Dhandayuthapani Temple, Kumaragiri, Salem
The
temple is located on a hill top and is dedicated to Lord Muruga. One needs to
climb more than 700 steps to reach Kumaragiri hill top. Poojas are done as per
Karana and Kameeka agamas. Arunagirinathar had praised this temple in his
Thirupugazh Hymns.
Legends
Protesting
against the decision of Lord Shiva on the Mango issue favoring Lord Ganapathi,
Lord Muruga left his parents and settled in Palani. On his way to Palani,
He relaxed at this place with his peacock vahanam. Later, a devotee on
his way to Palani also relaxed here when a voice said “I am here as Dhandayuthapani”. The
devotee did not understand the voice and proceeded to Palani.
Lord
Muruga came to him as a devotee, gave a begging bowl to this devotee and asked
him to build a temple at this place. With the money collected through the
bowl, he built this temple here. As Lord Muruga was angry on the Mango issue,
this fruit is offered as Nivedhana to Lord here.
It is
also believed that the grace of Muruga had made Salem famous for mango
production. Devotees praise Lord as Mambazha Murugan (Mango – Mambazham in
Tamil).
Greatness of Temple
Greatness of Temple
Trisadha
archana is performed in the temple for those injured in accidents and in
emergency conditions. This archana is performed with Arichi flowers mixed
in rosewater and sandal for their speedy recovery. Also, people pray to
Lord before undertaking a journey to avoid any accident. Majority of the
devotees are vehicle owners here.
People
pray to Lord Dhandayuthapani facing north belonging to Kubera the Lord of
wealth for prosperity and perform Padi puja – pujas to the steps leading the
sanctum of the hill temple for longevity.
The
Temple
The
temple is located on a hill top and is dedicated to Lord Muruga.
Arunagirinathar sang Thirupugazh on this Murugan. The temple was established by
Saint Karupanna Swamy, when Murugar appeared before him and asked him to build
the temple where his feet can be found on top of this mountain.
The
first Kumbabishekam was done in 1914. There are about 700+ steps to climb the
hills and there is a newly built Motorable road also. Muruga is in the form of
Bala Dhandayuthapani (Dandam in hand) graces in the temple with a Danda facing
north the direction of prosperity (direction belonging to Kubera the God of
Wealth). Deities of Valli and Devasena are only as Utsavar along with Muruga as
Shanmugar.
The
Place, Kumaragiri is named after Kumaran, the other name of Muruga. Pure rice
and mango fruits are offered as nivedhana to Lord Dhandayuthapani. The
environment is very calm and is quite suitable for meditation.
Kumaragiri
Lake
This
lake is called Kumaragiri lake because it is in the foothills of "Kumaragiri"
hill. This lake has very old history associated with saint "Shri la Shri Karupanna
Swamigal”, who constructed the temple for lord "Muruga" on Kumaragiri
hill.
The
39.25 acre lake, which once served as a major drinking water source for the
city residents, has turned into a storage canal for untreated effluents, sewage
and dump yard for plastic materials resulting in a breeding place for
mosquitoes and posing a health hazard to the citizens.
Temple
Opening Time
The temple
is open from 6.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and from 5.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.
Festivals
Skanda
Sashti in October-November; Thai Poosam in January-February; Panguni Uthiram in
March-April are the festivals celebrated in the temple.
Prayers
Devotees
pray to Lord Dhandayuthapani with mango fruit nivedhana for wedding and child
boons. People carry milk pots, offer cocks and tonsure as prayer commitments.
Contact
Sri Dhandayuthapani
Temple,
Kumaragiri,
Salem
Phone: +91- 427 - 240
064.
Connectivity
Kumaragiri
is 6 km far from Salem. Buses from Salem Old bus stand to Sanyasigundu pass
through this place. Autos are available from Ammapettai also. Temple steps
are very steep and it will take 20 min – 30 min to temple from adivaram. Nearest
Railway Station is located at Salem. Nearest Airport is located at Coimbatore
& Trichy.