Poomparai Kuzhanthai Velappar Temple, Kodaikanal
The Kuzhanthai Velappar Temple (Kulandai Velayudha Swami
Tirukkovil) has three thousand years of history and was consecrated by his
holiness Bhogar. The idol is made of Dasabashanam. This temple
comes under Pazhani Devasthanam.
Every year Poombarai celebrates Ther
Thiruvizha (car festival) for Lord
Muruga. It falls on Kettai
nakshatra which comes after Thai Poosam. Normally it comes in Thai or Maasi month.
The word Kuzhanthai means infant in Tamil language. Kuzhanthai
Velappan means the infant God carrying the weapon Vel. Although it is supposed
to be written as Kuzhanthai, people generally mention the name of this temple
as 'Kulandai' Velappan Temple.
Kulandai Velappan Temple or Kulandai Velayudha Swamy
temple is a temple which comes under the administration of the popular Palani
Temple. It is located at the heart of Poomparai, a scenic village, near
Kodaikanal.
The temple is located in a scenic location surrounded by
beautiful hills and valleys. The breathtaking Poomparai village view point is
very nearby.
Legends
Kulandai Velappan temple is one of the popular temples
in Kodaikanal region. Although the current structure of the temple located in a
huge complex is new, it is believed that the original idol of the main deity
was installed by Bogar, the Siddha who migrated from China to Tamil Nadu.
Although his period is not confirmed, it is generally believed that he lived
between 3rd and 5th century CE.
It should be noted that he installed Palani Murugan idol
too. Similar to Palani idol, Kulandai Velappan idol is made of nine alloys
(Nava Pashanam), which has great medicinal values. It is believed that a
devotee prayed to Lord Velappan in this temple and then he got a child. He
immediately offered chocolates and candies to his friends and well wishers.
Lord appeared in his dream and asked why he did not
offer chocolates to him. He immediately rushed to the temple and offered
chocolates and candies to Lord Velappan. It has become a ritual and even the
other devotees follow this. It is very rare to find chocolates and candies
being offered in a Hindu temple in South India.
Temple Layout
Kulandai Velappan temple is located in a very huge
complex. You don't need to worry for parking space even if you come by a bus or
truck.
The temple is built in a typical South India temple
architectural style. There is no tower. The sanctum sanctorum faces towards the
east direction. The main idol, Kulandai Velappan is present in the standing
posture in the sanctum sanctorum. His mount (vahanam) peacock is found near the
Bali peetham and flag staff facing towards the main shrine.
There is a sub-shrine where the metal Utsava idols of
Ganesha and Subramanya with his consorts are placed. It is found near the
sanctum sanctorum.
The wall
around the main shrine has Nataraja and Dattatreya as the Koshta idols. It is
very rare to find Nataraja and Dattatreya in the form of carvings as the Koshta
idols. Moreover, it is also rare to find the carving or idol of
Dattatreya. The temple also houses many sub-shrines of various deities
such as Shiva Linga, Ganesha, Navagraha, Bhairava, Idumban, Dakshinamurti and
Nagas.
