Location & Distance
Viralimalai Murugan Temple is one of the most sacred and ancient hill temples dedicated to Lord Murugan in Tamil Nadu. Located near Viralimalai town in Pudukkottai district, this temple is renowned for its deep spiritual heritage, strong association with Saint Arunagirinathar, and its unique traditions that set it apart from other Murugan shrines.
Surrounded by rocky hills, natural caves, sacred ponds, and thousands of peacocks roaming freely, the temple offers devotees a divine atmosphere that blends nature, devotion, and history.
Siddhars Worshipping as Virali Trees – A Unique Belief
One of the most fascinating spiritual beliefs of this temple is that ancient Siddhars worshipped Lord Murugan in the form of “Virali trees.” This belief gives the hill its sacred identity and is the reason behind the name Viralimalai. The hill is considered spiritually equivalent to powerful meditation centers such as Thiruvannamalai, where enlightened souls performed intense penance.
Historical Background
Historical records state that the temple was originally constructed by Azhagiya Manavala Thevar, a ruler of Kathalur and Perambur regions. Stone inscriptions found within the temple reveal that Aditya Chola later renovated and expanded the shrine.
Over the centuries, the Vijayanagara emperors, Madurai Nayak kings, and Palayakkarars (local chieftains) contributed significantly by building fort walls, mandapams, and temple corridors, enhancing the grandeur of the temple complex.
The temple is believed to be more than 2,000 years old, making it one of the oldest Murugan shrines in South India.
Association with Saint Arunagirinathar
Viralimalai holds a very special place in the life of Saint Arunagirinathar, the great Murugan devotee and composer of Thiruppugazh hymns.
- He sang 16 Thiruppugazh songs in praise of the deity here.
- Murugan granted him the rare Ashtama Siddhi (eight supernatural powers), including the mystical ability of “body-to-body transformation” (koodu vittu koodu paayum).
- Murugan himself guided Arunagirinathar to Viralimalai in the disguise of a hunter when the saint was searching for the temple after leaving Vayalur.
Because of this divine connection, Viralimalai is regarded as one of the most powerful Thiruppugazh Sthalams.
The Divine Form of Lord Murugan
- Morning: 5:30 AM to 1:00 PM
Inside the sanctum sanctorum, Lord Murugan appears in an extraordinary form:
- Six faces (Shanmuga)
- Twelve hands
- Seated majestically on a peacock (Asura Mayil)
- Accompanied by Valli and Deivanai
The main idol stands at an impressive 10 feet tall, making it one of the tallest Murugan idols in hill temples.
A unique visual wonder occurs during deepa aradhana (lamp offering) — devotees can see three faces directly, while the remaining three faces are reflected beautifully in a mirror placed behind the deity.
Temple Architecture & Sacred Sites
The temple is built in classic Dravidian architectural style, featuring:
- Special Darshan: ₹20 – ₹50 (ticket counter)
- Towering gopurams
- Carved granite pillars
- Sculpted mandapams showing gods, peacocks, sages, and mythological scenes
Stone steps lead up the rocky hill to the main shrine, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Important Sacred Spots:
- Saravana Poigai (Naga Theertham) at the foothill
- Cave shrines with Idumban, Meenakshi–Sundareswarar, and Chandana Kottam Mandapam
Navarathri Mandapam
Shanmuga Moorthy Mandapam
Pillar sculptures of Narada, Kashyapa, Vashishta, Arundhati, Arunagirinathar, and Lord Murugan
The temple is also believed to be the sacred site where the marriage of Valli and Murugan took place.
The Sacred “Cigar Offering” Tradition
A remarkable and rare tradition is followed during the noon pooja, where a cigar (suruttu) is offered to Lord Murugan as naivedyam.
This practice originated from a miracle involving a devotee named Karuppa Muthu Pillai, who once helped a shivering stranger during heavy rain by sharing his lit cigar. That stranger later revealed himself to be Lord Murugan.
Even when a Pudukkottai Maharaja tried to stop the custom, Murugan appeared in his dream and explained that the offering symbolized compassion and selfless service, not smoking.
To this day, devotees receive the cigar as prasadam and keep it at home as a symbol of divine grace.
Festivals Celebrated
Major festivals draw thousands of pilgrims every year:
- Thaipusam – Kavadi processions
- Panguni Uthiram – Divine marriage festival
- Skanda Sashti – Six-day celebration of Murugan’s victory
- Vaikasi Visakam – Grand annual festival
- Karthigai Deepam – Temple and hill illuminated with lamps
- Navaratri
The Vaikasi Visakam festival is especially celebrated on a grand scale.
Prayers & Beliefs
Viralimalai is considered one of Tamil Nadu’s most powerful prayer fulfillment temples. Devotees pray here for:
- Childbirth blessings
- Removal of diseases
- Long life
- Education and wisdom
- Wealth and agricultural prosperity
- Relief from suffering
- Career and business success
A unique ritual involves symbolically offering a child to Murugan and redeeming the child with rice bran, signifying divine protection.
How to Reach Viralimalai Murugan Temple
By Air
- Tiruchirappalli International Airport (TRZ) – 30 km
By Train
- Tiruchirappalli Junction (TPJ) – nearest major railway station
By Bus
- Frequent buses from Trichy and Pudukkottai
- Local buses stop near the temple entrance
Taxis and autos are also readily available.
Conclusion
Viralimalai Murugan Temple stands as a timeless spiritual powerhouse where devotion, miracles, Siddhar traditions, and Murugan’s divine grace come together. With its towering idol, sacred peacock-filled hill, ancient legends, and powerful prayers, the temple continues to bless generations of devotees.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is Viralimalai famous?
Viralimalai is famous as:
- A Thiruppugazh Sthalam (16 songs sung by Arunagirinathar)
- A powerful Murugan hill temple
- A temple with thousands of peacocks roaming freely
- A place where Ashtama Siddhi was granted to Arunagirinathar
2. Is Viralimalai one of the Arupadai Veedu?
No. Viralimalai is not officially one of the six Arupadai Veedu, but it is considered one of the most important Murugan hill temples and a highly sacred pilgrimage center.
3.How many Thiruppugazh songs are sung for this temple?
Saint Arunagirinathar composed 16 Thiruppugazh hymns praising Lord Murugan of Viralimalai.
4. What is special about the deity here?
The presiding deity Lord Murugan appears as:
- Shanmuga (six-faced)
- With 12 hands
- Seated on a peacock (Mayil Vahanam)
- Accompanied by Valli and Deivanai
The idol is about 10 feet tall, and during deeparadhana, devotees can view all six faces using mirrors.
