Periya Thadagam Anuvavi Subramanyar Temple, Coimbatore

Address

Periya Thadagam, Coimbatore North Taluk,

Coimbatore District – 641 108

Mobile: +91 94434 77295 / 98432 84842

Anuvavi Subramanyar, Lord Hanuman.

Location: Periya Thadagam Village, near Coimbatore City, Coimbatore District, Tamil Nadu, India; on the northern slope of Marudamalai hills on the way to Anaikatty.
Deity: Dedicated to Lord Murugan; uniquely associated with Lord Hanuman.

Puranic Significance

The ancient temple was destroyed by flash floods in 1957 and later rebuilt in 1969.
Legend: When Lord Hanuman was carrying the Sanjeevi hill to revive Lakshmana, he stopped here due to thirst. He prayed to Lord Murugan, who struck his spear (vel) into the hill, causing a spring to emerge. Hanuman quenched his thirst from this water source, which has remained undried ever since.
Name Origin: Known as “Hanuvavi” (Hanuman’s water source), it later became “Anuvavi.” The hill is also called Hanumakumaran Malai.

Beliefs and Practices

For Child Boon: Devotees worship for five consecutive Tuesdays.
For Marriage: Devotees offer mangal sutras and vastras, and conduct a wedding ritual for Lord Murugan.
Healing: People with mental and skin ailments bathe in Anuvavi Theertham before sunrise for relief.
New Ventures: Devotees place a flower on the deity’s head seeking divine approval before starting new projects.

Special Features

Hilltop Location: Situated on a hill in the Western Ghats, offering panoramic views of Coimbatore’s northern outskirts.
Mountain Range: Surrounded by Guruvirukshamalai (north), Anuvavimalai (south), and Kadalarasimalai (west).
Access: 550 steps lead to the temple; an Idumban shrine is located at the hill’s base.
Architecture:
- Sanctum with Lord Subramanya and his consorts, Valli and Devasena (unique for Kongu region Murugan temples).
- Other Shrines: Arunachaleswarar shrine above the temple, a Vinayaga shrine on the pathway, Veerabahu idol in Mukha Mandapa, and a separate north-facing Hanuman shrine.
- Natural Spring: Hanuman Theertham (also known as Kanachunai or Vatra Chunai), a perennial spring with an undetermined origin.
- Surrounding Caves: Once inhabited by Pampatti Siddhar and other sages.
- Forest and Wildlife: Dense forest around the temple area is known for elephant encounters, leading to an early closure at 6:00 PM.