Pachaimalai Subramanya Swamy Temple

Pachaimalai Subramanya Swamy Temple
Religion
Affiliation	Hinduism
District	Erode
Location
Location	Pachaimalai, Gobichettipalayam
State	Tamil Nadu
Country	India
Geographic coordinates	11°26′56″N 77°26′44″E
Architecture
Type	Dravidian architecture
Website
www.pachaimalaimurugan.tnhrce.in

Pachaimalai Arulmigu Subramanyaswamy Temple (பச்சைமலை அருள்மிகு சுப்பிரமணிய சுவாமி திருக்கோவில்) also known as Maragadhaachalam Sri Maragadhaachalapathy Temple (மரகதாச்சலம் ஸ்ரீ மரகதாச்சலபதி திருக்கோவில்) and Pachaimalai Balamurugan Temple (பச்சைமலை பாலமுருகன் கோவில்) is one of the two major hill temples (other being Pavalamalai) located in Gobichettipalayam, Tamil Nadu, dedicated to Hindu God Kartikeya. The temple constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, is located on top of a small hillock in the outskirts of the town of Gobichettipalayam.

Reason for the name - Pachaimalai

It is commonly believed that the temple got its name ‘Pachaimalai’ meaning ‘Green Hill’ owing to the trees and greeneries, which is wrong. The actual reason is the presence of a spring(நீரூற்று) directly beneath the presiding Deity at the sanctum santorum. It can be understood from the fact that water being used in the temple is obtained from a bore well on top of the hill. During the drought years of 2001 – 2005, when the wells went dry in the areas around the hill, the water was available on top of the hill, owing to the presence of the spring.

History

In Tamil grammar, land mass in this world is divided into five types of eco-systems. Mountain, hill and associated area is called 'Kurinji'. The lord of Kurinji is Murugan and he has made the hills as his abode. Majority of all hill temples found in Tamil Nadu and elsewhere are dedicated to Lord Subramanyar.

Once upon a time, Saint Dhurvasar reached Kunnathur that lies 18 km south of present Gobi town. When he worshiped at the Shiva temple at Kunnathur, he found out that a place called Modachur on the outskirts of present Gobi town is a good place to perform his routine worship of Shiva. While worshipping Shiva, he wanted to have Darshan of Lord Subramanya. Not finding a temple in close quarters, he went into penance to find out the best place to have Darshan of Lord Muruga. He found through his penance that there is a Subramanya temple on a small hill at a distance of around 1.5 km from Modachur and the main deity faced west. The saint reached the hillock to find Lord Subramanya and was overjoyed and mesmerised by his beauty. He then decided to continue his penance from there. He also learnt the similarities between the temple and Palani where the Lord is facing west as Dhandapani.

All these events were forgotten as time proceeded. Around 1954, a landlord named P. K. Kuppuswamy Gounder visited the temple. He is said to have seen a Jyothi (Light) at the shrine and was asked to take care of the temple by a heavenly voice. On his initiative, regular pooja was started in the temple. He also pioneered to renovate the Temple and the Karpagraha was constructed out of polished black granite.

Starting then, the renovation moved into a fast pace. First Swarnabandhana Maha Kumbabishekam was performed in 1980 led by P. K. Eswaran as renovation committee head. Since then, scores of people have joined the renovation committee and lot of work has happened in the temple.

The latest and Second Swarnabandhana Kumbabishekam was performed around June 2006. It is uncommon to find Swarnabandhanam being done for the deities. You can really count the number of temples where Swarnabandhanam (Gold plating the base of statue where it stands) has been performed for deities in Tamil Nadu and elsewhere.

Architecture

The temple has a five storey main Gopuram built according to the Dravidian architecture. The main deity is Balamurugan, the child form of Lord Murugan. The main deity faces west similar to Palani Dhandayuthapani temple. The temple also has a colossal statue of Lord Muruga, which is visible from the town of Gobichettipalayam. The statue measures 40 ft and is one of the largest Senthilandavar statues in the state. The temple also has shrines dedicated to various gods and goddesses including Vidya Ganapathy, Maragatheeswarar and His consort Maragathavalli, Kalyana Subramanyar with His consorts Valliand Deivanai, Maragatha Venkatesa Perumal with His consorts Sridevi and Bhoodevi, Dakshinamurthi, Bhairavar and the Navagraha. The speciality of Navagraha is that they can be seen with their consorts seated on their respective mounts. This is very rare.

• 
  Rajagopuram
• 
  Karpagriham
• 
  Senthilaandavar
• 
  Mandapam
• 
  Vasantha Mandapam

Moolavar - Balamurugan

The presiding deity of the temple is Sri Balamurugan. He is in the form of Baladhandayuthapani, very similar to the likes of the Lord at Palani. The Deity faces towards west, which is very rare to find. The Gold plating at the bottom of the statue - Swarnabandanam is once again very rare. The Lord is in the form of a small child and hence the name Balamurugan.

Lord Shanmugar

Pachaimalai is renowned for Lord Shanmuga, who is the manifestation of Lord Muruga with six faces. The poojas for Shanmugar at Pachaimalai is similar to those at Thiruchendur. Every month during the auspicious days of Visakam, Shasti and Kiruthigai, Abihekam and special Shanmugarchanai is performed for the Deity. During Skandha Shasti, Shanmugarchanai is done for six days consecutively. During the annual Bhramotsava which falls in the month of Panguni, one can witness Lord Shanmuga in three attires. In the first one, Lord Shanmuga and his consorts are adorned completely in White conveying that he is Brahma, the Creator, the second, Red attire conveys that he is Shiva, the Destroyer. On the day of Panguni Uthiram, he is clad in Green, symbolizing that he is Vishnu, the Protector. Devotees offer green flowers,clothes and rose water to the Deity on that day.

• 
  Red Saathi - Symbolizing Shiva
• 
  White Saathi - Symbolizing Brahma
• 
  Green Saathi - Symbolizing Vishnu

Lord Kalyana Subramanya

At Pachaimalai,Sri Kalyana Subramanya presides over the chariot festival held on Panguni Uthiram, every year. Kalyana Urchavam or the marriage ceremony is performed for Lord Subramanya during Panguni Uthiram, Thai Poosam and Kandar Shasti. He also goes on fast for seven days during Kandar Shasti and Soorasamharam( சூரசம்ஹாரம்) is enacted by him in Gobichettipalayam town. It is believed that the statue of the Subramanya is older than 600 years.

Kadamba Tree

The Kadamba Tree is revered as the Sthala Viruksham at Pachaimalai. It is very rare to find this tree. It is considered very auspicious for Lord Murugan. The name "Kadamban" for Lord Murugan is derived from the name of this tree. Its flower has a beautiful and a characteristic fragrance. It flowers only during the month of Chitirai.

• 
  Kadamba Tree
• 
  Kadamba Flower

Schedule and Pujai

The temple is open on all days from 6 AM to 1 PM and 4 PM to 8 PM. There are 7 timely Poojai scheduled daily of which late evening 7 PM pooja is considered special. Every Tuesday, New Moon day (Amavasai), Sankatahara Chathurthi (Waning Period), Pradhosham, Full Moon day (Pournami), Theipirai Bhairavar Yaagam, Shashti and Kiruthigai are celebrated with special poojais. A golden chariot is available for Murugan to play around his abode. Arulmigu Dhandapani goes to golden chariot in his mount 'golden peacock' with complete golden attire. Based on reservation, the Golden Peacock and Golden Chariot procession happens at 7 PM.

• 
  Golden Peacock
• 
  Golden Chariot

Fairs and Festivals

Panguni Uthiram

The Brahmotsavam festival of the temple is celebrated with much grandeur during the auspicious month of Panguni . he festival begins with Grama Santhi and Kodi Yetram 6 days before Panguni Uthiram. Lord Subramanya along with His Consorts Sri Deiva Nayaki and Sri Valli Nayaki is taken procession around the Hillock (Girivalam) every day in different Mounts like Bootha Vahanam, Yaanai Vahanam (Elephant), Rishaba Vahanam (Ox), Annapatchi Vahanam (Swan) and Attukidai Vahanam (Goat). On the sixth day, Thiru Kalyana Utsavam is performed and the Lord graces the Wooden Chariot after having been taken on the Girivalam on His Mount the Peacock. On the seventh day which happens to be Panguni Uthiram, is the culmination of the festival. The temple is thronged by at least a lakh devotees and people from all over carry 'Kavadi' and perform abhisheka to the Lord. In the afternoon the Almighty is adorned in his Golden attire and Showers his blessings to all the devotees. The lord is taken procession in His massive wooden chariot, one of the largest in the state in the evening. A massive Annadhanam is distributed to all the hundred thousand devotees who visit the temple on that day from early morning till late night.

Skandha Shasti

Skanda Shashti is celebrated with usual pomp. Lord Subramanya goes on a six-day fast along with his devotees to mark this occasion, there are special pooja scheduled on all six days and the lord is taken for a procession in a golden chariot. Lord Subramanya got his weapon Vel from his mother Parvati to kill demon Soorapadman. The "killing of Soorapadman" is termed as Soorasamharam and the event is enacted in Gobichettipalayam. Later, Lord Subramanya goes back to Pachaimalai in his peacock mount and special pooja takes place.

Thirukalyana Utsavam

Kalyanotsavam is performed to Lord Subramanya with Valli and Deivayanai at the Vasantha Mandapam in Pachaimalai. Everyone is served lunch and the 'fasting' devotees finish their fast. Vaikaasi Visaagam festival is celebrated with great devotion with Lakshaarchanai. On Visaagam day, Thaarabishekam is performed to the Lord with large quantities of milk. Later, Sathru Samhara Homam was performed. Guru and Sani Peyarchi special pooja is also performed. During Karthigai Deepam, scores of people light lamps in the temple including the steps of this great hillock.

Thai Poosam

Thai Poosam is celebrated at Pachaimalai with devotion and grandeur. People from Pudupalayam and Modachur carry Kavadi of different kinds. A massive Annadhanam is organized for all the devotees.

Vaikaasi Visaagam 'Lacharchanai'

The annual Lacharchana is conducted during the Vaikasi Visakam, the birth star of Murugan. It is done for three days consecutively. On the final day, Shatru Samhara Homam and a grand abishekam is done for the Lord. Thousands of devotees throng the temple. Lot of Kavadi Abishekam also take place.

• 
  Latchaarchanai in progress

Special Practices

Shatru Samhara Thirisadai Archanai

Shatru Samhara Thirisadai Archanai invokes Lord Subramanya using the six syllables of Sa-Ra-Va-Na-Bha-Va in different arrangaments and glorifies Him.

It is done at Pachaimalai every Tuesday morning. The specialty is that, unlike other places, Devotees are encouraged to recite the mantras along with the acharyas. One can hear a multitude of voices at the same time which gives a sense of peace to the mind. One should be prepared to come early by eight’o clock, to participate in the full archanai. Don’t be surprised if you find a huge crowd.

The participation in this archanai will lead to the destruction of evil and enemies. It is also considered to bestow the boon of marriage and children.

Shatru Samhara Homam

Shatru Shamkara Homam is the yagna invoking Lord Subramanya to free oneself from evils within oneself like anger, ego, jealousy and arrogance . It also cures the ill effects pilli soonya (black magic). It leads to the overall well being of a person, and family at large.

Shatru Shamkara Homam is done in a grand manner at Pachaimalai during Vaikasi Visagam(birth star of Muruga). It is done for six days consecutively during Skandha Shasti and Panguni Uthiram. It is also done voluntarily by devotees on other days.

It is performed by Six Sivacharyas. They initially perform the Shatru Samhara Thirisadai Archana which is followed by the yagna. It is an event to behold and one should experience it at least once to enjoy the aura associated with it.

Thaarabishekam

'Thaarabishekam’ is a kind of abishekam in which 108 litres of milk is made to drip slowly on the Lord, through a Tharai or a Vessel. This is accompanied by the simultaneous recitation of the all powerful mantra, Rudram, which directly invokes Shiva as Rudra and Parabhrama, for eleven times.

Thaaraabishekam is done simultaneously for both Balamurugan (Moolavar) and Maragatheeshwarar at Pachaimalai. It is usually done on a regular basis during Agni Nakstatram, the hottest period of a year. It is also done by devotees on a voluntary basis.

Participation in this ritual is believed to rid us of Yamabaya and elongate life. It is also done to get any wishes/ prayers answered.

Thei Pirai Ashtami Bhairava Pooja

On every Thei Pirai Ashtami, special poojas and homam are conducted for Kala Bhairava. The rituals begin in the evening with the ‘Maha Kala Bhairava Homam’. It is believed that participation in this homa will protect us from evil and black deeds. The homam or the yagna is followed by special abisheka( ritual bathing) for Kala Bhairava. ‘Punuku’, a kind of natural scent is offered to the deity. You can also find hundreds of deities offering eleven ‘Ellu Deepam’ , considered sacred to Lord Bhairava. At the end, ‘Bitter gourd Rice’ and ‘Vada’ is given as Prasadam. This Pooja attracts hundreds of devotees every month.

Annadhanam

Annadhanam is one of the main practices in the temple. Nobody who visits the temple during special poojais can return home hungry. It was the desire of Late. Sri Kuppuswamy Gounder to give food to all who come to the temple so that they go back home with a fulfilled heart, mind, soul and stomach.

It is also one of the temples which is covered under the 'Tamil Nadu Chief Minister's Annadhanam Scheme' where in 50 people are given free meals every day afternoon.

Similarities between Palani and Pachaimalai

It is to be noted that Pachaimalai shares lot of similarities with that of Palani. Some of them are listed below.

1. The Lord takes the form of Bala Dhandayuthapani in both the temples.
2. Both the shrines face towards the west. It is very rare that you find temples facing towards west.
3. The Kadamba Tree is considered ‘Sthala Virutcham’ or Temple Tree in both the temples.
4. Swarna Bandathanam has been done at both the places.

Recent Happening

Kandar Shasti Soorasamharam & Kalyanaurchavam 2016

The Kandhar Shashti Soorasamharam festival was celebrated with great pomp and fervour. Thousands of devotees had tied 'Kaapu' and fasted for seven days along with the Deities of the temple. Special Subramanya Homam in the mornings, Thirisadai Archana and Homam in the evening, Shanmugaarchana, Annadhana, Golden Peacock and Chariot processions were held on all the six days. On the six day, the Soorasamharam was enacted in the Gobi town. In the end, "Paneer Abisheka" was done by the devotees for Lord Subramanya. On the seventh day was the "Kalyana Urchavam" or the Marriage Ceremony for the Lord. At the end of the function, all the Devotees completed the fast with a sumptuous lunch at the Temple.

Maha Bhairavashtami 2016

Maha Bhairavashtami (21/11/2016) was celebrated in a grand manner with special yagam, 108 Sangaabishekam, abishekam and special poojas for Lord Bhairava at Pachaimalai. Special Annadhanam was oraganised towards the end of the function.

How to reach

Pachaimalai is situated near Pudupalayam in the outskirts of Gobichettipalayam. To get there by road, reach Gobichettipalayam and travel further 1 km to reach Pachaimalai. The temple is located on top of a hillock which can be accessed by road or by foot from the base of the hill. By rail, reach Erode (40 km) and then travel by road via Gobichettipalayam. The nearest airport is Coimbatore, 85 km away.

Gallery

• 
  Raja Gopuram at night
• 
  Kalyana Subramanyar
• 
  Valli Thirumanam
• 
  Rajagopuram and Steps
• 
  Vasantha Mandapam Panaroma

External links

• www.pachaimalai.in