Sadayandi Temple, Athoor, Dindigul
Athoor Sadayandi Temple is situated in a hill cave
near Kamarajar Sagar Dam in Tamil
Nadu, India. Every year during Aadi Amavasai, (the new
moon of the Tamil
month of Aadi) there is an
interesting festival here which attracts upwards of 100,000 pilgrims in a day.
The Temple
The Sadayandi Cave Temple is an ancient temple that
holds an important place in the history of Athoor. This temple is located
inside a cave in the hills of the Western Ghats near Kamarajar Sagar Dam. On
the way to the temple there are many small idols where people stop to pray. One
such idol sits under the shade of a large Banyan tree.
Sadayandi Temple is an important Temple near Athoor
where people worship Sadayandi a bearded Powerful God who protects them from
evil. Devotees who come to worship here first worship at the Sadayandi Temple
which has a huge Trident before it at the base of the hill. They then begin the
ascent up the hill after passing through the arch with steps.
There are one or two Mandapams on the way to the temples
where the devotees can sit and rest when climbing to the temple. After a
distance there are no steps and one must ascend the hill through a stony path.
It is not advisable to climb the hill during rainy seasons as the path may be
slippery.
Athoor Village is about 5 kms away from this temple. Kamarajar Sagar
Dam is a prominent landmark which is located nearby and when climbing one can
enjoy a panoramic view of the dam below. Worshipers to maintain the holiness of
the place climb the hill barefoot.
Sadayandi Temple is an important Temple located about 20
km to the East of Athoor. There is a road to a certain distance till the temple
at the Base of the hill.
Special Poojas & Festivals
There is a festival celebrated in this cave temple every
year during Aadi Amavasai that falls in the Tamil month of Aadi (usually July
or August) over one-lakh pilgrims visit the temple in a single day.
Connectivity
Sadayandi Cave Temple is located at Athoor Village in
Dindigul District of Tamil Nadu. It is near Kamarajar Sagar Dam. From
Madurai (62 km away) take the Coimbatore road, up to the Sembatti crossing and
then take the road to Palani all the way to Athoor, which is 5 km away.
By Road:
Palani can be reached by road from all the cities of
Tamil nadu. From Palani to Athoor is only 5 km. And the cave temple can be
accessed by private transports.
By Train:
There are trains to Palani from Coimbatore, Chennai
Dindigul and Thiruchendur. From Palani to Athoor is 5 km.
By Air:
Coimbatore & Madurai are the nearest Airports to
Palani. From Madurai and Coimbatore airports, this cave temple can be accessed
by road travel or by train up to Palani; and from Palani to Athoor Village and
to the Cave Temple.
