Kurinji Andavar Temple, Kodaikanal
Kurinji Andavar Temple, located at a distance of around
5 km from the bus station. Dedicated to Lord Muruga, the God of Hills as per
the Tamil literature, tourists visiting this temple can enjoy beautiful view of
Vaigai dam and Palani hills.
In Tamil Language, Kurinji means hilly region, while the
word Andavar refers to God. In addition, this temple is also a venue for summer
festival, which is celebrated in the month of May every year. During this
festival, tourists flock the temple so as to seek the blessings of Lord Muruga.
Kurinji Andavar Murugan temple is famous for its Kurinji
flower which blossoms in the area only once every 12 years. The deity here is
called Sri Kurinji Eswaran, who is in fact Lord Murugan. This temple was built
in 1936 by a European lady, who on coming to Ceylon, converted to Hinduism.
History
Sri Kurinji Andavar Temple was built in 1936 by a
European Lady who converted into a Hindu due to her faith. She changed her name
as Leelavathi and married Mr. Ramanathan. She is also known as Lady Ramanathan.
The name of this temple is Sri Kurinji Eswarar
Temple; Kurinji is the name of a flower which blossoms once in 12
years in the Kodaikanal hills. Taking this flower's name the deity here is
called “Sri Kurinji Eswarar ", In fact He is Lord Murugan.
This temple is under the management of Arulmighu
Dhandayuthapani Swamy Thiru Kovil, Palani.
The main deity of the east facing temple is
Dhandayuthapani (Subramanya aka Murugan). He is found in the sanctum Sanctorum.
In the main shrine there is a small idol of Ganesha also found.
The small temple has a three tiered tower and a single
parakaram surrounding the main shrine. In the prakara the sub-shrines of
Vishnu, Ganesha and Nava Graha are found. Facing Vishnu, there is Hanuman idol;
beyond that there is Garuda idol.
Kurinji Flower
Kurinji Flower blossoms once in 12 years are a rare tree
and are seen on the temple. The last blossom was on the year 2004 and the next
blossom in on 2016.
