TIRUVANNAMALAI - MURUGAN TEMPLE

Thiruvannamalai, a prominent Saiva kshetra of eternal spiritual significance is occupying one of the highest places in the Saivagamas and a covetable spot in the history of temples of our Punya Bharat. Lying at the foot of the sacred Arunachala, it is occupying 25 acres with its five sturdy prakaras and four mahadwaras surmounting tall towers built- by several dynasties over centuries. The presiding deity Lord Siva demonstrated awesome sports and Mother Parvathi was united with Maheswar after purificatory function on the Karthika Pournami day.. Among the several scores of well-built mini-shrines for Saivate deities,, like Vinayaka, Parvathi etc. this Murugan shrine takes pride of place and many of his sports heightened the glory of Siva Peruman in a way. And they are represented in several forms.

Murugan shrine is located in the second prakara and the statue is an excellent model of fine artistry and flashes across the mind many of his flash at first sight and fills the souls to satisfaction. Regular and periodical festivals are celebrated with utmost reverence. Among the representations of his awesome sports, the Vallabha Maharaj tower perpetuates one connected with the life of Arunagirinathar. Unable to endure the dreadful disease from which he was suffering, he tried to put an end to his life by jumping from this tower. Just at the nick of moment, Lord Muruga appeared on the scene and saved making him fall into his hands stretched out. His disease was cured miraculously and from then he became a staunch Muruga bhakta and propagated the cult effectively, taking it to four corners of Tamilnadu. Arunagirinathar was in turn deified and his statues were installed in several Saivate temples, and here also there is one receiving due prayers by visitors.

It lies on the metre gauge line between Katpadi and Villupuram of Tamilnadu, accessible from several towns by bus, besides train and it is rail head at it.

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