Sri Odhimalai Andavar Temple, Coimbatore

Address

Sri Odhimalai Andavar Temple, Irumbarai-638 459, Coimbatore District, Phone: +91-4254 – 287 418, 98659 70586

Deity

Sri Othimalai Andavar( Murugan)

Introduction

• Location: Othimalai, Irumbarai village, Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu.
• Deity: Dedicated to Lord Murugan as Sri Othimalai Andavar.
• Age: Believed to be between 500 to 1000 years old.
• Access: 2000 steps to reach the temple; there are also sannadhis (shrines) for Vinayagar (Ganesha) and a naturally formed Shiva Lingam.
• Temple Layout:
  • Sannidhi for Idumban and Kadamban before the main sanctum.
  • An annadhana mandapam (community kitchen) on the left.
  • Main sanctum facing east with a peacock vahana (vehicle) and balipeedam (offering platform).
  • Sannidhi for Kasi Viswanathar (Shiva) on the left and Sri Visalakshi on the right.

Puranic Significance

• Brahma and Murugan:
  • Lord Brahma bypassed Murugan during a visit to Mount Kailash, leading to Murugan demanding the meaning of the Pranava Mantra.
  • Unable to answer, Brahma was jailed by Murugan, who then began the creation himself, taking on Brahma’s five faces.
  • Due to the high standards of the creatures created by Murugan, Mother Earth sought Lord Shiva’s intervention.
  • Upon learning the meaning of the Pranava Mantra from Murugan, Brahma was released.
• Place Name Origin:
  • “Odhimalai” derives from Murugan teaching the Agamas of the Vedas at this location, as “Odhal” means learning and “Malai” means hill.

Beliefs

• Seeking Blessings:
  • Devotees perform “Varam Kettal” (Seeking a Boon) by choosing one of two flowers to seek Lord Murugan’s approval before new endeavors.
  • People pray for knowledge, wisdom, and distinction in education, often offering milk and sandalwood during abhishekam (ritual bathing) and vastras (clothing) to the Lord.

Special Features

• Darshan:
  • Murugan gave darshan to Bogar with one face; he usually has six faces but showed five here.
  • The sand where Bogar performed Homa (fire ritual) remains white and is offered as prasad (blessed food) during festivals.
• Rare Form:
  • Murugan in Odhimalai is known as Kaunchamurthy, representing a rare form with five faces and eight hands.
  • There is no shrine for Ambika (Murugan’s consort) as Murugan appeared alone.
• Additional Shrines:
  • Swayambu Vinayaka is present at the foot of the hills.
  • Kasiviswanatha and Mother Visalakshi grace separate shrines, with the name Irumbarai derived from Brahma’s imprisonment in an iron room (Irumbu in Tamil means iron, and Arai means room).

Century/Period/Age

1000 Years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Irumbarai

Nearest Railway Station

Coimbatore Junction

Nearest Airport

Coimbatore

lightuptemple