloping hill for a distance of 0.5 km.

Description :

Narthamalai is the modern corrupt form of its earlier more famous name "Nagarattar Malai" in the early mediaeval era when the hills were frequented by Jaina ascetics and the habitat was a flourishing traders' settlemnt of international repute in contrast to the sleepy village of today. The area was ruled by Muttaraiyars, vassals of the Pallava monrachs of Kanchipuram.

Now an archaeological monument, here one can see some of the oldest rock cut cave temples, as well as the longest rock-cut edicts, similar to Asokan edicts and extremely rare in the south of India. The two rock-cut temples are classic examples of how temple architecture styles were fusing in different parts of the country.

Two cave temples and an early structural temple dating back in time to the early mediaeval era. Once a Jaina abode, the place was later taken over by Hindus. Scenically and strategically selected site offers a vast view of the plains below. The older cave temple houses one of the very beautiful lifesize portrayal of Vishnu. 

The Pudukottai district in Tamil Nadu, houses numerous sites of Budhist and Jaina centres of yore.

It is surrounded by seven or eight hills with ancient caves containing Jaina Architectural remnants. The Western hill is the most important among these. 

Cave Temples :

There are two cave temples facing east and a later structural temple complex, Vijayalaya Choleeswaram, facing the caves. The larger and earlier Jaina cave on the north side has been converted later as a Vaishnava shrine and its ardhamandapa has about 12 standing friezes of Vishnu.

Outside the Vishnu graham (the older cave temple) is a large mukhamandapa (adhistana only) wherein the Sapta Matrukkal (seven divine mothers) are located in two congregations. A granite block of three depicting Kaumari, Brahmi and Maheswari is stationed on the south side of the entrance to the shrine, while a group of four Vaishnavi, Varahi, Indrani and Chamunda occupy the northern side of the entrance. In addition, a dvarapala and a Vinadhara Dakshinamurty can be seen on the south side of the entrance and another dvarapala on the right side. An unidentified large sculpture (Durga) occupies the extreme southern slot.

On the south side of the original Jain cave, another cave shrine has been carved out in the rock. This temple is called "Paliyili Isvaram". On the kumudha of the mukhamandapa (foundation) of this temple is recorded a Pallava inscription of 862 A.D. in the seventh regnal year of Nrpatunga Varman. It proclaims that Sattan Paliyili, son of Videl Vidugu Muttaraiyar (the subordinate chieftain of the Pallava ruling over Narthamalai) constructed (altered the Jaina one) the cave temple for Siva and his wife Paliyili Siriya Nangai constructed the mukhamandapa (adhistana only), Rishabha, Balipeeta etc.

Structural Temple Vijayalaya Choleeswaram :

On the east of the above two cave temples, in a vast expanse of gently rolling rock is located the "Vijayalaya Choleeswaram", the early structural temple of the period of Vijayalaya, the founder of the Chola dynasty. A Pandyan inscription of (1228 A.D.) Ko Maravarman Sundara Pandya Deva near the Jaina Cave on the rock details the privsions made for festivals, processions, Thiru Veethi Kuttu etc. for the Vijayalay Choleesvaram Udaiya Nayanar, the deity of the temple. There is also another fragmentary inscription of 1015 A.D. in the reign of Rajendra Deva I.

The Temple 

The temple faces west and has the unusual arrangement of a circular cella (the omkara garbhagriha) within a square prakara. Above the cella and the prakara rises the vimana in four diminishing storeys (talas) of which the three lower ones are square and the uppermost circular, the whole surmounted by a dome shaped sikhara with a round kalasa on top. There is an enclosed mantapa in front with Pallava style pillars. Two dvarapalas, five feet tall, guard the entrance.

An epigraph obtained below the dvarapala on the north states that the temple was renovated by Muttaraiyan Mallan Vituman over the earlier weather-withered structure built by Muttaraiyan Ilangovadi. Thus it becomes clear that the original shrine was a Pallava foundation of eighth century during the rule of Nandivarman and the rebuilt stone structure (Kal tali) belonged to the period of Vijayalaya Chola in the latter half of 9th century.

Round the main temple in the open yard are seven small sub-shrines built of stone and all facing inwards in a typical early Chola style. Beautiful sculptures of Uma Sahithar and Vina Dhara Dakshinamurty belonging to the deva koshta on the griva of the main temple are now the Pudukkottai Museum.

The entire complex is now an archaeological monument.

Website :

http://www.ola.in/galleries/Narthamalai/index.html