Velappar Kovil
Velappar Kovil is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Muruga, also known as Velappar or Velan, the god of war and victory. The temple is located in the village of Theppampatti (Andipatti) in Theni district, Tamil Nadu. The temple is also known as Mavootru Velappar Kovil, meaning the temple of Velappar near the mango spring.
The temple is situated in a scenic natural environment, surrounded by hills and forests. The temple has a history of over 500 years and is believed to have been built by the Pazhiar community, who cultivated a root called Valli Kizhangu for their food. They discovered a self-manifested idol of Velappar while digging in the ground near a mango tree. They informed the Zamindar of the place, who constructed the temple for the worship of the devotees.
Why is Velappar Kovil famous?
Lord Velappar in the temple is a swayambumurthi, meaning he appeared on his own without any human intervention. There is a perennial spring under the mango tree south of the temple. Maa means mango, Oottru the spring = Mavootru. Lord Vinayaka also is praised as Mavootru Vinayaka.
The temple is famous for its festivals and rituals, which attract thousands of pilgrims and tourists every year. Some of the major festivals celebrated at the temple are Chithirai Thiruvizha in April-May, which commemorates the wedding of Velappar and Valli; Navaratri in September-October, which honors the nine forms of Sakthi; Cradle festival in November-December.
Velappar Kovil: Opening & Closing Time
The temple is open throughout the year from 6 am to 8 pm. The best time to visit the temple is during the morning or evening hours when you can witness the rituals and ceremonies performed by the priests. You can also see the beautiful illumination of the temple at night.
Velappar Kovil Entry Fees
There is no entry fee to visit the temple. You can make donations or offer sevas (services) to the temple as per your wish. You can also buy prasad (sacred food) and souvenirs from the temple shops.
How to Reach Velappar Kovil
The temple is situated about 20 km from Kodaikanal and 84 km from Palani. You can reach the temple by road from these places by hiring a taxi or a bus. The nearest railway station is Dindigul, which is about 70 km from the temple. The nearest airport is Madurai, which is about 100 km from the temple.
What to See Velappar Kovil?
The temple has a hill shrine and a foot hill shrine. The hill shrine houses the main deity of Velappar, who is a swayambumurthi, meaning he appeared on his own without any human intervention. The foot hill shrine has the shrines of Sakthi and Karuppanna Swami, who are the guardian deities of the temple. There is also a shrine for Lord Vinayaka, who is also called Mavootru Vinayaka, as he is near the mango spring.
The temple is surrounded by hills and forests, which offer a scenic natural environment. You can also see a perennial spring under the mango tree south of the temple. The spring is said to have medicinal properties and cure diseases.
Velappar Kovil is a sacred and beautiful temple that showcases the faith and culture of Tamil Nadu. It is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to experience the spiritual and artistic beauty of Murugan worship.
