Chennimalai - The Temple of Lord Subramanya

The Temple of Lord Subramanya

Special Features

The most famous temple of Lord Muruga in Erode District is Chennimalai. This world famous temple of Lord Muruga is where Lord Arunagirinathar was blessed with "Padikasu", wealth of coins. This is where an unusual phenomenon, rather a miracle took place in the year 1984 on 12 February. A bullock cart with two bulls climbed the 1320 steps on their own on this eventful day. Saravana Munivar wrote the most popular Chennimalai Sthalapuranam before 700 years. Milk and curds are used as special offerings to Lord Muruga in Chennimalai and it is the general belief that curds do not become sour here.

Temple

The temple of Chennimalai is situated on the banks of Noyyal also called Kânchima Nadhi. The Sanctum Sanctorum faces the east. Just in front of the temple we find the Puliyadi Vinâyagar. Inside the temple to the right of Moolavar we find the shrines of Mârkandeswarar and to the left Umayavalli. On the left side we find the shrines of Kasi Viswanâthar and Visâlâkshi.

If we take the steps found just behind the Moolavar Sannidhi, we reach the Valli Teyvannai Temple. The two consorts enshrined in a separate temple are a very unique phenomenon. On the top of the hill we find the Pinnâkau Siddhar cave with the front yard filled with Vel of different sizes and shapes. This Siddhar is one of the popular 18 Siddhar known to the world for their Siddha yoga. Near this cave we find the Saravana Mâmunivar's Tomb. There is also another very ancient cave near this temple.

Speciality of this temple

The main deity Murugan is equated to the Sevvai graham or planet Mars and all the rest of the eight planets encircle the Lord in perfect harmony. If one circumambulates the main deity he is believed to get the benefit of circumambulating the navagrahâs and worshipping them.

Valli Teyvannai Temple

As we go further up behind the temple we see the Valli Teyvannai temple. They are in penance to attain Lord Muruga. They are known by the names Amirthavalli and Sundaravalli. A separate temple for Valli and Teyvannai is the most unique feature of this temple.

Shasti Vratam

The observance of Shasti fast is also a special feature in this temple. Many devotees take this vow and spend 6 days fasting and praying at the temple premises. The monthly Shasti day after the new moon is also observed with great reverence. Particularly those devotees without progeny sincerely observe this Shasti fast and there are many instances of families coming traditionally on getting their vow fulfilled.

Sirasuppu Utharavu Kêttal

Asking for the Lord's permission before taking up any task like building a new house or getting their children married or any other issue is customary in this temple. Devotees offer an Archnai and perform Sirasappu offering. If the reply is positive they whole-heartedly perform that action or event. Traditionally if the answer is negative the Devotees do not venture further.

Holy water brought by the Temple Bulls

The holy water for Abishekam is being brought everyday by the temple bulls, which are being maintained by the Devasthanam. This procedure is also a very unique one not found in other temples.

Mamanga Theertham

Once in twelve years, during drought conditions a spring gushes out water. This spring is on the southern side of the hill temple. This is a miraculous Divine happening. The Vinâyagar near the spring called Mamânga Theertha Vinâyagar. The people worship this Vinâyagar and the holy springs with great Devotion.