Vellakoil Veerakumaraswamy Murugan Temple, Erode

Address

Vellakoil Veerakumaraswamy Murugan Temple, Erode

Vellakoil, Tirupur District,

Tamil Nadu 638111
Phone Number: 04257-260519
Email: vellakovilveerakkumaraswamy@gmail.com

Moolavar

Veerakumaraswamy Murugan

1. Introduction:
   • Located in Vellakoil Town, in Thiruppur district, on the main Karur-Kovai road.
   • This ancient temple is over 1000 years old and is dedicated to Lord Veera Kumaraswamy (Murugan).
   • The unique aspect of this temple is that only males are allowed to enter the premises for worship, a tradition that has been followed for decades.
2. Puranic Significance:
   • The temple has a deep historical background, dating back over a millennium, when the area was surrounded by forests.
   • The temple’s origins are tied to the discovery of a miracle involving a cow and a sandcastle (puttru). Mudali Gounder, a local chieftain, found that his cow dispensed milk onto a sand mound, where a snake with a childlike face emerged and drank the milk. He interpreted this as a divine sign from Lord Murugan and decided to build a shrine.
   • The Lord is referred to by various names, such as Veera Kumara, Veera Kumar, and Veera Kumaran.
3. Special Features:
   • The temple showcases 1800s-era sculptures in its construction.
   • The reconstruction began in June 1974, and the Kumbhabhishekam (consecration) was completed in September 2005.
   • The temple is also home to several notable statues and idols, including those of Kannimar swamisgal, Siddhars, Veera Kumar’s footwear, Palani Gounder, Balavinayagar, Pechiamman, Naripalani Gounder, Karuppana Swamy, and Kumarappa Gounder.
   • Notable additions to the temple include the Royal Tower and temple car, which enhance its grandeur.
4. Festivals:
   • The southern part of the temple features a sand tower called Puttru, which is significant to the temple’s rituals.
   • A unique feature is the worship of the Karkkattan tree, which is considered sacred.
   • The temple has specific practices, including the restriction of women from entering the Moolavar (main deity) temple, and the non-adherence to vaastu (building practices).
   • The Pantaram community performs regular poojas in the temple.
   • Special pooja days include Mondays, Fridays, Pournami (Full Moon day), Amavasai (New Moon day), Kirthigai, Pongal, and New Year’s Day.
   • Key offerings during poojas include sandalwood and turmeric. Devotees unable to attend the temple can receive vibuthi and prasadham via post.
   • Special pooja rituals such as Kaalasanthi Kattalai and Ucchikaala Kattalai are conducted for devotees with specific names and stars on certain days.
   • Every day, after the Uchikala pooja, Annadhanam (free meal) is provided to devotees.

Century/Period

1000 years old

Nearest Bus Station

Vellakovil

Nearest Railway Station

Erode

Nearest Airport

Coimbatore

Location on Map

lightuptemple