TIRUCHENGODU - MURUGAN TEMPLE

In such Saiva kshetra of immense eminence lies a beautifully built Muruga temple and it is lying to the north of Ardhanareeswara temple. It houses many mini-shrines and mandaps for the adorable deities. There is a pond supplying water to abhishek purposes and for sacred bath too. The august statues of both Muruga and Ardhanareeswar are made of Navapashanam and there is a belief current that the milk of the Ksheerabhishek cures diseases. Hence the recurrences of the ritual everyday with due veneration. Worshipping these Lords - father and son with observing fast on the auspicious Masa Sivaratri, Maha Sivaratri and Amavasya days fetches immense bliss with the fulfillment of desires. In addition, there is a big sacred rock called Maradikal, which blesses the barren couple with santana, if three pradakshnas are made on three consecutive days and it is adjacent to a 'big shrine called Pandaveswar built by a Pandyan king in the thirteenth century. The glory of this kshetra is indescribable and visit confers mukti, says the local.

It is near Salem on the way to Coimbatore and 8 km off Sankaragiri railway station, accessible by bus.

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