Thindalmalai Sri Velayudha Swamy Temple, Erode

Address

Thindalmalai, Erode district,

Tamil Nadu 638 009

Phone: +91-424-2430114, 94439 44640

Moolavar

Sri Velayudha Swamy

Introduction

Thindal Murugan Temple also called Velayutha Swamy Thirukovil in Erode, is one of the very famous places of worship in Tamil Nadu. The primary deity in this temple is Lord Murugan. The temple is situated on the small hill rock called the Thindal Malai, 8 kilometers from Erode bus stand on the Perundurai road. The temple is located at a distance of 8 kilometres from Erode junction. It is easily accessible by road from Erode and Trichy.

Puranic Significance

Of the 108 Murugan temples praised in the celebrated Tirupugazh hymns of Sage Arunagiriar, Tindalmalai Murugan temple is one. Lord Muruga in the temple is endearingly called Kuzhandai Velayuthaswami and Kumara Velayuthaswami. Idumban in the temple enjoys a special reputation. Once, the place Poondurai became drought. The farmers prayed to Idumba to get them the grace of Muruga for rains and they were blessed and came out of the famine making the place fertile again. The tradition of seeking Idumban’s grace for fertility continues even today. The lamp post (Deepa Sthamba) in the temple is of a special design and type in the Kongu region. Devotees light lamps on this pillar on the Karthika Deepam days. The pillar has sculptures on all sides depicting religion-related events. This is a hill temple. The temple is said to be more than 1000 years old.

Special Features

The temple houses a golden temple chariot car which is used to carry out ceremonial processions holding images of Gods.
The temple premises have two parts – the places above the rock are called Maelthindal or Thindalmedu and the eastern side of the hill rock is called the keel thindal.
The temple conducts a number of pujas for various purposes including marriage, progeny etc.
The Deepa Sthamba (lamp post) adds a special attraction to the temple with its Kongu region type of design. The pillar is adorned by various religious sculptures
Arasamarathu Vinayagar – As tradition goes, Lord Ganesha is the first deity in the temple premises. This temple deity here is named as Arasamarathu Vinayagar. The temple finds its place below a peepal tree and is surrounded with Snake God
Siddhi Vinayagar – The Siddhi Vinayagar shrine is surrounded by two Snake Gods or Naagars. At this place devotees can find the idol of Velayudhaswamy in the front Mandap.
From here onwards start the steps climbing that leads to the main shrine. The hill rock consists of 150 steps in all with a height of 60 metres.
Idumban Sannadhi – Few steps from the entrance is the Idumban Sannadhi. This deity is also known by the names Idumbakkumaran and Idunbasan.
Sri Velayuthaswamy Shrine – Above the hill rock is where Sri Velayuthar shrine is located. To the left of main deity is the Uchava Moorthy statue where Lord Murugan is with Valli and Deivanai.
The Thannasi cave is located on the north western side of the temple. On the event of Karthikai festival, special poojas are performed in Thannasi Siddhar Cave.
Reaching the Sanctum Sanctorum, devotees feel the divinity of Lord Murugan holding his ‘Vel’ (weapon) and seek his blessings.
Theertha Sunai, a sweet spring is found on the north east side of the hill. The water of this holy spring is used for abhishekam of Lord Murugan and for the devotees to quench their thirst.

Festivals

Kandha Shasti, Thirukarthigai, Thai Poosam and Panguni Uthiram are the major festivals which are attended by pilgrims., Aadi Perukku, Aadi Karthigai, Kandha Shasti, Markazhi Pooja are some of the other noted festivals observed in the temple.