Holy Pilgrimage – Temples in Tamilnadu State (Murugan temples) - 3

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Holy Pilgrimage – Temples in  Tamilnadu State







Marudamalai, Tamilnadu

 

Marudamalai is a popular temple of the Hindu god Murugan, situated top a hill of the same name in Coimbatore Tamil Nadu, India,Marudamalai temple was owned by kongu vettuva gounder kings in early periods, Tamil Nadu, India. Of all the temples of Murugan it is next only in importance to the Arupadaiveedu temples ("The six Fort-Houses of Muruga"), for the god's devotees. Some people consider Marudhamalai to be the unofficial seventh Padaiveedu of Muruga, along with a few other contenders for the spot, including Kunrakudy, Sikkal and Vayalur.
Like most Murugan temples, Marudhamalai Murugan temple is situated upon a hill that is a part of the Western Ghats and is about 15 km west from the city of Coimbatore.
This is an ancient temple. References to this temple are found in inscriptions in the Thirumuruganpoondi temple. Thirumuruganpoondi temple is a "Tevarapaadalpetrastalam" and is at least 1200 years old. So we can surmise that the Marudhamalai temple is older than 1200 years.
There is a shrine called the "Paambaatti Sitthar Kugai" (Paambaatti Sitthar cave) that is in proximity to the Murugan temple. Legend has it that a Sitthar referred to as the Paambaatti Sitthar lived here in Marudhamalai. Paambaatti Sitthar is one of the most notable 18 Sitthars. Pambaatti Sitthar as his name indicates that he was associated with snake charming. As is the custom of the Sitthars of Tamil Nadu, he too, in the interest of mankind, has written extensively on the medicinal values and applications of plants.

 

Near the foothills, there is a temple for Lord Pillayar who is known as the "Thaanthondri Vinaayakar" (which means that the Pillayar idol appeared on its own without human intervention.)
This temple is under the control of Religious endowments department of Government of Tamil Nadu

This temple is located on a hilltop called Marudha Malai (roughly translating to "hill of vegetation"), true to its name, the legend has it that this hill has many herbs of medicinal value. The hill is also home to a particular sect of tribal tamil people. The temple in recent years has been renovated and the local business community is supporting this activity. The temple also plans to have a rope car operate from the foothills. In recent years number of Nature cure clinics have come up nearby this hillside.

 

 

Chennimalai Hill, Tamilnadu

 

This temple is situated at about 400 meters above sea level and this hill is noted for its natural flora and fauna. This hill also has rare medicinal herbs in its lush green forests. In Devanagiri this hill is called Siragiri and Chenniyangiri. In Tamil it is called Chennimalai. The city underneath the hill is also called Chennimalai.
This hill is also called Sigaragiri, Pushpagiri and Siragiri. The Lord of mountains 'Kuringi Andavar', Murugan is highly praised and sung with reference to this abode in Kundruthorâdal. Chennimalai is one of them and abounds in natural beauty and splendor.
The hill is home to hundreds of Peacocks, monkeys, rabbits, snakes and other reptiles. Recently there were instances of people sighting spotted deers around Chennimalai.
Flora includes trees like Neem, Banyan, Tamarind and variety of shrubs. Mountains of kodaikanal, Sathyamangalam and Anthiyur are clearly visible from the top of the hill. It takes a 15 minutes drive to reach the hill temple by road and it gives a thrilling experience while travelling through the lush green forest and the steep slopes slopes on the side.

The Temple of Lord Subramanya


The most famous temple of Lord Muruga in Erode District is Chennimalai. This world famous temple of Lord Muruga is where Lord Arunagirinathar was blessed with "Padikasu", wealth of coins. This is where an unusual phenomenon, rather a miracle took place in the year 1984 on 12 February. A bullock cart with two bulls climbed the 1320 steps on their own on this eventful day. Saravana Munivar wrote the most popular Chennimalai Sthalapuranam before 700 years. Milk and curds are used as special offerings to Lord Muruga in Chennimalai and it is the general belief that curds do not become sour here.
Temple
The temple of Chennimalai is situated on the banks of Noyyal also called Kânchima Nadhi. The Sanctum Sanctorum faces the east. Just in front of the temple we find the Puliyadi Vinâyagar. Inside the temple to the right of Moolavar we find the shrines of Mârkandeswarar and to the left Umayavalli. On the left side we find the shrines of Kasi Viswanâthar and Visâlâkshi.
If we take the steps found just behind the Moolavar Sannidhi, we reach the Valli Teyvannai Temple. The two consorts enshrined in a separate temple are a very unique phenomenon. On the top of the hill we find the Pinnâkau Siddhar cave with the front yard filled with Vel of different sizes and shapes. This Siddhar is one of the popular 18 Siddhar known to the world for their Siddha yoga. Near this cave we find the Saravana Mâmunivar's Tomb. There is also another very ancient cave near this temple.
Speciality of this temple
The main deity Murugan is equated to the Sevvai graham or planet Mars and all the rest of the eight planets encircle the Lord in perfect harmony. If one circumambulates the main deity he is believed to get the benefit of circumambulating the navagrahâs and worshipping them.
Valli Teyvannai Temple
As we go further up behind the temple we see the Valli Teyvannai temple. They are in penance to attain Lord Muruga. They are known by the names Amirthavalli and Sundaravalli. A separate temple for Valli and Teyvannai is the most unique feature of this temple.
Shasti Vratam
The observance of Shasti fast is also a special feature in this temple. Many devotees take this vow and spend 6 days fasting and praying at the temple premises. The monthly Shasti day after the new moon is also observed with great reverence. Particularly those devotees without progeny sincerely observe this Shasti fast and there are many instances of families coming traditionally on getting their vow fulfilled.
Sirasuppu Utharavu Kêttal
Asking for the Lord's permission before taking up any task like building a new house or getting their children married or any other issue is customary in this temple. Devotees offer an Archnai and perform Sirasappu offering. If the reply is positive they whole-heartedly perform that action or event. Traditionally if the answer is negative the Devotees do not venture further.
Holy water brought by the Temple Bulls
The holy water for Abishekam is being brought everyday by the temple bulls, which are being maintained by the Devasthanam. This procedure is also a very unique one not found in other temples.
Mamanga Theertham
Once in twelve years, during drought conditions a spring gushes out water. This spring is on the southern side of the hill temple. This is a miraculous Divine happening. The Vinâyagar near the spring called Mamânga Theertha Vinâyagar. The people worship this Vinâyagar and the holy springs with great Devotion.

Kanda Shasti Kavacham offering

The popular daily prayer of Murugan Devotees, Kanda Shasti Kavacham was first offered to the world in this temple by Balan Dêvarâya Swamigal. From that day onwards till today many devotees keep chanting this prayer every day.

Car Festival

The car festival that comes in the Tamil month of 'Thai' attracts lakhs of devotees flooding the temple of Lord Muruga. The car starts from East Raja street, then through South Raja street, West Raja street and North Raja street again reaches East Raja Street. The town remains flooded by devotees for almost a week and lots of temporary shops occupy the road sides.
Other important festivals are Chitra Pournami, Kanda sashti, Agni Nakshathram, Panguni Thaer, Chennimalai Mariamman festival, Ekkattampalayam Mariamman festival, Murungathozhuvu Mariamman festival, etc. During the second day of pongal 'Poo Parikkum Thiruvizha' is celebrated as a part of Pongal celebrations and can see people going to the hills for plucking holy flowers, having food in the hills sharing with friends and relatives and performing 'Kummi' songs and dance which is unique to Kongu tradition and culture.

Transport

There are buses available to Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Erode, Kangeyam, Dharapuram, Palani, Udumalpet, Karur, Sivagiri, Arachalur, Kodumudi, Ezhumathur, Perundurai, Kavindapadi, Uthukuli, Vijayamangalam, Paramathi Velur, Tiruchengode, Salem and various other towns of Tamil Nadu. Nearby Airports are Coimbatore Airport, Salem Airport and Tiruchirappalli Airport.
Bus Routes
Chennimalai also lies in the main bus route between Palani and Erode via Perundurai. Now TNSTC is operating new services from Palani to Bengaluru and from Erode to Udumalpet via Chennimalai, Dharapuram.
A proposed rail route between Erode and Palani is going to benefit the people of Chennimalai and make a tourism circuit connecting the world famous temples of Lord Muruga at Palani, Sivanmalai and Chennimalai.
SH-96 passes through Chennimalai town connecting Erode with Kangeyam via Perundurai and this route is used by Sabarimala devotees from Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. There is also a proposal of new State Highway connecting Tirupur with Karur via Chennimalai and Uthukuli. There is also a proposal to upgrade Erode-Chennimalai route via Vellode into a State Highway.

 

Thindal Murugan Temple, Erode

Thindalmalai Murugan Temple (திண்டல்மலை முருகன் கோவில்) is one of the famous Hindu temples dedidated to Lord Muruga, located on Thindalmalai hillock, in the city of Erode, off the Perundurai Road, the prestigious arterial Road off the City, connecting the city with Coimbatore and to Kerala.
The deity Lord Murugan found here is 'Sri Velayudhaswami. The temple houses a Golden Chariot Temple Car, which runs around the temple on the hillock.

Surroundings

The area surrounding this hill is called as Thindal. The part in the west side of this hillock is called Mael Thindal or Thindal medu and the eastern part is called Keel Thindal.

Location

It is about 7 km from Central Bus stand at Swastik Circle, 8 km from Erode Junction and 9 km from Perundurai Bus station in ErodeTamil Nadu, India.Located exactly opposite to Vellalar Arts & Science college for Women's

Transport

The Temple is well connected with City bus services to all the parts of the City. All the city buses running in-between Central Bus Terminus and Perundurai Bus Station will make a stop at here.

 

Sikkal Singaravelan Temple

 

 Sikkal Singara Velan Temple is one of the most popular Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Muruga and a contender for the unofficial seventh Padaiveedu of Muruga, along with the popular Arupadaiveedu (six abodes of Lord Muruga). It is located in the village of Sikkal, near Nagapattinam in Tamilnadu. It is believed in Hindu mythology that this place was once a jasmine forest and due to it pleasant smell, the semi-human goddess in Hindu mythology, Kamadenu lives here. It is one of the rare traditional Hindu temples that has both Shiva (Navaneeteswarar) and Vishnu (Venaipperuman) deities in the same complex.
The most important festival is associated with Lord Muruga getting the weapon Vel from his divine mother, Parvathi to destroy the demon king, Soorapadman. During this time, it is believed by the devotees that the idol sweats and a major event is conducted. After receiving the weapon and the blessings from his divine mother, he proceeds to kill the demon in Sri Lanka, while setting up the base camp in Thiruchendur.
Legend has it that Muchukunda Cholan, associated with the Tiruvarur legend built this temple.Vasishta is said to have prayed to Shiva to recover his Kamadhenu, whose milk flowed & froze to form butter. Fashioning a Lingam out of Butter (Venneippiran), Vasishtar vainfully tried to move it; it had gotten stuck (Sikkal). Interestingly, Tirukkannankudi - a Vaishnava Divyadesam (near Keevalur nearby) has a legend associated with Vasishtar offering worship to an image of Krishna which he had fashioned out of butter.  The Ksheera Pushkarini (Paal Kulam) tank is located behind the temple.
Legend also has it that Vishnu sought the blessings of Shiva before venturing out to the court of the demon king Mahabali, and there is a Kola Vaamana Perumaal shrine adjacent to the temple.
The Temple: The 7 tiered Rajagopuram that adorns the entrance to this temple  is about 80 feet in height. Inscriptions from the Imperial Chola period and from the Vijayanagar period abound in this temple which covers an area of about 2 acres. The Kartikai Mandapam in the forefront exhibits a number of paintings depicting legends related to Subramanya.
Festivals: Six worship services are offered each day here. A number of marriages are performed in this temple in the kalyana mandapam. The annual Bhrammotsavam is celebrated in the month of Chittirai. Singaravelar receives his Vel (Spear) from Devi, during Skanda Sashti Utsavam in the month of Libra; and it is believed that his image then breaks out in sweat. Soorasamharam is enacted here during this festival

 

Vayalur Murugan Temple, Tamilnadu

 

The Vayalur Murugan Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Muruga, located near the city of Tiruchirapalli (Trichy) in Tamil Nadu, India.

Transport

Thiruchirappali is well connected by rail to almost all major cities of India. By air, there are regular flights to Trichy from Chennai, Singapore, Malaysia, Sharjha and Columbo. Buses are available from almost all places of Tamil Nadu and Bangalore round the clock.

History

This temple is around 1200 years old built during the reign of the Cholas.

Deities

The main deity in the temple is Lord Muruga, it is behind the Moolavar Shiva Sannithy. The other Sannithys in this temple are Moolavar arulmigu Athi Nathar (Lord Shiva).

Theertham

  • Agni Theertham also known as Shakthi Theertham. According to a legend, Lord Muruga himself created this tank with his Velayudham.
  • Sthala Vriksham: Vanni Maram (Vanni Tree) is seen in the left side, as soon as you enter the rajagopuram.

Important Festivals

  • Thai Poosam: During the month of Jan/Feb
  • Panguni Uthiram: During the month of Mar/Apr
  • Vaikasi Visakam : Birth star of Lord Murugan During the month of May/ June
  • Adi Kirthikai: During the month of July/August
  • Thiru Karthikai : During the month of oct/nov
  • Kanda shasti : November

 

Viralimalai Murugan temple, Tamilnadu

Viralimalai Murugan Temple is one of the famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Muruga, located in the town of Viralimalai about 28 km from Trichy, 40 km from Pudukottai and 15 km from Manapparai in Tamil Nadu, India

Viralimalai is a two tamil word, virali means widespread, malai means mountain. Viralimalai mountain is widespread of many saint in trees. Viralimalai Sri Shanmuganathan Murugan has unique feature of six faces where other side of faces can be seen by mirror behind god. The Bus frequency is more from Madurai, Tiruchirappalli. The mountain is very pleasant where lot of peacock and monkey are living here.

 

Siddas, Saints and Other Devotees:
This is the place where Arunagirinathar attained Astama siddhi. When Arunagirinathar stayed in Vayalur, Muruga came in his dream and asked him to come to Virali malai saying, "Yemmai pugazhndu paada yamuraiyum Viralimalaikku varuga". Anrunagirinathar sung 16 Tirupugazh songs on Virali malai Murugan.

Also Vasistar and his wife Arundathi got Sapa Vimochana by worshipping Viralimalai Murugan. (There is a story behind this.. Arundathi is one of the Karthigai mathar who took care of Muruga in his childhood. All the other five feeded milk to kulandai murugan but only she didnt give milk. On seeing this Vasistar got angry and punished her(Saapam). On seeing this Muruga got angry and he inturn gave saapam to Vasistar). Also Kachiappa Munivar(Father of Soorapadman) and Naradar also got Saapa Vimochanam from this Murugan. As a proving factor for these facts, ther are carvings for Vasistar, Arundathi and Naradar on pillars.

During the Uchi kala Pooja Suruttu(Large size Cigarette) is kept with the padayal for this Murugan. For this, a story is there. A devotee had the habbit of smoking Suruttu. During a rainy season he thought Muruga would felt cold and he kept Suruttu for Muruga. On seeing his bakthi Muruga got happy and from that day Suruttu is kept with padayal during the Uchi Kala Pooja.

Sannidis in Virali malai:
On the way to the mountain, there is an Arumugan sannidi in a mandapa called Sandana kottam. And there is a Sannidi for Idumban and also for Meenakshi Sundaresar which is carved inside a single rock . There are207 steps to reach the temple. In the prakara, Vinayagar, Dakshina murthy, Agasthiar, Arunagirinathar, Sandigeswarar and Bairavar are there.

The Moolavar Viralimalai Murugan is with 6 faces and 12 hands, sitting on Peacock. On the two sides Valli and Deivayanai are there.

Festivals and Poojs:
Chitra Pournami, Sangabishekam, Vaikasi Visakam, Adi Karthigai, Kanda Sasti, Tai Poosam, Masio Karthigai, Magabishekam and Panguni Uthiram are celebrated grantly here. Taip pusam, Pankuni Uttiram, Kanda Sasthi and Adikrittikai are the main festivals as in other Murugan temples.

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

 Viralimalai Sanctuary
The Viralimalai sanctuary is situated in a small town, at a distance of 30-kms from Trichy and 40-kms from Pudukkottai. It is famous for its Murugan temple and the Peacock sanctuary. This scenic town is bestowed with a good number of wild peacocks, which roam around the Murugan temple. The Viralimalai sanctuary is one of the best places to watch peacocks and there are at least six species of peacock pheasants distributed throughout South East Asia, though the Palawan Peacock Pheasant or "Tandikan" (Polyplectron Emphanum) is by far the most spectacularly colored of these beautiful birds

Viralimalai Wildlife Sanctuary:
30 km From Tiruchirapalli, this wildlife sanctuary is famous for the Murugan Temple and the Peacock Sanctuary, the abode of Indian National Bird. One can see quite a large number of wild peacocks roaming around the Murugan temple as of to offer their homage to the deity. It is one of the best places to watch peacocks and the lucky ones may even get a chance to see them dancing spreading their colorful feathers to full glory. There are about six species of peacock pheasants spread throughout South East Asia. However, the Palawan Peacock Pheasant or 'Tandikan' are the most colorful of all the species.

 

Nearby Pilgrimage Sites:

  • Madurai Arulmigu Meenakshi temple 
  • Arulmigu Tiruparankundram
  • Pazhamudircholai
  • Kodaikanal
  • Palani
  • Tirchy Rock Fort Temple
  • Tiruvanaikaval
  • Tiruvarangam
  • Arulmigu Samayapuram Mariamman temple 
  • Mookeuimbu (cavery river dam)
  • (Travling time just 3.15 hrs )
  • (Travling time just 3.30 hrs )
  • (Travling time just 3.45 hrs )
  • (Travling time just 4.00 hrs )
  • (Travling time just 4.15 hrs )
  • (Travling time just 1.15 hrs )
  • (Travling time just 1.15 hrs )
  • (Travling time just 1.00 hrs )
  • (Travling time just 2.00 hrs )
  • (Travling time just 1.30 hrs )


Ratnagiri Murugan Temple, Vellore

Ratnagiri Balamurugan temple is an ancient Murugan temple situated in Vellore, India. It was built around the 14th century. It is situated on top of a hill. Ancient Hindu scriptures say where there is a hill, there is Lord Murugan. Over the passage of time an ordinary sand structure was converted into a stone shrine. 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'.
Rathinagiri Bāla 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.
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'.
It is believed that the divine power in the temple manifests its blessings in three forms
1.   In the form of the Lord Murugan idol in the shrine
2.   In the form of the guru Swami Balamurugan Adimai
3.   In the form of the devotee.
Everyday, hundreds of devotees visit the temple to seek the blessings of Lord Murugan.

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 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 1
  • The anniversary of Swamiji Balamurugan Adimai's enlightenment - 20 March

 

Thirumalai Kovil, Tamilnadu

Thirumalai Kovil is a Murugan temple situated at Panpoli, Tenkasi taluk, Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu, South India. It is about 120 km from Madurai. The temple is situated on a small hill surrounded by the Western Ghats near the border with Kerala.

Description

The lord Murugan in this temples shrine is called 'Thirumalai kumarasamy' or 'Thirumalai murugan'. Because of the lords name most of the people in this region have the name 'thirumalai'. There is one more goddess temple within this temple, called 'Thirumalai amman'. This hill temple is surrounded by lot of coconut plantations and small villages.

Transportation to Panpoli

Bus available for Chennai:
Trains available at Sengottai include(4 km From Panpoli):
These two depots operate buses from Sengottai to various cities of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Kerala. The main cities are Chennai, Tirupur, Coimbatore, Trichy, Madurai, Tiruchendur, Tuticorin, Srivilliputtur and Ramanathapuram in Tamil Nadu and Thiruvananthapuram UD, Pathanamthitta, Kottarakkara, Kottayam, Guruvayur, Punalur, and Quilon (Kollam) in Kerala and Pondicherry in Puducherry.





 

 

 







Om Tat Sat
                                                        
(Continued...)                                                                                                                              



(My humble  salutations to the great devotees ,  wikisources  and Pilgrimage tourist guide for the collection )
Posted by gopalakrishna Thursday, April 11, 2013
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