Thirumalaikeni Subramaniya Swamy Temple- Dindigul

Address

Thirumalaikeni, Sengurichi, Dindigul district,

TamilNadu 624306

Phone: +91-451 – 205 0260, 96268 21366

Subramaniya Swamy

Location:
- Dedicated to Lord Murugan, this ancient temple is located in Thirumalaikeni, nestled within the Dindigul district, Tamil Nadu.
- The temple, considered sacred, holds historical and religious importance, dating back over 1000 years.

The Pandya King’s Devotion:
- A king from the Pandya dynasty, a devout follower of Lord Murugan, wished to construct a temple for the deity.
- During a hunting expedition in the forests of Dindigul, the king quenched his thirst from a spring and fell asleep.
- In his dream, Lord Murugan instructed him to build the temple on that very spot.
- Upon awakening, the king fulfilled the divine command, leading to the establishment of the Tirumalaikeni Subramanya Swamy Murugan Temple.
Raja Alankaram (Royal Attire):
- Lord Bala Murugan in the upper temple is adorned in royal attire, known as Raja Alankaram.
- Devotees believe that having darshan of the Lord in this form brings blessings for leadership, high positions, and success in life.
Valli Theertham:
- The consorts of Lord Murugan, Valli and Deivanai, do not appear alongside Him but manifest as sacred springs.
- Valli Theertham, in the form of a well, is located mid-hill, giving the region its name, Malaikeni (meaning “spring on the hill”).
Kil Palani (Downward Palani):
- Unlike most hill temples where devotees ascend to reach the sanctum, here, devotees must step down to have darshan, earning the temple the name Kil Palani (downward Palani).
- The temple is surrounded by dense forests, adding to its serene and divine ambiance.

Prayers for Aspirations:
- Devotees seeking prestigious positions, leadership roles, and marriage blessings visit this temple.
- Those aspiring for childbirth also pray at the temple, believing in the miraculous blessings of Lord Murugan.
Renovation History:
- The temple and its idol were once damaged and fell into disrepair, halting regular worship.
- In 1979, Sri Kripanandavariar initiated the temple’s renovation. A new idol was crafted since the original could not be removed.
- As a result, the temple became a two-tier structure, with a shrine on both the hilltop and ground level.
- Ingeniously, water from the abhishekham in the upper shrine flows to the idol in the lower shrine through a specially designed hole, showcasing ancient engineering marvels.

Two-Tier Temple:
- The temple is a rare two-level structure, with deities at both levels.
- This unique feature enhances the temple’s spiritual and architectural significance.
Unmovable Idol:
- The original idol of Lord Murugan, believed to be immovable by any power, resides in the lower shrine.
- A new idol was consecrated in the upper temple during the renovation, creating a seamless connection between the two shrines.
Engineering Feat:
- The water from abhishekham in the upper shrine flows directly to the lower shrine’s deity, demonstrating remarkable ancient construction techniques.
Symbol of Power:
- Lord Murugan, adorned as a king in Raja Alankaram, is considered a source of strength for devotees taking on leadership roles or significant responsibilities.

The temple celebrates several grand festivals that attract devotees from across the region:

Chitra Poornima (April-May)
Vaikasi Visakam (May-June)
Kruthika in Aadi (July-August)
Karthigai (November-December)
Skanda Sashti (October-November):
- A 7-day festival with highlights such as:
  - Surasamharam (slaying of demon Surapadma) on the 6th day.
  - Valli-Deivanai Kalyanam (divine wedding) on the 7th day.
Thirukarthigai (November-December)
Thai Poosam (January-February)