Thirumuruganpoondi
Sri Thirumuruganathaswamy Temple is in Thirumuruganpoondi, a small village 5 km from Avinashi and around 50 kms from Coimbatore. This ancient temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva as Thirumuruganathar and his consort Avudainayagi, is a significant pilgrimage centre and one of the 274 'Padal Petra Sthalams' revered in the Thevaram .
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| Inside the temple |
Constructed in the 10th century during the Kongu Chola period, the temple showcases Dravidian architecture. Notably, it does not have a traditional Rajagopuram , a unique feature among South Indian temples. The sanctum sanctorum houses a west-facing Shiva Lingam.
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| Inscriptions on the wall |
The temple's walls are adorned with inscriptions from King Vikrama Chola I, highlighting its historical and cultural importance .
The temple is associated with the 7th-century Saiva saint Sundarar. Legend has it that Sundarar, while en route to Thiruvarur after receiving gifts from the Chera king, was divinely compelled to stop at Thirumuruganpoondi. He rested in front of the Ganesha sannithi. As he did not go inside to pray Lord Shiva, Lord Shiva played a prank and stole all his posessions. He realised his istake of not going inside and in his heartfelt prayers, Sundarar composed verses expressing his distress. Moved by his devotion, Lord Shiva restored his belongings, and Sundarar composed the "Kodugu Venchilai" hymn in gratitude. There are two idols of Sundarar, one with a sad face after he lost his posessions and another one after he regained them in front of Lord Shiva as Vedan (Hunter)
This incident is commemorated annually during the "Vedupari Urchavam" festival .
According to the legends, after Lord Murugan (Kartikeya) slayed the demon Surapadman, he incurred Brahmahatti Dosha (a sin acquired from killing). To atone for this sin, he came to this holy site and worshipped Lord Shiva.As he left his spear (Vel) and his vehicle the Peacock outside, the idol here is seen without his usual (Vel) and Mayil (Peacock). The Shiva Lingam worshipped by Lord Murugan here is a Swayambhu Lingam (self-manifested). Lord Muruga here is seen as Arumugathan -six faces. Five of his face we can see and the sixth face we can see in the mirror placed behind the idol.
There is a seperate sannidhi for Lord Ganesha here called as 'Koopidu Vinayagar'. It is said that after Sundarar got back his posessions, Ganesha called him and pointed the place where his possessions were found, hence the name.
There is a seperate sannidhi for ambal called 'Muyangu poonmulai Valliammai' next to the Shiva sannidhi.
There are sannidhis for Ganesha, Durgai, 63 Nayanmargal, Navagrahas,Bairavar and Saneeswarar. There is a hall of Nataraja called Adavallan Sabha.
The temple complex is home to three sacred wells:
Shanmugha Theertham: Seen inside the praharam.
Gnana Theertham: Known to grant wisdom and knowledge.
Brahma Theertham: known to cure mental related illness.
Festivals and Rituals
The temple celebrates several festivals with grandeur:
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Vedupari Urchavam: Held in the Tamil month of Thai (mid-Jan to mid-Feb), commemorating Sundarar's divine encounter.
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Brahmotsavam: A 13-day festival in the Tamil month of Maasi (Feb-Mar), featuring various rituals and processions.
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Maha Shivaratri, Thirukarthikai, Arudra Darshanam, Annabhishekam, Kandasashti, Thaipusam, Navratri, and Vaikasi Visakam and other significant festivals are celebrated with fervor
How to Reach: The temple is located approximately 5 km from Avinashi and 9 km from Tirupur. The nearest railway station is Tirupur, and the nearest airport is Coimbatore International Airport, about 50 km away .
Where to Stay?There are plenty of budget and semi deluxe hotels in Tirupur and star hotels in Coimbatore.
Where to Eat? There are several restaurants in Avinashi or at Tirupur.
Other interesting places around : Avinashi temple, Thirumaneeswar temple
Contact
Sri Thirumuruganathaswamy Temple,
Sanathi Street, Thirumuruganpoondi, Tirupur – 641652,
Tamil Nadu
Phone: +91 4296 273 507,+91 94437 61520 / 90032 89179 / 99444 42657
