This is the Sri Dharmalingeshwarar Temple, located atop a scenic hill in the Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu. It is an ancient shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, popularly known as Dharmalingeshwarar. To reach the temple, the devotees have to climb nearly 150 steps, which are all paved neatly and are planted on greenery all around. This temple is serene, spiritually charged, and has great potential to attract pilgrims and travellers seeking blessings, peace, and panoramic views of Tamil Nadu’s lush landscapes.
Quick Facts About Sri Dharmalingeshwarar Temple
Dharmalingeshwarar Temple Address: Marapalam, Madukkarai, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, 641105
Dharmalingeshwarar Temple Timings: 6 AM – 1 PM, 4 PM – 8 PM
Entry Fee: None
How To Reach: By road, buses, taxis, and auto-rickshaws
Nearest Airport: Coimbatore International Airport (25 km)
Nearest Railway Station: Coimbatore Junction (14 km)
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Location
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The Dharmalingeshwarar Temple is situated on the hill of Dharmalingam in Madukkarai, which is a part of the Coimbatore District of Tamil Nadu. It can be reached through Palakkad Road (NH 544), which further branches out into Madukkarai Market Road, which leads to the temple. The nearby landmarks are the Madukkarai Panchayat Office and Government Hospital. The area is more developed with small shops and restaurants, and also the road to the temple is filled with houses, enhancing the local atmosphere.
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How To Reach
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By Air: The nearest airport is Coimbatore International Airport, 25 km. Taxis and airport buses are available up to the temple base. From there, either climb up or catch a local vehicle to the hilltop.
By Rail: The nearest railway station is Coimbatore Junction, 18 km away. Taxies and autorickshaws are available from there. The base of the hill is well connected by road.
By Road: The temple is 30 minutes by car from Coimbatore city via Perur Main Road. Frequent buses are available from the city to Perur. It is easy to reach the temple by taking a short ride in an autorickshaw from the bus stop.
Things To Do
Dharmalingeshwarar Temple is a religious place having so many activities to do. Here are a few:
1. Participate In Rituals And Festivals
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It is one of the temples on the hill that provides solace to devotees who love to worship the great Lord Shiva by adopting traditional rituals such as abhishekam, sacred bathing of the Shiva Lingam, and showering with flowers, fruits, and coconuts. A highlight is the Chitra Poornima festival, in which around 35,000 to 40,000 devotees participate in Girivalam, a sacred hill circumambulation on full moon days. Special poojas and aradhanas are observed on Pradosha days and New Moon days.
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2. Admire The Architecture And Surroundings
Photo: Adityamadhav83 / Wikimedia commons
Built-in the traditional style of Dravidian art, the Sri Dharmalingeshwarar Hill Temple depicts the minute art form of Tamil Nadu. Even the entrance is embellished with minute carvings of deities depicting the god Lord Shiva. Inside, the finely chiselled pillars and sculptures bring serenity to the silence of the sanctum. One can view the whole town of Coimbatore and misty mountains can be seen in the early mornings. There is a sacred Vilwa tree, which is supposed to be an ancient serpent’s anthill.
Places To Visit Near Sri Dharmalingeshwarar Temple
1. Perur Pateeswarar Temple
Photo: Balajijagadesh / Wikimedia Commons
Perur Pateeswarar Temple is one of the most sacred temples in Tamil Nadu, and it is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple has centuries-old history and architecture with excellent carvings depicting scenes of Hindu mythology. Huge corridors lined with intricately carved stone sculptures and pillars testify to the Tamil artisans’ artistic heritage. This is an important place of pilgrimage. The peaceful environment and spiritual atmosphere make it a place for explorations of the religious and cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu.
Timings: 5 AM – 12 PM, 4 PM – 9 PM
Distance From Dharmalingeshwarar Temple: 14 km
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2. Marudamalai Murugan Temple
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The beautiful hill overlooking Coimbatore is the venue for the Marudamalai Temple, which worships Lord Murugan, the Tamil god of war and victory. The colour of its gopuram contrasts beautifully with its natural green surroundings. A stairway covered by lush trees and colourful blooms takes one up to the hill to this place of spiritual abode. Due to its serene atmosphere, it is perfectly suited for meditation, prayer, and quiet contemplation. The temple offers fine views of the plains below Coimbatore.
Timings: 5 AM – 1 PM, 3 PM – 8 PM
Distance From Dharmalingeshwarar Temple: 30 km
3. Eachanari Vinayagar Temple
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Eachanari Vinayagar Temple is a temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha, situated near Coimbatore. It is a very popular temple for devotees who start new ventures or want success. The temple contains a huge, marvellous Ganesha idol, attracting pilgrims yearly. The area surrounding the temple contains smaller shrines and beautiful temple architecture reflecting traditional Tamil styles. The Eachanari Vinayagar Temple is where worshippers gather to cherish the atmosphere of devotion for prayer and spiritual bonding.
Timings: 5 AM – 9 PM
Distance From Dharmalingeshwarar Temple: 8 km
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4. Velliangiri Hills
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Known as the “Kailash of the South,” Velliangiri Hills are a sacred trek destination for the devotees of Lord Shiva. To reach the temple involves an arduous trek through which one can view a naturally formed Shiva Lingam. The trekking route has picturesque trails, luscious greenery, and extensive flora and fauna, making the experience serene and meditative. The aura of the hills and fantastic views make it a unique site of pilgrimage and adventure.
Timings: 24*7
Distance From Dharmalingeshwarar Temple: 40 km
5. Kovai Kutralam Falls
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Kovai Kutralam Falls is located in the Siruvani Hills near Coimbatore. It is thickly covered with forests and rich in minerals with fresh water. It provides good relaxation after the spree surrounding the nearby temples. Waterfalls are absolutely at their best during post-monsoon seasons because the flow is active while the surroundings are lush and green. Kovai Kutralam Falls is perfect for those looking to spend some quiet and peaceful time amidst pristine surroundings.
Timings: 24*7
Distance From Dharmalingeshwarar Temple: 40 km
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Where To Stay
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For a stay close to Sri Dharmalingeshwarar Hill Temple, Coimbatore city offers so many choices suiting everyone’s pocket and taste. Budget hunters are known to get excellent deals from Hotel City Tower, and Hotel Seetharam. More comfort is enjoyed by those liking mid-range hotels such as The Residency and Vivanta by Taj, which have furnished rooms, modern facilities, and dining. There is The Arcadia and Le Meridie, which have luxury services, fine dining restaurants, and amenities such as spas and gyms.
Where To Eat
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Near the temple in Perur are some favourite eating houses where you may savour authentic South Indian meals. Very well-known are Annapoorna Gowrishankar and Shree Annapoorna for dosas, idlis, and vadas, and their fragrant filter coffee, a perfect combination for a traditional breakfast or light lunch. Another hot destination is Aaryas, which offers a traditional South Indian thali with many diverse vegetarian dishes, sambar, rasam, and dessert options.
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Other Factors To Consider
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Best Time To Visit: The best time to visit the temple is in October and March since the climate becomes cool and pleasant enough for explorations around the hilltop temple.
Cost And Expenses: This trip to Sri Dharmalingeshwarar Temple can cost between ₹3,000 to ₹10,000 per head. It falls within the budget of the places, food, and various modes of transportation taken within Coimbatore.
Dharmalingeshwarar Temple, located in Tamil Nadu, is a beautiful sacred place with its spirituality, nature, and culture. The picturesque view atop the hills, the detailed carvings, and many more facets of this holy place impress at every level. Whether it is faith tourism, ecotourism, or some quiet places, this temple is an exceptional tourist spot. Plan your visit with TripXL and experience the spiritual and natural beauty of Tamil Nadu.
Cover Photo: Sureshsaka / Wikimedia Commons