MARUDAMALAI - THANTHONRIA VINAYAKAR TEMPLE 

In this reputed Muruga kshetra, there are some shrines dedicated to Saivate gods and they are adored with equal fervor. In fact in every Siva mandir or Muruga temple, or one dedicated to Mother Parvathi, there is found invariably a well- built mini-shrine or mantap for Lord Ganesh. Why even in Vaishnava shrines also, his image is found in one place or the other; for, it is ordained by Lord Siva, that he is the destroyer of vighna of any type that crops up during the process of any work taken up by any one including the highest gods, like Vishnu, Siva etc. Agra puja is offered to him by all. So seeing his icon is nothing extra-ordinary, nor unique, but to find a separate, independent shrine-for him with regular routine worship speaks recognition of his place and extension of veneration due.

This Vinayaka's shrine is a neatly built and well maintained little shrine, popular as Thanthonria Vinayakar and is drawing the visitors' reverent attention and soulful prayers; for, he is blessing the devotees instantly as a matter of fact. The image- is extremely grand and as it is decorated with garlands and jewels, he feasts the eyes of the bhaktas. They burn camphor and adore even in the absence of priests. Yet there is another shrine for Vinayaka called Uchchai Pillayar temple lying at about three kilometers off the main temple, visited by bhaktas on their visit to this Murugan temple. Distance over the hills is not obscuring his glory in a way. So ardent devotees visit and offer prayers to him soulfully.

It is 10 km off Coimbatore of Tamilnadu, accessible by city bus.

[ Back ] [ Up ] [ Next ]