Palamalai

Palamalai
Sri Arulmigu Aranganathar

Sri Aranganathan with Sri Devi,Bhoodevi-Utsavar

Palamalai is dedicated to Sri Aranganathan and situated in a beautiful Guridi hills of the Western ghats near Perianaicken Palayam,Coimbatore.

The temple.

Perched atop the picturesque Palamalai Hills, the Arulmigu Aranganathar Thirukkovil is a serene sanctuary dedicated to Lord Ranganatha, an avatar (divine manifestation) of Lord Vishnu. Surrounded by panoramic views and enveloped in spiritual calm, the temple has been a beacon of devotion for centuries, its history woven with fascinating legends that continue to inspire awe among devotees.

The Legend of the Cowherd’s Discovery
One of the temple’s most cherished legends tells the story of a humble cowherd troubled by the sudden decline in his cow’s milk yield. Curious, he followed the animal into the hill’s dense greenery and was astonished to find it offering its milk to a self-manifested (Swayambu) idol of Lord Ranganatha. Interpreting this as a divine sign, the locals built a temple on the very spot where the idol was found.

The Healing Powers of Padma Theertham
Another captivating tale speaks of a king and a sage, both burdened by curses, who sought solace on Palamalai. They bathed in the sacred Padma Theertham,the temple’s pristine tank and prayed fervently to Lord Ranganatha. Miraculously, their curses were lifted. Since then, many devotees believe that worship at this temple can cure diseases, remove misfortunes, and eliminate doshas.

Inside the temple

Moolavar is Sri Arangamnathan in Nindra Thirukolam (standing Posture) facing east. There are several sannithis here as you go around the temple. The sannithis of Thayar Bhoodevi and Sridevi are situated toward left and right of the Aranganathar sannithi.There is small and seperate sannidhi for Chakrathazhwar on the left side of the main sanctum.The anjaneyar sannithi looks very ancient and the Anjaneyar is beautiful in spite of the years. There are sannithis for the vaishnavite saints Kurathazhwar,Ramanujar and a seperate sannithi for a sidhar Kalidasa Swamigal.

Anjaneyar

After coming out of the temple, one can enjoy the'Sukku Coffee' and 'Bajjis' in a small shop situated there.Bananas produced locally from the villages nearby are amazing.

As you come out of the temple you can walk towards the view point and the view from there is breath taking and on a sunny day you can several kilometres. You can enjoy with your family picknicing there, but as a good citizen do not litter. Take away the leftovers and the packing covers with you. Palamalai has the second-highest number of Irula tribes living in the region.You can meet a few Irulas who can share a story about the area and elephant and other wildlife encounters.

Temple location

Palamalai, is atop Gurudi Hills of Periyanaickenpalayam area of the Western Ghats at an elevation of about 800 meters ,in the suburbs of of Coimbatore. Palamalai is the second highest in number of Irula tribes that lives . From the center of the city, it is around 25 KM off Mettuplayam Road,and off Perianaicken Palayam. The nearest village toward the hill is Kovanur. The roads are quite ok, and there was a road going over this small hill

Festivals Ther (temple car) festival falls on Chitra Pournami day. As with other Vaishnavaites temple, the month of marghazhi (Dec-Jan) lot of festivals happen culminating in Sorga Vasal.

Temple Timings The temple is open from 7;00 AM till till 7:00 pm

How to reach?

You can a take a cab or drive your own car /bike through the winding and steep roads with hair pin bends for around 4 kms.Roads tend to be slippery and bad with fallen rocks during the rainy season. City buses towards Mettupalyam will take you upto Perianaicken Palyam and from there you can take an auto to Govanur. Jeeps may be available. There is also a 'small bus' service Anikorai - Kotagiri - Mettupalayam - Palamalai but please consult or refer TNSTC website for correct timings.Here are the timings:

Departures from Mettupalayam : 06:10, 15:45
Departures from Palamalai : 07:15, 09:30, 11:00, 17:00,19:45

From the foot of the hill, there are also steps to walk up to the temple about 2kms, but forest officilas may advise against you taking that route as elephants may cross there.

Where to Stay? There are plenty of hotels in Coimbatore for all budgets
Contact Phone: +(91) 944-334-8564
Phone: +(91) 978-650-0166

Useful data
State: Tamil Nadu
District:Coimbatore
Famous for: Pilgrimage
Languages: Tamil
Best Season: Throughout the year.
Weather: Summer 33-39°C, Winter 16-28°C . Heavy seasonl rains from June till August
Altitude: Sea level