Senjeri Velayudha Swamy Temple, Coimbatore

Address

Senjeri,

Coimbatore – 641669

Phone: +91- 4255- 266 515, 268 515, 268 415

Moolavar

Velayudha Swamy

Introduction

Senjerimalai is a village in Sulur circle in Coimbatore district in Tamil Nadu. Here the Lord is called as Velayudha Swamy. The Temple is believed to be more than 1000 years old.

Puranic Significance

Once upon a time, Markandeya approached Nandideva, who resides in the forest, to seek the blessings of the miraculous power of mantra. He expressed that due to the harsh penance of Surapadman, a fierce demon; both the gods and the people were suffering. Upon learning about this, Lord Shiva created Kartikeya, who emerged from his third eye, to defeat Surapadman. Born out of Shiva’s divine vision, Kartikeya grew up in the Saravana Poigai (Lake of Reeds) and was later summoned to the forest. Murugan, who inherited his father’s divine essence, sought to vanquish Surapadman and his associates, and to lead the celestial armies. When Murugan approached his father to inquire about his divine purpose, Shiva directed him to surpass Agastya, the greatest ascetic. With the approval of Narada, Murugan acknowledged Agastya as the greatest ascetic. However, Vasishtha, a sage, challenged this assertion and declared Kartikeya as the best ascetic among them. Acknowledging Vasishtha’s wisdom, Agastya humbly returned to the forest, where he immersed himself in penance once again. Recognizing Agastya’s desire, Shiva, according to Agastya’s wish, bestowed upon him the title of Saraloka Tirtha and blessed those who bathed in the sacred waters here to be relieved of their sins and to attain grace. This sacred tirtha is now known by the name “Vattradha Isu Nayanatirtha,” which translates to “the sacred waters that do not deviate from truth and bestow divine knowledge.” It is said that by bathing in this sacred tirtha located in the northern part of the temple, one can overcome mental afflictions and the influence of evil forces.

Special Features

A special darshan of Thirumal in this temple with the linga in his right hand. In the Navgraha sanctum, Lord Surya is facing west and other planets are facing towards him. In this temple, Velayutha is shown with 12 arms. He holds a rooster flag and a rooster in his left hand.

Nataraja and Sivakamiyambal are seen in Tanichannadi. There are shrines to Kailasanathar, Periya Naiki and Vinayaka. Nearby there are three hills namely Shakti Hill, Tirumal Hill and Brahma Hill. There are Ganesha and Murugan shrines on both sides where the steps start at the base. While walking through the 230-step mountain path, one can visit Kumaran, Saptakannyar and Itumban in separate shrines. There is also a separate road for vehicles to go up the hill. After entering the temple, there is a Mahamandapam next to the flagpole.

Belief

Worshiping Murugan with a ghee lamp during the Sashti Vrat is said to be sure of a child. People who have an ancient curse on the 11th full moon believe that if they worship Murugan with a lotus garland and a ghee lamp, the curse will be removed.