Dhandayuthapani Temple, Chettikulam – The Temple
This
ancient Muruga Kshetra built on the top of a hill has 240 steps in total
commanding two flights of well-built broad stairs - one for ascending and
another for descending. The temple has 240 steps to mount on and 243 steps to
come down. Built in the Dravidian architectural style, it has vast courtyards
and an imposing tower. Nityanaimithika worship is offered with great devotion. The
speciality of the temple is that Lord Muruga faces the other Chettikulam temple
belonging to his father Lord Shiva.
The
presiding deity is a Swayambumurthy. On 3rd, 4th and 5th days of Masi
(February-March) the rays of setting Sun fall on the deity. During the setting
time, the rays will fall on the deity from foot to the face. Lord Muruga in
Dhandayuthapani form has tonsured head in all temples. Against this established
principle, Lord Dhandayuthapani graces here with Uchi Kudumi (Tuff of Hair on
top of Head).
The idol
is 4 feet tall holding a sugarcane with 11 parting lines called kanukkal, a
form nowhere available in Muruga temples. He is giving darshan in the Aandikola
form is extremely generous in conferring boons on the devotees. The chief of
Muruga’s army, Veerabagu graces here as Veerabadraswami.
The
Pancha Nadhi River is always full of water. The rain water flows into the river
through the herbal plants on the hill and has all medicinal properties. Lord
Ganesha temple at the entrance was rebuilt in the year 2008 by Mr. M. Ramaswamy
Additional Inspector General of Registration (Retd) and his wife Shakunthala Ramaswamy.
