Kondarangi Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy Hill Temple – Dindigul
Address
Kondarangi Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy Hill Temple – Dindigul Kondarangi Keeranur, Dindigul District, Tamil Nadu 624616
Deity
Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy Amman: Parvati
Introduction
- Location: The Lord Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple, also known as the Kondarangi Hills Shiva Temple, is situated in Kondarangi Keeranur Village, Dindigul District, Tamil Nadu, India.
- Deities: The presiding deity is Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy, with Mother Parvati being the consort.
- Historical Significance: Believed to be around 3,000 years old, the temple is renowned for its Swayambhu Lingam, which is a naturally formed Shiva lingam. The term “Swayambhu” translates to “self-created,” signifying its divine origin.
- Divine Blessings: Devotees who ascend to the temple are believed to receive divine blessings and sanction from Lord Shiva.
Puranic Significance
- Yugas: According to ancient texts, human lives are divided into four Yugas: Satya Yuga, Treta Yuga, Dvapara Yuga, and Kali Yuga. The Vedas reference the idea of good energy being a divine force that demolishes and recreates life on Earth.
- Legends of Kagabajendra and Ganapathy: It is said that during a critical period, two saints, Kagabajendra and Ganapathy, were reborn as crows to act as ambassadors for the divine and aid in regenerating the new world.
- Cave Temple: A small cave temple dedicated to Sage Kagabajendra is located at the hill’s summit. Legend holds that the sage visits the temple in the form of a gentle storm at dusk, starting from the hill’s base and lasting only two seconds.
- Construction and Structure: The temple’s architecture features rock-cut structures, with the steps leading to the temple also hewn from rock.
Special Features
- Divine Connection: It is believed that there is a vibrational connection between the Palani Temple and Lord Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple, symbolizing a father-son relationship. From this temple, one can view the Palani Hills.
- Pandavas’ Meditation: According to tradition, the Pandavas from the Mahabharata are said to have meditated in the cave here, with Arjuna purportedly gaining special powers during his exile (vana vasa).
- Astral Travel: It is believed that meditation on this hill can lead devotees to different astral worlds, enhancing spiritual experiences.
Festivals
- Major Festivals:
- Mahasivarathri: The most celebrated festival at the temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- Chitra Pournami: Another significant festival involving prayers and rituals.
- Other Celebrations:
- Paradhosam: A prayer for Lord Shiva conducted 15 days after each month.
- Ammavasai: Celebrated during the new moon phase in the lunar calendar, dedicated to ancestral worship.
- Pournami: A common festival among Tamil Hindus, focused on the god of the underworld.
- Special Poojas: Mondays often see the conduct of special poojas dedicated to the deities.
Century/Period/Age
3000 year old
Managed By
Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HRCE)
Nearest Bus Station
Keeranur
Nearest Railway Station
Oddanchatram station, Dindigul
Nearest Airport
Madurai