Subramanya Swamy Temple, Vallimalai – Legends
Valli marriage with Lord Murugan:
According
to a legend, the daughters of Lord Maha Vishnu, Valli and Devayani wanted a
husband who will never get angry. To get their wish fulfilled, they prayed to
Lord Murugan, who suddenly appeared before them. Both the daughters of Lord
Maha Vishnu requested Lord Murugan to fulfil their wish. However, Lord Murugan
said that in the next birth, when Devayani will be born to Indiran and Valli
will be born to Vedas, he will marry them.
In the
next birth, when Soorapadman, the asuran disturbed the Indiralogam, Lord
Murugan came to destroy the asuran. After destroying Soorapadman, as promised
he married Devayani, the daughter of Indiran. Lord Murugan married her at
Thiruparankundram near Madurai. As the Sage Naradha informed him to bless Valli
who was also conducting "Tapas" at Valli Malai near Vellore to marry
the Victorious Lord.
He went
to Vallimalai and stood in front of Sundaravalli who was born there and
brought up by the King of Hunters. Whenever the King appeared there, the Lord
stood as "Vengai" tree and once he vanished, He took the form of a
young Hunter as if he was mad after Valli. Without realizing the fact that the Lord
himself has appeared in front of her, she hesitated the very presence of the
young "Hunter" and the Lord finally took the form of an old man and
expressed his willingness to marry her.
When
Valli turned down the request, the Lord thought of his big brother, Ganapathi.
The Elephant God appeared as an Elephant to frighten Valli. On seeing the
elephant, she asked the old man to chase away the elephant and obliged to
marry him. Sri Subramanya appeared in front of her and the marriage took
place with Ganapathi’s help. They elope to Thiruthani nearby and get married.
As per
Nambiraja wish they came here with Deivanai and give darshan to people. There
is a belief that childless devotees will get children after praying in this
temple. A similar legend holds at the Velimalai (Kumaran Koyil) temple near
Kanyakumari. Valli is depicted in the form of a playful maiden here.
The natural springs on the hill are said to be associated with Valli.
Sadari Blessing:
This is
the place where Valli performed penance on Lord Vishnu to have the hands of
Lord Muruga, hence the Sadari blessing with Lord Vishnu Pada (feet) is offered
to devotees in the temple.