Velliangiri Andavar Temple / வெள்ளியங்கிரி ஆண்டவர் கோயில் / “THEN KAILAYAM” - Velliangiri Hills, Poondi in Coimbatore District, Tamil Nadu. YATRA 2013.

08, April 2013

I was instructed by our Chairman to inspect the maintenance jobs carried out at his personal Ooty Guest house. Since the inspection was planned for the first week of April, decided to undertake this Velliangiri Yatra. When I called my friend Mr Azhagesan, to join this trip, he readily accepted and some of his office friends also expressed their willingness to join us. When we announced our plan of going during day time others withdrew from the Yathra.

As usual, I stayed at our Company’s guest house  ( Now I retired from SPIC )  and by 07.00 hrs, on 6^th April 2013, started our yatra. Up to Isha  Yoga Centre, We were able to get the bus and from there 1.5 KM we walked to Poondi, the foothills of Velliangiri. When we reached the base temple there were a lot of devotees returning from the top after darshan, who had undertaken their yatra on the previous night. After base temple darshan we started climbing up around 08.00 Hrs. 

It took 1 hour to reach Vellai Pillayar sannidhi at the top of the first hill. After crossing the bamboo forest on the second hill and reaching the third hill. There was tall grass on both sides of the third hill. There was no shade to rest on the 4^th, 5^th, and 6^th hills. But about 20 shops were put on the en-route. The path was up and down and we were able to get the first sight of THENKAILAYAM SHIVA’s CAVE from the 5^th and 6^th hills.  It was hotter than we expected. We could see the plastic papers, biscuit covers chocolate wrappers strewn along the route up to 4^th Hill. ( Too bad ).

 View of the Top hill from 6th hill with greenery in the background

We found it extremely difficult to climb the 7^th hill in the scorching sun and we were exhausted completely. Around 13.00 Hours finally reached the top. There was no crowd on the top. The temperature was also normal. Usually, it will be too chill and the cold breeze will be from the Western Ghats. After a peaceful darshan and a rest of about 30 minutes, started climbing down and reached to the foothill around 19.00 Hours. ( planned to reach by 18.00 hrs ). While climbing down also we took the same time of 5 Hours due to halt at many places.  I got pain in the left leg, otherwise it was okay. We had seen few birds,  squirrels, and a lot of monkeys during our yatra.

 Route on 6th hill

 Vinayagar  temple in the 7th hill route opens to the sky

View of temple entrance from 7th hill route

  Vinayagar sannadhi

 Ambal sannadhi

 Velliangiri Andavar

 Top hill view  from the downside

SOME USEFUL TIPS FOR THOSE WHO WISH TO UNDERTAKE THIS VELLIANGIRI YATRA.

• Take at least 2 liters of water in case you take daytime yatra otherwise 1 litre of water is okay. ( Water is available at Aandi Sunai ( spring ), Kaithatti Sunai, and at 6^th hill – water may contain some contamination hence it is not preferred. But many people consume – I had a severe stomach disorder during my 3^rd Yathra, and after that, I avoided that  murky water)
• Some Fruits to boost energy ( Grapes is okay ).
• Food – may be curd rice will reduce the heat of the body.
• Some chocolates ( Candy Man will do.)
• Glucose powder in one packet.
• Torchlight ( a small 2-battery cell torch will do ).
• A practice of walking without chapel for about 15 days at least will help for the smooth climb ( Some people climb with footwear and shoes – It will be your belief – nobody stops you climb with footwear).
• Bamboo stick, which is available at the base temple at a cost of Rs 20.00 ( difficult to climb up/ down without that)
• There are about 20 shops on the en-route, where you can get Soda, Lemon soda ( opposite Vellai Pillayar ), Mango, snacks, Sukku Coffee without milk,  Kambu ( a millet ) Koozhl. Shops are available up to the base of the seventh temple. These shops will be open only during the season of 15 days before and after Chitra Pournami ( Full moon day ) ie APRIL.
• There are some shops that sell medicinal herbs /plants too.
• Wants to do Abhisheka & Archana? materials have to be taken from the base temple.
• A mandapam is there at the base temple to rest and wants to stay in the night also possible.
• Head tonsuring and bathing are possible at the base temple.
• Please do not throw plastic covers on the hill please bring them back to the base.
• Many people take a bath at the start of Seventh Hill. ( It is your choice ).
• Many people like to take yatra during the night to avoid sun heat. (Sunrise will be beautiful from the top hence it may be preferred).
• Wishes to enjoy the beauty of the hill, cloud floating under your feet may like to travel during day time.
• People undertake yatra during Maha Shivaratri and less during monthly Amavasai ( No moon day )
• Try to take a knife, bandage cloth, or band-aid -  may not help yourself, but may be helpful for the other devotees.
• Ladies – ( Like Sabarimala) are restricted from undertaking the yatra.
• The Yatra will be pleasant if you carry less luggage. The back bag is preferred since the hands will be free.
• Try to undertake yatra in groups, which will be helpful during emergencies. 

Velliangiri Yatra 2019  My Experience: CLICK HERE

Velliangiri Yatra 2018  My Experience: CLICK HERE

Velliangiri Yatra 2017  My Experience: CLICK HERE

Velliangiri Yatra 2016  My Experience: CLICK HERE

Velliangiri Yatra 2015  My Experience: CLICK HERE

Velliangiri Yatra 2012  My Experience: CLICK HERE

Velliangiri Yatra 2011  My Experience: CLICK HERE

Velliangiri Yatra 2011  My Experience: CLICK HERE 

 Devotees dig for vibhuthi

Devotees dig for Kungumam ( The soil color changes within 10 meters )

Wayside shops -Medicinal herbs for sale 

Sparrow - very cute  

 Nature's twist

--- OM SIVAYA NAMA ---