Vallakottai Murugan Temple is the temple of Lord Sri Subramanya situated at Vallakottai near Sriperumbudur at Tamil Nadu. This temple is revered in the Thirupugazh composed by Sri Arunagiri Nathar.
The temple is as prominent as the Aru Padai Veedu (war camp) temples of Lord Subramanya. It is also referred as Kottai Andavar Koil.
Legend
As per the legend, Lord Muruga had killed the demon named Vallan at this place. Hence the name Vallakottai. As requested by the demon, the place has been named as such.
It is believed that Lord Indra, the leader of the Devas had pierced the ground near the temple to get water to do puja to Lord Muruga here. Indra pierced the land with his vajra ayudha. Hence the temple tank is known as Vajra Theertham.
The temple is believed to be built by the King Bhageerathan of Ilanji Kingdom. The King Bhageerathan was an arrogant person. Once he was rude to Sage Narada. The Sage had made a demon Goran to attack the King. The attack was fierce. The King repented for his mistake. He apologized to Sage Narada. The Sage then directed the King to get advice from the Sage Durvasa. Durvasa had advised to King to worship Lord Muruga at Vallakottai and seek His help. The King came to Vallakottai seeking refuge. His problem was diminished. He had then built a proper temple for Lord Muruga here.
History
The temple is believed to be atleast 1200 years old. It is believed to be built around 9th century.
Architecture
The temple has five tiered Rajagopuram with pillared mandapam as the gateway. Soon on entering, Lord Ganesha blesses us with huge form. The painting of Sri Ganesha adorns the inner wall at the entrance.
There are mural type paintings near the inner walls of the entrance.
Main Sanctum
The main sanctum is facing east. There are depictions of two peacocks facing Lord Muruga. The main Deity is the tallest Sri Murugan with Sri Valli and Sri Devyani at His either side. Every Thursday, Lord Muruga is decorated with the Vel (spear) studded with diamonds. It is believed that sincere worship to Sri Subramanya at this sanctum shall result in restoration of lost wealth.
Artha Mandapam
In the artha mandapam, the pillars have sculptures of Sri Kamakshi doing penance and Lord Rama embracing Sri Hauman are depicted among others.
Other sanctums
There are other dedicated sanctums for Sri Vinayaka, Urchava Murthy of Lord Subramanya and Sri Durga in the temple precincts.
Rituals
Pujas are done to the Deities five times a day. They are Gho Puja at 6.30 A.M, Kalasandhi at 8.00 A.M, Uchikala Puja at 12.00 Noon, Sayaratchai at 6.00 P.M and Arthajama Puja at 8.00 P.M. Each Puja is done with alankaram, neivedyam and arathanai.
Festivals
Every Kruthika Star-day is grandly celebrated. Thai Poosam (January), Vaikasi Visakam (May), Panguni Uthiram (February – March), Karthigai festival, Skandha Sashti and Navarathri (October -November) are celebrated at the temple.
Timing
The temple is open from 5.30 A.M to 1.00 P.M and from 3.00 P.M to 8.30 P.M.
How to reach
The temple can be reached from Chennai through bus. From Poonamalle, buses are available. Taxis can be booked from Chennai.
