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.

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