Kumaragiri Dhandayuthapani Temple, Salem

Address

Kumaragiri Dhandayuthapani Temple, Kumaragiri, Salem District, TamilNadu- 636015 Phone: +91- 427 – 240 064.

Diety

Dhandayuthapani

Introduction

The temple located on Kumaragiri hill is dedicated to Lord Muruga, specifically known as Dhandayuthapani. It is a prominent pilgrimage site with an interesting history.

The Kumaragiri temple is situated atop a hill, and reaching the temple requires climbing more than 700 steps. The hill is also known as Kumaragiri hill.
The temple is dedicated to Lord Muruga, with the specific name Dhandayuthapani, which signifies that he holds the divine weapon called the “Dandayudham” or “Vel.”

Puranic Significance

The temple is believed to be approximately 500 years old, making it a place of historical and religious importance.
The temple follows the pooja rituals as per the Karana and Kameeka Agamas, which are ancient religious texts that guide temple rituals.
Arunagirinathar, a revered saint and poet, praised this temple in his Thirupugazh Hymns, a collection of devotional songs dedicated to Lord Muruga.

The temple’s establishment is associated with Saint Karupanna Swamy, who had a divine vision of Lord Muruga. In his vision, Lord Muruga directed him to build a temple where his divine feet could be found on top of Kumaragiri hill.
The temple’s history is also linked to a story of Lord Muruga’s protest against Lord Shiva’s decision on the mango fruit. In this tale, Lord Muruga left his home and parents and settled in Palani.
During his journey to Palani, Lord Muruga paused at this location with his peacock vahana (vehicle). Later, a devotee en route to Palani also took a rest here, and he heard a voice saying, “I am here as Dhandayuthapani.”
Although the devotee did not initially comprehend the voice, he proceeded to Palani. Lord Muruga then appeared to the devotee in the form of a beggar, gave him a begging bowl, and instructed him to build a temple at the place where he had heard the divine voice.
With the funds collected through the begging bowl, the temple was built at Kumaragiri. Mango fruit is offered to Lord Muruga at this temple, reflecting his association with the mango story. The temple also has the reputation of making Salem famous for mango production, and devotees affectionately address Lord Muruga as “Mambazha Murugan,” which translates to “Mango Muruga.”

Beliefs

Devotees pray to Lord Dhandayuthapani with mango fruit nivedhana for wedding and child boons. People carry milk pots, offer cocks and tonsure as prayer commitments.

Festivals

Devotees pray to Lord Dhandayuthapani with mango fruit nivedhana for wedding and child boons. People carry milk pots, offer cocks and tonsure as prayer commitments.