Velliangiri Andavar Hills Temple – Coimbatore

Address

Velliangiri Andavar Hills Temple – Velliangiri Andavar Temple road, Booluvampatti, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 641114, Contact: 0422 261 5258 / 230 0238

Deity

Velliangiri Shiva Amman: Parvati

Introduction

• Location: Velliangiri Mountains, part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, situated at the Western Ghats border of Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu, bordering Palakkad District, Kerala.
• Temple Details:
  • Velliangiri Temple cave is approximately 6 feet wide.
  • Lord Shiva graces devotees as Pancha (Five) Lingas; He is a Swayambumurthi.
  • Two rocks on either side of the temple serve as Dwarapalakas (guardians).
  • The temple is believed to be 1000-2000 years old.
  • The sand in the 5th hill is sacred ash, referred to as Thiruneer Malai (Hill of Holy Ash).
• Significance: Among all mountain shrines in Tamil Nadu, the Shiva temple of Velliangiri is considered the most famous.
• Other Names: Known as Rajathagiri, Dakshin Kailash, or Bhoolok Kailash.
• Legend: It is said to be the site where Shiva performed his cosmic dance at the request of his consort Umadevi.

Puranic Significance

• According to the Kachiappar Perur Purana:
  • Lord Shiva was worshipped by Lord Vishnu-Komuni on Mount Kailash.
  • Vishnu wished to see Shiva’s dance (Aananda Thaandava).
  • Lord Shiva directed Vishnu to Velliangiri, where he showed his dance to sages Patanjali and Vyaghrapada.
• Legend of Vayu and Adiseshan:
  • A dispute arose between Vayu and Adiseshan to prove superiority.
  • Adiseshan encircled Kailash, while Vayu created a twister (santamarutham).
  • This resulted in eight parts falling into different places, including Velliangiri.
• Connection to Epics:
  • Velliangiri is linked to stories from the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
  • It is believed that Mother Sita performed penance to Lord Shiva on the 5th Velliangiri hill.
  • Lord Shiva appeared as a hunter before Arjuna, fought playfully, and granted him the Pasupatha weapon.

Special Features

• Panchagiri: The five faces of Lord Shiva—Brahma, Vishnu, Rudra, Maheshwara, and Sadasiva—are represented as Panchalingas, corresponding to the panchabhutas.
• Natural Resources: The hill ranges are rich in natural resources, including rare herbs.
• Spiritual Significance: The Velliangiri Mountains are considered one of the most powerful spiritual locations on the planet, revered as the abode of Lord Shiva.
• Swayambhu Lingam: Lord Shiva is worshipped as a self-created lingam at the top of the Velliangiri Mountains.
• Kailash Locations: There are three Kailash according to sacred scriptures:
  1. Vada Kailai: Located amidst the ocean in the North Pole.
  2. Madhya Kailai: Situated in the Himalayas.
  3. Velliangiri Kailash: Located in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.
• Devotee Belief: Many devotees believe that the Shiva darshan in this temple is equivalent to the darshan in the Himalayas.

Festivals

• Mahashivrathri: The main festival celebrated at the temple.

Century/Period/Age

1000-2000 Years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Velliangiri Hills

Nearest Railway Station

Coimbatore Junction

Nearest Airport

Coimbatore

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