The Kondunkundranathar Temple also known as Piranmalai is renowned for its tri-glories - Moorthy (The presiding deity), Sthalam (Place of divinity), and Theertham (The holy water). Once there was debate between 'Vayu' and 'Adisesha' regarding their supremacy. To prove their might it was decided that Adishesha would wrap himself tightly around Mount Meru while Vayu should move him using his strength. When the God of the winds 'Vayu' blew with his full might to unwrap the Serpent Adisheha, the strong winds caused a few pieces to break off from Mount Meru. The fallen pieces resulted in the formation of a hill known as Tirukodunkundram. King Paari, one of the seven renowned for their charitable acts, ruled over this location. In his time, this area was called 'Parambu Naadu' and the hill was known as 'Parambu Malai'. Over time the name evolved to 'Piran Malai'.
The Kodunkundranathar Temple stands out due to its distinctive feature of housing a deity in all three levels - at the base, middle, and summit of the hill. The hilltop deity is MangaiBhagar also known as Umamaheshwara. Lord Shiva here is in His 'kalyana tirukolam'. The female deity is known as Thenambikai.
When all the Devas, Bhutas and other living beings went to see the divine wedding of Shiva and Parvathy on Himalayas, the Earth became unbalanced. Lord Shiva asked sage Agastya to go south to balance the Earth. The Sage was hesitant to leave the place where everyone had gathered to witness the divine event. Knowing the sage's predicament, Shiva assured the sage that He and Parvati would appear before him as bride and bridegroom and the sage would be granted divine eyes to witness the marriage from whereever he was. Tirukodunkundram is one of the sacred locations where sage Agasthya saw Shiva and Parvathy as bride and groom. Therefore this place is considered to be a place of worship for those who face obstacles in getting married and a ritual of applying sandal-wood paste and 'punugu' (civet oil) for the deity is observed for the same.
See also:- Places where Sage Agasthya saw the divine wedding of Shiva and Parvathy - 1) Kutralam, 2) Tirupanankattur, 3) Tirukallil 4) Tiruvotriyur, 5) Tiruverkaadu, 6) Tiruvanmiyur, 7) Achirupakkam
In his hurry to appear before the sage as a bride and groom, Shiva left Nandi behind at kailash and we can notice the absence of Nandi as well as dwajasthambam and Balipeetam in this temple. The idol of the Deity MangaiBhagar is crafted using a unique combination of 9 herbs and stands out from the typical 'Linga' form. Because of its composition the idol is exclusively anointed with a blend of 'punugu' (civet oil) and sandalwood paste especially on a full moon day. The deity is always adorned in new 'dhoti' even if changed multiple times throughout the day. He is also known as 'Vedhashivan' as he is depicted holding the sacred 'Vedhas' in his hand. Devotees flock to this place to seek blessings for academic success, presenting garlands made of white flowers and offering white garment (dhoti). There are exquisite sculptures within the cavernous interior of the hill-top temple and the one of the Devas and Asuras who were present as witnesses during the divine wedding of Shiva and Parvati is worth mentioning.
The deity in the middle-level temple is 'VadugaBhairavar'. The term 'Vadu' holds two distinct meanings, a bachelor and a valiant warrior. This south facing temple consist an 'Artha Mandap' (a partially enclosed hall), a front mandap (an open hall) and the sannidhi of Vadugabhairavar in a valiant standing posture, holding various objects in his hands - a trident, 'udukkai' (a drum), 'kabalam' (a skull), and 'nagapasam' (a serpent noose). His countenance exudes a slightly fierce expression and as a symbol of bravery and reverence of ancient kings a sword is kept near to the deity. There are sannidhis for Kashi Viswanathar, Visalakshi, Vinayaka and Dakshinamurthy in this temple.
Mundasuran, empowered by divine boons, attained invincibility which allowed him to torment Brahma and the Devas without fear. The distressed Brahma and Devas plead to Lord Shiva for assitance. Shiva manifested as Vadugabhairava and defeated Mundasuran. Shiva's form of Bhairava is worshipped as the eliminator of malevolence, wickedness, sorcery, and hindrances and a ritual of offering black of attire and a garland made of lemons is observed. See also Vadugurnathar Temple, Vadugur
The deity of the east-facing base temple is Kondunkundranathar and the female deity is Kuyilamudha Nayaki. There are sannidhis for the 63 nayanmars, Vinayaka, and Ammaiappar in the prakaram surrounding the sanctum. All the navagrahas in their sannidhi are in a seated posture. As a testament to the exquisite artistry of the sculptors of that era, Stone rings adorn the rooftop of the north eastern part of the prakaram .
There are two songs in praise of Lord Murga in saint poet Arunagirinathar's tirupugazh collection. Muruga is majestic accompanied by his two consorts Valli and Deivanai. Usually a peacock is seen opposite the sannidhi of Muruga. Instead an elephant is seen which can only be glimpsed through the apertures in the wall situated across the sannidhi of Muruga.
'Sthala Vruksham' are a Tamarind tree and an unidentified tree. The 'Urangapuli' (tamarind) tree is within the temple premises. On the other hand, the unidentified tree is beside the sannidhi of MngaiBhagar resiliently growing amidst the crevices of the rocky hill. The species of this enigmatic tree remains unknown rendering it nameless. 'Thenazhi theertham' is the asociated water body that holds great significance. It has been visited by Mahodhara Maharishi, Adisheshan, Brahma, Saraswati, Subramanyar, and Nandi, who have all sought the divine blessings of Kodunkundranathar.
At the base of the hll is 'Adyavandan Thirukkulam' facing the temple entrance. After passing through the RajaMandapam, It is customary for devotees to first pay homage to Ganesha before moving on to the lower, middle and upper temples. A grand festival takes place during the Tamil month of Chitrai, while a distinct celebration is dedicated to Bhairava in the Tamil month of Thai.
Due to its challenging ascent and the winding nature of its bends, the hill has been appropriately named 'Kodunkundram'. There are steep steps to reach the summit, but Despite the steepness they are relatively manageable to climb. This elevated terrain is widely believed to be the dwelling place of 'Siddhas' who exist in a subtle form. Perched atop the hill is a temple dedicated to Murugan. Furthermore, there is a mausoleum (dargah) erected to honor a revered Muslim saint from a later era. The town itself is consistently lush and prosperous, owing to the benevolence of King Paari, who selflessly offered his chariot to support a climbing plant. To absolve ourselves from the consequences of our past, present, and future wrongdoings, it is advisable to visit the three-tiered temple situated at piranmalai.
Entrance
Balipeetam and Nandi
Muruga with peacock
Navagrahas in a seated posture
The four nayanmars
Muruga with his consorts
Way to hill temple
63 nayanmars at the base temple
Nataraja, Shivakami at the base temple