Sri Odhimalai Andavar Temple, Coimbatore

Address

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

Diety

Sri Othimalai Andavar( Murugan)

Introduction

The temple is located in the Othimalai, Irumbarai village in Coimbatore district of Tami Nadu. The temple dedicated to lord Murugan as Sri Othimalai Andavar. It was believed that the temple is 500 to 1000 years old with 2000 steps to reach the temple. There are sannadhis for Vinayagar and naturally formed Shiva Lingam. Before climbing to main sanctum, sannadhi for Idumban and Kadamban. And annadhana mandapam is on the left. The temple is facing east with peacock vahana and balipeedam. Sannadhi for Kasi Viswanathar on the left of main sanctum and Sri Visalakshi on the right side of the sanctum. Moolavar is with five faces and 8 hands, beautiful and charming face. It was believed that Sri Othimalai Andavar recited the Pranava manthiram in to the ears of Lord Shiva and hence the Hill is called as Othimalai.

Puranic Significance

During a visit to Mount Kailash, Lord Brahamma, the creator, after saluting Vinayaka, simply bypassed Muruga and proceeded for darshan of Lord Shiva. Lord Muruga stopped him and demanded the meaning of the Pranava Mantra from Brahmma which Brahamma was not able to offer. Hence, Muruga jailed him and began the creation work Himself. Brahmma had five faces then. Lord Muruga too, having assumed the charge of creation had for himself the same five faces. All the creatures created by Lord Muruga including humans, were of high righteous standards and enjoyed high longevity too. This added to the burden of Mother Earth. She went to Lord Shiva and explained her woes. Lord Shiva intervened, asked Muruga the meaning of Pranava Mantra which Lord Muruga explained. On the direction of Lord Shiva, Muruga released Brahmma from his captivity. Lord Muruga explained the meaning of Pranava (the first Vedic sound Ohm) in Swamimalai. Here in Irumbarai, Muruga taught the Agamas of the Vedas. Odhal in Tamil means learning. Malai means hill. As Lord Shiva learnt from His son Muruga these philosophies here, the place came to be known as Odhimalai. The Lord also was named Odhimalai Andavar.

Beliefs

Before undertaking any new endeavors, devotees seek the approval from Lord Muruga with two flowers choosing one to know his opinion. This is called Varam Kettal – Seeking a Boon. People also pray for knowledge, wisdom and distinction in Education As a prayer commitment; devotees perform abishek with milk and sandal, offer vastras-clothing to the Lord.

Special Features

Muruga gave darshan to Bogar with one face. Muruga is known to have six faces; he showed five in Irumbarai and one here. The sand in the place where Bogar performed his Homa is still white. During festival days this is offered as Prasad to devotees. When the Lord met Muruga, in Odhimalai, He came alone not accompanied by His Consort-Ambika. Hence, there is no shrine for the Goddess. Muruga had five faces and eight hands. As Lord Muruga has in Himself the characteristics of Lord Shiva and considered part Shiva, he also had five faces then. This is a very rare form of Lord Muruga. Muruga in this form is known as Kaunchamurthy. People pray to Him for knowledge, wisdom and distinction in Education. Swayambu Vinayaka graces from a shrine in the foot of the hills. This hill temple is constructed with Kasiviswanatha on the right of Lord Muruga and Mother Visalakshi in the right, a form known as Somaskanda form Lord Shiva who recommended the release of Brahmma graces from a separate shrine at the foot of the hills. Brahmma was lodged in an iron room. Irumbu in Tamil means iron and Arai the room. The place is named after this as Irumbarai.