SHENBAGANUR

This village is 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) from the Kodaikanal bus-stand on the Laws Ghat Road. Shenbanganur means the village of the ‘shenbangam’ which is a tree endemic to the South India hill forests. Trekking paths from here lead to the nearby hills and one can even hike up to the summit of Perumal Malai.

Museum of Natural History

The Sacred Heart College was started in 1895 in Shenbaganur for the training of young Jesuit priests, Early students and professors, mostly European, set themselves the task of studying the flora and fauna of a Palnis. One of them was A. Anglade and when the Institute of Natural History was started within the college, it was named after him. The Museum of Natural History, which forms a part of the College campus, is maintained by the institution.
The museum has an outstanding taxidermy collection of more than 500 species of animals, birds and insects, one of the best orchidariums in the country with a living collection of over 300 exotic orchid species, the archaeological remains and the flora and fauna of the hills, etc. Many of the butterflies and birds kept in the museum have almost become extinct and are very difficult to spot now. It also exhibits artifacts of the ancient Palaiyar tribes people whose descendants still live in these hills.
Timings – 10 A.M to 11.30 A.M and 3P.M to 5P.M

KODAIKANAL

Lady of La Salette Church

Church - This white-and blue Catholic Church is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary and is the first pilgrimage place in India for Mother Salette. Made of limestone, it is an imposing French structure with exquisite architecture. A striking Gothic edifice atop a hill, it has an arresting facade with its domineering entrance. Enshrined in the central niche of the sanctuary is the statue of Our Lady of La Salette, serene with her eyes looking towards earth, her hands joint in prayer, her appearance gentle and divine. The teardrops in her eyes, the face looking towards the world, the divine serenity and aura of love – all convey a simple message: God still loves us!

History - Father Cyr had come to Kodaikanal in 1852 for the first time. This Church was put up by him in 1863-66 in thanksgiving for his cure from the deadly ‘Malagasy Fever’ contracted at Bourbon in Madagascar while he was a visitor there in 1858. After his cure, the Father had vowed to set up a church in India that would mirror the church of La Salete in France. He chose the mountainous region Kodaikanal to built this special House of God because he wished to emulate the French church encased with in the mighty mountain rains of the alps.
The foundation for Mother Salete Church was laid on 1865 February 28. In the same year March 17 the building work was started with the blessings of Father Saint Cyr. In 1866 the day, when brother Lamothy built the body of the Church, thank's offering was fulfilled. In the year 1866, the last sunday of May, Mother Salete Church was dedicated by Keanos.
Father Saint Ceer expired on January 17th, 1887. His Holy Body was burried at the entrance of the Mother Salete Church.
Festival - From 1866 onwards very last Sunday of May, when the Church was dedicated, a festival was celebrated for Mother Salete. Huge crowd of people travelled from the plains for 3 days and reach Mother Salete Church. The British people complained about the disturbances of the crowd. So this festival was banned up to 1893. In the year 1904 steps were taken to recelebrate the festival and it was succeeded on August 15th. Thus, every year on the 14th and 15th of august, a unique carnival takes place at this church. This brings about the conclusion to a Nine-day festival which attracts a congregation of people from all over south India, irrespective of religion, creed or faith. The festival is marked by special services and a special procession.

KODAIKANAL

Pillar Rocks

8 kilometres (5.0 mi) from the bus-stand, on the south-western road past the Golf Course, are a set of three giant granite rock pillars rising sheer out of the jungles, which stand 122 metres (400 ft) high. The rocks together stand shoulder to shoulder. In the shadows of the pillars are shady woods that invite picnickers. Tourists can obtain a spectacular bird's eye view of the surrounding panoramic vistas from here. Managed by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department, the viewpoint can be crowded but is not commercialized. A small and beautifully tended garden, glowing in the colors of the seasonal blooms adds to the charm and the picture perfect beauty of the place.

Guna caves - These are the deep bat-infested chambers between the three gigantic Pillar Rocks and were previously called Devil’s Kitchen. The caves were made popular by the Kamal Hasan Tamil movie Guna. These can be approached by a footpath but the deep narrow ravines of the caves are now closed to public because of the danger of precipitous falls. These dangerous caves are highly protected now, and tourists can see sections of the cave system from afar.

KODAIKANAL

Kodaikanal Solar Observatory

This Observatory is located in the southern tip of the beautiful Palani range of hills and is the highest location near Kodai. It is about 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) from the bus-stand on Observatory Road, at 2,343 metres (7,690 ft). This is a quiet location within a forested compus. It was established in 1899 as a Solar Physics Observatory and all the activities of the Madras Observatory were shifted to Kodaikanal. The first observations were commenced here in 1901. It is owned and operated by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics and is the India’s oldest astrophysical observatory. The Kodaikanal Terrestrial Telescope can view a grand panorama including: Sothupparai Dam, Vaigai Dam, Periyakulam and Varaha river.

Solar data collected by the lab is the oldest continuous series of its kind in India. Precise observations of the equatorial electrojet are made here due to the unique geographic location of Kodaikanal. Ionospheric soundings, geomagnetic, F region vertical drift and surface observations are made here regularly and summaries of the data obtained are sent to national IMD and global WMO GAW data centers. The Former Director of this Observatory, John Evershed, discovered the phenomenon of radial motion in sunspots in 1909, now known as the Evershed effect.

The Observatory has a comprehensive Astronomical Science museum with organized public tours, access to the astronomy library, and scheduled night-time telescopic sky viewing. The displays are mainly pictorial, supported by a few models. A live solar image and the Fraunhofer spectrum are also presented.
It is open daily to the public during peak season, and a few hours each Friday the rest of the year.

KODAIKANAL

Kodaikanal Lake

500 metres (1,600 ft) from the bus stand, this is an artificial, roughly star-shaped 45 ha (60 acres) lake built in 1863. . It has a circumference of 5 kilometres (3.1 mi). It is recognized as Kodaikanal's most popular geographic landmark and tourist attraction. Rowboats and pedalos can be hired at the Kodaikanal Boat Club. The Carlton. Horses and bicycles can be hired beside the lake for short periods. The 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) path that skirts the periphery of this lovely lake is a favourite walk for the locals and tourists alike. A round of the fringes of this lake is very rewarding – you can spot rare birds, enjoy a scenery and peek at some of the bungalows and old English cottages built around the lake. This lake was formed through the initiative of Sir Vere Hentry Levinge, a retired collector of Madurai. He transformed the marshy lakeside into a spectacular lake by strengthening its banks and bringing beautiful boats from Tuticorin.

KODAIKANAL

Christ the King Church

This famous Church is a solemn, squat brownstone, granite structure with stained glass windows very close to the Kodaikanal School, near Bryant’s Park, at the end of the Coaker’s Walk. The Stained glass windows of the Church not only highlight the surrounding naturalness but are also known for their Gothic style of architecture. The beautiful chandeliers inside are ready to illuminate the beauty of the omnipotence of the Lord. This Protestant church was built by Americans back in the 1840s.

KODAIKANAL

Silver Cascade

This is located 8 kilometres (5.0 mi) from Kodaikanal at a wide bend in the Laws Ghat Road (Madurai-Kodaikanal Road), at altitude 1,800 metres (5,900 ft). This is a 55-metre (180 ft) waterfall formed from the outflow of Kodaikanal Lake. The frothy water from the lake comes down through piles of rocks. This impressive waterfall is a popular stop for first-time visitors and tourists. There are a few souvenir and fruit vendors and many monkeys here. There is also a smaller but more serene waterfall below the bridge which crosses the stream here.

KODAIKANAL

Priest’s Walk

This is a pretty path connecting the tow seminaries, Sacred Heart College in Shenbaganur and “La Providence” on Upper Shola Road. This hike is a little scary because one gets very close to the steep drop-off at some points. For the hiker who likes to go down hill, it is better to start off at “La Providence” and take the up from Shenbaganur on the return.

KODAIKANAL

Coaker's Walk

This is a famous landmark in Kodaikanal and is very crowded. It is about 500 metres (1,600 ft) from the bus-stand, constructed by Lt.Coaker in 1872, and is a 1-kilometre (3,300 ft) paved pedestrian path running along the edge of steep slopes on the southern side of Kodai. The walk, winding around Mount Nebo, starts in front of the Van Allen hospital, running parallel to the Van Allen Hospital Road and joins the main road beside St.Peter's Church, providing a stunning panoramic view of the plains, about 5000 feet below. On a clear day one can view as far as Dolphin's Nose in the south, the valley of the Pambar River in the southeast, the old Tope Bungalow (where the early traveler rested before climbing up to Kodai), Periyakulam town, the Sacred heart College in Shenbaganur (the alma mater for many Jesuit priests) right below and even the city of Madurai. At night, the pulsing shimmering lights of the plains make a truly unforgettable sight. A fascinating rare phenomenon called Brocken spectre can be witnessed, when a person can see his shadow on the clouds with a rainbow halo. This occurs when the sun is behind the viewer and clouds and mist are to the front. There is an observatory with a telescope halfway along the walk. Entrance fee to the walkway is nominal and it is open all year.

KODAIKANAL

Kodaikanal is one of the most popular hill resorts in India. This charming hill station stands amidst the sylvan beauty on a plateau on the southern crest of the upper Palani Hills. Nearest airport is Madurai 135 kms. Nearest railway station is Kodai Road about 80 kms away. Kodaikanal is connected by Road with all important towns. The 2 to 3 hours drive to Kodai via the steep and winding Ghat roads from Batlagundu or Palani is a memorable experience. Travelers may stop at turnouts on the road and enjoy the scenic beauty of the Palani hills. There is a 28 km shortcut from Periyakulam to Kodaikanal via Kumbakarai.
Kodai is situated at an altitude of about 2,133-m high and covers an area of 21.45-sq-km. The word Kodaikanal is formed from the two Tamil words Kodai and Kanal. Kanal Kanal means dream (or to be specific an illusion). By pronouncing with long Tamil o as Kodai, means Summer. Thus, Kodai Kanal means it is as good as getting water in desert for summer heat .

History - There is proof of settlement of prehistoric tribes at Kodaikanal by visible artifacts such as dolmens homes of great stone slabs. After the primitive tribes of Paliyans and Pulyans in 14th century, villagers of Palani foot hills fled into Kodai hills, to escape from the oppressive rule in the plains and also from the invasion of Tippu Sultan.
The first European to visit Kodaikanal was Lt. B.S. Ward a surveyor in the year 1821. There were many American missions in South Tamil Nadu. The foreigners could not bear the oppressive heat in Tamilnadu and they faced sickness from epidemic diseases and consequential deaths. They wanted neat and healthy natural surroundings near Madurai to rest and improve their health and Kodaikanal became the natural choice. Thus, Kodaikanal was established in 1845.
Climate - Never too hot or cold, though night temperatures drop to freezing in January, and thin ice is seen on the lake edges. In summer (March to May) the temperature range is 20°C to 11°C, and in winter (Dec-Feb) 17.3°C to 8.3°C. An average of 165 cms of rain falls every year, mostly during the north-east monsoon occurs from June to September.

Landscape - The Palani Hils are an offshoot of the Western Ghats, the oldest mountain rage in the world where underlying rocks are billions of years old. They are 87 kilometers long 24 kilometers wide and occupy an area of about 2000 square kilometers. The highest point is Vadaravu Hill, which rises to 2533 meters. The Palnis comprise two distinct geographical zones, the Upper Palnis and the Lower Palanis. The Lower are at an elevation of 1000-1500 meters. This is coffee, banana and orange country, not to mention avocado, pineapple and cardamom. The Upper Palnis at 1520-2250 meters border the state of Kerala. Here we have terraced potato and garlic farms and pear, plum and peach orchards. Mighty rocks and cascading streams rise up from the valleys. There are many high waterfalls and ubiquitous gardens and flower beds in bloom in this area.
With its rocks, woods, lovely lake, glittering streams, mist enveloped locales, wooden slopes and bracing air, Kodaikanal is an ideal hill resort for the tourists.

Flora - Meadows and grasslands cover the hillsides around Kodai. Gigantic Eucalyptus trees and shola forests flourish in the valleys. The unique flowering plant 'Kurunji' (Strobilanthus Kunthanus) is nature's gift to Kodaikanal and flowers only every 12 years with purple blooms.
The hill-plantain fruits and plums are known for their freshness and taste.

In the valleys there are dense patches of broad-leaved, evergreen rain forests called shoals. Unlike rain forests on the plains, the trees here do not reach majestic heights because of the high altitude and constant, heavy wind. These moss and lichen laden forests are prime watersheds. They absorb water during the monsoon and release it judiciously all year round.

Around - The hill town is renowned for its educational institutions of international repute.
Kodaikanal is known for its beautiful and ancient churches. The sculptural elegance of the churches in Kodaikanal add to the natural beauty of the surroundings and provide not just inner but aesthetic pleasure as well. Its rich Christian culture and tradition, still stands apart. We also see many English style stone and wood cottages tucked deep within vast flower filled graders.
Some of the places of interest in and around Kodaikanal are the Mother Salette Church, Kodaikanal Lake, Bryant Park, Coaker’s Walk, Priest’s Walk, Christ the King Church, Bear Shola Falls, Green Valley View (Formerly called Suicide Point), Shembaganur Museum of Natural History, Kodaikanal Solar Observatory, Pillar Rocks, Guna caves, Silver Cascade, Dolphin's Nose, Kurinji Andavar Murugan temple, Dolmen Circle, Mannavanur Sheep Station.

PALANI

This place is 100 km southeast of Coimbatore and a similar distance northwest of Madurai, near the famous hill station, Kodaikanal. It is an important railway station on the Dindugal-Coimbatore line.

Palani Murugan Temple

This is one of the most famous Murugan temples in India. It is mentioned as the third of the major Arupadaiveedus (Six battle camps) of Lord Muruga. The other Arupadiveedus are at Thiruchendur, Swamimalai, Thiruthani, Pazhamudircholia and Tirupparamkundram. Shivagiri, Pazhanapuri, Bodhini are some other names for the place.

Legend 1 - As per the Hindu mythology, Sage Narada once visited the divine court of Lord Shiva at Mount Kailash. Lord Shiva was with his consort, Goddess Shakti, and their two children, Lord Ganesha and Lord Subhramanya. Sage Narada gave Lord Shiva a fruit and told him that it was a special one, the fruit of wisdom (Jnana-Pazham).
Lord Shiva wanted his children to have the fruit of wisdom. However, when he offered it to them to be shared between the two sons, Sage Narada requested not to cut the fruit in two, lest the power be diminished. As a result, they had to decide to conduct a simple competition to decide who should get the fruit. Shiva and Shakti decided that the son who first circled the Earth would get the fruit. Immediately accepting the challenge, Lord Murugan started his journey around the globe on his divine vehicle, the peacock or mayil.
Lord Ganesha, who believed that his parents were his world, simply circumbulated Lord Shiva and Goddess Shakti and claimed the mango fruit. Lord Subrahmanya returned to Mount Kailash, only to find that Lord Ganesha had already won the contest. Lord Murugan felt he had been deceived and decided to leave Mount Kailasam. He first went to Tiruvavinangudi (Now the foothills of Pazhani) with the name 'Kuzandhai Velaayudha Swami'.
Meanwhile, Sage Agasthiya was returning South after a visit to the Kailsh mountains in the Himalayas. Over there he had seen the Shivagiri and Shaktigiri hills and was impressed by them. On the way back he met his disciple Idumbasuran and his wife Idumbi. He asked Idumban to move the two hils Shivagiri and Shaktigiri to near the Podigai hills down south which was his abode.
Accordingly, Idumban went and first prayed to the two mountains representing Shiva and Shakti. Then he chanted the secret mantras taught to him by Sage Agasthiyar. Brahma Dandam (a divine staff) and 8 Nagas (serpants) appeared before him. He uprooted the two hills and formed a Kavadi, a long staff (Brahma dandam) placed across his shoulder with the hills slung, one in the front and the other behind using these in which the serpants were used as ropes to hold the hills. He came down South while carrying the two mountains in his shoulders. When he reached near Avinangudi, the fatigued Idumban placed down the hills on the ground to take rest.When Idumban wanted to resume his journey he was unable to move the Shivagiri hill. On the top of the hill he saw a small boy standing who told him that this was his abode and he should leave the place immediately. A fierce battle ensued between Idumban and the boy Murugan in which Idumban was defeated and killed. Idumbi was in grief on hearing the loss of her husband and prayed Lord Murugan to forgive him. Pleased, the Lord brought Idumban back to life and also told him that both the hills may remain there and also that Idumban may also stay there in a shrine. Idumban requested the Lord that who so ever walked his way to Pazhani bearing a Kavadi, should be delivered from their suffering immediately by His grace. He also requested the Lord to entrust him with the duty of being His sentinel. Lord Muruga was meanwhile pacified by his divine parents, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. They called him Gnana Pazham Nee appa (in Tamil, "you are the fruit - Pazham; of wisdom - Gnana") and said what need of Him for a fruit to gain wisdom? The pacified Lord then withdrew to the Shivagiri Hill that he had withheld from Idumban and settled there as a recluse in seclusion. He came to be worshipped as Lord Dhandaayudhapaani and this place came to be called Pazhani, or Palani.

Legend 2 - The legend says that the original statue of Lord Muruga in Palani was created by a divisne siddhar Sage Bhogar who was one of the eighteen siddhars (Sage Agasthiar, Sage Thirumular are among others) of Hindu religion. Bhogar was the disciple of Kalangi Nathar . He chose the Pazhani hill for his yogic practices and thus attained Swarupa Samadhi by the grace of Lord Muruga in Pazhani. He lived long ago, perhaps 3000 BC during the beginning of Kali Yuga. The idol was made out of herbs (Tamil: Mulighai) that had medicinal properties. The idol of Lord Muruga was made out of a combination of 9 poisons known as navapashanam, which on getting mixed develops highly curative powers for many ailments of the human body according to Sidhha Medicine practice, and this was installed. Eight ingredients were used to mould the statue and the ninth constituted the catalyst to solidify it. Sage Bhogar established the deity in the temple by performing poojas for a long period. Siddhar Bhogar, a medical prodigy as he was, he could prepare the amalgam on nine medicinal minerals in proper proportion. In recent times the scientists who attempted to determine the composition of a small sample of the material of the idol, were startled to find that it immediately sublimated when heated. Thus its composition remains a mystery to date. It is also believed that Bhogar was the spiritual master of Babaji who advocated the Kriya Yoga.
History - Cheraman Perumal, a ruler of Kerala, built the main temple perhaps in the 7th Century AD. The Nayaks built the Navaranga Mandapam. The other portions of the temple have been built by the Pandiya kings, besides a number of local heads, religious groups and individual devotees.

Temple - The Pazhani hill is 450 feet high with 690 stone steps and is situated at an elevation of 1500 feet above sea level. An electric winch serves the purpose of carrying the devotees up the hill. The temple can also be reached by walking up the 'Elephant path' or 'Yaanai Padhai'. It is a charming campus from where one can take a look at the Idumban Hill, the Kodaikanal Hills, the Western Ghats, the greenery of the paddy fields, rivers, tanks, Palani town and the colleges. On a lovely, clear and mist-free day, the Kurinci Andavar Temple is visible from here against the bright sun. In daytime, Palani is Hill Beautiful; at night, it is Hill Resplendent.
The temple atop the hill is fashioned on the ancient South Indian architecture.
The presiding deity of the temple of Pazhani is Lord Muruga acclaimed as Lord Dhandaayudhapaani ( the lord with a staff in his hand ). The Lord sits facing west. Clad in a loin cloth in a standing position and with a staff in his hand, he represents his reclusive nature here. He appears as a mute messenger of the great precept 'Renounce all to reach Me'. The Raja Alankaaram ( Decorating the idol like a king ) represents the fact that the same Lord who is a recluse is also the King of the universe. The idol of Lord Murugan due to its medicinal properties is considered very valuable.
On entering the shrine complex, first comes the Mayil (Peacock) Mandapam, then the Manikkatti Mandapam, then the Rajagopuram entrance and then the Parvel Mandapam. The pillars in the Parvel Mandapam have well carved sculptures. After this comes the Navranga Mandapam from where we can get the darshan of the Lord. Navaranga Mandapam is a fascinating stone structure incorporated by four pillars and endowed with nine bays.
The Bhogar Shrine is in the southwestern corridor of the hill temple. Bhogar's body rests here. The image of Nava Dûrgâ or Bhûvanesvari and the Maragadha (emerald) Siva Lingam worshipped by him are found here. It is said that there is a subterranean tunnel linking the shrine with the sanctum sanctorum through which Bhogar is said to go to the main idol and perform daily pujas as he is said to be only in nirvikalpa samadhi. The adjoining walls depicts the history of the creation and other facts related to the temple.
Shrines of Malaikkanni, Shivaloka Nathar, Ambigai and Chandikeswarar are also seen inside the temple complex. The figure of King Cheraman Perumal on horseback is inscribed in stone near the Vairava sub-shrine in the exterior of the northern wall of the sanctum sanctorum.
The temple of Idumban is found half way up the hill, where every pilgrim is expected to offer obeisance before going to the temple of Dandâyudhapani. The shrine of Velavar lies next to Idumban.

Tiru Avinankudi: Kulandai Vêlâyudhaswâmi Temple - The Thiru Aaavinankudi temple at the foot of Pazhani is an integral part of Pazhani temple atop the hill. A dip in the 'Saravana Poigai theertham' or tank and the 'Shanmugha Nadhi' attached to the temple, which lies 3 Kms way from Pazhani is said to absolve the sins of the devotees. This temple had humble beginnings under the shade of the nelli tree (amla). It is said that God Muruga holds at Tiru Avinankudi a Royal Court of all gods with saints emancipated and clad in saffron-dyed clothes and deer skin. The presiding deity is Muruga as a child sitting on a peacock. A convenient and full view can be taken by the worshippers since the sanctum is on an elevation. The festival deity, nelli and nagalinga flora and the shrine of Arunagirinâthar are added attractions.

Prayers and Festivals - Bhogar formulated the Abishekam for the statue with Panchamirtham spread over the idol as a part of the worship. The Panchamirtam poured over the idol withdrew the properties of the statue is believed to cure illness as well bestow spiritual advancement. This is the order in which various materials are used to anoint Lord Dandāyudhapani: Gingili oil, Water from Varattar river, Diravyap podi (a compound of rice-flour, turmeric powder and soapnut powder), Panchamirtam, Milk, Curd (yogurt), Tender coconut, Rose water, Sugarcane juice, Fruit juice, Holy Ash, Sandal paste.
The Raakaala Sandhanam or the sandalwood paste smeared on the idol also serves the same purpose. Rākkālam or the last puja for the day commences at 8 p.m. with abhishekam. The deity is dressed in large quantities of sandal paste which remain overnight. Early morning they are removed; medicinal value accrues to the paste throughout the night and it is utilised to maximum advantage by the devotees. The menu for the last puja is called Tinai, a cereal grain powdered and mixed with Kandasari sugar.
During the night before closing the temple the Lord’s footsteps are taken ceremonially. The Oduvar and the Kattiyakkarar recite passages from the scriptures. Then a silver palanquin is brought to the doors of the sanctum sanctorum and the footsteps placed on it. On Fridays, Mondays and Kārttikai a golden palanquin is put into use; on these days, the procession route includes the outer prakaram too. The edible part of the coconut is mixed with jaggery and cardamom and distributed to the devotees. A green carpet is spread in the route and the palanquin carried to the Palli Arai accompanied by Nadasvaram music, Theevattis and fly-wisks called Ven Chāmarai. The footsteps are transferred to a swing that is like a cradle. The theory is that Muruga came to Palani as a child and so He is put to sleep in a cradle as any other child. The day’s receipts and expenditures (classified under each head of account) for the hill-temple are read at the Palli Arai in the presence of all the devotees. With the Oduvar and the Kattiyakkarar singing lullabies glorifying the Lord, the doors of the Palli Arai are locked, the pilgrims cleared from the hill and the entire temple sealed.
There are six pujas every day.
Tonsure ceremony is a special feature of Palani. Many devotees of all ages perform tonsure ceremony at Palani
Panguniuttiram, Thai Pucam, Kanda Sasthi, Agni Nakshatram are the major festivals. Vaikasi Vishakam, Tirukkarttikai and other festivals are also celebrated. Apart from these, special worship is attributed on the day of the Kirthika star and Shashti day very month.
Thaipoosam is the festivel celebrated on the full moon day of the Tamil Month "Thai" and Pankuniuthiram is the festivel celebrated on "Uthiram" star day. In both the festival times thousands of people from all over Tamil nadu come to the Temple by walk from far off places with out wearing foot wears. Before starting walking yathra to Palani, the devotees must follow some practices such as fasting, avoiding wearing of foot wears, dressing with yellow or red coloured cloths, avoiding smoking, drinking of liquors and etc.
The Kavaadi culture or the Kaavadi worship is said to have spread from Pazhani.Devotees make their way to Pazhani by foot with Kaavadis slung across their shoulder. The Kaavadis also contain small pots filled with jaggery or milk of which jaggery will be used to make the Panchamirtham to be smeared on the idol and the milk to bathe the idol. It is believed that people in the early days also carried the Machcha Kavadi that constituted fish and the Sevar Kavadi which constituted chicken. It is believed that the cooked rooster in the Sevar Kavadi of an ardent devotee who had strictly followed the rules of worship sprung with life when the pot was opened in front of the deity displaying the omnipotence of the Lord.
Timings - 6.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m. On festival days the temple opens at 4.30 a.m.

CHINNALAPATTI

Chinnalapatti is a panchayat town, 11 km south-west of Dindigul, on the National Highway 7 (NH7) which connects Madurai with Dindigul. Ambathurai is the nearest railway station. All the passenger trains and some express trains stop at this station. Madurai Airport is the nearest airport for this town. This place is well known for its handloom products and the sarees produced here are renowned all over the country. Chinnalapatti is also famous for iron locks and tobacco.

Lord Shadhurmuga Murugan temple

This temple located on the main bazaar.

Legend 1 - Since Bramha could not give the meaning for Pranava and did not realize the truth that Lord Shiva and Lord Murugan are the same, Lord Murugan kept him in jail (Paadala Sirai) and himself carried on the work of creation. To commemorate this occasion, Goddess Easwari created the form of Lord Murugan with 4 faces and having 12 hands having the name "Sadurmugar".

Legend 2 - Vishwamitra Maharishi went into to deep meditation towards Lord Shiva with the aim of attaining the title of Brahma Rishi. Pleased Lord Shiva appeared before him and informed that only Goddess Bala Tripurasundari will be able to guide him in fulfilling his wish. So Viswamithra Maharisdhi started meditating on Bala Tripurasundari. After a long time he heard the sound of anklets like someone coming near him. When he opened his eyes, the Goddess was standing before him. The Goddess told him that his wish will be granted but before that he should fulfill her one wish. She asked him to apply Kumkum Pottu (Bindi) on her forehead. Vishwamitra did as told. After the kumkum was applied, the Goddess bent low to see her own reflection in the waters of a nearby pond, when a little of the kumkum fell into the water. A divine figure emerged from the pond. Later a second figure emerged and merged with the first one. Likewise two more figures emerged and merged with the first. The Goddess told Vishwamitra that the divine figure with 4 faces and 12 hands is Lord Murugan and told him that he may ask for his the Lord. When Vishwamitra looked at Lord Murugan, he felt his ego vanishing. Lord Murugan pointed out to Vishwamitra a spot far away near the horizon where it was raining small stones from the sky and asked him to go that place. It was revealed to Vishwamitra that all his doubts would be cleared at that place. As Vishwamitra started moving towards that distant place, he saw that it was also moving away from him. After wandering for a long time, he came to Chinnalapatti where he saw a small boy and asked him for directions. The small boy told him that this was the place Vishwamitra was looking for and took him to the Murugan temple. At the temple, Vishwamitra had darshan of the Goddess Bala Tripurasundari and Lord Murugan together and prayed to them. Then he heard somebody calling him as Brahmarishi Vishwamitra. Turning around he saw Vasishta rishi who embraced him and told him that he had attained the Brahmarishi title with the blessings of the goddess and Lord Murugan.

Temple – The temple stands in an elevated platform. The main entrance faces east with a mandapam in front. Inside the temple, the maha mandapam is seen. After this comes the Ardha Mandapam and thereafter the sanctum. On both sides of the entrance to the Aradha Mandapam stand the majestic Dwara palar. The prakaram goes around the Ardha Mandapam and the sanctum.
Moolavar here is Siva Subramania Swamy (with 4 faces and 12 hands) with his consorts Valli and Deivayanai facing towards South and the two sides of the Karuvarai are protected by Veerabaghu and Veeramahendrar. He is seen mounted on his vahanam peacock.
Also there are sannidis for Kamakshi amman Sameda Sri Ekambareswara peruman and Dakshina Moorthy.
Since this is a parikara stalam for Sevvai, there is a sannidi for Dhandapani also in the prakaram.
On the walls of the prakara and also separately, shrines of Shri Vinayagar, Kukudatwajar (Mayil Vahanar), Chandikeswarar, Sakthidarar, Balasubramaniar and Durgai are there.

Prayers and Festivals - In Tuesdays Sempaal Abisekam (Milk mixed with Kumkumam) is conducted for Sadurmuga Murugan. It is believed that those who have Sevvai Dosam get relieved from the marriage problems (Thirumana Thadaigal).
Kiruthigai during the month of Karthigai and Panguni Uthiram arelebrated grantly here.
It is believed that conducting marriage here is more special.

Timings - Morning - 7:30 to 11:00; Evening - 5:00 to 9:00