Sacred Hill of Chennimalai – Murugan’s Abode in Kongu Nadu

Location

• Temple Name: Arulmigu Subramaniyaswamy Temple (Chennimalai Murugan Temple)
• Place: Chennimalai, near Erode
• District: Erode
• State: Tamil Nadu
• Elevation: ~400 meters above sea level
• Access:
• Steps: 1320 stone steps (padivazhi) with shaded mandapams and lighting
• Road: 4 km motorable road to hilltop

Main Deities and Subshrines

• Primary Deity: Lord Murugan (Subramaniyaswamy), the god of valor and wisdom
• Consorts:
• Valli Amman
• Deivanai Amman — both have separate sanctums behind the main shrine
• Other Shrines:
• Pinnaakku Siddhar shrine — located behind the consort shrines
• Vinayaka, Navagrahas, and other traditional subshrines typical of Murugan temples

Temple Significance

• Spiritual Importance:
• Considered a powerful Murugan sthalam and a hill temple (malai koil) with strong Siddhar connections
• Daily poojas and abhishekams follow ancient traditions
• Historical Context:
• Believed to date back to the 9th century CE
• Associated with Siddhar worship and spiritual healing
• Festivals Celebrated:
• Thaipusam – grand procession and special abhishekams
• Panguni Uthiram – celestial wedding of Murugan with Valli and Deivanai
• Mamanga Theertham – celebrated once every 12 years at the southern side of the hill
• Scenic & Meditative Setting:
• Surrounded by lush hills and serene landscapes
• Ideal for meditation and spiritual reflection

History

• Estimated Origin: 10th century CE
• Founder: Saint Saravana Munivar, a poet-saint who composed the Chennimalai Sthalapuranam in 207 verses across six cantos.
• Cultural Role: The temple became a spiritual hub for Siddhar worship and Murugan devotees in Kongu Nadu.
• Festivity Initiation: Saravana Munivar is credited with initiating the temple’s festivals and rituals.

Legends

• Siddhar Connection: The temple is linked to Pinnaakku Siddhar, whose shrine lies behind the sanctums of Valli and Deivanai.
• Palani Pilgrimage Parallel: Saravana Munivar circumambulated Palani hills and prayed for divine guidance to establish Chennimalai as a sacred site.
• Idumban Legend: One canto of the sthalapuranam narrates how Lord Murugan guided Idumban to this hill, echoing the Kavadi tradition.

Architecture

• Style: Dravidian architecture with traditional gopurams and mandapams.
• Hilltop Layout:
• 1320 steps (padivazhi) lead to the temple, with shaded rest stops and lighting
• A motorable road also reaches the summit
• Sanctum Arrangement:
• Main sanctum for Lord Murugan
• Separate shrines for Valli and Deivanai behind the main deity
• Subshrines for Vinayaka, Navagrahas, and Siddhars
• Sacred Tank: Mamanga Theertham located on the southern side of the hill, celebrated once every 12 years

Rituals

Daily Worship

• Abhishekam: Performed to Lord Murugan with milk, curd, honey, and sandalwood paste
• Archana & Deepa Aradhana: Offered multiple times a day
• Special Poojas: Conducted on auspicious days like Krithigai, Tuesdays, and full moon days
• Padivazhi Pilgrimage: Devotees climb 1320 steps as a form of penance and devotion

Siddhar Worship

• Pinnaakku Siddhar Shrine: Devotees offer prayers for spiritual healing and guidance
• Meditative Practices: The hilltop’s serene setting is ideal for sadhana and reflection

Major Festivals

1. Thaipusam (January–February)

• Celebrates Murugan receiving the Vel (spear) from Parvati
• Devotees carry kavadis, perform abhishekams, and offer special prayers

2. Panguni Uthiram (March–April)

• Marks the celestial wedding of Murugan with Valli and Deivanai
• Grand rituals and processions are held

3. Mamanga Theertham (Once in 12 Years)

• Celebrated at the southern sacred tank
• Rare and spiritually potent event drawing thousands

4. Kanda Sashti

• Observed with fasting and recitation of Kanda Sashti Kavasam
• Believed to destroy inner negativity and obstacles

Beliefs and Devotional Practices

• Healing Power: Murugan is believed to cure ailments and grant mental peace
• Vow Fulfillment: Devotees offer kavadis, perform padivazhi climbs, and donate for annadhanam
• Spiritual Merit: Worship here is considered equivalent to visiting the Arupadaiveedu
• Siddhar Blessings: Prayers to Pinnaakku Siddhar are believed to enhance spiritual progress

Temple Hours

• Morning: 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• Evening: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Pooja Schedule

5.30 am – Gopuja

7.00 am – First time Pooja

8.00 am – Morning Pooja

12.00 pm – Utchi Kala Pooja

5.00 pm – Saya Raksha Pooja

7.00 pm – Rakkala Pooja

8.00 pm – Arthajama Pooja

8.15 pm – Temple Closes

Getting Here

Location

• Temple Name: Arulmigu Subramaniyaswamy Temple (Chennimalai Murugan Temple)
• District: Erode, Tamil Nadu
• Nearby Towns: Perundurai (10 km), Erode (28 km)

Travel Options

• By Road:
• Well-connected via buses and taxis from Erode and Perundurai
• Ample parking available at the base
• By Train:
• Nearest station: Erode Junction
• From there, take a bus or taxi to Chennimalai
• By Air:
• Nearest airport: Coimbatore International Airport (~90 km)

Access to Temple

• Padivazhi (Steps): 1320 shaded steps with rest mandapams, drinking water, and night lighting
• Motorable Road: 4 km tar road to the hilltop for vehicles

Tips

• Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late evening for cooler weather and peaceful darshan
• Footwear: Remove at base before climbing; wear socks if steps are hot
• Festivals: Visit during Thaipusam or Panguni Uthiram for vibrant celebrations
• Offerings: Carry abhishekam items (milk, curd, honey) or purchase at hill base shops
• Health Note: Elderly devotees may prefer the road route; steps are steep but scenic
• Photography: Allowed outside sanctum; respect temple customs
• Nearby Attractions: Explore herbal forests and Siddhar shrines around the hill