Sathuragiri hills - sathya's visit
Sathuragiri hills:
Sathuragiri is the Abode of God and is also the abode of thousands of Siddhas including Agastiyar, Gorakkar, Satta Muni, Roma Devarand Sundranandar. It is believed that the Siddhas still worship Lord Shiva from Sathuragiri. So the hills are also known as Sivan Malai.
The divine place Sathuragiri is surrounded by four hills, hence its name Sathuragiri or Chathuragiri. It is said that the name Sathuragiri is derived from the Sanskrit word Chathur meaning FOUR (4) (there are 4 Vedas and each one is represented by a hill) and the second part of the name, Giri meaning Hill. So it can be literally taken as a place where all four Vedas meet and merge into one. This is mentioned in Siva Puranam. The name also carries another meaning where the hills surrounding the place are in the shape of a Chathuram (Tamil for square) so the name Sathuragiri. It is also called Mahalingagiri, Menugiri/Merugiri, Kailasagiri, Indiragiri, Sarvalogagiri, Suriyagiri, Brahmagiri, Siddhagiri, Yamagiri/Yemagiri, Sivagiri, Sakthigiri, Udayagiri, Sanjivigiri/Sathuragiri.
On the way to Sathuragiri (after foothills till Sundara Mahalingam):
1. Two sanctums of Sivalingams inside two separate caves at Kora Kunda (Gorakkar Cave)
2. Two Lingams in a single sanctum called Irattai Lingam or Sankaran Narayan Lingams
3. Vana Durgai Amma
4. Pilavadi Karuppasamy
Pilavadi Karuppasamy & Kali, are the guardian angels/gods of the Sathuragiri Hills. Vana Durgai Amma is the guardian of Sundaramahalingam temple. They safe guard the area from evil forces. The pradistai of these three guardian angels/gods were done by the Siddhas of Sathuragiri hill.
Sathuragiri plays host to three temples: They are Sundara Mahalingam temple, Santhana Mahalingam temple and Anandavalli Amma temple.
Sundara Mahalingam Temple:
1. Sundara Murthy Swamigal Sanctum at the entrance of the temple.
2. Lord Sundara Mahalingam Temple (100 metres from Sundara Murthy Swamigal Sanctum)
Santhana Mahalingam Temple:
1. At Santhana Mahalingam Temple, separate sanctums for 18 Siddhars, Lord Ganesha, Lord Muruga, Navagrahas, Santhana Mahadevi (Sakthi), and Santhana Mahalingam (Sivam) are available. Satta Muni Cave can also be found nearby.
Anandavalli Amma temple:
1. Anandavalli Amma's temple mandapam can be found behind Sundara Mahalingam temple. Anandavalli Amma is formless. Only during Navarathiri she takes a form.
Puja Timings:
At Sundara Mahalingam temple the daily pooja starts by 6 'o' clock in the morning. At Santhana MahalingamTemple the daily pooja starts by 3 'o' clock in the morning. The two jama poojas are performed before sunrise. At both the temples Ardha Jama Poojas are finished before 18.00 hrs and closed. On full moon and new moon days, the puja schedule changes according to the visit of pilgrims.
From Sundara Mahalingam to the top of the hill (inside the forest):
1. Vana Durga, 2. Oonjal Karuppan Swamy, 3. Korakkar Scripture Rock, 4. Vellai Ganapathi (White colored Lord Ganesha), 5. Nadu Kattu Ganapathi, 6. Naga Kanni Kavu, 7. Lord Ganesa at Thavasi Cave, 8. Periya Mahalingam.
Festivals:
The new moon day in Aadi month (July-August), Purattasi Navarathri in September-October, Shivarathri in February-March,, Thai Amavasya- new moon day in January-February, Margazhi pujas in December-January and all new moon and full moon days in the year are festival days in the temple.
How to reach:
Pilgrims coming from pondicherry (or) Chennai direction has to come to Madurai and get down at Krishnan Koil Bus Stop on the way to Srivilliputhur then go to Watrap (Vatthirairuppu). From Watrap have to go to Thaanipaarai, the base of the hill. Buses are available even from Srivilliputhur itself to Watrap and Thaniparai. Pilgrims travelling from South have to pass through Nagercoil -- Tirunelveli -- Rajapalayam -- Srivilliputhur -- Watrap -- Thaniparai. Couple of passenger mini buses are available in the morning and evening. Auto Rickshaws are available 24/7. They charge between Rs. 60-80. From Thaanipaarai pilgrims will have to walk their way up to Sathuragiri hills. Normally first timers take 6 to 8 hours to reach the top and experienced climbers can reach the top within 4 to 5 hours
Posted by: sathya@sathyaseelan, pondicherry. Cell: 9994478728
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