Thavalagiri Bala Dhandayuthapani Temple, Erode

Address

Thavalagiri Bala Dhandayuthapani Temple, Erode

Sathyamangalam,

Erode District,

Tamil Nadu – 638503

Moolavar

Thavalagiri Bala Dhandayuthapani

Introduction               

• Location: Thavalagiri Hill, Sathyamangalam, Erode District, Tamil Nadu.
• Deity: Murugan (also known as Dandayuthapani), often referred to as Malai Kovil (Mountain Temple).
• There are two ways to reach the temple: by climbing the 270-step path or by taking the road for those who cannot walk the stairs.
• Transportation: Bus services are available from Sathyamangalam to reach the base of the hill.

Puranic Significance:

• The temple is connected to the legend of Sage Durvasa. As Durvasa was traveling to Sringeri via Sathyamangalam and crossing the Bhavani River, a flood trapped him. A peacock appeared on a cliff, which Durvasa took as a divine sign from Lord Muruga. With Murugan’s guidance, Durvasa swam across the river to the hill and built a beautiful statue of Muruga at the top as an expression of gratitude.
• Agriculture in the region flourished after this incident, leading to increased prosperity and peace among the locals. It is believed that Tipu Sultan commissioned the construction of the Garbhagraha (sanctum) for Murugan here in gratitude for the region’s prosperity.
• The temple is believed to be 1000 years old.

Beliefs:

• This temple is considered special for devotees of Lord Muruga seeking peace of mind and fulfillment of wishes. Devotees bring offerings such as milk, paneer, young water, and panchamirtha kavadi to Murugan.
• Special prayers performed during the moment of light falling are believed to bring blessings from Murugan and the grace of Lord Surya.
• It is also believed that women who are unable to get married can have their marriage obstacles removed by praying to Lord Muruga while wearing a silk scarf.

Special Features:

• During the first three days of the Tamil month Chitrai, the sun shines on different parts of Lord Murugan’s idol:
  • Day 1: Sun shines on His feet.
  • Day 2: Sun shines on His chest.
  • Day 3: Sun shines on His face. This phenomenon is considered very auspicious and highlights the worship of Murugan by the Sun.
• The Moolavar (main deity) is seated in the sanctum sanctorum, facing west towards Sathyamangalam city. He holds a dandayudham (staff) in His right hand and His left hand is placed on His hip. His posture is similar to that of Murugan in Palani.
• Similarities with Palani: Like in Palani, where Murugan faces west and the river flows from north to south, Thavalagiri Murugan also faces west, with the Bhavani River flowing from north to south, making it a pilgrimage of equal significance.
• In the temple complex, there are two important structures:
  • Ardha Mandapam and Maha Mandapam next to the sanctum.
  • Inside the Maha Mandapam, there is a peacock and an altar dedicated to Naga.

Festivals:

• Krittikai and Shashti are celebrated with special pujas in the morning and evening.
• Full Moon: Special decorations and worship take place.
• New Moon Day: Special worship is performed.
• Mangala Vara Puja is conducted every Tuesday.
• Fridays: Special Abhisheka, decorations, and Deeparathana (lamp worship) are performed.
• Major festivals include:
  • First Day of Chitrai.
  • Panguni Uthiram.
  • Vaikasi Visagam.
  • Aadi Krittikai.
  • Thaipusa Thirunal (biggest festival).

Century/Period

1000 years old.

Managed By

Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HR&CE)

Nearest Bus Station

Thavalagiri

Nearest Railway Station

Erode

Nearest Airport

Coimbatore

Location on Map

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