Sri Viralimalai Subramanya Swamy Temple – The Hill of Peacocks and Miracles

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Location

The temple is located in Viralimalai town, Pudukkottai district, Tamil Nadu—about 28 km from Trichy and 40 km from Pudukkottai. It sits atop a scenic hillock surrounded by peacocks and lush greenery, adding to its serene spiritual atmosphere.

Deity and Sanctum

  • Presiding Deity: Lord Subramanya Swamy in his divine form of Arumugam—six-faced and twelve-handed, seated majestically on a peacock, facing east.
  • Consorts: Goddesses Valli and Deivannai are enshrined alongside.
  • The temple is built in Dravidian architectural style, with a soul-stirring Garbhagriha and adjacent Navarathri Mandapam and Shanmugha Moorthy Mandapam housing the Utsava Murti.

Subshrines and Sacred Sites

  • Western Side: Shrines for Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Agasthiyar, and Arunagirinathar.
  • Northern Side: Shrines for Chandikeswarar and Bhairavar.
  • Southern Foothill: The sacred tank Saravana Poigai, also known as Naga Theertham, believed to cleanse sins and fulfill wishes.

Legends and Miracles

  • The name Viralimalai derives from “Viravi,” referring to saints and yogis who worshipped Muruga in the form of Kura trees.
  • Saint Arunagirinathar was guided here by Lord Muruga from Vayalur and received the Ashtama Siddhis—eight miraculous powers. He composed 18 Thiruppugazh hymns at this site.
  • A mute Sivachariyar regained speech after worshipping here.
  • Karuppamuthu’s Cigar Offering: A devotee once offered a cigar to a stranger during a storm, who later vanished. Cigar bits were found before the deity, and since then, cigar nivedhana became a symbolic offering of compassion—not a promotion of smoking. Lord Muruga affirmed this in a dream to the Pudukkottai Maharaja.

Festivals Celebrated

  • Vaikasi Visakam (May–June) – 10 days
  • Thai Poosam – 10 days
  • Aipasi Skanda Sashti & Soora Samharam (Oct–Nov) – 6 days
  • Arunagirinathar Music Festival – Celebrating the saint’s hymns
  • Deepavali, Tamil New Year, and other Murugan-related days draw large gatherings.

Temple Timings

  • Morning: 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM
  • Evening: 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM

How to Reach

  • From Trichy (Tiruchirappalli):
    The temple is located 28 km southwest of Trichy, easily accessible via NH38. You can take a bus or hire a cab from Trichy Junction or Central Bus Stand.
  • From Pudukkottai:
    About 40 km away, with regular bus services connecting Pudukkottai to Viralimalai town.
  • Nearest Bus Stop:
    Viralimalai Bus Stand is just 750 meters from the temple base.
  • Nearest Railway Station:
    Trichy Junction is the closest major railhead, well-connected to Chennai, Madurai, and other cities.
  • Nearest Airport:
    Tiruchirappalli International Airport, around 30 km away, is ideal for long-distance pilgrims.

Tips

  • Climb Preparation:
    The temple sits atop a small rocky hill with 207 steps. The path is shaded and includes resting mandapams, but wear comfortable footwear and carry water.
  • Best Time to Visit:
    Early mornings or evenings are ideal, especially during Vaikasi Visakam, Skanda Sashti, or Thai Poosam for vibrant celebrations.
  • Peacock Sanctuary:
    Viralimalai is known for its natural peacock habitat. Be respectful and quiet to enjoy their graceful presence.
  • Local Customs:
    Before climbing, it’s customary to worship Maikannudaiyal Amman at the foothill. Also, look out for the Meenakshi Sundreshwarar cave temple and Sandana Kottam mandapam on the way up.
  • Nearby Temples:
    Consider visiting Thirumayam, Thiruvarangulam, and Ambalpuram temples to complete a spiritually rich circuit.

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