- Murugan
Kathithamalai Murugan Temple
- Thenmugam Kangayapalayam,Tamil Nadu
- View on map
- Tell us about this temple
Overview
Kathithamalai Murugan Temple also know as Vettri Velayuthaswami Temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan and is located at Thenmugam Kangayapalayam, Erode, Tamil Nadu.
About The Temple
The temple is located on a hill facing east. It has a 5 tier Rajagopuram at the entrance. The steps are convenient and broad to reach the temple. The Deepa Sthamba is placed before the Rajagopuram. There is a shrine for Idumban, the head of the Muruga’s force. A temple for the anthill is located at foot hills on south east side. It is believed to be the tomb of Mayuragiri Siddha, and pujas are performed on new moon days. Devotees call this anthill (Puttru in Tamil) Subbarayar. There is a shrine for guardian deity Sukkumalayan under the Palai tree on the way to Mother Valli-Deivanai’s shrine. Those seeking child boon pray here.
Hills belong to Lord Muruga. Where there is a hill, there is Muruga. Naturally, He blesses His devotees from Oothukuli Kathithamalai hills in Erode district. This is a prayer centre where Saint Agasthya worshipped the Lord. The presiding deity, Lord Vettri Velayuthaswami graces here without his consorts Valli and Deivanai in a standing form.
After defeating and killing Surapadhma, Lord Muruga alone was here. Valli and Deivanai came to this hill and begged Lord Muruga to marry them. They were the daughters of Nambirajan and Indira respectively. As this happened before the wedding, separate shrines are allocated to them. Lord Muruga carries with Him three powers – Valli the Itcha Shakti, Deivanai the Gnana Shakti and the Vel (Muruga’s weapon) the Kriya Shakti, representing love, knowledge and action. These are merged in Lord Muruga. While the first two Shaktis are by His sides, the third, the Vel is placed on His chest. Lord Muruga Himself is an embodiment of wisdom.
Legend and Stories
Sage Agasthya went on a pilgrimage to all shrines of Lord Muruga. He was accompanied by Maharshi Narada and the Devas. There was no water in this place to prepare the nivedhana for the puja. Sage Agasthya was sad. He prayed to Lord for water. Lord promptly appeared, punched His Vel and created spring flowing abundant water. The sage was happy. He completed the puja and quenched his thirst too. As the spring came from a pit, the place was named Oothukuli –Oothu means spring and pit means Kuli in Tamil. A temple was erected here for Lord Muruga.
Festivals
Thai Poosam in January-February, Vaikasi Visakam in May-June and Skanda Sashti in October-November are the festivals celebrated in the temple.
Significance
Those facing obstacles in Marriage and couples separated in life, pray here
How to Reach Sri Vettri Velayuthaswami Temple, Kathithamalai
Airport
The nearest airport is Coimbatore Airport.
Railways
The nearest railway station is Oothukuli Railway Station.
Road
Kathithamalai Murugan temple can be reached by bus from Erode running through Oothukuli (15 km).
Temple Address
Kathithamalai Murugan Temple,
Uthukkuli Town, Thenmugam Kangayapalayam,
Erode District, Tamil Nadu, Pincode - 638752.
Significance
Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfillment of the following:-
- To overcome obstacles related to wedding
- To be reunited with separated spouse
- For child Boon
Shlokas
Heyswami Natha Karunakara Dheenabandho Shree Parvatheesha Mukha Pankaja Padmabandho Shree Saadhi Devagana Poojitha Padha Padma Vallesa Nadha Mama Dehi Karaavalambham
Meaning -O! Merciful Lord Swaminatha, who cares for the poor, who is the sun to Lord Shiva's lotus face, whose lotus feet are acknowledged by Lord Vishnu and the others, Valli's Lord, please uplift me by lending me your hand.
Ariru Thadanthozh Vazhga Arumugam Vazhga Veppai Kooru Sei Thanivel Vazhga Kukkudum Vazhga Sevvel Yeriya Magnai Vazhga Aanai Thun Anangu Vazhga Maarila Valli Vazhga Vazhga Seer Adiyar Yellam
Meaning -Oh Muruga, we hail your 12 strong shoulders for they protect us from our enemies, we hail your 6 faces, we hail the Vel, your weapon that broke apart the Krounja mountain to reveal the asura in it. We hail the bird, the cock, that is part of your symbol in the flag. We hail your peacock, that takes you all over the world, we hail your consort Devyani, who was brought up by Indra's white elephant, Airavadam, we hail your other consort, the flawless Valli. And we hail your Bhaktas who worship you as a prayer.
Uruvai Aruvai Uladhai Iladhai Maruvai Malarai Maniyai Oliyai Karuvai Uyirai Gadhiyai Vidhiyai Guruvai Varuvai Arulvai Guhaney
Meaning -O Lord Muruga, you have form and you are formless, you have everything and have nothing, you who exist in the smallest, in flowers, in a bell's ring, in the light. You are the embryo, the life, destiny and fate. Bestow your blessings on us as our guru.
Jajwalyamananam Sura Brunda Vandhyam Kumaradhaara Thada Manthirastham Kandharpa Roopam Kamaneeya Gathram Brahmanya Devam Charanam Prapadye
Meaning -I look for shelter with the God, who is Brahman, who all the devas salute, who has a temple in the Kumaradhara banks, who shines and has an attractive personality and a very beautiful body.
Timings
The temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and from 5.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.