Kuzhanthai Velappar Temple – Poombarai | Murugan Temples In Kodaikanal

About

It is not necessary to set foot in Kodaikanal only to enjoy the scenic beauty and enjoy the holidays. If you have already visited Kodaikanal many times, have you ever visited the Poomparai Kuzhanthai Velappar temple? Then it is time to know about this temple and its fame.  This temple was consecrated by Bhogar, the Siddhar who also consecrated the Palani temple of Bala Dhandayuthapany Swamy. While the idol of Palani Hills is made of Navabashanam, Kuzhandhai Velappar Temple has the idol of Dasabashanam. Bashanam means toxic materials, and idol of Palani hills is made of 9 toxic materials, and in the case of Poomparai Kuzhanthai Velappar temple it is 10 toxic materials.

Kuzhanthai Velappar Temple Poombarai, Kodaikanal

History / Legend

It is said that when all these toxic materials added in certain proportions and taken in certain quantities, they can perform miracles. This is the secret of Siddhar Bhogar in consecrating statues of various materials at certain places. It is also believed that he decided the materials and proportions to suit the environment. This temple is under the care of Palani Devasthanam.

Interesting Fact And Speciality

There is an interesting offering you will find at Poomparai Kuzhandhai Velappar temple. No other South Indian Hindu temple sees chocolate offered to the presiding deities. A devotee of Lord Muruga had been childless, and prayed to the god often for a child. When he was blessed with a  child, he gave away chocolates to everyone. In his dream, Lord Muruga appeared and asked why He wasn’t offered chocolate, while everyone else was given the same. The next morning the devotee rushed to the temple and offered chocolates. Since then, it has become a custom to offer chocolates to the God here  whenever one is blessed with his or her wishes.
The complex of the temple is quite new, but the history dates back to 3rd or 5th century BC. Lying in the heart of Poomparai village, you can also enjoy the scenic beauty of the valley. There are a couple of Koshta idols in the prahara, which certainly invites astonishment. Dattatreya, the son of the Trinity, and Nataraja are seen as Koshta idols in the form of carvings on the wall. This is a very rare and unique scene, as you cannot find this easily in any other temple.

Timings

Though the temple is open from 6 AM to 12:30PM, and 4 PM to 8:30 PM, it is better if you visit this after 7 AM, and before  7 PM.

How To Reach

It has to be understood that the Kodaikanal and surrounding areas receive rainfalls often, and you cannot predict the same. It is easy to reach this place from Kodiakanal. Also, if you have visited Palani temple, then you can travel to Kodaikanal and visit the Kuzhandai Velappar temple the same day, if you start early from Palani.