Palamalai
Aranganathar Temple, Coimbatore
This is a hill temple. The devotee will not feel it difficult to
climb the hill as there are green trees on both sides. As there were no
sufficient stones to build the temple, the construction could not go through
earlier. Suddenly, people heard a big sound one day. Next morning they found a
big rock in splits. They began the construction with the rock splits and
completed it successfully. Now there is a road to the hills for convenient
driving of vehicles. This abode of Shri Ranganathar is located in Palamalai
Hills is near Periyanaickenpalayam on Mettupalayam Highway (Ooty Road) about 30
kms from Coimbatore.
Of late, this place is in news for man-animal conflict
particularly with the 'Rajahs' (elephants – that's how the locals address it)
or 'Doddavar' (respectful reference to a family elder in Kannada). As everyone
knows this is manmade friction. We are encroaching and trespassing their
territory and they have been left with no choice but to retaliate. Resultant,
the hamlets on the fringes of Palamalai range are prone to elephant 'trespass'
for food and water. Ironically, the man is fighting for his own survival.
The view from Palamalai is breathtaking, a panoramic view of
Coimbatore on the south-eastern side and on the other, unending folds of the
Mother Nature. The hill/mountain range stretches up to Nilgiris on the northern
side and on the western, it goes up to Anaikatty (Tamil Nadu) and thereon the
range runs into the Kerala side of Mannakkad and the famous Silent Valley
National Park. The terrain from the Palamalai side towards Kerala is almost
inaccessible by foot and only seasoned trekkers and the tribals may give a go.
The wildlife here is mainly Rajah (the elephants), wild gaur (cousin of bison),
deer, leopards, occasional sighting of bear, wild dogs, wild cats, snakes,
different variety of birds like Peacocks, owls, bald eagles, jungle fowls, etc.
it’s an ideal location for bird sighting too.
HISTORY
Liberation from Vashista’s Curse:
The story goes that Gandharva Dhurdhaman was bathing in the tank
with women. Maharishi Vashista who was returning after visiting Lord Shiva got
the due regards from the women who came out of the tank and sought his
blessings. However, the Gandharva disregarded the presence of the Rishi and
continued to bathe in the tank.
An angry Rishi cursed the Gandharva to turn to a Rakshasha.
Shocked at this sudden turn of event, the women folks pleaded with the Rishi to
bring the Gandharva back to his handsome form. Over time, Kaalava Rishi who was
undertaking penance here invoking the blessings for Lord Narayana was harassed
by this Gandharva turned Rakshasha.
Perturbed at this, the Rishi increased the severity of his
penance. Pleased with his prayers, Lord Narayana appeared before the Rishi and
killed the Rakshasha with his discus thus liberating the Gandharva from his
curse and helping him unite with his Gandharva wife.
Kaalava Rishi requested the Lord to stay back here and provide
darshan to devotees in the same standing posture as Ranganatha.
Liberation from the Bear’s curse:
Another story goes that King Nanda Boopala relinquished his
kingdom and headed towards the forest handing over the crown to his son Dharma
Gupta. One day, while returning from a trip, the king had to stay back in the
forest as it had suddenly become dark.
He climbed a tree to sleep there for the night only to be joined
there by a scared Bear that had been chased down by a hungry Lion. Both of them
agreed to take turns and sleep half the period of the night and keep vigil
against the hungry Lion.
With the Bear staying awake the first half, the Lion tried to
negotiate a deal with the Bear asking him to push down the King in return for
being allowed to go free. Not willing to go back on the agreement with the
King, the Bear refused.
Well past mid night the Bear and the King exchanged turns and it
was now time for the king to keep vigil. When the Lion tried to strike the same
deal with the King, he immediately pushed the Bear down. However, to the shock
of King Dharma Gupta, the Bear escaped. Once away at a distance, the bear
informed the king that he was no normal Bear and that he belonged to the clan
of Brigu Rishi.
The Rishi also informed the Lion that he was a Yaksha who had
turned into a Lion as a result of the curse of Gautama Rishi and that it was
time for him to be liberated from the Rishi’s curse.
The Bear who was angry at the king betraying the trust placed on
him for protection during that night cursed him to turn into a lunatic. Shocked
at this, king Dharma Gupta sought his father’s help. Former King Nanda Boopala
took his son to a Sage who suggested that Dharma Gupta bathe in the Sacred
Padma Theertham in Palamalai and invoke the blessings of Lord Ranganatha there.
Dharma Gupta was relieved from his curse at this place and went
back to rule his kingdom in a righteous manner.
Construction of the temple:
The story goes that this was a thick and dense forest area. A
cowherd who allowed his cow to graze here found that there was no milk left.
One day, as he watched closely, he was amazed to find the milk on the Swayambu
Lord that had come up here. It is believed that the invisible voice sent him
the message that he should bring milk from the next morning.
A delighted cowherd followed this practice every morning. To this
day, every morning inside the temple, the small idol of the Swayambu Lord is
presented the milk Abhisheka as part of the morning pooja.
With the thick forest, devotees were keen that an outer wall be
constructed around the temple but when the temple authorities fell short on
construction material it is believed the Lord answered their prayers with the
huge rock on the Southern side of the temple breaking up into pieces to
constitute the material for the construction. Interestingly, answering the
prayers, Lord provided sand in the far Northern corner of the temple.
Padma Theertham as seen in the story above is on the Northern side
of the temple about 1/2km away.
Siddhars
Krishnanandhaji
(Siddhar):
Krishnanandhaji is a sanyasi who made thavam in Himalayas for
around 40 years. He is from Ooty belongs to the Baduga people. He also lived in
Palamalai Temple for around 15 years and made thavam in Palamalai temple. His
Thapas Place is located at the North West side of the temple.
Kaliyannasamy (Siddhar):
Kaliyannasamy (also known as Kalidass Sami), a Siddhar lived in
Palamalai and made several pooja to the Palamalai Aranganathar temple.
Especially, on each full moon day he did Sathyanarayana Pooja to the Aranganathar
at evening 7.00 pm. At last he passed away long back and his jeevasamathy is in
Palamalai Temple.
Theppakulam
A Theppakulam is situated on the Northern side of the temple about
half km away. It is also called as 'Padma Theertham'. Padma Theertham is
believed to be magic water for liberation from diseases, illness and different
kinds of doshams. Most of the kings king regained their original princely form
after a bath at this sacred tank (Padma Theertham).
Festivals
Festivals are celebrated in a grand manner at this temple. There
is an old small temple chariot that is replete with interesting sculptures.
·
Puratasi Saturdays-
Procession outside the temple
· 11day Brahmotsavam in
Chitrai (including 7days before Pournami)
·
Azhvaar Utsavam on their
Birthday
·
30day Margazhi Utsavam
·
Thai Pongal
·
Chitra Pournami
Chithra Pournami:
Chariot Festival is a famous function in Palamalai temple which is
conducted once in a year. On the full moon day of the Tamil month Chithirai,
the Chithra Pournami Chariot Festival is celebrated in Palamalai. It is
believed that the festival has to seen by the man who born in this earth at
least once in his lifetime to attain a sacred life.
Krishna Jayanthi
Celebration:
Krishna Jayanthi is celebrated in Palamalai Aranganathar temple
every year. It is the birthday of Lord Krishna and it is famously celebrated by
the devotees all over the world and especially in Palamalai. On that day, many
games are conducted in Palamalai. One of the main events is Uriadithal where
people try to break a pot that tied at a particular point.
Vaigunda Ekadasi:
Vaigunda Ekadasi is one famous function in Palamalai temple
celebrated every year. It is celebrated at the night time usually. Lord
Ranganathar will roam the Palamalai in his own horse and bless his devotees. It
is believed that Vaigunda Ekadasi celebration will sacred a life of human and
his soul will go to Vaikundam after his death.
Facts
Moolavar: Ranganatha in an East facing Standing posture
Thaayar: Sengothai Thaayar and Poonkothai Thaayar (separate sannidhis)
Utsavar: Ranganatha
Temple Time: 530am-8pm
Contact: Rangaraja Bhattar @ 93604 96065, G. Krishnamurthy Bhattar @ 76395
19750, Jagadeesan, Hereditary Trustee@ 94433 48564
Annadhanam
Annadhanam (lunch) is provided everyday for all the devotees who
visits the Arulmigu Palamalai Aranganathar Temple.
Our Honourable Chief Minister had started a Annadhanam plan for
all the devotees in many temples. As per the Annadhanam plan, everyday mid-day
lunch in provided in this Palamalai Temple for all the devotees and peoples
around this Palamalai.
If you are interested to provide Annadhanam in your name for a
day, then you can register your name by paying Rs.1000/- (Rupees Thousand only)
and Annadhanam will be provided to all in your name on that particular day. As
well as you can pay Rs.15,000/-(Rupees Fifteen Thousand Only), so that yearly
once Annadhanam is provided to all by the interest amount attained from your
amount. As per the government order 80G, Tax Exception is provided for this Annadhanam
Plan.
Around 200 to 300 peoples are served with Annadhanam every day. On
special occasions such as like Puratasi Saturday, Chitra Pournami, etc more
than 1000 peoples will be visiting the temple and Annadhanam is provided for
everyone.
Extend your great hands to contribute to the Annadhanam in your
name to serve people at Arulmigu Palamalai Aranganathar Temple. To participate
in the Annadhanam plan, kindly contact the Hereditary Trustee mentioned below
Contact
Arulmigu Aranganathar
Temple
Palamalai, Naicken Palayam (post),
Coimbatore - 641 020
Tamil Nadu
Phone: + (91) 944-334-8564
Phone: + (91) 978-650-0166
Connectivity
Board any bus from Coimbatore (Gandhipuram Mofussil Bus stand) and
get down at Periya Nayakkan Palayam (LMW). From Periya Naicken Palayam, take a
bus West to Kovanur (about 4kms)
From Kovanur, a jeep (shared basis) will cost Rs. 10-Rs.20 to
reach the hill temple (4kms) in about 20minutes. 1km from Kovanur, from the
foot of the hill, there are also steps to walk up to the temple (about 2kms- it
will take about 45minutes to climb up the steps).
Bus from Railway Station / Gandhipuram (Bus No. 32) at 5.30 am
will take you to Kovanur by 6.4 5am. From Kovanur, direct bus ply to the temple
at 7.00 am and 8.30 am.
A nice road is built for the transportation in Palamalai hills. So,
you can even take your own vehicle to reach Palamalai hills. You have to come
across 6 steep hair-pin bends to reach Palamalai Hills.
References
