Shri BalaMurugan Temple / ஶ்ரீ பாலமுருகன் கோயில், Kasipalayam Malaikovil, Kasipalayam, Erode District, Tamil Nadu.

Even though the temple is dedicated to Sri Murugan, called as Sri Valli Devasena Kalyana Subramaniar. This temple is also called the Malaysia Murugan temple.

Moolavar: Sri Balamurugan

Some of the salient features of this temple are…

An arch is on the roadside before entering the street. The temple faces east on a small kundru/ rock of about 60 feet high.  Sri Vinayagar sannidhi is on the right side of the entrance to the Malai Koil steps. About 100 steps are constructed to reach the temple from the base. Stucco images of peacocks and Munis doing meditation. Idumban sannidhi is just below the end of the steps.

A dwajasthambam, balipeedam and peacock vahana are in front of the sanctum sanctorum. In the sanctum, Murugan is in a standing posture with two hands. The right hand is in abhaya hastam, andthe left hand is in kadi hastam. Peacock is on the back side of Murugan faces south.

 

In Mandapam Selva Vinayagar, Palliyarai, Brahma, Chandikeswarar, Nagars, Bairavar and Navagrahas. Stucco images of Murugan’s arupadaiveedu is below the beams of the ceiling of the mandapam.

In mandapam Sri Rajalingeswarar sannidhi is on the left, and Ambal Sri Swarnambigai is on the right side of Sri Bala Murugan. This form is claimed as the Somaskandar form.

ARCHITECTURE

It has become a regular feature of installing a tall Murugan statue in the Hill temples. Here also, the image of Murugan is about 36 feet tall. The Murugan is a replica of the Malaysia Pattu Cave Murugan, hence called Malaysia Murugan Temple.

The top temple consists of 3 sannidhis for Murugan, Shiva and Ambal. All the temples are constructed with concrete. The individual sannidhis are within the sanctum sanctorum, only with a common ardha mandapam/maha mandapam. An eka tala vesara vimanam is on the top of the Murugan sanctum sanctorum.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

The temple is believed to be 100 years old, and Maha Kumbhabhishekam was conducted two times.

LEGENDS

As per Shiva’s one of the 64 Thiruvilaiyadal puranas, Murugan has separated from Shiva and Parvati, stands as Balathandayuthapani on hills to bless his devotees. Here, Murugan is called Bala Murugan, and consorts are not accompanied by him.

It is believed that Sri Bala Murugan is vara prasathi. Devotees pray for a child and a marriage boon.

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Apart from regular poojas, special poojas are conducted on Pournami, Amavasya, Thaipoosam, Kandar Sashti, Maha Shivaratri, pradosham, Kiruthigai, etc.

TEMPLE TIMINGS

The temple will be kept open from 06.00 hrs to 12.00 hrs and from 17.00 hrs to 19.30 hrs. On Tuesdays and festival days, the temple be open without a break.

CONTACT DETAILS

The Archakar S Senthilkumar’s mobile number, +919626308314, may be contacted for further details.

HOW TO REACH

The temple is about 150 meters from Kasi Palayam High School, 2.7 km from Erode Railway Station, 4.8 km from Erode Bus Stand, and 9.3 km from Tindal Murugan temple.

The nearest Railway Station is Erode.  

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE

Muneeswarar with Saptakannis

Muneeswarar

Selva Vinayagar Temple at the base

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Sri Velayuthaswamy Temple/ ஸ்ரீ வேலாயுத சுவாமி கோயில், திண்டல்/ Tindal, Erode, Erode District, Tamil Nadu.

THINDALMALAI SRI VELAYUDHASWAMY TEMPLE

Visited this temple along with other temples in Erode and written as a combined post. This part is separated and written as a separate post. 

 

Moolavar: Sri Velayudhaswamy

 

Some of the important features of this temple are...

The temple faces east on a small hill/kundru. There is an arch at the roadside and at the beginning of the steps. There are 109 steps neatly paved with a covering for the pilgrims. Valli Guga / Cave is on the left, and Idumban Sannadhi is at the center of the hill. Idumban's story is painted on the walls of Idumban’s sannidhi. 

 

Moolavar faces east in a standing posture with two hands. The right hand is in abhaya hastam, and the left hand is in kadi hastam.  The Urchavar is in the mandapam. Thanga Ratham (Golden Chariot) is in the praharam in a closed enclosure. 

 Stucco image of Murugan in the middle of the steps

Stucco image of Murugan at the middle level. 

ARCHITECTURE

The temple consists of the sanctum sanctorum and ardha mandapam. The temple was constructed with stone from upanam to prastaram. The sanctum sanctrum is on an upanam and pada bandha adhistanam with jagathy, kumudam, and pattikai. The bhitti starts with vedikai. The pilasters are of Brahmakantha pilasters. The prastaram consists of valapi and kapotam, with nasi kudus. A two-tier brick vimanam with 2 talas, greevam, and vesara sigaram is on the bhumi desam. Murugan's various forms are on the tala and greeva koshatams. 

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

The present temple structures were built in the 20th century. The steps are constructed, and mandapams are added at the end of the 20th century. Maha kumbhabhishekam was also conducted in recent years.

The construction of the base Rajagopuram, new arch, steps, and a Shiva temple is in the process of construction (2025). 

LEGENDS

As per Shiva’s one of the 64thiruvilaiyadal puranas, Murugan has separated from Shiva and Parvati, stands as Balathandayuthapani on hills to bless his devotees. Here, Murugan is called Sri Velayutha Swamy, and consorts are not accompanied by him.

 

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Apart from regular poojas, special poojas are conducted on Pournami, Amavasya, Thaipoosam, Kandar Sashti, Maha Shivaratri, pradosham, Kiruthigai, etc.

The Golden chariot "Thanga Ratham" procession/ Oorvalam is charged Rs 1500.00 (in 2015).

POOJA TIMINGS 

The temple is kept open from 06.00 hrs to 12.30 hrs, and from 16.00 hrs to 20.30 hrs.

It will be extended by 30 minutes on Tuesdays and Fridays.

CONTACT DETAILS 

The office Phone number is 2430114

The website is: thindalmurugan.tnhrce.in

e-mail: thindalmurugantemple@gmail.com

HOW TO REACH

The Hill temple is on the way to Coimbatore, Perundurai to Erode, and 4 km before Erode.

Town bus facilities are available from Erode and Perundurai.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE

 Valli Guga/ Cave   

Peacock at the base in front of Rajagopuram

 The Rajagopuram at the hilltop

The construction of the base Rajagopuram, new arch, steps, and a Shiva temple is in the process of construction (2025). 

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Pulikuthi Hero Stone / Veerakallu, Sri Thanthondreeswarar Temple / ஸ்ரீ தான்தோன்றீஸ்வரர் கோயில், Nambiyur, Erode District, Tamil Nadu.

In this Pulikuthi Hero stone, the hero looks straight, holding a sword in the right hand and a shield in the left hand. His face is shown with a big moustache, and the tuft is shown straight up. He wears ornaments on the ears and around the neck.  The Tiger is shown with its front legs on the Hero’s stomach and biting the Hero’s right hand.

Unusually, the Hero will be shown holding a knife or a Kattar and killing the Tiger. But in this hero stone, the hero is shown with a sword in the raised position, and the Tiger bites the hero. 

As per the experts, this Hero stone may belong to the 16^th to 17^th century.

LOCATION OF THE HERO STONE: CLICK HERE

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Pavala Malai Murugan Temple / பவள மலை முருகன் கோயில், Muruganpudhur, Pariyur Road, Gobichettipalayam, Erode District, Tamil Nadu

The visit to this Sri Pavalamalai Murugan Temple, at Gobichettipalayam, was a part of the Erode District Shiva and Murugan Temple’s Visit on 24^th July 2024. It was a long wish to visit the Pachaimalai Murugan and Pavalamalai Murugan Temples of Gobichettipalayam. Pavalamalai is a very small hill compared to Pachaimalai, and the temple is small. The temple can be accessed through steps and a Road from the base. The Moolavar of the temple is called Sri Muthukumaraswamy,  Murugan, Etc. 

Moolavar: Sri Muthukumaraswamy

Some of the salient features of this temple are….

The temple can be accessed through steps and a tar-topped road. A Two-tier Rajagopuram is at the end of the steps. A Vinayagar Sannidhi is after the Rajagopuram. The temple on the hill faces east with Deepa Sthambam, balipeedam, and Peacock vahana. 

In praharam, Vinayagar, Sri Periyanayagi samedha Sri Kailasanathar, Chandikeswarar, and Shiva sannidhi.

Sri Kailasanathar Temple…..

Moolavar  : Sri Kailasanathar

Consort    : Sri Periya Nayagi

Some of the salient features of this temple are….

This Shiva temple also faces east with a balipeedam and Rishabam. Moolavar is of swayambhu on a round Avudayar. (It was said that the Moolavar was taken from the paddy fields) In koshtam Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma, and Durgai.

ARCHITECTURE

The temple consists of the sanctum sanctorum and the ardha mandapam. The Sanctum Sanctorum is on a upanam and padabandha adhistanam with jagathy, kumudam, and pattikai. The bhitti starts with vedikai. The pilasters are Brahma kantha pilasters with vettu pothyal. The prastaram consists of valapi and kapotam with nasikudus. The temple was built with stone from adhistanam to prastaram. The single-tier vesara vimanam is on the bhoomidesam. Dakshinamurthy, Murugan’s various forms with his consorts are on the tala and greeva koshtams.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

It is believed that the temple is about 200 to 300 years old. The temple is under palalayam and preparing for the Maha Kumbhabhishekam on 22^nd August 2024.

LEGENDS

As per the legend, once Durvasa Maharishi wished to do Shiva Pooja when he was at Kunnathur. Through extra-sensory power, he came to know that this place was ideal. But he couldn’t do it with full concentration. So he did penance on Murugan, and Murugan appeared and gave darshan. To Durvasa’s request, Murugan stayed as Muthukumaraswamy stayed in this temple.

It is believed that this hill was a part of Meru Hill. In the process of tussling between Adiseshan and Vayu, Adiseshan holds the Meru hill, which consists of precious stones. The Vayu blew air, and a part of the Meru Hill, with Pavalam (Coral), was dropped at this place. Hence, this Hill is called Pavalamalai.

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Apart from Regular poojas, special poojas are conducted on Kiruthigai, Adi Kiruthigai, Thaipoosam, Sashti, Kandar Sashti, Tuesdays, Fridays, Amavasya days, etc.

TEMPLE TIMINGS

The temple will be kept open from 07.00 hrs to 13.00 hrs, and from 16.00 hrs to 19.00 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS

The mobile number +91 97157 40960 may be contacted for further details.

HOW TO REACH

From Gobichettipalayam to Pariyur Road, turn right, opposite PKR Arts College for women, and the temple will be about a km. An entrance arch is at the beginning of the Road.

The temple is about 3 km from Pariyur Kondathu Kaliamman Temple, 2.6 km from Gobichettipalayam Bus Stand, 2.8 km from Pachaimalai Murugan Temple, and 37 km from Erode Railway Station.

The nearest Railway Station is Erode.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

Arulmigu Subramanyaswamy Temple / Pachaimalai Murugan Temple / பச்சைமலை முருகன் கோவில், Pachaimalai, Gobichettipalaiyam, Modachur, Erode District, Tamil Nadu.

The visit to this Sri Subramaniya Swamy Temple, at Gobichettipalayam, was a part of the Erode District Shiva and Murugan Temple’s Visit on 24^th July 2024. This temple is also known as Pachaimalai Murugan Temple. It was a long wish to visit the Pachaimalai Murugan and Pavalamalai Murugan Temples of Gobichettipalayam. This Pachaimalai is also called Maragathagiri/ Maragathachalam. Moolavar is being called different names like Subramanyaswamy, Murugan, Bala Murugan, Bala Dhandayuthapani,   

Moolavar: Sri Subramanyaswamy / Sri Bala Dhandayuthapani

Some of the salient features of this temple are….

The temple faces west on a small hill and may be approached through 181 steps and a Road from the base. A 40-foot stucco Murugan and Sthalapurana images are at the end of the Steps. The Rajagopuram is of 5 tiers. Balipeedam, Dwajasthambam, and Peacock Vahanas are before the Sanctum Sanctorum. Dwarapalakas Veerabhagu and Veera Mahendran are at the entrance of the Sanctum Sanctorum. Moolavar Murugan /Sri Subramaniaswamy is about 3 feet tall on a 3-foot-tall pedestal without consorts.  Various forms of Murugan's images are in the koshtam. 

In the inner praharam, Utsavars  Shanmugar with Vallli Devasena, Pradosha Murthy, Uma Maheswarar, Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniar, Veerabagu, and Shula Devar.

In the outer praharam Vinayagar, Sri Maragatha Venkatesa Perumal, Maragatha Valli Samedha Sri Maragatheeswarar, Natarajar with Sivakami, Adhi Vinayagar, Adhi Maragatheeswarar, Adhi Maragathavalli, Idumban, Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniar, Arunagirinathar, Anjaneyar, Chandikeswarar, Navagrahas, Bairavar.

Sri Maragatheeswarar Temple…

Moolavar : Sri Maragatheeswarar

Consort  : Sri Maragathavalli

This Shiva Temple faces east with Balipeedam and Rishabam. Moolavar is on an elevated level on a round avudayar. In Koshtam, Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma, and Durgai.

Ambal is in a separate sannidhi facing east. Ambal is in a standing posture with abhaya varada hastam. Various forms of Amman images are in the koshtam.

ARCHITECTURE

The main Temple consists of the Sanctum Sanctorum and Ardha Mandapam. The inner and outer praharam are constructed with a common mandapam. Stucco images of Shiva with Parvati, Arupadai Veedu, and Murugan with Sri Valli Devasena are on the parapet wall. The main sanctum sanctorum is on a upanam, kapota bandha adhistanam with padma jagathy, kumudam, and Kapotam. The bhitti starts with vedikai. The pilasters are Vishnukantha pilasters with a square base, kalasam, kudam, plakai, and Pothyal. The sanctum sanctorum was built with black stone from adhistanam to prastaram. The vimanam above the prastram was constructed with bricks and cement concrete. The vimanam is of Dravida style with stucco images of Murugan’s various forms.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

The temple was completed in stages from 1956. Mr Kuppuswamy Goundar looked after the temple till his demise. The Thirupani was started in 1968. After Thirupani was completed, Swarna Bandhana Maha Kumbhabhishekam was conducted on 13^th July 1981. After his demise, his sons took over the Thirupani. The praharam sannidhis, Rajagopuram, and further expansion were done at an estimated cost of Rs 1.10 crores.

Maha mandapam construction was started on 12^th May 1980, and Outer praharam was started on 16^th December 1980.

The trial run of Golden Chariot was conducted on 12^th October 2008. Swarna bandhana, Ashta bandhana maha Kumbhabhishekam was conducted on 06^th July 2006, and 24^th February 2021.

LEGENDS

It is believed that a water source is available on the top of the hill, hence this hill was called Pachaimalai.

As per the legend, once Durvasa Maharishi wished to do Shiva Pooja when he was at Kunnathur. Through extra-sensory power, he came to know that this place was ideal. But he couldn’t do it with full concentration. So he did penance on Murugan, and Murugan appeared, and gave darshan in the form of Bala Dhandayuthapani. At Durvasa’s request, Baladhandayuthapani stayed in this temple.

After the temple went into a dilapidated condition, Murugan came in the dream of Mr. Kuppuswamy Gounder and directed him to re-construct the temple. 

Stucco image of the legend of Muruga marrying Valli, Vinayagar in the form of an Elephant.

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Apart from Regular poojas, special poojas are conducted on Kiruthigai, Adi Kiruthigai with Golden Chariot procession, Thaipoosam, Sashti, Kandar Sashti, Tuesdays, Fridays, Amavasya days, etc.

TEMPLE TIMINGS

The temple will be kept open from 06.00 hrs to 13.00 hrs, and from 16.00 hrs to 20.00 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS

Ramasubramanya Gurukkal’s mobile number is +919698235352, and Muthukumar (Paniyalar) Official’s Mobile number is +919698340010, and may be contacted for further details.

HOW TO REACH.

This temple can be reached from Modachur (an arch on the roadside), a part of Gobichettipalayam, and Erode Road.

The temple is about 1.5 km from Gobichettipalayam Bus Stand, 4.7 km from Modachur, and 37 km from Erode.

The nearest Railway Station is Erode.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA---