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

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

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/

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/

Uttara Swami Malai Temple

Name :  Uttara Swami Malai Temple

Location :

Uttara Swami malai Temple popularly known as Malai Mandir (literally, Hill Temple), is a Hindu temple complex in Delhi located on the affluent Palam Marg primarily dedicated to Lord Swaminatha (more commonly known as Lord Murugan).

History :


It was a time when the South Indian population of Delhi was just a handful. An ardent devotee of Lord Swaminatha, who was worshipping an emerald idol of the Lord given to him by Bhagawan Ramana Maharshi, organised jpublic celebration of Śrī Skanda Shashti, the conquest of Lord Muruga over the demon kings (the triumph of good over evil) for the fierst time in the year 1943. As the years went by, the South Indian population increased manifold and the Shashti festival became very popular. The attendance swelled into thousands and the need for a temple began to be keenly felt

The search for a suitable elevated place commenced in 1961. In a dream to a devotee, a small hillock was indicated as His would-be abode by Lord Swaminatha Himself. The mound was in the heart of a vast thicket of berry trees. There was only a tiny village, Vasant Gaon, in the vicinity.

Undeterred by the remoteness of this spot and little realising that it would one day become the hub of a vast residential colony, the organisers went about their task for the erection of a temple with earnestness and devotion. The site was first cleared by the Department of Archaeology as suitable for erecting a temple.

In 1965, the foundation stone for the temple is laid by M. Bhakthavatsalam, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, at a function held under the presidentship of Sri Lal Bahadur Shastri, then Prime Minister of India.

On June 2, 1967, the Sila Sangrahanam (stone acquiring) ceremony for the Moola Vigraham of Lord Swaminatha was performed at Tirunelveli. With blessings of the Sankaracharya of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam and Arulnandi Tambiran Swamigal of Tirupanandal, the stone for the main idol of Lord Swaminatha was located and lifted from the bed of the Tambaravaruni River. It appears that the present moolavigraham in Śrī Subramania Swami Temple on the seashore at Tiruchendur was carved out sixty years earlier from another portion of the same bedrock. The Tambara Varuni stone was brought to Mahabalipuram for making the moolavigraha . It took nearly thirty months to sculpt the idol of Śrī Swaminatha. In April 1970, the idol was taken to Kanchipuram to be blessed by His Holiness the Sankaracharya Śrī Chandrasekarendra Swamigal.

Early in 1973, the temple was ready for consecration. On the invitation of the Samaj, His Holiness Jagadguru Sankaracharya Śrī Jayendra Saraswati Swamigal of Kanchi Math undertook a padayatra of 2,400 kilometres from Kanchipuram to Delhi via Tirupati, Hyderabad, Nagpur, Jhansi, Gwalior, Agra and Mathura, covering a period of four months from the middle of February 1973 to early June of that year. On June 4, 1973, the Jagadguru performed the Yantra Sthapana ceremony. The Maha Kumbhabhishekam on the 7th June 1973 was acknowledged to be the biggest event of the decade.

Sahasrara Kshetra :

Built on top of the 90 feet high hillock at a cost of Rs. 14 lakhs, the temple of Lord Swaminatha has several unique features. this is the only temple where Brahmasthana Prathista has been done. Deities delineated in human form are not normally house in the Brahmasthana or the very centre of the garbha graha. Lord Skanda is an exception. The shrine has become famous as Sahasrara Kshetra and has been sung by poets as the seventh Padai Veedu. The six important shrines of Lord Subrahmanya at Tiruchendur, Tirupparankundram, Swami Malai, Palani, Pazhamudircholai and Tiruttani represent the six centres (cakras) Mooladhara, Swadisthana, Manipuraka, Anahata, Visudhi, and Agyaya. The Sahasrara of Brahmarandhra Kshetra was missing all these centuries and Uttara Swami Malai has filled the void.

This Uttara Swami Malai is the one shrine which has been visited by the Sankaracharyas of all the five maths: Bhadri, Dwaraka, Kanchi, Puri and Sringeri. This is also the only temple where the Sarva Vasikarana Yantra is embedded under the deity. This yantra is the strong magnet attracting all irrespective of caste, creed, race, religion or nationality to this great shrine.

Description :

The main temple within the complex, formally called Sree Swaminatha Swami Temple, houses the sanctum sanctorum of Lord Swaminatha. It is situated atop a small hillock overlooking R.K. Puram and Vasant Vihar in South West Delhi. This is in keeping with the tradition of locating Murugan temples on hills. The sign outside the main temple is written in Tamil, proclaiming Lord Swaminatha's motto, "Yaamirukka Bayamain" meaning "Why fear when I am there?". The temple is built entirely of granite, and is reminiscent of the Chola style of South Indian Temple Architecture.

Jun 27, 2001 The third Punaruddharana, Ashtabandhana and Swarna-Rajatha Bandhana Mahakumbhabhishekham of the temples are performed by H.H. Kanchi Kamakoti Peethadhipati Sri Jayendra Saraswati Swamigal. H.H. Sri Vijayendra Saraswati Swamigal also participates in the yagna pooja on the night of June 25, 2001.

Besides the main Swaminatha Swami Temple, the complex contains temples dedicated to Sree Karpaga Vinayagar (elder brother of Lord Swaminatha), Sree Sundareswarar (father of Lord Swaminatha) and Devi Meenakshi (mother of Lord Swaminatha).

While the Swaminatha temple had adopted the Chola style of architecture, the Sree Sundareswara Temple has adopted the Pallava style and the Devi Meenakshi temple the Pandya style. Thus, the Uttara Swami Natha Malai is a unique blend of all the three ancient and renowned styles of South India temple architecture and sculpture.

Since 1990 a temple hall for Adi Sankara has also been constructed on the premises of Uttara Swami Natha Malai. Today one may say without any gainsaying that a magnificent effort has been made to bring the glory of South Indian temple architecture and sculpture to the North.


In the Hindu religion, the peacock is considered Lord Swaminatha's mount or vahana. Accordingly, the temple has adopted a peacock as its pet. This peacock can seen and heard among the trees and foliage within the temple compound.

Websites : 

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

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

Viralimalai Shanmuganathar Temple

Name : Viralimalai Shanmuganathar Temple

Location :

Viralimalai is on the bus route between Madurai and Tiruchy. It is 25 kilometers from Tiruchy and 40 kilometers northwest of Pudukottai. From Azhankudi Viralimalai is 371/2 Kilometers.

Legends :

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

2) Sages and saints were in the form of Kura trees and worshipped the Lord of Viralimalai. Hence this place was called Viravi Malai which later became Viralimalai. The poet Saint Arunagirinathar has mentioned in his songs about saints staying and worshipping Lord Muruga in this hill temple.

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

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

Description:

The hill is small and rocky. From the foot of the hill a beautiful flight of steps take us to the top. These footsteps are engraved on the rock and are 207 in number. In between there are beautiful mandapams for devotees to rest.

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

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

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

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

Theertham :

On the southern part of the foothill Saravana Poigai, the Sthala Theertham is located. It is also called Naga Theertham. A Naaga is fixed (Prathistai) at centre of the theertham. The Sthala Vriksham in this temple is Kasi Vilvam.

Moolavar :

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

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

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

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

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

Websites :

http://murugan.org/viralima.htm

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

Kovil Montagne, Mauritius

Name : Kovil Montagne (Sri Siva Subramanya Thirukovil)

Location :

Kovil Montagne is located on the Corps de Garde mountain in Quatre-Bornes, Mauritius

History :

The Murthi inside the shrine was first installed by Shri VelaMurugan, a pious devotee of Lord Muruga, who spent all his earnings in buying a plot of land on the mountain to build a shrine.  

The Siva Subramanya Thirukovil, dedicated to Lord Muruga, inspired and built around more than a century ago by an indentured labourer from India, has today become a pilgrimage site for Mauritian people of all creeds. The temple is managed by the Hindoo Tamulall Siva Soopramanien Benevolent Society, founded one century ago. The society also administrates the Mariamman Temple at Berthaud, Quatre Bornes since 1946.

The story of the Siva Subramanya Kovil(founded circa 1897), on the slopes of the Corps de Garde mountain starts with Velamurugan(1852- 1913), a humble and pious Indian immigrant, who landed on Mauritian shores in 1884. He was a typical example of a true ‘Bhaktan’ (Devotee) in search of the divine through the grace of Muruga.

In 1887, Velamurugan’s contract ends and he settles down in ‘La Louise’ Quatre Bornes, more precisely the locality of La Source. He buys a piece of land, half acre in size for Rs 30 on the slopes of the Corps de Garde mountain. The notary act is signed later in 1904 and is registered under the name ‘La Societe Religieuse Hindoue Seva Soopramanien’.

Rebuilding :

Today, after more than a century, the size of the yard of the Siva Subramanya Kovil is of 3 acres. Over the years, the temple started attracting more and more devotees and several miracles are said to have occurred.


At the onset of the year 2000, the society is preoccupied by erosion problems at the base of the Kovil. Experts are consulted in the view of finding adequate solutions to the problem. Following several recommendations and suggestions from the various experts consulted, the society decides to pull down the existing Kovil structure and build a new one.

On the 27th of May 2001, after the Sittirai Cavadee, the works started. Laying of the foundation stone was carried out on the 2nd July 2001 by the Swami Balasubramanya Sarma from the Hindu Maha Jana Sangham..

The new temple is rebuilt on the same site and the same Original Muruga statue has been installed at the same original spot. The Mahamandapam(the kovil hall) is enlarged and the space around the Kovil has been conceived for optimal use.

The new temple is a typical example of South Indian temple architecture. The Kovil has been built in strict consultation of the various scriptures(Shastras and Agamas) and texts related to Temple building and architecture.

Description :

The Temple has separate mandapams dedicated to dieties of Hindu religion. The website http://www.kovilmontagne.org/ gives a guided tour about the visit to the temple :

Ganesha Mandapam
A visit to the Siva Subramanya Thirukovil starts with worship at the Ganesha Mandapam under a banyan tree on the right side immediately after entering the Kovil yard. This small Ganesha shrine is very popular, with many people usually rushing in quickly before work or activities. It is particularly crowded during festival days. Recounts of the intensity of worshipping Lord Ganesha here are many.

Mariamman Mandapam
Leaving the Ganesha Shrine and moving into the inner yard, one finds several Mandapams starting with the Mariamman Mandapam on the far left. Mariamman worship is often synonymous with Murugan worship. Maybe because of the strong associations of these two deities with the Tamil Hindus or South Indian Hindus in general. The Mariamman shrine also serves as a place where devotees gather before staring a procession during the Theemeedhi at the Mariamman temple at Berthaud.

Krishna Mandapam
Moving from the Mariamman shrine, we find a Mandapam dedicated to Krishna. During the month of ‘Purattasi’ (Sept-Oct), the ‘Govinden’ festival is celebrated on each Saturday at this shrine; culminating in a spectacular whole night prayer on the last Saturday.

Hanuman Mandapam
Next to the Krishna shrine is a big statue of Hanuman or Anjaneya- the famous god from the Ramayana.

Idumban Mandapam
Idumban is said to be the closest devotee of Muruga. Belonging to the Asura race, Idumban was asked by sage Agastya to bring to him two mountains by name Sivagiri and Shaktigiri. As an obedient student, Idumban immediately set out for the task. He took a gigantic rod, tied two hanging supports to each end and placed one mountain on each. As he was about to lift them, he noticed that they had become terribly heavy and he was unable to lift the support- not even by an inch. He tried and tried in vain just before realizing that Lord Muruga was standing on the hills. In huge humility he bowed at the feet of the lord. Idumban is said to be the first one to have carried the Cavadee. Thus there is nothing surprising about the fact that an Idumban shrine is found just where the stairs leading to the Kovil start. All devotees pay their respects and worship at the shrine before climbing the stairs.

Munishwaran Mandapam
While climbing the stairs towards the Kovil, we can find a Munishwara Mandapam on the left. The big statue is commanding and true to the deity. Munishwaran is the god who protects the compound. Munishwaran worship dates back to very ancient times.

Siva Subramanya Sannidhi
Finally, at the top we reach the Kovil- the Siva Subramanya Shrine.

Festivals :

The main festival of the temple is the Sittrai Cavadee. Falling in April/May on the Chitra Pownami day. It is the first temple to have celebrated this festival in Mauritius and as such is known 'Kavadi Montagne' around the island. The festival attracts a large crowd during the ten day prayers. Other festivals celebrated are, Thaipusam Cavadee, Panguni Uttiram, Maha Shivaratree, Skanda Shasti, Ganesh Chaturthi, Anna Abhiskekam, Kartigai Deepam and monthly celebrations such as Kartikai and so on.

Daily Prayer Timings :

Morning Prayers : Paal Abishekam and Pujai 05:30 to 06:30

Evening Prayers : Pujai 17:30 except for Tuesdays at 16:30

Sunday Morning  : Special Abishekam 08:00 followed by special prayer  from 08:30 to 09:00

Monthly Kartigai : From 18:00 to 19:30

Websites :

http://www.kovilmontagne.org/

http://www.kaumaram.com/aalayam/index_mru_1385.html

http://mauritiusphotography.blog.com/siva-subramanya-temple-on-corps-de-garde-mountain/

Arulmigu Sri Baladhandayuthabani Temple, Chettikulam

Name : Arulmigu Sri Chettikulam Balathandabani Temple also known as Aandikola Murugan Temple

Location :
It is located at Chettikulam in Tamilnadu which is 6kms from Alandur. Alandur is about 44kms from Trichy, on Trichy-Perambalur highway.

Legend :

The Dhandayudapaani temple at Chettikkulam is closely associated with the Ekambareswarar temple located nearby, which is of ancient origin.

Legend has it that a weary traveler set out to spend a night on a Aswatha (arasa maram) tree in the jungle surrounding this area, and in the middle of the night, he saw a group of four saints offering worship to a pillar of Bright Light. The Traveler told this to the king of Thanjavur, Paraanthaga Cholan. At that time Kulasekara Pandian was also there as a guest. So both the kings upon hearing this instituted a search, and a Siddhar with sugarcane in his hand, pointed out the Shivalingam to them. Then the saint gave darshan as Lord Muruga with Sugarcane on the nearby hillock.

The original temple to Shiva is now referred to as Amarendreswarar dates back to the Chola period. Shiva is now known as Ekambreswarar here and his consort is Kamakshi.

Dhandayutapaani who appeared as a Siddhar here is enshrined in a hill temple in the vicinity. The Lord Muruga Idol has Uchhi Kudumi(Tuff of Hair on top of Head). Also his darsan is in the Aandikola form.



Description :
This ancient Muruga kshetra built on the top of a hill has 240 steps in total commanding two flights of well-built broad stairs-one for ascending and another for descending. Built in the Dravidian architectural style, it has vast courtyards and an imposing tower. The archamurti giving darsan in the Aandikola form is extremely generous in conferring boons on the devotees. Nityanaimithika worship is offered with great devotion.

Sugarcane cradle : Childless couples make their wish on Shashti day by doing Milk Abhishekam. When their wish gets fulfilled they bring their child in a sugarcane cradle and do circumambulation of the temple.

Festivals :
Thai Poosam, Panguni Utthiram are the annual festivals celebrated here.

Time :
Morning : 08:00-13:00
Evening : 16:00-19:00

Website :
http://www.hindubooks.org/templesofindia/temples_for_the_triple_sects/kumaran_shrines/tamilnadu/Chettikulam.htm
http://www.indiantemples.com/Tamilnadu/m046.html
http://www.kaumaram.com/aalayam/index_chettikulam.html

Valli Malai

Name : Valli Malai

Location :

Valli Malai is situated in North Arcot district near the town Walaja. There is a Murugan temple for Lord Muruga along with Valli and Devayanai.

Description :

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

Valli Malai Shakti Peetam (Iccha Shakti) :

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

Ganesa Giri :

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

Tiruppukazh Asramam

Near the Valli Malai rock temple the asramam is situated. Swami Satchidananda accepted Tiruppukazh as the Veda Mantra and taught all with music. In 1950 he attained samadhi. This samadhi is made of a single rock. Presently this asramam is administered by Sri Balananda Swami.

Siva-Visnu
On the top of the hillock there is a Siva lingam called Tirumal Gireeswara. Here Vaisnavism and Saivism commingle. After the puja the priest blesses the devotees with sadari proving that this is a Vaisnava site.



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

Valli and Devasena and temple history

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

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

Website : http://murugan.org/centers/vallimalai.htm

Anuvavi Subramanyaswamy Temple

Name : Anuvavi Subramanyaswamy Temple

Location : This Anuvavi Subramanya Swamy Temple is located at Periyathadagam, at a distance of 12 kms from Coimbatore.

Main Deity : Subramanyaswamy

Legend :

When Lord Anjaneya was on his way back bringing Sanjeevi hill he felt very thirsty and stopped in this place to quench his thirst. Unfortunately Lord Anjaneya could not find water in that area. So Anjaneya prayed to Lord Muruga for water. As an answer to Anjaneya's prayer Lord Muruga appeared with Deivanai and with the help of his weapon "VEL" pierced on this hill and water started to ooze out from the hill which helped Lord Anjaneya to quench his thirst. Even today the villagers of this area use the natural water from that particular pond for drinking and other purposes. The last Kumbabhishekam was performed in the year 1969.

Description :

There are nearly 550 steps to be claimed to reach the main temple. There is small temple for the Lord Ganasha on the way. Main deity here is Lord Subramaniya (Sri Karthikeya) with his
consorts Sri Devayani and Sri Valli.

Adjacent to sannathi of Lord Subramaniya is the sannathi of Lord Anjaneya Swami. There is a small 'rath' made of wood for taking the deity around the temple in 'parikrima'.

If you climb the steps that are adjacent to the Anjaneya sannathi, you will see the place from where Lord Subramaniya had witnessed Lord Anjaneya quenching his thirst.

Adjacent to that is the spring from where water is collected in the tank.

Festivals :

The temple celebrates all the functions connected with Lord Subramaniya like Karthika of every month, thai pusam, panguni uttaram vaikasi visakam etc.

Website : http://www.pearlscorniche.com/anuvavi-subramanyasamy.html

Kurunda Malai - Kulanthai VelayuthaSwamy Thirukoil

Name : Arulmigu Kulanthai VelayuthaSwamy Thirukoil

Location : It is located at Kurunthamalai, in Coimbatore District, in Tamil Nadu. It is about 24 km from Coimbatore and 4 km from Karamadai.

Description : The presiding deity here is Kuzhandai Velayudaswamy (Lord MUruga), enshrined in a west facing sanctum. There is a Vinayakar image worshipped at the base of the hill. Tirumalai Nayakar of Madurai is believed to have built this hill temple.

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

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

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

Website : http://www.india9.com/i9show/Arulmigu-Kulanthai-VelayuthaSwamy-Thirukoil-26844.htm

Pavala Malai

Name : Pavalamalai

Location : Gobichettipalayam, Erode

Description : The main deity here is Arulmigu Muthukumaraswamy. Because of the cultural and religious importance, people prefer Gobi for marriages of their kith and kin. People around the world, conduct their marriage rituals here. These are the only info i got about this temple till now. I shall collect more info about this temple and add in future.

Website: http://www.kaumaram.com/aalayam/index_pavalamalai.html

Pachaimalai

Name : Pachaimalai

Location : The temple is located in Gobichettipalayam, a quiet town in the Erode district. Gobi has two hill temples - Pachaimalai and Pavalamalai. This is considered to be a great reason to justify the town's ethics.

Legend : Once upon a time, Saint Dhurvasar reached Kunnathur that lies 18 KMs south of present Gobi town. He worshipped at Shiva temple at Kunnathur. Then he found out that a place called Modachur on the outskirts of present Gobi town is a good place to perform his routine worship of Shiva. While workshipping, he wanted to have Darshan of Lord Subramanya. Not finding a temple, he went into penance to find out the best place for the worship. He found through his penance that there is a Subramanya temple on a small hill at a distance of around 1.5 kms from Modachur and the main deity faced west. The saint reached the hill to find Lord Subramanya and continued his worship. He also learnt the similarities between the temple and Palani where the Lord is facing west as Dhandapani.

Description : The Poojai activities at Pachaimalai are renowned. The 'ArthaJama' poojai resembles the one at Palani. Arulmigu Balamurugan takes the simplest form with white clothes sans his ornamental jewels. This is the most peaceful scene, one can ever get in his life.

Other deities residing in the temple are Vidya Ganapathi (form of commonsense, quick wit and knowledge), Maragatheeswarar, Maragatha Valli, Guru Dhakshinamurthy, Kalyana Subramanyar, Anjaneyar, Navagraham and Kala Bhairavar. Urchava Murthys are Dhandayudhapani, Shanmugar, Subramanyar Pradhosha Moorthy and Aiyappar. Golden Chariot and Golden Peacock mount have been donated by the public to the Almighty. A wooden chariot runs around the hill during Panguni Uthiram Chariot Festival.

Temple's Speciality : The temple is renowned for the 'Vaasthu' poojai where people bring the first brick to perform poojai at the Sannidhanam. 'Ayyappa Maalai' in Karthigai month is also started here. Couples who are in need of children perform their Sashti fasting here. It is a belief that the couple in fasting at Pachaimalai would get a child. Anyone who is not married pray 'Kalyana' Subramanyar and Guru Dhakshinamurthy for their requests to be answered.

Website : http://www.pachaimalai.in/Eng/ind.htm

Pavala Kundru

Name : Pavala Kundru (Coral Rock)

Location : Thiruvannamalai, TamilNadu

Legend : Pavala Kundru has a rich meaning, dating from the Puranas. It is where Parvati did her tapas, her penance, after blindfolding Siva and bringing destruction to the universe. It is also where she and Siva merged into one, becoming half man and half woman, representing the synthesis of masculine and feminine energies. The Ardhanariswara form illustrates how the female principle of God, Shakti, is inseparable from the male principle of God, Siva.

Description : In recent times Pavala Kundru is associated with Ramana Maharshi’s stay at the Temple. Currently there is a dispute underway regarding construction on the adjacent Coral Hill. But probably the most charming recent assocation of the Temple is its colony of beautiful Langur Monkeys.

History of Pavala Kundru : In 1790 Tippu Sultan captured Tiruvannamalai over-riding the Treaty of Mangalore (1784 A.D.) in which he and the English agreed to mutual restoration of conquests and exchange of prisoners.

Tippu Sultan, it is said, occupied the hillock of Pavalakkunru after destroying the small shrine that was there.Ramana Maharshi said that whatever Temple might have existed on or about Pavalakkunru seemed to have disappeared probably on account of Tippu Sultan’s invasion. The present Temple was probably built only a hundred and fifty years ago.

Website : http://richardarunachala.wordpress.com/2009/05/04/pavala-kundru-tiruvannamalais-coral-rock-temple/


http://arunachalagrace.blogspot.com/2008/12/pavala-kundru-history.html

Penang Hill - Sri Aruloli Thirumurugan

Name : Sri Aruloli Thirumurugan Temple, or better known as the Penang Hill Hindu Temple.

Location : Until the hill train is in operation again, the only two ways to reach Bellevue Hotel is by either jeep or by hiking. Sri Aruloli Thirumurugan is located at Gun Hill, a small hillock in Penang Hill, Malaysia.

Description : This is one of the oldest Hindu temples in Penang. It started off in the 1800's as a small shrine to the Hindu deity Murugan - the deity associated with Thaipusam - by the Indian sepoys and sedan chair carriers, and is located at a mount within Penang Hill called Gun Hill. A trident, or Murugan Vel, was installed there by the devotees. Over the years, it was enlarged and rebuilt. The present-day incarnation of the Sri Aruloli Thirumurugan is a very ornate Hindu temple in the Dravidian architectural style of South India.

The Dravidian style of constructing Hindu temples calls for four principal parts. The temple proper, or vimana, is the shrine with a tower, a mandapa, or porch, gopurams, or gate towers, and chawadis, or pillar halls. In addition, there would usually be a tank of water for use in sacred rituals or for cleansing.

The sculptures on the gopuram and vimana are exquisitely ornate and colorful. Photography enthusiasts should enjoy capturing every small detail of the temple. From the location of this temple, one can get good views of the surroundings.

Batu Caves - Murugan Temple

Name : Batu Caves - Murugan Temple

Location : Batu caves is a limestone hill, which has a series of caves and cave temples, located in Gombak district, 13 kilometres (8.1 mi) north of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It takes its name from the Sungai Batu or Batu River, which flows past the hill. Batu Caves is also the name of the nearby village.

Description : The cave is one of the most popular Hindu shrines outside India, dedicated to Lord Murugan. Batu Caves was promoted as a place of worship by K. Thamboosamy Pillai, an Indian trader. He was inspired by the 'vel'-shaped entrance of the main cave and was inspired to dedicate a temple to Lord Muruga within the caves.

Wooden steps up to the Temple Cave were built in 1920 and have since been replaced by 272 concrete steps. Of the various cave temples that comprise the site, the largest and best known is the Temple or Cathedral Cave, so named because it houses several Hindu shrines beneath its 100 m vaulted ceiling.

Rising almost 100 m above the ground, Batu Caves temple complex consists of three main caves and a few smaller ones. The biggest, referred to as Cathedral Cave or Temple Cave, has a 100 m-high ceiling, and features ornate Hindu shrines. To reach it, visitors have to climb a steep flight of 272 steps.

At the base of the hill are two more cave temples, Art Gallery Cave and Museum Cave, both of which are full of Hindu statues and paintings. This complex was renovated and opened as the Cave Villa in 2008. Many of the shrines relate the story of Lord Murugan's victory over demon Soorapadam. An audio tour is available to visitors.

The Ramayana Cave is situated to the extreme left as one faces the sheer wall of the hill. On the way to the Ramayana Cave, there is a 50-foot (15 m) tall murti of Hanuman and a temple dedicated to Hanuman, the noble monkey devotee and aide of Lord Rama.

A 42.7m (130 feet high) high statue of Lord Muruga was unveiled in January 2006, having taken 3 years to construct. It is the tallest Lord Muruga statue in the world.

Festivals : It is the focal point of Hindu festival of Thaipusam in Malaysia which attracts over 1.5 million pilgrims yearly, making it one of the largest annual gatherings anywhere in the world.