Kodunkundram Piranmalai

Padal Petra Sthalam, Madurai District

God

Thirukodunkundranadhar, facing east

Goddess

Kuyilamudhanayagi

Other Deities

Vinayaka, Muruga on an elephant mount, 63 nayanmars, Natarajar, Bhairava

Kodunkundram Piranmalai temple is situated beautifully on the foot of a large hill. This large temple has three levels: the base level (the world under ground) where you find the Thirukodunkundranadhar and his consort, the ground level (earth) with Viswanadhar and Visalakshi and the top level (mountains) with Umamaheswarar and Thenammai. Kodunkundram Piranmalai has a large compound wall, a large temple tank, three prakarams, 5 beautiful vimanaas, a nice Rajagopuram and a Devasaba mandapam. There is no Nandi, Flagstaff and Balipeedam here. During the months of October-November to March-April, the rays of Sun fall on the Lord continuously. Muruga is found on an Elephant Mount against the usual Peacock Mount and the elephant can be seen only through the 18 viewing holes placed opposite the shrine.

Holy Water (Theertham) – Madhu Pushkarini, there are a lot of other Theerthams also in this temple.

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – Urangaappuli (Tamarind – Tamarindus indica)

History

Kodunkundram Piranmalai is the area where the famous Paari Vallal used to rule from. Thirugnanasambandar (7th century CE) has rendered Thevaram Hymns for the lord here at Kodunkundram Piranmalai and thus the temple can be attributed to a time beyond that. He mentions this hill as Empiran Malai which changed over time to Piran Malai.

Legend

Kodunkundram Piranmalai is believed to be a piece of Mount Meru taken when Vayu (Wind God) attempted to break it during a challenge with Aadhisesha. Lord Muruga is believed to have installed two Lingams here.

Directions

Kodunkundram Piranmalai can be seen to your left when going from Tiruchirapalli to Madurai from the Highway. At Pallapatti, take a left and drive down to reach the Kodunkundram Piranmalai.

Stay and Food

None locally, Closest is Madurai.

Padal Petra Sthalams

Kodunkundram, Piranmalai