Thiru Avinankudi Murugan Temple is located in the foothills of the wonderful Palani. Here Lord Murugan is worshipped in child form, who is also popularly known as ‘SRI KULANTHAI VELAYUDASAMY’. Thiru aavinankudi (Thiru Avinankudi) has been derived its name, since the divine cow Ma Kamadhenu had once worshipped Lord Muruga here along with her child Nandini. The Temple is located near the popular sacred pond “Saravanapoigai”, where Lord Muruga has once been born here and he was affectionately fed milk by the star mother goddesses, who were also famously known as “KARTHIGAI PENGAL’.
The temple is located nearby Palani Murugan Temple, and those who visit Palani Murugan Temple must visit and worship this Child Murugan temple also! It is the Third house of the “Arupadai veedu”, since this temple is considered equivalent to Palani Murugan Temple. The Kodimaram is made out of single stone, which is an amazing one! Apart from Lord Child Muruga or ‘BALA MURUGA’ deity, the other deities present in this temple are Vinayaga, Annamalaiyar, Unnamulai Amman, Lord Saniswara Bhagavan and Sri Dhakshinamoorthy.
Here a Separate shrine is maintained for Lord Saniswara bagawan. Lord Muruga shrine is said to be known as “Kulandhai Velayudhaswami“.People usually first visit Thiru aavinankudi(Thiru Avinankudi) and then climb the foot hills of Palani.
Sacred Tree: Nelli(amla), Naagalinga Flora
Thiru Aavinankudi Temple Contact Number: +91 – 4545 – 242493
Tiru Aavinankudi Temple Hours:
Monday to Saturday: 6:00 AM to 8:30 PM
Sunday: 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Tiru Avinankudi Temple Address:
Sannathi Road,
155, Sannathi Road,
Adivaram,
Giri Veethi,
Palani,
Tamil Nadu – 624601.
This ancient and large temple at the foot of the hill is the third Padai-Veedu celebrated by singing divine songs. The official name of the shrine is Kulandai Velalyudhaswami Temple; Tiru Avinankudi is the name of the place. A sacred tank is attached to the temple.
Tiru Avinankudi is one amongst the earliest temples of Muruga and perhaps it had humble beginnings under the shade of the nelli tree (amla). Poet Nakkirar says that God Muruga holds at Tiru Avinankudi a Royal Court of all gods with saints emancipated and clad in saffron-dyed clothes and deer skin.
The temple was renovated in a grand manner between 1898 and 1910 by Chettiar Community people. Since the late 1970’s, a few small shrines and an artistic mandapam have been constructed, adding to the beauty of an already beautiful temple.
Usually before going to the main Palani hill temple, devotees must visit Tiru Avinankudi. It is located near ‘Saravana Poigai’ sacred temple tank. This is an ancient temple, more ancient than the hill temple and among the earliest abodes of Lord Muruga.
We can wonderful view the chief deity Muruga in the form of a lovely child sitting on a majestic peacock. He looks like a young prince sitting on His throne receiving petitions from his devotees and answers them instantly!
Being the warrior god, Lord Murugan is the best protector in this dreaded Kali Yuga! And As per our Holy Skanda Purana, Lord Muruga is expected to come soon to the world by taking the form of a Warrior Saint, similar to Lord Parasurama! Lord Muruga is a warrior god, and he relieves the troubles and turmoil of the people in this difficult Kaliyuga!
“OM SRI THIRU AAVINANKUDINATHAR NAMO NAMAHA”
WRITTEN BY
R. HARISHANKAR