Frriends, situated on a small Hilllock near Erode is a very famous temple dedicated to Lord Murgan. The temple is called as Shri Thindal Murugan Temple also known as Shri Arulmigu Velayutha Swamy Thirukovil.
This small Hilllock is called as ThindalMalai and is approximateky 8 kilometres from Erode bus stand on the Perundurai road.
Thindal Murugan Temple Histroy
It is said that Thindalmalai Murugan Temple is one of the 108 Lord Murugan temples listed among the revered Tirupugazh hymns of Sage Arunagiriar.
Thindamalai or Thindal is a very ancient place. One of the 24 regions that made up ancient Kongunadu was Thindal.
Kongunadu, which was governed by the powerful Chera Kings, was divided in regions for political convenience.
Dravidian architecture is used to build the Thindal Murugan Temple.
It is said that once upon a time this region witnessed immense drought. The farmers prayed to Idumban in great detail in an effort to win Lord Murugan’s favour. Idumban is a great devotee of Lord Muruga and a great disciple of sage Agastya.
Rains followed and the area soon recovered its fertility. The customary practise of requesting Idumban’s blessing for conception is still practised today.
The Thindalmalai Murugan Temple also houses a golden temple chariot which is used to carry out processions with the images of Gods ( rath yatra ). The temple premises is divided into two parts
- Place above the rock is called Maelthindal or Thindalmedu
- The eastern side of the hill rock is called the keel thindal.
The temple conducts special poojas for marriage , child etc.
Panguni Uthiran is a major festival which is celebrated at the Thindalmalai Murugan Temple every year and thousands of devotees visit the temple during this annual festival.
Thindalmalai Murugan Temple festivals
Major Festivals – Some major festivals celebrated at the temple are
- Panguni Uthiram
- Thai Poosam
- Kandha Shasti
- Thirukarthigai
Other impostant festivals are:
- Chaitra Pournima
- Aadi Perukku
- Markazhi Pooja
- Aadi Perukku
- Vaisakhi Festival
- Kandha Shasti
Arulmigu Velayutha Swamy Thirukovil Temple Timings
The The Thindalmalai Murugan Temple is open
- 6:30 AM to 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM ( Regular days )
- 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM ( on festivals)
Annadanam : 12.30 PM everyday
Pooja timings:
- Morning at 7.00 AM
- Noon at 12:00 PM
- Evening at 6.00 PM
Dieties at Thindal Murugan temple
The principal diety of the temple is Lord Murugan. But there are shrines of other dieties as well at the temple premises as below
Sri Velayuthaswamy Shrine – Sri Velayuthar Temple is situated above the steep rock. The Uchava Moorthy statue, which depicts Lord Murugan beside Valli and Deivanai, located to the left of the primary deity.
Thannasi cave – On the northwestern side of the temple is where you’ll find the Thannasi cave. In Thannasi Siddhar Cave, special poojas are done on the occasion of the Karthikai festival.
Idumban Sannadhi -The Idumban Sannadhi is just a few steps from the entrance. Other names for this deity are Idumbakkumaran and Idunbasan.
Siddhi Vinayagar – Two Snake Gods, called Naagars, surround the Siddhi Vinayagar sanctuary. The Velayudhaswamy idol may be found here in the front Mandap for worshipers.
How to reach Shri Thindal Murugan temple?
The temple is approximately 8 to 10 Kms from Erode railway station. Erode is quite well connected with different part of the country.
Bangalore to Erode distance – Approx 250Kms ( Around 5 hrs of Drive )
Chennai to Erode distance – Around 400 Kms ( Around 7 to 8 hrs of drive )
Trichy to Erode distance – Apprx 150 Kms ( Around 3 hrs of drive )
Google maps link: https://goo.gl/maps/YR8s62poMf5NVngGA
If you are travelling to Erod , apart from the Shri Thindal Murugan temple, you can also visit Shri Selva Anjaneyar Temple at Chennimalai Erode – Tamil nadu. This temple is dedicated to Lord Hanumana and one of the must visit temples in Erode.
