Gnanamalai Muruga Temple, Ranipettai

Address

Gnanamalai Muruga Temple, Ranipettai

Gnanamalai, Mangalam,

Ranipettai District

Tamilnadu- 635812.

Moolavar

Murugan

Introduction

• Location: Murugan Gnanamalai Temple is one of the 206 Thirupugazh temples sung by the saint-poet Arunagirinadar.
• Hill Size: The temple is located on a hill covering 25 acres with a circumference of about 2 kilometers.
• Climb: The temple is reached via 150 steps leading to the top.

Puranic Significance

• Muruga’s Form: The idol of Lord Muruga here is depicted with one face and four arms, in the Brahma Sastha form, where he is believed to have punished Brahma for his ignorance of the Pranava Manthiram.
• Sacred Spring: A sacred spring is located on one side of the hill.
• Medicinal Trees: The hill is abundant with Veppalai (Kutchappalai) trees, known for their medicinal properties.
• Samadhi of Gnanavali Siddhar: Behind the temple is the Samadhi of Gnanavali Siddhar, who lived here and provided medical advice while preaching Gnana (knowledge) to the common people.
• Shivalingam: A Shivalingam named Gnanagireeswarar is located at the top of the hill.
• Footprints of Lord Muruga: The temple is home to the footprints of Lord Muruga, a significant feature of the temple.
• Nandavanam: A garden called Nandavanam has been planted at the base of the hill by the Forest Department.
• Arunagirinadar’s Visit: The 15th-century saint-poet Arunagirinadar visited this temple and recited his Thirupugazh for Lord Muruga.
• Historical Significance: A stone inscription on the hill mentions Sambuvarayar’s son Kalingarayan as a contributor to the construction of the steps. The temple is believed to date back to the Pallava period and is over 1000 years old.
• Triangle of Sacred Sites: Murugan Gnanamalai, Vallimalai, and Thiruthani form a sacred triangle, and visiting all three in one day is considered special.

Beliefs

• Devotees pray for blessings such as child boon and to overcome marriage-related issues.

Special Features

• Unusual Muruga Form: The deity of Muruga is depicted with Valli on his left lap, his right arm around her waist, sitting on his mount, the peacock. This form is known as Kuramagal Thazhuviya Kumaran.
• Footprints: The footprint found on the rocky surface is worshipped as the footprint of Subramanya.
• Gnana Siddi Ganapati: A Gnana Siddi Ganapati idol is placed at the foothill, facing west, with four arms, holding an axe, mango, cane, and a bunch of flowers.
• Gnanaveli Siddhar Peetam: The temple includes a space for the Gnanaveli Siddhar Peetam and features Gnanagiriswarar in the form of a lingam. Other deities present include Gnana Poongothai, Gnana Ganapati, and Gnana Subramanyar.
• Vishnudurga Sculpture: A beautiful sculpture of Vishnudurga is also present in the temple.

Festivals

• Thaipusam
• Panguni Uttiram
• Kandasashti
• Vaikasi Visakam

Century/Period

1000 years old.

Managed By

Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HR&CE)

Nearest Bus Station

Chennai

Nearest Railway Station

Vellore

Nearest Airport

Chennai

Location on Map

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