Muthukumaraswamy Temple, Vattamalai, Tiruppur
Muthukumaraswamy Temple is a
Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Murugan located at Vattamalai Village near
Kangayam in Tiruppur District of Tamil Nadu. This hill temple enshrines the
beautiful images of Murugan flanked by Valli and Devasena. The temple is facing
west, and is a landmark visible for miles. Saint Arunagirinathar had visited
this place and sung Thirupugazh Hymns on Lord Murugan of this Temple. Many
Indian movies have been shot at Vattamalai. Recently, the shooting of a Hindi movie Chennai Express
starring Shah Rukh
Khan made news as temple
authorities refused to allow the crew to shoot inside the temple. The
temple is in the control of Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment.
Legends
Kongana Siddhar was prominent
among the eighteen Siddhars. He resided on this hill and hence this place is
also known as Konganagiri.
History
Historically, the temple is
believed to have been built about 1300 years ago during the period of the three
crowned Kings Cheras, Pandyas and the Cholas. The symbols of Fish belonging to
Pandyas confirm this fact.
The
Temple
The temple is situated atop a
small hillock with nearly 100 steps for pedestrian devotees and a hill route
for motorists. This west facing Temple is having a three-tiered Rajagopuram.
Lord Vinayaka, Balipeedam and flag post in the Vasantha Mandapam can be found immediately
after Rajagopuram. Presiding Deity is called as Muthu Kumaraswamy. Lord Muruga
graces the devotees from this temple holding a trident, Shatkona, and Angusa.
Earlier, this was a Shiva
temple. During the consecration in the 1949, Lord Muthu Kumara Swamy became the
presiding deity. Among the Muruga temples in the Kongu region of Tamilnadu,
this is especially significant to have Adisesha (the divine snake serving as a
bed, umbrella and throne to Lord Vishnu) is also installed near Lord Muruga. It
is said that a snake is still in the temple but does not harm the devotees.
The sculptures of Yoga Narasimha,
Vishnu, Rama, Anjaneya and Mother Bhadrakali can be found on the walls of the
prakaram. There is also a sculpture of Veerabhadra on the southern wall of
Artha Mandapam. Lord Shiva in his Linga form graces with Mother Parvathi in the
southwest side of the Maha Mandapam. Mothers Valli and Deivanai are in their
respective shrines in the north side. There are entrances also for the shrines.
A large and broad Lotus is
adoring the centre of the Maha Mandapam as a Mahanyasa Peeta. On the Panguni
Uthiram day, a great pot full of water is placed on the Lotus and personified
as Lord Muruga himself. After the pujas are over, this Theertha water is used
for abishekam of the presiding deity. This peeta has its own powers.
Lord Maha Ganapathy and
Idumban shrines are on the hill route. Peacock Mandapam and the Deepasthamba
are outside the temple according to Kongu Nadu tradition. The 16 pillared
Mandapam in on the southwest corner. The wedding festival is conducted in this
part of the temple as followed in earlier days.
A sculpture of Saivite Saint
Sundarar in a pillar in the Vadya Mandapam of the temple shows his visit during
his Shiva pilgrimages. Theertham associated with this Temple is Saravana
Theertham. The Saravana Theertha spring was created by thunder and lightning,
offering very sweet water. This is also praised as Neeradi-Neruppadi Sunai.
Sunai means spring.
Temple
Opening Time
The temple remains open from 9.00
AM. to 12.00 Noon a.m. and from 4.30 PM. To 6.00 PM.
Festivals
Two pujas are followed in the
temple as per Shivagama rules. Regular worship is offered with great religious
fervor and the annual festivals are celebrated on a grand scale. Sashti (6th
day of the full moon or new moon fortnights) and Kruthika star days mark the
monthly festival of the temple with special abisheks and pujas in the mornings.
The annual festivals are Vaikasi Visakam in May-June, Thai Poosam in
January-February, Soora Samharam in Aipasi the October-November and Panguni
Uthiram in March-April. Panguni Uthiram has greater importance among the
festivals.
The 10-day festival beginning
with flag hoisting and procession within the inner prakara continues with the
wedding event of Lord Muruga with his consorts and the car – Rath drawn around
the hill. Water is brought from Kodumudi for abishekams. The place would look
like a sea of devotees. Special prayers are offered to the Lord on Tuesdays with
Sevvarali flowers (Ghanera).
Singers
This famous ancient temple
dedicated to Muruga has the special distinction of being visited by the famous
Saiva saint Arunagirinathar once. He eulogized the glory of the Lord and
Kshetram in fine sweet verses.
Prayers
Devotees believe that Muthukumaraswamy
shall fulfill every wish they have in mind, Devotees offer garlands made of a
red flower called Sevvarali on each Tuesdays to realize their wishes. As per
local customs, a newly married husband should carry his wife to the top of the
hill and if he accomplishes this, their married life is blissful. The Scene in
Chennai Express starred by Sharukh Khan and Deepika Padukone is inspired from
this local custom and scene was also shot here.
Contact
Muthukumaraswamy Temple,
Vattamalai, Tiruppur District
– 638 703
Phone: +91 99762
18099
Connectivity
The Temple is located at about
8 Kms from Kangayam Bus Stand, 8 Kms from Kangayam, 26 Kms from Dharapuram, 31
Kms from Uthukuli Railway Station, 36 Kms from Palladam, 37 Kms from Tiruppur
and 70 Kms from Coimbatore Airport. The Temple lies between Palani and Kangayam
town, accessible by bus.