- Murugan
Kurinji Andavar Temple
- Kodaikanal,Tamil Nadu
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Overview
Kurinji Andavar Temple is situated 5 kms from the lake, it is a famous shrine dedicated to Lord Muruga. In Tamil literature Kurinji means 'hill region' and Andavar means 'God'. Hence Lord Muruga is referred as 'God of hill'.
About The Temple
Sri Kurinji Andavar Temple was built in 1936 by a European Lady who converted into a Hindu due to her faith. She changed her name as Leelavathi and married Mr. Ramanathan. She is also known as Lady Ramanathan. This temple is under the management of Arulmighu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Thiru Kovil, Palani.
This small temple has a three tiered tower and a single parakaram surrounding the main shrine. In the prakara the sub-shrines of Vishnu, Ganesha and Nava Graha are found. Facing Vishnu, there is Hanuman idol; beyond that there is Garuda idol.
About The Deity
The main deity here is called Sri Kurinji Eswaran, who is in fact Lord Murugan. In the main shrine there is a small idol of Ganesha also found along with Murugan.
Temple Speciality
Kurinji Andavar Murugan temple is famous for its Kurinji flower which blossoms in the area only once every 12 years. From this temple one can have a view of Palani and Vaigai dam. In addition, this temple is also a venue for summer festival, which is celebrated in the month of May every year. During this festival, tourists flock the temple so as to seek the blessings of Lord Muruga.
How to Reach Kodaikanal
Airport
The airport nearest to Kodaikanal is Madurai, about 120 kilometres away. Others in line include the Trichy airport and the Coimbatore airport, 150 kilometres and 175 kilometres away, respectively. From the airport, you can easily get a bus to Kodaikanal.
Railways
Kodai Road, situated around 80 km away from the main town of Kodaikanal, is the nearest railway station. Mostly trains from Madurai and Trichy run to Kodai Road. Another nearest and important station is Coimbatore Railway Station, which withstands the arrival and departure of all major trains connecting important Indian cities.
Road
Kodaikanal is connected by road with important towns like Madurai, Palani, Theni, Dindigul, Thiruchirappalli, Kumuli, Bangalore, Coimbatore and Chennai. Regular bus services at frequent intervals are available from these cities. State and private operators run buses in this route. Cabs or private cars serve as alternative for road trip to Kodaikanal.
Temple Address
Kurinji Andavar Temple,
Kurinji Andavar Temple Rd, Kodaikanal,
Dindigul district, Tamil Nadu,
India, Pincode – 624101.
Significance
Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfillment of the following:-
- Salvation
- Wealth
- Relief from diseases
- Purchase of vehicles
- Gain Knowledge
Shlokas
Shadaananam Chandana Liptha Gathram Mahorasam Divya Mayoora Vaahanam Rudrasya Soonum Suraloka Naatham Brahmanya Devam Charanam Prapadye
Meaning -I always take refuge in the 6 faced Lord Guha, who has sandal paste smeared over his body, who is broad-chested, whose vehicle is the peacock, who is Lord Shiva's son and who leads the army of the Devas.
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.
Timings
07:00 am to 07:00 pm.