Kurunthamalai Kuzhandhai Velayutha Swami Temple – Coimbatore.

Address

Kurunthamalai Kuzhandhai Velayutha Swami Temple, Coimbatore

Karamadai, Kurunthamalai,

Coimbatore district,

Tamil Nadu 641104

Moolavar

Kuzhandhai Velayutha Swami

Introduction

• Location:
  • The temple is located in Kurunthamalai, a small town in Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu.
  • It is situated 24 km from Coimbatore city and 4 km from Karamadai.
  • Dedicated to Lord Murugan, worshipped as Kuzhandai Velayudaswamy, the temple stands atop a small hillock.
• Historical Significance:
  • The temple is believed to be over 1000 years old and is regarded as one of the most beautiful hill temples in the Kongunadu region.

Puranic Significance

Legend of Sage Agasthya:

• Sage Agasthya is said to have received the Mantra Upadesam (sacred teachings) from Lord Murugan at this temple.
• The hill derives its name Kurunthamalai from the abundance of Kurundha trees that once covered it.

Merchant and Lord Murugan:

• According to local lore, a merchant traveling with sacks of spices encountered a boy who asked what he was carrying.
• The merchant lied, saying the sacks contained husk. The next morning, he discovered the spices had turned into husk.
• Realizing the boy was Lord Murugan, the merchant sought forgiveness and dedicated himself to building a temple at the spot.

Beliefs and Devotional Practices

• Devotees’ Beliefs:
  • Prayers are offered for child boon, prosperity, and fearlessness.
  • Devotees present vastras (clothes) and ornaments to the deity.
• Special Worship:
  • The deity is adorned as either a Prince or a Hunter during special occasions.
  • Arunagirinathar has praised this temple in his sacred hymns, Thirupugazh.

Special Features

1. Architectural Layout:
   • The temple has 108 steps leading to the hilltop and is structured in two levels.
   • The first level houses shrines of various gods and goddesses.
   • The top level features the main sanctum of Lord Murugan, facing west, along with a spacious forecourt.
2. Foot Hills:
   • At the base of the hill, there is a shrine of Shri Gambira Ganesa, standing nearly 5 feet tall.
   • A small water tank called Hanuman River and a temple dedicated to Anjaneya (Hanuman) are also present.
   • The footprints of Vayu Puthra (Hanuman) are engraved on a nearby rock.
3. Sunlight Phenomenon:
   • Between March 21st and 23rd, the sun’s rays directly fall on the idol of Lord Murugan, enhancing the temple’s sacredness.
4. Shrines on the Hill:
   • Shri Anandavalli sametha Shri Agastheeswarar shrine, facing west.
   • Shri Kuzhandhai Vadivelan, a 4-foot tall idol of Lord Murugan, faces west.
5. Sacred Tree:
   • A Kurundha Tree, associated with the legend of Sage Agasthya, is considered significant.
6. Pillai Thamizh:
   • A poet, Shri Kandaswamy Swamigal, composed Pillai Thamizh, celebrating Lord Murugan’s childhood leelas.

Festivals

1. Panguni Uthiram (March–April)
2. Masi Makam (February–March)
3. Vaikasi Visakam (May–June)
4. Thiru Karthikai (November–December)

Century/Period

1000 years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HR&CE)

Nearest Bus Station

Kurunthamalai

Nearest Railway Station

Coimbatore Junction

Nearest Airport

Coimbatore

Location on Map

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