THEKKAMPATTI

Sri vanabadrakaliamman temple

This temple is situated on the bank of river Bhavani on Nilgiri hills about 5 km from Mettupalayam on Mettupalayam - Thekkampatti road in Coimbatore district. Nearest Railway Stoping is Mettupalayam ( 5 km) and Nearest Airport is Coimbatore.
Legend 1 - Once upon a time, Paagasuran a demon constructed a fort on Nilgiri hills in the western part of this temple and lived in it. He was blessed to be more stronger than the Bheema and Dhuriyodhan. He troubled the local people by ordering them to provide food in a cart. If he felt the food insufficient he killed and ate the cow and the person who brought food. Pancha Pandavas lived in this part during this time. On hearing the plight of the poor people Bheema decided to take the food himself. He stopped a short distance before Paagasuran and started eating the food. Without knowing it was Bheema who was eating the foods he attacked him. Bheema prayed to goddess Kaali and defeated Paagasuran at the end of a bloody fight. At the moment of death Paagasuran understood the truth and made a wish to Kaali to transform him into her Kaaval Boodham (protection demon). His wish was satisfied.
Legend 2 – Seven sisters, including Aravalli, Sooravalli, Veeravalli etc used to rule an area called Nelluppattanam. They were well versed in witch crafts and all kings of the area feared them. Those who opposed them were imprisoned and put to great suffering. Even Lord Krishna was irritated by their oppressive rule and asked the pandavas to put an end to their rule. The mighty Bhima went ahead saying he alone would be more than enough for the sisters. However, Bhima did not get a one to one fight with the sisters, who imprisoned him using their witch craft by becoming invisible. Somehow Bhima managed to escape from their clutches and came to back to narrate his experience. All the pandavas became enraged on hearing the news and prepared to attack the seven sisters.
At this time Allimuthu, the son of Sangavati (sister of the pandavas), volunteered to fight the sisters. While going for the fight, he first prayed to the Vana Bhadrakaliamman here to grant him special powers to fight the witches. In the ensuing battle, the seven sisters were not able to defeat Allimuthu. So they sent Valamma, daughter of one of the sisters to seduce him and were able to kill him.
On hearing the news, Abhimanyu, son of the pandavas was enraged. He went to the higher world and with the held of Lord Indra was able to bring back Allimthu alive.
Thereafter, all the pandavas together went to fight the seven sisters, after praying to the Goddess Bhadrakali. This time they were able to defeat the sisters and also got Allimuthu married to Valamma.
Temple – The presiding diety is Sri Vanabadrakaliamman. Sculptures of Bheema and Paagasuran are seen infront of this temple. People coming to worship goddess Kaalidevi also worship Bheema and Paagasuran.
Prayers and festivals - It is believed that by worshipping goddess Vanabadrakaliamman, devotee’s wishes for marriage and child will be satisfied.
One will get relieved from Black magic and body pains by wearing the copper talisman offered at the feet of goddess and poojas performed.
One will be blessed with growth in business, by keeping the plate performed with poojas at the foot of goddess.
By worshipping at Naaga sannidhi one can get relieved from Naagadhosam.
Adikundam grand festival is celebrated every year. It begins on the 1st Tuesday of Aadi month with the festival of offering flowers. On 2nd Tuesday Pookundam festival will be celebrated. The festival ends with Pooja on 3rd Tuesday. Special poojas will be conducted during Aadi ammavasai and Monthly ammavasais. Other important occasions include Chithirai kani (Tamil New Year), Aadi pathinettam perukku, Saraswathi pooja, Thirukarthigai festival, Thiruppalli eluchi. (Margazhi month), Thai pongal and Maha sivarathiri.

Timings - 6.00 AM - 8.00 PM, During ammavasai (new moon day) From 5.00 A.M - 8.30 P.M

KUMARAN KUNDRU

This place is about 10 kms from Mettuppalayam (which is about 40 kms to the north of Coimbatore) on the Mettuppalayam-Annur road.

Shri Kalyana Subramanya Swami Temple

The temple is on the top of the small hillock 100 feet high, which is flat at the top. It is believed that the Lord Subramanya (Kumaran) is in the form of the hillock. The area surrounding the hillock is very green and pleasing to the eyes.
History – More than 100 years ago, this hillock was a barren place covered with small wild plants and shrubs. Only the herders used to go up this hill along with their goats for feeding them. Once, these boys found an idol under the bushes which had the legs, head and body portions broken. When the broken pieces were joined, they saw a beautiful idol of Lord Subramanya. After clearing the bushes, the said idol was installed and a small temple constructed where the locals started their worship. However, the idol got further damaged. When the locals were discussing their options in the matter, a blind stranger approached them and told them that worshipping the single Murugan had led to this. He also told them to install the Lord as Kalyan Subramanya Swami along with his escorts, Valli and Devayanai. The temple was constructed accordingly.
Temple – Before starting to climb the hill, we can at the base on the left, the idol of Pulippani Munivar riding a tiger. The idol is very beautiful.
On climbing 20 steps, the shrines of Idumban and Kadamban are seen on both sides.
At the entrance of the temple, shrines of Arunagirinathar and Veerabahu are seen on both sides.
The Vimanam of this small temple is very colorfully made with many beautifully sculptures.
On the Vimanam on the right side, dolls of Kuravan and Kuratti are seen. Kuravan is seen holding a small transistor near his ear and hearing to the music, which is very unique.
The shrines of Lord Shiva and Goddess Sivakami are located behind the temple.
Two large mandaps have been constructed in the front, to enable the devotees who wish to stay and pray.
Prayers & Festivals – Every year during the new year in the month of Chitrai, one can witness the rays of the rising son bathe the Lord completely. The day before, many religious rituals, bhajans, nama japam, etc is done by the devotees in large numbers.
Persons with physical and mental illness come here to participate in the poojas & rituals during all the three times during the day, as they believe that they will be cured of their illness.
The annual car festival is held on Tai poosam day. The next day is celebrated as Pari Vettai when poor feeding is done on a large scale.
Every Ammavasai special poojas are held for Lord Murugan.
Chitra Pournami, Soora Samharam, Karthigai Deepam and Panguni Utram are also celebrated. Tiru Kalyana Utsavam is held the day after Soora Samharam.