Chennimalai Murugan Hill Temple, Erode
Address
Chennimalai Murugan Hill Temple, Kumarapuri, Chennimalai, Erode district, Tamil Nadu 638051 Phone: +91 4294 250 223 / 292 263 / 292 595
Deity
Dhandayutapani. Amman: Valli and Teyvannai.
Introduction
- Location: Chennimalai, near Perunthurai, Erode District, Tamil Nadu.
- Deity: Lord Murugan, known as Siragiri Dhandayuthapani.
- Elevation: Approximately 600 meters above sea level.
- Accessibility: Reached by a flight of 1000 steps or a motorable road.
- History: Believed to be over 3000 years old; noted for its rich flora and fauna.
- Significance: Most famous temple for Lord Murugan in Erode District; pooja and festivities are conducted following Karana, Kamiga, and Aagama regulations by Markandeya Gothra archakas.
- Annual Festival: The Kailasanathar temple at the foot of the hill hosts the annual festival.
- Notable Feature: Home to the popular prayer “Kanda Shasti Kavacham,” first offered by Balan Devaraya Swamigal.
Puranic Significance
- Authorship: The Chennimalai Sthalapuranam, a work of 207 verses, authored by poet Saint Saravana Munivar, is divided into six cantos detailing the temple’s history.
- Construction: Initially built by Saravana Munivar, who followed divine instructions from Lord Muruga.
- Legends:
- Saravana Munivar received a divine vision of Murugan.
- Princesses Amirthavalli and Sundaravalli performed penance to be reborn as Valli and Devasena, consorts of Murugan.
- Arunagirinathar was blessed with “Padikkasu” (wealth) here.
- Local belief that milk and curds do not sour in this temple.
Beliefs
- Shasti Fast: A six-day fasting observance where many devotees seek blessings for progeny.
- Daily Practices:
- Devotees ask for Lord Murugan’s permission before significant life events.
- Special offerings, including an Archanai and Sirasappu, are made.
- Child Blessings: Childless couples observing a vow on the sixth day from Amavasya (Shasti) are believed to be blessed with children.
Special Features
- Natural Beauty: Located amidst lush forests with rare medicinal herbs; the hill has various names (Siragiri, Sigaragiri, Pushpagiri).
- Location: Situated on the banks of the Noyyal River (Kanchima Nadhi).
- Shrines and Mandapams: Multiple shrines en route to the main temple dedicated to Indra Vinayakar, Sengazhuneer Pillaiyar, Kadambavaneswarar, and others.
- Main Sanctum:
- East-facing temple with a five-tiered Rajagopuram.
- The main deity is linked to the planet Mars (Sevvai graham).
- Unique Shrines: Features separate shrines for Valli and Deivanai, Markandeswarar, and others.
- Pinnakku Siddhar Cave: Believed to be the abode of Pinnakku Siddhar, with a connection to the Bhoga Siddhar cave in Palani malai.
Festivals
- Major Festivals:
- Thaipoosam: 15-day festival (January-February) attracts lakhs of devotees.
- Panguni Uthiram: 7-day festival (March-April).
- Skanda Sashti: 6-day festival (October-November).
- Other Celebrations: Chitra Pournami, Vaikasi Visagam, Aadi New Moon Day, monthly Kruthika days, and special prayers on Tuesdays.
- Chariot Procession: Conducted every Tuesday evening.
- Annual Festival: Celebrated at the Kailasanathar temple in Thai month.
Century/Period/Age
3000 years old
Managed By
Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HRCE)
Nearest Bus Station
Chennimalai
Nearest Railway Station
Ingoor Station
Nearest Airport
Coimbatore.