Sivanmalai Sri Subramaniaswami Temple, Tiruppur

Address

Sivanmalai Sri Subramaniaswami Temple, Sivan Malai, Kangeyam Taluk, Tiruppur District-638701 Phone: +91 4257- 220680, 220630

Deity

Sri Subramaniaswami Amman: Valli and Devayanai

Introduction

The Sivan Malai Temple, perched at an elevation of 400 feet above sea level, is a revered temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Visitors can access the temple by either climbing 450 steps or traversing a 2-kilometer road, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The presiding deity is known as Vennieeswarar or Nanjundeeswarar, represented as a Swayambu Moorthy (self-manifested idol). The consort of Lord Shiva in this temple is Parvatha Vardhini or Loganayaki.

Puranic Significance

Lord Murugan Shrine: While Lord Shiva is the main deity, the temple is also famous for its Lord Murugan Shrine. Lord Murugan is depicted with four hands and seated on a peacock. He is worshipped first during the pujas, believed to be honored even by Lord Vinayagar (Ganesha).
Sculptures and Pillars: The temple features exquisite sculptures, including musical pillars. One notable sculpture illustrates the legend of Avinashi, where Sundarar compels a crocodile to release a boy it had swallowed. Elephant sculptures adorn the entrance, adding to the temple’s grandeur.
Age of the Temple: The temple is estimated to be between 1000 and 2000 years old.
Thala Virutcham: The sacred tree associated with the temple is the Toratti Tree, notable for its unique embracing nature.
Theerthams: Several holy water tanks, including the Kasi Theertham, are located within the temple precincts.
Historical Significance: The temple is culturally significant, linked to the ancient Kongu region, and was once the capital of Kangeyam. Lord Muruga is honored here as “Kangeyan,” referring to the son of Mother Ganga.
Epigraphic Evidence: The temple boasts 13 epigraphic records, musical pillars, and rare sculptures, underscoring its historical and cultural richness.

Beliefs

Devotees come to the temple seeking various blessings from Lord Subramania, including:

Boons for marriage
Blessings for children
Success in business
Relief from ailments

Circumambulating the Navagraha shrine nine times is believed to solve all problems. Additionally, Sani Bagwan (Saturn) has a separate shrine, and Jura Hareswarar with Suraloka Nayaki offers healing for prolonged fevers. Devotees often prepare Pepper Rasam as an offering for total recovery.

Special Features

Construction: The temple complex is entirely stone-built and includes features such as a Rajagopuram (entrance tower), Deepasthamba (lamp post), flag post, front Mandapam, prakara (outer corridor), and the sanctum sanctorum for the presiding deity. It is administered by the Hindu Religious and Charities Department.
Andavar Utharavu Petti: A box containing directions and reasons (Karanam) from the deity is found in the temple, honoring the deity as Karana Murthy.
Navagraha Placement: The temple adheres to Agama principles for the placement of the Navagrahas (nine celestial planets), with Sani Bhagwan facing east. Worshipping them here is believed to offer equivalent benefits as worshipping them in separate temples.
Additional Shrines: The temple also features shrines for Lord Hanuman, Kanni Moola Ganapathi, and Dandapani. The Pathinettampadi (18 steps) historically served as a court for resolving disputes.