Kodunkundreesar Temple, Tirukodunkundram
Location: Tirukodunkundram (better known as Piranmalai)
Deity known as: Kodunkundreesar, Ugra Gireesar, Viswanathar
Female Deity: Amuthambikai, Kuyilamirtha Nayaki, Visalakshi
Pathikam: Sambandar - 1
Gallery - Kodunkundreesar Temple
How to Reach
Buses from the Madurai Anna Bus Stand to Ponnamaravathi pass through Piranmalai, with about one bus operating every hour on this route. Regular bus services are also available from Singampunari and Melur to Piranmalai. To reach Tirupputtur (another Paadal Petra Sthalam located about 26 km away), travel to Ponnamaravathi from Piranmalai and then proceed to Tirupputtur.
Temple Address
Piranmalai
Piranmalai Post
Sivagangai District
PIN - 624503
Temple Hours
Morning: 6:00 – 12:00 PM
Evening (MangaiBhagar & VadugaBhairava): 4:00 – 6:30 PM
Evening (Kodunkundreesar): 4:00 – 8:00 PM
Temple Significance
The Kondunkundranathar Temple, popularly known as Piranmalai, is renowned for its unique tri-glories — Moorthy (the presiding deity), Sthalam (the divine place), and Theertham (the sacred water).
Origin of the Hill
Once, a debate arose between Vayu, the God of Winds, and Adisesha, the celestial serpent, over their supremacy. To test their strength, Adisesha coiled himself tightly around Mount Meru, while Vayu attempted to dislodge him with his mighty force. As Vayu blew with full power to uncoil the serpent, the intense winds caused parts of Mount Meru to break off. The fallen fragments formed a sacred hill, which came to be known as Tirukodunkundram.
King Paari's Land
King Paari, one of the seven great patrons celebrated for their unmatched generosity, once ruled over this region. During his reign, the area was known as Parambu Naadu, and the hill was called Parambu Malai. Over time, the name gradually transformed into Piranmalai.
Divine Vision to Sambandar
Before commencing his pilgrimage to the temples of Pandya Naadu, Tirugyana Sambandar was residing with Thirunavukkarasar at Vedaranyam. Prior to his departure, Piranmalai manifested before him in the form of a Shivalinga. Hence, Sambandar referred to this sacred hill as “Empiraan Malai” — meaning the Hill of Lord Shiva. Over time, the name evolved into Piranmalai.
Temple Architecture
Three-Level Temple: The Kodunkundranathar Temple is remarkable for its distinctive feature of enshrining the deity on all three levels — at the base, midway, and summit of the hill. It is the only temple known to possess such a unique arrangement.
1. Summit - MangaiBhagar Sannidhi
The hilltop deity is Mangai Bhagar, also worshipped as Umamaheshwara. Here, Shiva appears in His divine “Kalyana Thirukolam” — the wedding posture. The Goddess is known as Thenambikai.
Special Features
- No Nandi: In His haste to appear before Sage Agasthya as bride and groom, Shiva left Nandi behind at Kailash. Therefore, this temple is unique in that it does not have Nandi, the Dwajasthambam (flagstaff), or the Balipeetam (altar).
- Herbal Idol: The idol of Mangai Bhagar is uniquely crafted from a sacred blend of nine herbal substances (Navapashanam), distinguishing it from the conventional Linga form. Due to its special composition, the deity is anointed only with a mixture of punugu (civet oil) and sandalwood paste, particularly on full moon days, when this ritual is considered highly auspicious.
- Fresh Dhoti Always: The deity is always adorned in a fresh dhoti, which is changed multiple times a day, ensuring that He remains ever resplendent in new attire.
- VedhaShivan: He is also revered as “Vedha Shivan”, as He is depicted holding the sacred Vedhas in His hand.
- For Academic Success: Devotees throng this sacred place to seek blessings for academic excellence, offering garlands made of white flowers and presenting white garments (dhoti) as part of their worship.
The hill-top temple’s cavernous sanctum houses several exquisite sculptures, among which the depiction of the Devas and Asuras witnessing the divine wedding of Shiva and Parvati is particularly noteworthy.
2. Middle Level - VadugaBhairavar Sannidhi
The middle-level temple is dedicated to Vaduga Bhairavar. The term “Vadu” carries two meanings — a bachelor and a valiant warrior. This south-facing shrine comprises an Artha Mandapam (a partially enclosed hall), a front Mandapam (an open hall), and the sannidhi of Vaduga Bhairavar, who is depicted in a majestic standing posture, embodying valor and divine grace.
He holds various divine attributes in His hands — a trident (trishula), an udukkai (drum), a kabalam (skull), and a nagapasam (serpent noose). His countenance bears a mildly fierce expression, reflecting His protective nature. As a symbol of valor and royal reverence, a sword is placed near the deity.
Legend of Mundasuran
Mundasuran, empowered by divine boons, became invincible and began to torment Brahma and the Devas without fear. Distressed by his tyranny, Brahma and the Devas sought refuge in Shiva. Responding to their plea, Shiva manifested as Vaduga Bhairava and vanquished the demon Mundasuran, restoring peace and divine order.
Worship: The deity, in His form as Bhairava, is worshipped as the remover of evil, wickedness, sorcery, and obstacles. As part of the sacred ritual, devotees offer black garments and garlands made of lemons in reverence to the deity.
The temple also houses sannidhis for Kashi Viswanathar, Visalakshi, Vinayaka, and Dakshinamurthy, adding to its spiritual significance.
3. Base Level - Kondunkundranathar Sannidhi
The east-facing base temple enshrines Kondunkundranathar in a small Linga form, and the Goddess here is Kuyilamudha Nayaki. Within the prakaram surrounding the sanctum, there are sannidhis for the 63 Nayanmars, Vinayaka, and Ammaiappar, enhancing the temple’s sacred ambience.
All the Navagrahas in their sannidhi are depicted in a seated posture, which is a distinctive feature of this temple. As a testament to the remarkable craftsmanship of the sculptors of that era, stone rings can be seen adorning the rooftop of the northeastern section of the prakaram..
Special Note: Scentless flowers (Kenthi) are not used for archana to the deity in this temple, as per the traditional custom observed here.
Temple Legend
Sage Agasthya's Vision
During the celestial wedding of Shiva and Parvati at Mount Kailash, the presence of countless gods and sages gathered in the north caused the earth to tilt slightly. To restore balance, Shiva asked the revered sage Agastya to travel to the southern regions. Agastya felt sorrowful at leaving, as he wished to witness the divine marriage. Understanding the sage’s devotion, Shiva granted him a boon that he would be able to behold the sacred wedding from wherever he was and whenever he desired.
Places visited by Sage Agasthya in his journey to south -
- Tiru-Kodunkundram
- Kutralam
- Tiru-Panankattur
- Tiru-Kallil
- Tiru-Votriyur
- Tiru-Verkaadu
- Tiru-Vaanmiyur
- Achirupakkam.
- Tiru-Nallur
- Tiru-Nani-Palli
- TiruAakkur
Therefore, this sacred place is especially revered by devotees seeking relief from obstacles in marriage. As part of the ritual worship, sandalwood paste and punugu (civet oil) are reverentially applied to the deity to invoke divine blessings for harmony and marriage.
Tirupugazh Sthalam
There are two hymns in praise of Muruga in the sacred Tirupugazh composed by the saint-poet Arunagirinathar. In this temple, Muruga appears in a majestic form, accompanied by His divine consorts Valli and Deivanai.
Unique Feature
- Typically, a peacock is seen facing the sannidhi of Muruga. However, in this temple, an elephant takes its place — a unique and noteworthy feature.
- The elephant can be viewed only through the eighteen small apertures in the wall situated opposite the sannidhi of Lord Muruga, making it a unique architectural and spiritual feature of this temple.
Temple Features
Sthala Vruksham
- Urangapuli (Tamarind) Tree: Located within the temple premises, near the sacred theertham.
- Unidentified Tree: Found beside the sannidhi of Mangai Bhagar, this mysterious tree grows resiliently from the rocky crevices of the hill. Its species remains unknown, rendering it truly unique and nameless.
Theertham
Thenazhi Theertham: This sacred theertham (water body) holds great spiritual significance. It is believed that Mahodhara Maharishi, Adisesha, Lord Brahma, Goddess Saraswati, Lord Subramanyar, and Nandi have all visited this place to seek the divine blessings of Lord Kodunkundranathar.
At the base of the hill lies the sacred Adyavandan Thirukkulam, situated facing the temple entrance.
Festivals
- In the tamil month of Chitrai (Mid April to Mid May): Grand festival
- In the tamil month of Thai (Mid January to Mid February): Special celebration dedicated to Bhairava
Hill Climbing
Owing to its steep ascent and the winding nature of its pathways, the hill is aptly named “Kodunkundram”, meaning the rugged hill.
- It is approximately a 1 km walk from the base of the hill to the summit.
- The steps leading to the summit are steep yet manageable, allowing devotees to climb with relative ease.
- After passing through the Raja Mandapam, it is customary for devotees to first offer prayers to Ganesha before proceeding to the upper, middle, and lower temples.
- This elevated terrain is traditionally believed to be the abode of Siddhas, who are said to dwell here in a subtle, invisible form.
Perched atop the hill is a temple dedicated to Muruga. In addition, there stands a dargah, built in honor of a revered Muslim saint from a later period, reflecting the region’s spiritual harmony. The town of Piranmalai remains ever lush and prosperous, blessed by the enduring grace of King Paari, who once selflessly offered his chariot to support a climbing plant, a timeless symbol of generosity and compassion.
To absolve oneself from the effects of past, present, and future misdeeds, it is considered highly auspicious to worship at the three-tiered temple of Piranmalai.
More Photos - Kodunkundreesar Temple
