Bala Dandayuthapani, Chettikulam, Perambalur

Basic information about the temple

Moolavar:	Bala Dandayuthapani	Ambal / Thayar:	–
Deity:	Murugan	Historical name:
Vriksham:	Vilvam	Teertham:	Panchanadi
Agamam:		Age (years):	500-1000
Timing:	6 to 12 & 4 to 8	Parikaram:
Temple group:		–
Sung by:		Temple set:
Navagraham:		Nakshatram:
City / town:	Chettikulam	District:	Perambalur
Maps from (click):	Current location	Perambalur (18 km)	Ariyalur (39 km)
	Tiruchirappalli (49 km)	Thanjavur (69 km)

Location

Sthala puranam and temple information

This hill temple is connected with the Ekambareswarar temple at Chettikulam, located nearby (2.5 km). According to the puranam of that temple, a trader from the Chola empire was passing through this area which was full of Kadamba trees. As it was late, he decided to rest her for the night. Suddenly, he was roused by the vision of a fireball with a Siva Lingam in the middle, being worshipped by Devas and rishis. Not knowing whether this was real or his imagination, he informed the local Chola king, who rushed here with his guest who was a Pandyan ruler.

The trader came here along with the kings, and they were led to the site of the incident by an old man using a sugarcane as a walking stick. After showing them the Siva Lingam, the old man disappeared near a hillock nearby. The kings realized that this was divine grace, recognizing the old man to be Murugan, who presented Himself to the kings and the trader from the top of the hillock. So the kings built this temple also, along with the Ekambareswarar temple.

The Devas and rishis complained to Siva and Parvati about the harassment they were suffering at the hands of Soorapadman. Murugan was deputed to deal with the asuran. After vanquishing him, Murugan paid his respects to Siva and Parvati. Pleased with his accomplishment, Parvati (as Kamakshi) gave Murugan the red sugarcane that she normally wields. So while at the Ekambareswarar temple, Kamakshi Amman is seen without the sugarcane, Murugan here is seen with the sugarcane instead of His customary Vel. Murugan at this temple faces west, looking in the direction of Siva and Parvati at the Ekambareswarar temple.

Another interesting aspect is that Murugan as Dandayuthapani, is seen with hair on His head bunched into a tuft (kudumi), unlike at Palani where he appears tonsured. For the local people in the nearby villages, this temple is considered the equivalent of Palani.

Arunagirinathar has sung about Murugan in his Tiruppugazh, at this temple.

Other information for your visit

The order of visit is usually the Ekambareswarar temple first, followed by the Murugan temple. There are 240 steps to climb up the hill, as well as a proper road for those who want to drive up.