- Shiva
Mount Temple of Sri Rathnagireeswarar
- Iyermalai,Tamil Nadu
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Overview
Iyermalai Rathinagireeshwarar Temple is located on Iyermalai Hills in Karur. It is a famous temple dedicated to Lord Rathnagireeswarar and His consort Goddess Karumbarkuzhali Ambal. This is one of the 275 Padal Petram.
About The Temple
The Swayambhu Linga is in the middle of 8 rocks. This is the 9th rock. They are revered as Navarathnas. Green and red stones are available in plenty below the earth. During the month of Chithirai, April-May, the sun rays fall on the Sivalinga through the nine holes in front of the Sanctum Sanatorium. The snakes found in this place are not poisonous. It is in this place that an Arya King got back his crown and Sundararar a purse. The Lord offers Darshan on the 1st day of Karthikai wearing a priceless crown. Iyermalai is one of the peaks in the mount of Meru. The Linga is a Jyothir Linga, and a Swayambhu one..The temple is located on hills of 1178 feet height and has 1017 steps. The temple is said to be a Swayambhu temple, where Lord manifests himself rather than built or installed by humans. The presiding deity is also known as Rajalingam and Valpokki. The shrine is praised in the hymns of Arunagiriar Thirupugazh and Thirunavukkarasar.
About The Deity
Those who have no knowledge of their family deities (Kula Deivam) may adopt Rathnagireeswarar as their family deity.
Legend and Stories
The abhishekam water is stored in a big bowl called Kopparai. As per an incident, once, the Kopparai was never getting filled even after people pouring Cauvery water. The angry king took the sword and threw it on Linga which began to bleed. The king then repented his folly and fell to the feet of Lord Shiva and pleaded to forgive him. Lord Shiva pardoned him and gifted him a precious stone. The scar is still visible on the Linga.
Festival
On Chithirai Festival and on Mondays of the Karthikai month, especially on the 3rd and 4th Mondays people visit this temple in large number. Devotees go up rolling on the floor for Pradakshinam. During Pradosham days, Poornima (full-moon day), weekend days, Tamil months 1st day the crowd will be huge for Girivalam, i.e. going round the mount in Pradakshinam.
Prasad & offering
Devotees offer bell lamps (Manivilakku) to the God besides usual archanas etc. Abisheks are offered in tender coconuts , oil and milk,. They undertake fasting and do charities. Dhyana, penance and such silent prayers are undertaken by the devotees. This is a special Shiva temple for devotees seeking mental peace. Preparations offered to the deity are distributed to visitors.
Accommodation
Devotees from other places can stay in the private lodges in Kulithalai or Karur, the charges ranging from Rs. 200 to 500. The temple is on the Karur-Trichy Road. One can reach Kulithalai and can take the Manaparai bus to reach Iyermalai. The temple is in the heart of the city. Nearest railway station is Kulithalainand the nearest airport is Trichy.
Significance
Lord shiva blesses devotees of quick marriage, free from anxiety and depression, business development and children. Majority of the devotees visit the place for mental peace alone. While going up on the steps, the devotee breath in the air from the various herbal plants on both sides and get relieved from Asthma, Blood pressure, chest pain, joint pains etc. The experience can be felt even in a single trip. Those doing so often are completely cured of these problems and this is the truth practically experienced by the devotees.
Nearby Place To Visit
Arumkarai Amman
Kadamba Vaneswarar
Kalyana Vigirtheeswarar
Kalyana pasupatheeswarar
Kalyana Venkataramanan
Sri Mariamman Temple
Accessibility
Road
One can reach Kulithalai and from there the temple is just 8 kms away. Kulithalai is connected by bus services from all places in Tamil Nadu; 8 kms from Kulithalai ,44 Kms from Trichy, Manaparai 40 Kms and 40 kms from Karur.
Railways
There is a Railway Station in Kulithalai. From here the temple is just 8 km away. Trains from towns like Coimbatore, Chennai, Mysore, Tiruchy, Bengaluru, Erode and Mangalore pass through this Kulithalai.
Airport
Nearest airport is Trichy, which is 44 km away from the temple. Private taxi or bus services are available at the airport.
Temple Address
Iyermalai Rathinagireeshwarar Temple
Iyermalai Hills
Karur District
Tamil Nadu.
Significance
Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfillment of the following:-
- To seek marriage alliances
- To seek growth in businesses
- To pray for children
- To pray for freedom from depression
- To pray for mental peace
- For healing from various ailments
Shlokas
Kailaasarana Shiva Chandramouli Phaneendra Maathaa Mukutee Zalaalee Kaarunya Sindhu Bhava Dukha Haaree Thujaveena Shambho Maja Kona Taaree
Meaning -Oh Lord Shiva who is seated on Mount Kailash, where the moon decorates his forehead and the king of serpents crown his head, who is merciful and removes delusion, You alone can protect me. I surrender to thee.
Aum Trayambakam Yajaamahey Sugandhim Pusti Vardhanam Urvaarukamiva Bandhanaath Mrutyor Muksheeya Maamritaat
Meaning -We worship the fragrant Lord Shiva, who has 3 eyes and who cultivates all beings. May He free me from death, for immortality, as even a cucumber is separated from its bond with the vine.
Timings
5 a.m. - 8 p.m.