Orukkamalai Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple, Salem

Address

Orukkamalai Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple, Orukkamalai, Aiveli, Salem District, Tamil Nadu 637301

Deity

Sri Varadaraja Perumal

Introduction

• The Varadaraja Perumal Temple is perched on the Orukkamalai hills, approximately 5 kilometers from Sankagiri and about 40 kilometers southwest of Salem, Tamil Nadu.
• The temple can be accessed along the road connecting Sankagiri to Konganapuram and is known for its scenic beauty and spiritual significance.

Puranic Significance

The Legend of “Orukkamalai”

• Around 1000 years ago, the region surrounding Orukkamalai was primarily used by cowherds for grazing cattle.
• One day, a cowherd stumbled upon natural formations of Vaishnavite symbols (Sankhu, Chakram, and Naamam) inside a cave, along with a naturally formed idol of Hanuman located just outside the cave.
• This discovery sparked the cowherd’s curiosity and led him and his friends to begin daily worship of these natural shrines.

The Name “Orukkamalai” Explained

• A pivotal incident unfolded when a cow, after grazing, laid down in the temple area and refused to rise. The cowherd, desperate to return the cow to its owner, tried numerous methods to coax the cow to stand, but to no avail.
• In a moment of desperation, he prayed to Lord Varadaraja Perumal, vowing to offer One Paisa (a small coin) if the cow would get up and complete its journey.
• Miraculously, upon making this promise, the cow stood up and began walking without any resistance.
• However, the cowherd soon forgot his promise in the hustle of daily life. A week later, the same cow returned to the temple and lay down once more in front of the sanctum sanctorum.
• Despite the cowherd’s attempts to move her, she remained unmoved until he recalled his vow and offered the coin. Upon fulfilling his promise, the cow got up and continued on her way.
• This incident underscores the importance of fulfilling vows made to the Lord. The area subsequently became known as “Oru Kaasu Porukka Malai”, meaning “One Coin Fulfillment Hill,” which was later abbreviated to “Orukkamalai.”

Beliefs and Practices

• Devotees flock to the temple to pray for various needs, and upon receiving answers to their prayers, they offer “Thirukodi.” In Tamil, “Kodi” signifies new clothes, and Thirukodi refers to a new dhoti, which is used as a wick to light a massive lamp situated on an ancient lamp post outside the cave.
• The number of Thirukodis lit throughout the day corresponds to the number of offerings made. Each Thirukodi is accompanied by a pooja (ritual) and the offering of food, which is believed to be shared with the local monkeys, regarded as incarnations of Hanuman.

Century/Period/Age

1000 Years old

Nearest Bus Station

Orukkamalai

Nearest Railway Station

Salem

Nearest Airport

Trichy, Coimbatore

lightuptemple