Thavalagiri Bala Dhandayuthapani Temple, Erode

Address

Sathyamangalam,

Erode District,

Tamil Nadu – 638503

Moolavar

Thavalagiri Bala Dhandayuthapani

Introduction

Thavalagiri Murugan temple is located in Thavalagiri Hill, Sathyamangalam, and Erode district, Tamil Nadu. According to the proverb that where there is a hill, there is a Kumaran, Murugan who sits on this mountain hill is very powerful. Although this temple is known as Murugan Thavalagiri Dandayuthapani, it is more famous as a Malai Kovil. There are two ways to reach this temple; one can reach the temple by stairs. There is also a road facility for those who cannot. You can reach the base of the temple by taking a bus from Sathyamangalam.

Puranic Significance

Place of Dedication of Durvasa:

Sage Durvasa Bhavani was walking to Sringeri in Karnataka via Sathyamangalam after visiting Guduthurai Sangameswara. Then when he was crossing Bhavani River the flood increased. When he got stuck in a suddenly rising river flood, a peacock flew down and sat on a cliff. Durvasa felt that Lord Muruga himself was making some announcement. He immediately swam to the shore and reached the foot of the cliff. Realizing that when the river was in flood, Muruga had shown him the nearby hill through the peacock and had also given him the courage to give up, as a token of gratitude, he built a beautiful statue of Lord Muruga on the top of the hill and worshiped it.

By the grace of Murugan, agriculture flourished throughout this region. As a result, people’s lives have improved. As peace and happiness increased among the people, a peaceful life was found. There is a rumor that as a special tribute to Murugan, who is the cause of this prosperity, Tippusultan accepted the request of one of his army commanders and built a Garbhagraha for this Dandayuthapani Swami. There is a 270-step path to climb the Thavalagiri hill and a torched road for vehicles. However, most devotees park their vehicles at the foot of the hill and first visit Lord Ganesha, who is seated with Naga to the west. Going up the stairs, Kumara towards the east in the middle of the mountain. After visiting Kumara, if you look towards the west, Bhavani River will flow. The Temple is believed to be 1000 years old.

Beliefs

This place is a very special place for those who pray to Lord Muruga to get good results and seek peace of mind. The villagers around the hill bring milk, paneer, young water, panchamirtha kavadi to Balathandayuthapani and pay a fine debt. Special pujas are performed for him at the moment of light falling. It is believed that if we participate in it, we will get the blessings of Lord Muruga and the grace of Lord Surya.

Marriage bar will be removed by wearing a silk scarf:

What is more special about this place is that it is believed that women who are barred from marriage will be removed if they wear a silk scarf and pray to the god.

Special Features

In the first three days of the month of Chitrai, before the sun sets, the first day shines on the feet of Moolavar Bala Dhandayuthapani, the second day on his chest, and the third day on his face, so he gets the distinction of being worshiped by the sun as Murugan.

In the sanctum sanctorum where the Moolavar is sitting at the top, Thandayuthapani Swami looks west towards Sathyamangala city with a dandayutam in his right hand and his left hand on his hip.

Same place as Palani:

He is carrying a vel in his left hand. In Palani, the third of the Arupada houses, Murugar faces west and Shanmukha river flows from north to south, so here Dandayuthapani faces west, Bhavani river flows from north to south. Thus, it is the belief of the devotees that the benefits of going to Palani can be obtained by visiting Thandayuthapani Swami in this Temple. Ardha Mandapam and Maha Mandapam are located next to the sanctum sanctorum. In the Maha Mandapam there is a peacock and an altar on the naga.

Festivals

Special pujas are held in the morning and evening during Krittikai and Shashti seasons. Special decorations and worship are performed every full moon. On the new moon day, special worships are performed. Mangala Vara Puja is held on every Tuesday and special abhisheka, decorations and Deeparathana are held on Fridays. On the first day of the month of Chitrai, Panguni Uthiram, Vaikasi Visagam, Aadi Krittikai are celebrated like festivals. Thaipusa Thirunal is a big festival here.