Subramaniyaswamy Temple

Deities

Timings

Address & Contact

Historical Information

Temple Specialty

• Historical

  1.The temple is dated approximately 3000 years back, constructed during the King ‘Sivalaya Chola’ period. It is said that this King, while on a pilgrimage to get rid of ‘Brahmahatti Dosha’, was taking bath in the river Noyyal, saw this hill, climbed the hill along with his troops and entered the temple. Lord Muruga appeared in the form of an ‘Archagar’ and performed Puja on himself and relieved King Sivalaya Chola of Brahmahatti Dosha. It is also said that King Sivalaya Chola, brought a Tirumaraiyaar by the name of ‘Deivasigamaniyaar’, from Tirukadavur to stay at Tiruvirundapuram (Pidariyur). 2.Poet Saint Saravana Munivar, born in a family of ‘Sivamaraiyaars’ and Disciple of ‘SathiyaGnani’, wanted to learn the history of Chennimalai and prayed God to help him. Then through a Divine Prompting Voice, Lord Muruga directed him to proceed to Kancheepuram and seek the information from the Maraiyavars. Thus, Saravana Munivar collected the history of Siragiri from the Copperplate inscriptions with the Maraiyavars and transcribed the contents and brought it to Chennimalai. He was wonder struck to note the depiction in the Sthalapuranam come alive when he reached Chennimalai. The Chennimalai Sthalapuranam has 207 verses including the invocation songs and is divided into six cantos. They are Chepêdu Kanda Mānmiyam, Siragiri Mānmiyam, Pushpagiri Mānmiyam, Kātchi Mānmiyam, Idumbanuku Vazhi Kātiya Mānmiyam, ālayam Kanda Mānmiyam. The author of this great work is the poet Saint Saravana Munivar. Lord Muruga appeared in front of him in two forms, with one face and six faces. The Samadhi of Saravana Munivar is at the hill temple. 3.When Paarvathy’s Marriage was to happen at Himalayas, all devotees were expected to congregate at the northern end and hence, the southern end would be raised. Lord Shiva directed ‘Agasthya Munivar’ to proceed to Podigai Hill in southern end. Agasthya asked whether he should not be watching the Marriage event, to which, Lord Shiva replied that since all would be moving towards the northern end, only if you proceed to the southern end will the earth balance. He also said that the marriage function will be shown to Agasthya at Podigai Hills. Accordingly, while Agasthya was proceeding to the southern end, Idumbaasura (Leader of Asuraas like Soorapadhman), met him and requested to be accepted as a disciple. He also asked Agasthya as to what he can do for him to which Agasthya replied, ‘While coming south in a hurry, I have forgotten to get my ‘Sivapooja’ in the hills, you go there and get it for me’. Idumbaasura could not locate the ‘Sivapooja’, therefore, he carried the two hills (Sivagiri and Sathyagiri) in a ‘Kaavadi’ from there. He lost his way enroute and reached Chennimalai. Then, during ‘Dwapara Yuga’, Chennimalai was known as ‘Pushpagiri’. Lord Muruga appeared before Idumbaasura in the form of a ‘RajKumar’ and showed the way to Podigai Hills. The hills carried by Idumbaasura in a Kaavadi is today’s ‘Pazhaniyampaadi’. 4. Moolavar is manifested in the form of ‘Dandayudapani’. Contrary to regular practice, here Moolavar pooja and Nivedya precedes that of Lord Vinaya in the temple premises. It is Ancient Lore that since Lord Muruga was angry that Mango was not given to him and is seated in this hill, Nivedya and Pooja is performed first to Lord Muruga to pacify him. Moolavar specialty The Moolavar (main deity) Chennimalai Aandavar is equated to the Sevvai graham or planet Mars and all the rest of the eight planets encircle the Lord in perfect harmony. If one circumambulates the main deity he is believed to get the benefit of circumambulating the navagrahâs and worshipping them. Also, this temple is considered to be a ‘Parihara Stala’ for ‘Sevvai Doshah The wonder of Bull Cart climbing the Steps This is where an unusual phenomenon, rather a miracle took place in the year 1984 on 12 February. A bullock cart with two bulls climbed the 1320 steps on their own to reach the temple. More than 10 Lakh devotees from all around had gathered the previous night itself and witnessed this miracle. Valli Teyvannai Temple As we go further up behind the temple we see the Valli Teyvannai temple. They are in penance to attain Lord Muruga. They are known by the names Amirthavalli and Sundaravalli. A separate temple for Valli and Teyvannai is the most unique feature of this temple. Kanda Shasti Kavacham offering The popular daily prayer of Murugan Devotees, Kanda Shasti Kavacham was first offered to the world in this temple by Balan Dêvarâya Swamigal. From that day onwards till today many devotees keep chanting this prayer every day. Shasti Vratam The observance of Shasti fast is also a special feature in this temple. Many devotees take this vow and spend 6 days fasting and praying at the temple premises. The monthly Shasti day after the new moon is also observed with great reverence.Particularly those devotees without progeny sincerely observe this Shasti fast and there are many instances of families coming traditionally on getting their vow fulfilled. Pinnâkau Siddhar On the top of the hill we find the Pinnâkau Siddhar cave with the front yard filled with Vel of different sizes and shapes. IT is ancient lore that this cave leads to Pazhani. This Siddhar is one of the popular 18 Siddhar known to the world for their Siddha yoga. Distinguishing features of the Temple 1. Also known as Siragiri, Chennimalai is approximately 3000 years old ancient Hill Temple, offering prayers here is considered distinctive. 2. Punnaaku Sittar’, one of the 18 sittars, lived here and attained Moksha. The cave where he did his penance can be seen here. 3. The Moolavar is in ‘Sevvai Amsa’ and other eight grahas of Navagraha, are graciously blessing in ‘Deva Koshta’. 4. Sri Arunagiri nathar, the famous Tamil Poet, has sung five songs about this temple, in ‘Tirupugazh’ and he received ‘Padikasu’, wealth of coins from Lord Muruga. 5. The famous ‘Sri Skanda Sasti Kavacham’ was launched by Sri Bala Devaraya Swamigal at this Temple. 6. Sri Valli and Sri Deivanai, both in one stone, in a separate temple is a unique speciality. 7. A speciality of this stala is that Childless couple, who follow ‘Vratha’ on the sixth day from Amavasya (Shasti) are blessed with Children. 8. Sri Sengathurai Poosariyar and Sri Vettuvapalayam poosariyar lived and offered services here. They attained Moksha. 9. Decorated Bulls carry the ‘Abhisheka items’ through 1320 steps for the daily abhisekam of the Moolavar, which is unique to this temple. 10. This temple has ‘Maamanga Theetha’, a stream which automatically overflows once in 12 years. 11. Devotees of Chennimalai Andavar, seek approval through ‘Sirasupoo uttaravu’ before important activities like marriage, buy/sell property or start of new business and follow God’s order. If the reply is positive they whole-heartedly perform that action or event. Traditionally if the answer is negative the Devotees do not venture further. 12. To the awe of the whole world, on 12.02.1984, twin bullocked cart climbed through the 1320 steps of this hill temple.

• Thala Virutcham

  The Temple Sthala Virutcham (Tree) of the temple is Tinduruni (Puliyammara). The marriage of newly married couples under the tamarind tree and the worship of the goddess is practiced. The tree is believed to contain the herb Santana Karani.

Services

• Annadhanam

  Annadhanam Scheme Every day at 12.00 noon the devotees coming to the Hill temple are offered Annadhanam as directed by HonbleChief minister of Tamil Nadu, to benefit approximately100 persons. The temple has been functioning continuously since 15.08.2002 to benefit daily persons. The daily pooja is concluded at 12.00 pm and after 12.00 pm, it is offered at 12.15 pm. Pilgrims are provided with food, drinks, refreshment and drinking water. Gas is being used for cooking.

• Donation

  Temple Booking E-Services General donation Payment services Vengaimaram chariot ride fare

• Temple Services

  Ashtotra Archana Rs.5.00 Trisad ordination Rs. 50.00 Nivedya Coconut Rs. 1.00 Special Entrance (on special days) Rs. 25.00 Special Entrance Rs. 50.00 Special Entrance Rs. 10.00 Special Abhishekam Rs. 50.00 Chirasupoo Rs. 25.00 Vahana Puja (two wheeler) Rs. 20.00 Vahana Pooja (four wheeler) Rs. 50.00 Sahasranama Archanai Rs. 25.00 Milk / Curd Abhishekam (Separate) Rs. 25.00 Vibhuti Decoration Rs. 25.00 Marriage Rs. 1000.00 Vengai Tree Chariot Ride Rs. 1000.00 Ear piercing Rs. 50.00 Wedding Photography Rs. 200.00 Wedding Videography Rs. 500.00 Homam and special pujai Rs. 300.00 Thirumangalyam matrruthali Change Rs. 300.00 Temple History Rs. 20.00 Marriage application form Rs. 50.00 Bus ticket Rs. 10.00 Motorcycle pass Rs. 10.00 Car pass Rs. 20.00

Facilities

• Wooden Chariot

  Sri Muruga came in the form of a vengai tree and married the Valli, the specialty of having a herbal quality and the specialty of the vengai tree, which is used only in temples. Through this the thought will come true.

• Library Facility

  A library is functioning in the Ilapparum Mandapam near the Rajagopuram of this temple. In the said temple, facilities are made for reading spiritual books and daily newspapers for the devotees. Adequate seating arrangements have been made.

• Wheel Chair

  2 wheelchairs are available for the convenience of the elderly and differently abled. A ramp has been constructed so that they can easily reach the shrine from the entrance.

• Temple Bus Service

  Since this temple is a mountain temple, 2 buses with 40 seats are being operated for the devotees since 15.01.1985 to visit the temple easily for the devotees and public to have darshan of Swami.

• Drinking Water R.O.

  A 600 liter electric drinking water purifier has been set up near the western entrance of the temple complex to provide clean drinking water (RO water) to the devotees visiting the temple. In the temple, drinking water is provided at 2 ends near the entrance gates in the front perimeter wall of the temple.

• Toilet Facility

  There are 7 toilets for men and 7 toilets for women in the eastern part of the temple.

• Temple Bus Service

  The temple is a hill Temple. There is a 1320-foot stairway that facilitates the pilgrims, and a 4-kilometer Darsalai which is accessible by vehicles. There are 2 buses plying to the temple from the foothills to the temple. Rs. 10 / - per person from top to bottom

• Wooden Chariot

  There is an elevation of about 11 feet in the hill. It runs once a day at 7.00 pm and Tuesdays at 7.30 pm. A fee of Rs. 1000 / - is being collected for this purpose.

Sub-shrines

Arulmigu Amirthavalli, Sundiravalli, Arulmigu Kasi vishalatchi uthanamar Kasi Vishwanathar shines, Arulmigu Umayavali uthanamar markkandeshwarar shrines, Arulmigu Pinnakku Sitthar Shrines