Welcome once again to our website mytempletrips and today I once again I will take you to Salem, the land of one of the 18 Tamil siddha temples located at the foot hills of Kanja Malai called Kalangi Nathar Siddhar Temple and we will also talk about Lord Murgan Temple.
India has been and is a land of great saints and today we will taken you to the temple of one of the greatest saint of Tamil Siddha temples.
What is Siddha tradition
Before we talk about Kalangi Nathar Siddhar Temple let us look at little background about the great Tamil Siddhars and the Siddha tradition.
The Siddha system is a system of medicine , mainly practiced in the Southern part of India. It is one of the earliest traditional medicine systems in the world . Siddha Vaidya is the longest living medical system in the world.
India has been the birth place of many traditional philosophies including Siddha. The roots of this system are intertwined with the culture of ancient Tamil civilization.
Siddhargal – the 18 Tamil Siddhars
“Siddhargal” or Siddhars were the premier scholars of this system in ancient times. Siddhars, mainly hailing from Tamil Nadu laid the foundation for Siddha system of medicine. Hence, it is called Siddha medicine.
Siddhars were spiritual masters who possessed the ashta (eight) siddhis or unique powers. Agastyar or Agasthya, is believed to be the founding father of Siddha Medicine. Eighteen Siddhars are considered to be pillars of Siddha Medicine.
There were 18 siddhars who laid the foundation of this system. Hence there are 18 Siddha temple found in various part of South India mainly Tami Nadu.
The work of these saints are one of the greatest assets of our culture and civilization and the more we know the more amazed we are with their work.
The Kalangi Nathar Siddhar Temple is among the 18 temples of Tamil Siddha and is located at the foot of the Kanja Malai. Near the temple there are several perennial wells, waterfalls and small reservoirs.
Sidhar temple is located at a distance of 12 to 14 km towards the west of salem.
kanja malai hills meant to be the place of worship of Lord Shiva and Lord Murgan. It is a small village and shrine of siddhar is also called kalangi nathar . locals also call him lord siddeswara or siddar koil temple
It is said that the water of these wells have curative powers. On new moon and full moon days, special pujas are also held at this temple
The temple is associated with great saint and Tamil Siddar Kalangi Nathar & Bogar. And Kalangi Nathar is believed to be the guru of Bhogar and their relationship as the Guru and disciple was very much admirable.
Kalangi Nathar was also called as Kanjamalai Siddhar. Here. “Kanjam” means Gold, copper, and Iron and “Malai” means hill. It is a popular pilgrimage spot and special pooja is done on all full moon days and new moon days.
The temple is associated with mnay other prominent Siddhars namely seven of them those include: Indran, Soman, Rudhran, Kanduru, Brahman, Kanjamalaiyan and Kalangi Nathar.
It is believed that Kalangi Nathar went to China to spread the Knowledge of Yoga and Acupuncture. As per old texts he was called as Confucius in China.
It is said that the Kanjamali hills has many herbs that has curative properties. People take a dip in the water running here and consider it to be holy.
After returning back to india , he took Jeeva Samadhi at Kancheepuram.
So If you visit Salem, please do visit the temple for a wonderful experience.
People visit this palace to have sought of remedies for many ailment.
Kanjamalai Sitharkoil Murugan Temple / Lord Murgan Temple
As I mentioned , just before the Siddhar Temple on top of the small hill, you will see this beautiful Lord Murgan Temple.
Some nice photographs of Lord Murgan temple
How to Reach Kalangi Nathar Siddhar Temple
The Kalangi Siddhar temple is located at the foot of Kanja Malai. It is well connected to Salem city. The nearest railway station is the Salem railway station. One can easily take an auto-rickshaw from the city to the temple.
One you reach the parking spot on right hand side you will see the this Siddha Temple which is dedicated to Lrd Shiva and on left hand side you will se some stairs going up which is Lord Murgan Temple.
Time you need to visit Kalangi Nathar Siddhar Temple
Optimum duration of a visit is 1 – 2 hours. The operating hours of the temple are from 6 AM to 8 PM on all days.
Kalangi Nathar Siddhar Temple Timings
Like most temples, it is also closed during noon from 1 PM to 4 PM. There are daily pujas offered each morning.
Facilities at Kalangi Nathar Siddhar Temple
There are washrooms, food stalls and locker facitly available near by. I am sure you will have a wonderful experience there !
Have a blessed darshan!
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