Sri Vetri Velayuthaswamy Temple / Kathithamalai Murugan Temple / Kathithamalai Kumaran / கதித்தமலை வெற்றி வேலாயுதசாமி திருக்கோவில், ஊத்துக்குளி, Kathithamalai / Kaithamalai, Uthulkuli, Tiruppur District, Tamil Nadu.

This place Kathitha Malai is locally called as Kaithamalai, is about 2 KM from Uthukuli, once famous for the Butter. During my School Days, about 60 years before we had been to this Hill, Sri Vetri Velayuthasamy Temple through bicycle. During that time there was no steps or road to the temple. There was a lot of improvement in the temple and the approach road from the base.

Moolavar  : Sri Vetri Velayuthasamy

Consort    : Sri Valli and Devasena

Some of the salient features of this temple are…

The temple is on a small Hill with approach road and a footpath to reach the base of the temple. The temple is facing east with a 5 tier Rajagopuram. The Temple is on an elevated level with 45 Steps. A Deepa sthambam is in front of the Rajagopuram, Balipeedam, Dwajasthambam and Mayura Vahana are in front of the mukha mandapam.  Moolavar Sri Vetri Velayutha Swamy is in standing posture, holding a spear ( Vel ) in the right hand  and left hand is in kadi hastam. A Swayambhu Murugan installed by the sage Agathiyar is in the form of a Shiva Lingam, on the right side of Deity Murugan.

Dwarapalakas are at the entrance of the ardha mandapam. The Nava Veeras are in the mukha mandapam. They are Veeramarthandar, Veerapurantharar, Veera Mahendran, Veeratheerar, Veerabahu ( Captain ), Veeranthakar, Veerakesari, Veeraakkathar, Veera Maheswaran.  

In praharam, Sri Valli Devasena ( on the back side of the Sanctum sanctorum ),  Bilva tree, Idumban and Chandikeswarar. Mayura siddhar Samadhi is on the back side of the temple with an ant hill over the Samadhi. It was learnt that 3 snakes resides in side the ant hill, gives darshan to the devotees occasionally.

ARCHITECTURE

The Sri Vetri Velayuthaswamy Temple consists of sanctum sanctorum antarala, ardha mandapam and an open mukha mandapam. The sanctum sanctorum is on a pada bandha adhistanam with jagathy, threepatta kumudam and pattaikai. The bhitti starts with vedika. The pilasters are with kalasam, kudam, palakai and pothyal. The prastaram consists of valapi, kapotam. A two tier brick Vesara vimanam is on the bhumidesam. Stucco image of Murugan’s various forms are on the Tala and Greeva kostas. There is no images on the Deva Kostas.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

As per the architecture the temple, may belongs to 17^th to 18^th Century. The cement concrete mukha mandapa with stucco images on the top of parapet wall are added during recent years.

Maha Kumbhabhishekam was performed during July 2017.

It is believed that the 14^th - 15^th Century Saint Arunagirinathar has sung hymns in praise of Sri Vetri Velayuthasamy. But the hymns are couldn’t be traced.  

LEGENDS

As per the legend once the sage Agathiyar along with Narada and Devas, are visiting the Murugan temples of Kongu region. After reaching this place Agasthiyar was feeling very thirsty and don’t find any water source to drink. Agasthiyar prayed to Muruga to help him. To Agathiyar’s prayer, Muruga immediately appeared before him and hit the earth with his spear / vel, which creates a pit and water was gushing out in the form of a water spring / Utru – ( ஊற்று in Tamil ). Hence this place was called as Utru+kuzi – ஊற்று+குழி   -  which has got corrupted to the present name of Uthukuli.

This is one of the Parihara sthalam for Rahu and Ketu. Devotees pour milk and egg to the anthill to get relieved from dosha.

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Apart from 3 kala regular poojas, special poojas are conducted on Kandar Sashti with Thirukalyanam, Panguni Uthiram Chariot festival, Kiruthigai, Karthigai Deepam, Tuesdays, Fridays and all other Murugan’s auspicious days.

Chariot

TEMPLE TIMINGS

The temple will be kept opened between 06.30 hrs to 13.00 hrs and 16.00 hrs to 20.00 Hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS

The land line number +914294 262052 may be contacted for further details.

HOW TO REACH

The Kathitha Malai Sri Vetri Velayuthasamy Temple is about 2 KM from Uthukuli Bus stand, 3.6 KM from Uthukuli Railway Station, 16 KM from Tiruppur Railway Station, 25 KM from Chennimalai, 40 KM from Erode, 67 KM from Coimbatore and 457 KM Chennai.

Nearest Railway Station Uthukuli.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

Footpath entrance

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Arulmigu Subramaniya Swami Temple / Arulmigu Thiruthani Murugan Temple, Thiruthani / Tiruttani, Ranipet District, (Tiruvallur District ), Tamil Nadu.

The visit to this Arulmigu Subramaniya Swami Temple was a part of Tiruttani Temples Visit on 31^st July 2022. Had been to this temple after the darshan of Sri Veeratteswarar, in Tiruttani city. The 15^th Century saint Arunagirinathar and Nakkeerar praises Murugan of this Tiruttanigai Hill.

அருவிக் குன்றடையப் பரவிச் செந்தினைவித்

            தருமைக் குன்றவருக்                                    கெளியோனே

    அசுரர்க் கங்கயக்ல்பட் டமர்க் கண்டமளித்

            தயில்கைக் கொண்டதிறற்                           குமரேசா

தருவைக் கும்பதியிற் றிருவைச் சென்றணுகித்

            தழுவிக் கொண்டபுயத்                                   திருமார்பா

    தாளச் சங்குவயற் றிரளிற் றுங்குதிருத்

           தணிகைச் செங்கழநிப்                                    பெருமாளே

…..அருணகிரிநாதர்

5. குன்றுதோறாடல்

பைங்கொடி நறைக்காய் இடை இடுபு வேலன்

அம்பொதிப் புட்டில் விரை இக்குளவியொடு

வெண்கூ தாளம் தொடுத்த கண்ணியன்

நறுஞ்சாந்து அணிந்த கேழ்கிளர் மார்பின்

கொடுந்தொழில் வல்விற் கொலைஇய கானவர்

……….

…….

குறும்பொறிக் கொண்ட நறுந்தண் சாயல்

மருங்கில் கட்டிய நிலன்நேர்பு துகிலினன்

முழவுறழ் தடக்கையின் இயல ஏந்தி

மென்தோள் பல்பிணை தழீஇத் தலைத்தந்து

குன்றுதோறாடலும் நின்றதன்பண்பே,அதாஅன்று.

…. நக்கீரர் திருமுறுகாற்றுப்படை

Moolavar  : Sri Murugan as Subramaniar

Consorts  : Sri Valli & Devasena

Some of the salient features of this temple are….

The temple is facing east on a small hill. There are two paths to reach the Hill top. One path is through a road in which cars, buses and autos will go to the top. The other path is foot path with 365 steps. A 9 tier Rajagopuram of 132 feet tall is under construction  in front of a 3 tier Rajagopuram. Murugan as Subramaniar with small size Sri Valli Devasena  in standing posture are in the sanctum sanctorum. Murugan is holding sakthi ayutham and Vajra in hands. In Deva koshtam Vinayagar and Murugan in standing posture.  Sri Valli’s sannidhi is on the right side of the moolavar and on the left side is Devasena, both sannidhis may be added during Vijayanagara period.

In first praharam / Corridor, Balasubramaniar, Chandikeswarar, Durgai and Bairavar. In Second praharam / corridor Ekambaranathar, Arunachaleswarar, Ardhanareeswarar, Chidambareswara, Kumareswarar, Arumugar, Abathsahaya Vinayagar, Nava Viras and Yaga sala. A 3 tier Rajagopuram is after the Balipeedam and Elephant Vahana ( not facing moolavar Murugan. The legend is written below ). Utsavars are also in the praharam. The third corridor / praharam is with a small gopuram  Balipeedam, Kodimaram, Elephant Vahanam, Prasannakatha eswarar and Uma maheswarar sannidhis.

PC Website

ARCHITECTURE

The temple complex consists of sanctum sanctorum, antarala, ardha mandapam, maha mandapam, Vahana mandapam and mani mandapams with three corridors. The corridors are completely covered with stone slabs. The sanctum sanctorum is in square shape on a simple upanam, pada bandha adhistanam  with jagathy, three patta kumudam, and pattigai. The Bhitti starts with vedigai and the pilasters are of brahma kantha pilasters. The prastaram consists of valapi kapotam and bhumi desam. A three tier dravida Vimana is on the sanctum sanctorum called Ananda Vimanam. The Vimanam above the Bhumi desam is covered with Gold plated plates. Murugan’s standing posture images are in 2^nd tier and Greeva koshtas.

The Yaga sala was constructed during Vijayanagara period. Vijayanagara dynasty’s embalm is on the wall of Yaha sala.

There are four entrances with a mini Gopurams on east, south and north. Herbal paintings are in the vahana mandapam.

PC Website

Vahana mandapam where the old painting are available (PC Website )

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

Even-though the original temple was constructed by whom ..? is not known, received contributions from Pallavas, Chozhas and Vijayanagaras. The Murugan of this temple was praised by Arunagirinathar, Nakkeerar, Kachiappa Munivar, etc,. As per the literatures this place was called in different names such as Thanigai, Serunthanigai, KazhuneerkunRam, Tiruttani, Thanimalai, Thanigaimamalai, Thanigaverpu, Kanthachalam, etc,.

The inscriptions on the back side of the wall belongs to 10^th Century Parantaka Chozha and Vijayanagara Kings. The inscriptions mainly records the donations in-terms of land, gold, Cow, sheep etc made to this temple for Service, offering Naivedyam, burning lamps / perpetual lamps etc,. 

Parantaka Chozha’s ( 32nd reign year - 939 CE  ) ( Tiruvallur mavatta kalvettukkal Volume-I ) inscription mentions as மதுரை கொண்ட பரகேசரி.. Moolavar was called as Subramania  Pillayar and the place as Thiruthani. The inscription records the gift of land by a lady Kandi Nangai a relative of certain Parakesari Muttaraiyan of Oviyur to the temple of Subramanya Pillaiyar, who was pleased to stand on the hill at Tiruttaniyal ( near Aguvur ), the eastern hamlet of Perunganji Kil pidagai alias Aguvur in Ogavalanadu Melur Kottam, which formed part of Jayangonda Chozha mandalam.

Parantaka-I's 38th reign year ( 945 CE ) inscription records that a decision was taken on performing the Srikaryam of Subramanya Swami temple on the top of the hill, by the sabha of Tiruttaniyal, met at a Hall constructed by Satturudaiyan Sattan of Malanadu 

Rajendra Chozho-I's, 10th reign year inscription at Sri Virattaneswarar Temple ( a much damaged ) records ( in Tiruvallur mavatta Kalvettukal Volume-I ) a gift of 7 3/4 kalanju gold as deposit and from the interest earned 1/4, a perpetual lamp has to burn at Subramaniya Pillayar Temple at Tiruttaniyal alias Jananatha Vhaturvedimangalam in Padavur Kottam by a person called Thillai Raman of Parichana Chaturvedi mangalam alias Kavethipakkam ( Kaveripakkam ) in Paduvur kottam. Another person a servant Pambunikilan, also gave a gift of 1024 kuli land, 90 Sheep ( Sava moova peraadu ) for burning a perpetual lamp.

The Vijayanagara period Chaluva Thippayya Devar ( Sakam 1439 - 1517 CE ), period inscription records gift of a Lamp to the Thiruthani Sengazhuneer Vinayagar temple built by Chaluva Thippaiyya Deva Maharasar. 

Vijayanagara King Kampanna Udayar's 1365 CE inscription records the gift of money for the festival at Sengazhuneer Vinayagar temple at Arumugam Temple.  

The Vimanam above bhumi desam is covered with Gold plated plates in 2010. Maha Kumbhabhishekam was conducted in 1986, and on 07^th February 2011.

LEGENDS

This is one of the arupadai Veedu temples ie 6 abodes of Murugan. Murugan fought and killed Soorapadman at Thiruchendur. Came to this place Thiruthanigai, Murugan sat on this hill in a peaceful mood / Shantha. ( Thanigai – reducing anger ).

It is believed that Indra gave his Vahana Elephant after marriage with Devasena. Hence elephant will be in front of Murugan temple instead of Peacock. As per the Historians, the old Murugan temples will have only Elephant vahana.

The Elephant Vahana is not facing Murugan, instead it is facing east direction. As per the legend, the Iravatham, Indra’s Vahana was gifted to Murugan after marriage with Devasena. After that the wealth was decreased in Indralok. So Indra requested Murugan to allow Iravatham to face east direction, ie Indra Moola.

 

One of the offering of salt and pepper

Ear boring mandapam

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Apart from regular Poojas as per Kumara tantra, special poojas are conducted on Masi Perunthiruvizha, Aadi Krithigai, Vaikasi Visakam, Thai poosam, Chithirai Cart festival, Ani Brahmotsavam, Karthigai Deepam, Maha Shivaratri, etc.

Archanas will be done in Tamil by Ravi gurukkal 9443282414, Nagarajan Gurukkal 9443282432, Venkatesan Gurukkal 9443229673, Ganesh Gurukkal 9445957198, Rajasekar Gurukkal 9443738577 and Sivakumar Gurukkal 9444644046.

Teppa utsavam ( PC Website )

TEMPLE TIMINGS

The temple will be kept opened between 06.00 hrs to 20.30 Hrs. The darshan will be stopped during abhishekams between 08.00 hrs to 09.00 hrs, 12.00 hrs to 13.00 hrs and 17.00 hrs to 18.00 hrs.  

CONTACT DETAILS

The land line number +91 4427885247 may be contacted for further details.

Email address: tiruttanigaimurugan@gmail.com

Web site and Reference

https://tiruttanimurugan.hrce.tn.gov.in/hrcehome/index_temple.php?tid=1506

HOW TO REACH

This Murugan Temple is about 6 KM from Tiruttani Railway station, 4 KM from Tiruttani Sri Veeratteswarar Temple, 40 KM from Tiruvallur, 55 KM from Ranipet and 89.2 KM from Chennai Central.

Nearest Railway station is Tiruttani.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE  : CLICK HERE

Newly constructed Rajagopuram

West Entrance

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Shanmughanathar Temple / Kundrakudi Murugan Temple/ Kunnakudi Murugan Temple / அருள்மிகு சண்முகநாதர் ஆலயம் ( மயூரகிரிநாதன் ) , Kunnakudi / Kundrakudi, Sivaganga District, Tamil Nadu.

The visit to this Shanmuganathar Temple at Kundrakudi near Karaikudi was a part of structural and Rock Cut cave  Shiva and Vishnu temples visit in Tiruchirappalli, Pudukkottai and Sivagangai Districts, on 21^st November 2021. Since Murugan temple is located on a small hill this place was called as Kundrakudi, latter the same was got corrupted to the present name of Kunnakudi. This place was also called as Mayuragiri, Mayilmalai, etc,. To prove it is believed that the hill resembles like Peacock at certain angle. 

  

The 15^th Century Arunagirinathar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Muruga of this temple in his Thiruppugazh.

அழகெ றிந்த சந்த்ர முகவ டங்க லந்த

        அமுத புஞ்ச இன்சொல்                                மொழியாலே

அடிது வண்ட தண்டை கலிலெ னுஞ்சி லம்பொ

        டணிச தங்கை கொஞ்சு                                 நடையாலே

சுழியெ றிந்து நெஞ்சு சுழல நஞ்ச ணைந்து

        தொடுமி ரண்டு கண்க                                     ளதனாலே

துணைநெ ருங்கு கொங்கை மருவு கின்ற பெண்கள்

        துயரை யென்றொ ழிந்து                               விடுவேனோ

எழுது கும்ப கன்பி னிளைய தம்பி நம்பி

        யெதிர டைந்தி றைஞ்சல்                              புரிபோதே

இதம கிழ்ந்தி லங்கை யசுர ரந்த ரங்க

        மொழிய வென்ற கொண்டல்                       மருகோனே

மழுவு கந்த செங்கை அரனு கந்தி றைஞ்ச

        மநுவி யம்பி நின்ற                                            குருநாதா

வளமி குந்த குன்ற நகர்பு ரந்து துங்க

        மலைவி ளங்க வந்த                                         பெருமாளே

Moolavar : Sri Shanmuganathar / Murugan.

Consorts  : Sri Valli and Devasena

Some of the salient features of this temple are…

This temple is facing east on a small hill with and entrance arch. Stucco image of Arumuga with Valli Devasena is on the top of the arch. A 5 tier Rajagopuram is at the beginning of Mandapams on the hill. Steps are cut on the rock and constructed on some places. Moolavar Murugan with Srivalli Devasena are is in the sanctum sanctorum. Murugan is with 6 faces and 12 hands.  Dwajasthambam, balipeedam and Mayil / Peacock is in the mandapam.

Dakshinamurthy, Swarna Vinayagar, Kuzhandhai Vadivelar, Idumban, Natarajar, Navagrahas, Vallabha Ganapathi, Nalvar,  Kasi Viswanathar & Visalakshi Somaskandar, Chandikeswarar are in the praharam. The Pillars has many sculptures, which includes, Kundrakudi adigalar, Marudhu Brothers.

 

ARCHITECTURE

The temple is constructed on a small hill, about 40 meters ( 132 feet ) from the base. The steps starts from south. The 5 tier Rajagopuram is at the end of the steps on the South side ( height 16.5 meters.). Idumban sannidhi is after the Rajagopuram. An ashtadikpalakas panel is on the ceiling of a mandapam. All the mandapam ceilings are interconnected to form a single mandapam. Mandapa pillars are in different styles with different styles of pothiyals. Mandapa pillars has the bas reliefs of Marudhu Pandiyars, Adheenams, Donor Chettiyars, etc,.  Dravidian style Vimanams of Sri Kasi Viswanathar and Sri Murugan’s are above the ceiling.

 Ashtadikpalakas

Periya Marudhu and Chinna Maruthu

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

It is believed that the original temple was constructed during Pandya period, during 8^th Century. But most of the structures belongs to 17^th to 18^th Century, may be re constructed by Maruthu Pandiyar’s period.

The inscription dated 03^rd May 1979, under Periya Marudhu  sculpture records as Sivagangai Seemai was ruled by him ( 1780 – 1801 CE ), He is very much fond of Lord Muruga of this temple who cured his  “Rajapilavai”  decease, This Malai Koil / Hill temple was constructed by him, Marudhapuri Tank was created by him and Thanga Kavacham / Gold kavasam for the Ursavars was gifted by him. Chinna Marudhu was accompanied in all activities of Periya Marudhu.

Elephant was gifted by Ka. Ar. Ka. Kadappa Chettiar on 1^st February 1971.

The entrance arch foundation was laid on 9^th February 1931, by V R MA Alagu Pillai under the order of M R R Sreemath Deivasigamani Ponnambala Desikar, Trustee of Piranmalai etc, Devasthanams and Thirukailayam Parambarai Tiruvannamalai Adheenam Maha sannidhanam, who laid the foundation. 

Maha Kumbhabhishekam was conducted on 19^th March, 2014.

Donors

Kundrakudi Adigalars

LEGENDS

It is believed that the sage Agasthiyar and Pancha Pandavas worshiped Sri Shanmuganathan / Murugan of this temple. Devotees used to conduct the marriages in this temple. Devotees tonsure their children’s head treating Murugan as one of their Kula Deivam. Devotees offer Salt and Pepper to get relieved from skin deceases. Special prayers are Angapradakshinam and Adi pradakshinam.

Devotees also pray to Murugan for removing marriage obstacles, Child boon, to get relieved from various problems, etc.

In one legend the Demon Soora and his men wants to take revenge on Devas. So they told to Peacock that the vahana Garuda of Maha Vishnu and Swan of Brahma can fly higher altitudes and faster.  The peacock got angry and swallowed Garuda and Swan. Maha Vishnu and Brahma appealed to Muruga to get released their Vahanas. Due to this Peacock has got curse from Maha Vishnu and Brahma. Peacock came to this hill which is in the form of Peacock and worshiped Lord Muruga and got relieved from its curse.  

Donors

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Apart from regular poojas special poojas are conducted on Panguni uthiram ( March – April ), Thaipoosam in the month Thai ( January – February ), Kandhar sashti, Vaikasi Visakam, Avani Moolam, and Pal Perukku Vizha. On Thaipusam day devotees carry Kavadi from far off places.  People also offers pepper and salt in the temple tank.

TEMPLE TIMINGS

The temple will be kept opened between 07.00 hrs to 12.00 hrs and 16.00 hrs to 20.00 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS

The Land line and mobile number +914577 264227 and +91 9790583820 may be contacted for further details.

HOW TO REACH

This Murugan temple is in the heart of Kundrakudi is about 12 KM from Karaikudi, 12 KM from Tirupattur,  42 KM from Pudukkottai, 89 KM from Tiruchirappalli and 414 KM from Chennai.

Nearest Railway station is Karaikudi.  

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE  : CLICK HERE

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---