Thirumalai Kumaraswamy Temple — Attraction in Tamil Nadu

Thirumalai Kovil is a Murugan temple situated at Panpoli, Sengottai in the Tenkasi district of Tamil Nadu, South India. It is about 100 km from Thiruvananthapuram. The temple is situated on a small hill surrounded by the Western Ghats near the border with Kerala. At a distance of 5 km from Panpoli Bus Stop, 14 km Tenkasi, 18 km from Courtallam and 71 km from Tirunelveli, Thirumalai Kovil is a Murugan temple situated at Panpoli. The temple is situated at an altitude of 400 m on a small hill surrounded by Western Ghats on the border of Kerala.

The main deity Murugan is found with four hands in the standing posture. The deity here is called Thirumalai Kumaraswamy or Thirumalai Murugan. Lord Muruga gave darshan to sage Agasthiar at this place. This temple has 2 enclosures and two entrances. The sanctum faces the east. The temple boasts a mukha-mandapa, maha-mandapa in front of the sanctum. At the entrance of the main sanctum, there is a small idol for Lord Ganesha. A three tiered gopura covers the entrance to the inner enclosure. Much of the current structure of the temple dates back to 15th century. There are few 18th century inscriptions found in the temple.

At the entrance of the hill, there is a shrine for Lord Vallabha Vinayaka. There is another Vinayaka shrine in the middle of the hill path. The sacred spring at the top of the hill is called Ashta Padmakulam. A flower called Kuvalai blossomed here. The Saptha Kannikas worshipped Muruga by offering the flower. The idols of Saptha Kannikas are installed on the banks of the spring.

There are 625 steps to reach the temple at the hill top. There is also a motorable road which can take you directly to the entrance of the temple. This hill temple is surrounded by lot of coconut plantations.

Step festival on the first of Chithirai in April, Vaikasi Visakam in May/June, Skanda Sashti in October/November, Karthikai float festival in November/December and Thai Poosam in January/February are the festivals celebrated in the temple.

Timings: 6 AM - 1 PM and 5 PM to 8.30 PM

Historical Importance

Once upon a time Swamy Thirumalaimurugan appeared one Poovan Battar Archagar of Thirumalai Kaliamman Temple’s dream and asked him to find out the idol (stone vickragam) of swamy Thirumalai kumaran which is under the Bamboo bush,situated at Kottaithiradu on the way to Achankoil,ants would show the way to locate the idol. The message was conveyed to the then Kerala King of Pandalam.The king and Battar went to Kottaithiradu in order to find out the statue as stated in the dream ants paved the path.Lord Thirumalai Murugan statue was found.The same was brought and installed in the sanctum sanctorum of this present temple.It would had happened around 600 years back.

Prof. Dr. GanapathiRaman in his thesis work about this temple’s history noted that the place and hill were ruled by Ayandiran and known as Kaviramalai.Silapathikaram also spoke of this hill as Neduvelkundram.It is said kannaki passed through this hill to Kerala Desam.Saint Arunagirinathar composed Thiruppugal in praise of Thirumalai Murugan with sweet music.Thandapani swamigal,Kavirasa pandarathiaya noted poets also in their poetic diction sung in favour of Thirumalaikumaran.These are all found in the poems like Thirumalai kumaran pillaithamil.ThirumalaiMurugan Kuravanji,Thirumalai murugan Nondinadagam, Thirumalai karuppan Kathal.There are also works like ThirumalaiMurugan anthathi, Thirumalaikumaraswamy Alankara pirabantham,Thirumanimalai Thiruthalattu speak...

Tirumalayikovil, situated in Tenkasi, Tamil Nadu, is a renowned temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This sacred site holds historical and cultural significance, attracting devotees and tourists alike. The temple's architecture is a testament to ancient Dravidian craftsmanship, featuring intricate carvings and impressive structures. The main deity, Lord Vishnu, is worshipped with elaborate rituals and ceremonies, creating a spiritual atmosphere for visitors. The temple's history is intertwined with the rich cultural tapestry of Tenkasi, reflecting the region's religious heritage. Pilgrims flock to Tirumalayikovil to seek blessings, participate in festivals, and experience the spiritual ambiance that envelops the temple. Beyond its religious importance, the temple serves as a symbol of unity and community in Tenkasi. Local residents actively participate in maintaining and preserving this cultural gem, fostering a sense of pride and identity. The annual festivals celebrated at Tirumalayikovil showcase the vibrancy of Tamil culture, featuring traditional music, dance, and religious processions. These events bring people together, fostering a sense of community and reinforcing the temple's role as a focal point for social and cultural activities. In conclusion, Tirumalayikovil in Tenkasi is not just a place of worship; it is a living testament to the region's rich history and cultural heritage. Its architectural grandeur, religious significance, and community engagement make it a must-visit destination for those seeking a deeper connection with the spiritual and cultural roots of Tamil Nadu. The temple's origins can be traced back to ancient times, and its existence has been documented through various historical records. The legends and stories associated with Tirumalayikovil contribute to its mystique, captivating both the religious and the curious. One notable feature of the temple is its sacred pond, which is often considered holy and is believed to have therapeutic properties. Devotees and visitors participate in ritualistic bathing, symbolizing spiritual purification and a connection with divine energies. Tirumalayikovil's architectural marvels extend beyond the main sanctum. The temple complex includes intricately designed halls, towering gopurams (entrance towers), and pillared corridors. Each element is a testament to the skilled craftsmanship of the artisans of yesteryears and reflects the artistic and cultural prowess of the region. The temple's festivals, such as Brahmotsavam, Rathotsavam, and Vaikunta Ekadashi, draw large crowds, turning the town of Tenkasi into a vibrant hub of religious fervor. These celebrations not only provide a platform for spiritual expression but also contribute to the local economy through increased tourism and cultural activities. Moreover, the temple serves as a center for spiritual education, hosting discourses, bhajans, and religious classes. This educational aspect enhances the community's understanding of its religious roots, fostering a sense of cultural continuity. In essence, Tirumalayikovil is a multifaceted gem, embodying history, spirituality, and community engagement. As visitors explore its hallowed grounds, they are not only immersed in the divine aura but also become part of a living tradition that has shaped the cultural landscape of Tenkasi...

Great place to visit... A lovely murugan temple which is hundreds of years old, recently renovated. Stunning views from the top of the hill - all around. Very very spacious. Ample parking, refreshments at the top of the hill. Dont miss it if you are around Tenkasi.About half an hour drive from Tenkasi, this Murugan temple can be reached by car. The place offers some breathtaking views from the top. A photographer's delight.The main deity is Lord Muruga. There are around 600 steep steps to climb up to the temple. There are well laid roads as well to reach the top by car. The hilltop offers a great view point of the green cover of Senkottai and around. Can get crowded during the peak tourist season in courtallam and on other auspicious days. Open upto 1 PM and offers ample car parking. Abode of Lord Murugan, situated on top of a hill from Tenkasi is Sri Thirumalai Swamy temple.The temple is located in a small place called Panpozhi which is located at a distance of around 100km from Thiruvananthapuram. The nearest town in Tenkasi which is 20km away. You can drive up the hill or walk on the steps to reach the temple at the top. En-route offers very scenic views on all the four directions.Interesting story behind the temple - do ask the temple Poojari (priest) about it if there is no crowd.A recent interesting story: (Aug'17) When the Poojari opened the temple he found there was a 13 feet long snake in the sanctum of the temple near Lord Murugan. Out of fear, he closed the door and called the forest department to catch the snake. to everyone's surprize they heard the bells ringing inside and opened the door to find the snake hanging on the bell and making the sound. Forest department officials caught the snake and let it in the wild.Paid parking available on top of the mountain Normal Dress code (No Shorts/ skirts, etc.) Thai Pusam Festival Very Very grand and important this temple.You can drive up the hill or walk on the steps to reach the temple at the top. En-route offers very scenic views on all the four directions.Interesting story behind the temple - do ask the temple Poojari (priest) about it if there is no crowd.A recent interesting story: (Aug'17) When the Poojari opened the temple he found there was a 13 feet long snake in the sanctum of the temple near Lord Murugan. Out of fear, he closed the door and called the forest department to catch the snake. to everyone's surprize they heard the bells ringing inside and opened the door to find the snake hanging on the bell and making the sound. Forest department officials caught the snake and let it in the wild.Paid parking available on top of...