Sri Thirumanicherai Udayar Temple at Perumalai
Temple: This small 200ft high hillock top temple has about 51 covered steps. So rain or sun will not affect the devotees. This is a 2500 years old temple which got ransacked about 700 years ago by various invasions. The Thirumanicherai Shiva lingam which was left alone without any pooja/ worship for nearly 700 years, finally got a facelift and the Kumbabhisheham took place in 1999. Sanghu theertham is present in the hill in the shape of Sanghu. It is said that there is a spacious cave here where Pampatti Chithar is living in the form of a snake.
Legend: Agasthiar worshipped here. Once on an ego battle between Brahma and Vishnu, they set off to reach the top and bottom of Shiva as a competition. During that time Thazamboo gave a false witness to Shiva that Brahma had reached the top of Shiva. Knowing this, Shiva cursed Thazampoo that it should not be used in any Shiva pooja. In order to get rid of the curse, it stands here as the Sthala Vruksham. Nandhi’s footsteps are seen here.
Location: This is located at 3 kms from Peranamallur; 21 kms from Arani and 33 kms from Vandavasi in the Vandavasi to Arani route. This can also be reached through Vandavasi-Chetput (Polur-Thiruvannamalai) route wherein one has to travel for 23 kms from Vandavasi towards Chetput and then turn right (North) towards Peranamallur/ Arani and travel further for 10 kms to reach Injimedu.
NANDI, became ‘Vaahana’ of Shiva :
Nandi, son of saint Siladara performed penance seeking blessings and acceptance of Lord Shiva. It is from this Holy Hill Periyamalai that Lord Shiva blessed Nandi to be His Vehicle, for the first time. Since then, this Hill is venerated and worshipped by the Saints and Devatas as a sacred place.
Worshipping Lord Nandeeshwara of this temple is regarded as very sacred as He grants the prayers. The village was called “Nandipuravinnagaram” (Sky high village, Nandipuram) as Periyamalai was very tall once upon a time.
Regular pooja timings :
Morning session – 7.30 am to 12.30 pm
Evening Session – 3.00 pm to 8.30 pm
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