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The Chennimalai Temple, also called Siragiri Dhandayuthapani Swami Thirukoil (Chennai Malai), is located on the hill in Erode district, Tamil Nadu. It is popular for Lord Murugan as you have to climb 1200 steps through the mountain. The temple is famous for its scenic beauty, dense forests, and rare medicinal herbs. It has existed for more than 3000 years and is one of the popular temples dedicated to Lord Murugan. Here, Lord Murugan is worshipped by Dhandayuthapani and his consorts, Valli and Deivanai.
Quick Details About Chennimalai Temple
Chennimalai Temple Address: Chennimalai Murugan Temple, Chennimalai, Erode district, Tamil Nadu, India
Chennimalai Temple Timings: 6 AM – 12 PM, 4 PM – 8 PM
Entry Fee: None
Nearest Airport: Coimbatore International Airport (83 km)
Nearest Railway Station: Ingur Railway Station (13 km)
Best Time To Visit: November to February
How To Reach Chennimalai Temple
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Chennimalai Temple stands majestically at the top of Chennimalai Hill in Erode district, Tamil Nadu, amidst nature. The road leading to the temple is Chennimalai Hills Road, which is connected to ArunagiriNathar Street, Pandiyan Street, Kattur Road, and Chozhan Street.
By Air: The nearest airport is Coimbatore International Airport, which is 83 km away. You can get a bus or taxi from there to reach Erode Junction Railway Station or hire a direct taxi to the temple footsteps.
By Railway: The nearest railway station is Ingur Railway Station, which lies at a distance of 13 km to the south. You can take a taxi or auto rickshaw from Ingur to Chennimalai Temple. Otherwise, take a train, stop at Erode Junction Railway Station, and continue the journey by road.
By Road: One can reach the temple with the help of Erode-Chennimalai Road. When driving from Erode, around 26 km to the temple. The nearest bus stop is Chennimalai bus station, approximately 4 km from the temple hills.
Things To Do Chennimalai Temple
Experience the culture close by partaking in various activities ongoing within the temple.
1. Attend Traditions And Celebrations
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The temple of Chennimalai is famous for its perfunctory rituals and fairs, including the Shasti Vratham. Devotees fast for six days and pray as well as meditate in the temple premises. The monthly Shasti festival falls the day after the new moon (Amavasya) and is celebrated with much dedication. The Kanda Shasti Kavacham is a Tamil prayer to the god that is said every day by the devotees and is a part of many regular temple routines. Chennimalai Temple is a vibrant spiritual hub with these festivities and traditional celebrations.
2. Study The Dravidian Architecture
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The Chennimalai Temple, with its lofty gopuram (gateway tower) and fine carvings, is a good example of Dravidian architecture. Structurally, the vimana (central tower) is more pyramidal and similar to South Indian temple design, which contrasts with the taller, curving shikara towers of North Indian-style temples. The temple is confined within a compound wall with fierce dwarapalakas (twin guardians) at the entrance. The temple is large and has beautifully carved figures of deities in the niches outside walls. The sacred surroundings of the temple are the construction of the Gopuram and a high compound wall combined with plants, providing a divine ambience, and exemplifying the Dravidian style.
Places To Visit Around Chennimalai Temple
You can explore the surroundings of Chennimalai Temple, which form an interesting mix of spiritual, natural, and cultural components that add to your trip.
1. Periya Mariamman Temple
Photo: RAJUKHAN SR RAJESH / Wikimedia Commons
Periya Mariamman Temple is constructed in honour of Mariamman, a potent goddess who is believed to shield against plagues and bad luck. The temple is widely known for Aadi Thiruvizha, which falls in the Tamil month of Aadi (July-August) and witnesses action and shares leisure activities drawing in thousands of worshippers. The building exhibits elements of classical Dravidian architecture, complete with vibrant images and elaborate designs. The temple itself is encompassed by thick trees and provides a perfect atmosphere for worshippers to meditate.
Timings: 6 AM – 12 PM, 4 PM – 8 PM
Distance: 30 km
2. Vellode Birds Sanctuary
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Vellode Birds Sanctuary serves as an ideal location for bird watchers and other nature lovers. Covering over an area of 200 acres, it houses migrant and native birds such as pelicans, storks, herons, etc. Famed for birdwatching and photography, the sanctuary is located in a soothing landscape of thick foliage and water bodies. The sanctuary has walking trails and observation towers for people to look at the habitat. A trip to this sanctuary appeals to you for a pleasurable escapade and the chance to witness diversity in nature.
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
Location: 18 km
3. Kangeyam Anjaneya Temple
Photo: RAJUKHAN SR RAJESH / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Kangeyam Anjaneya Temple comprises idol worship devoted to Lord Hanuman, who is known for his power and loyalty. This temple has a huge 18-foot-tall sculpture of Lord Hanuman, which is the highlight of the temple, attracting tourists and devotees from far and wide. This temple is suspected to cure ailments related to health, work, and even family issues. The places surrounding the temple are quiet, allowing comfortable calmness for contemplative and plea prayers. The little township of Kangeyam has quite a few corner restaurants where foreign tourists can savour real South Indian foods.
Timings: 6 AM – 12 PM, 4 PM – 8 PM
Distance: 23 km
4. Thindal Murugan Temple
Photo: Ssriram mt / Wikimedia Commons
The Thindal Murugan Temple on the Erode-Coimbatore highway marks another prominent place of faith committed to Lord Murugan. It also offers a panoramic view of the landscape below. The temple is renowned for its divine atmosphere and fantastic structure. Followers from all around visit for blessings and to join in with the numerous rituals and festivals this temple celebrates. This creates an atmosphere of tranquillity for visitors to meditate or reflect, which is helped by the height at which it has been built.
Timings: 5:30 AM – 1 PM, 4 PM – 8 PM
Distance: 27 km
5. Kodiveri Dam
Photo: JayakanthanG / Wikimedia Commons
Kodiveri Dam is a highly frequented tourist site due to its scenic and historical value. Constructed on the Bhavani River in the early 17th century, you can enjoy boating and swimming in the shallow waters. In addition, the Kodiveri Waterfalls that are located nearby enhance the appeal as they provide a calming atmosphere to those with a nature or photography inclination. Similarly, there are also food courts and recreational zones for outing and picnicking purposes, making this site suitable for families and tourists who are sightseeing.
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
Distance: 60 km
Where To Stay
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When visiting the Chennimalai Temple, you can find a variety of accommodation options that range from budget to mid-range in the nearby area. Chennimalai is a small town with few hotels and lodges. On the contrary, Erode has several hotels, ranging from motels to mid-priced hotels. The most frequently visited ones are Hotel Radha Prasad and Hotel Atrium since they provide decent and clean rooms, including air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and food on site. Those who do not have much money to spend can also find some guesthouses in Perundurai, which is 20 kilometres away, or in Gobichettipalayam, which is also around 20 kilometres away.
Where To Eat
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Suppose you are looking for traditional and local food around Chennimalai Temple. In that case, Anbu Mess, Sri Annapoorna, and Aachi Mess are the options that serve authentic South Indian dishes such as idli, dosa, & vada on their menu. Situated in a quaint little location, Kumaran Coffee Corner serves awesome coffee and mild snacks. Close to the temple, there are also small stalls that serve hot snacks such as vadai, bajji, and filter coffee. If you are a lover of non-vegetarian food, then many restaurants in Gobichettipalayam serve mouth-watering biryani and chicken curry.
Other Factors To Consider
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Average Cost Of The Trip:
This price can change depending on your city and Chennimalai Temple bus timings, drop point, and location. When on a budget, you can expect to spend somewhere around ₹2000 – ₹10,000 for two days, covering your stay, food, local transportation, and sightseeing. Mid-range travellers may spend ₹10,000 to ₹20,000 and luxury travellers more than ₹20,000 a week cover accommodation in high-rated hotels and travel within the region.
Tips For Tourists:
Dress modestly and be sensitive to local customs. The trek has 1320 steps, so carry an adequate amount of water. Visits are perfect in the early mornings or late afternoons, as you can avoid the heat and crowd during midday.
If you are a nature-loving spiritual seeker, Chennimalai Temple, situated on the hill, and its picturesque surroundings in the Erode district of Tamil Nadu provide a serene setting for peace. Chennimalai Temple is a perfect place of worship for true believers, and it also shows a beautiful combination with nature, which could be visited during the peaceful year-end. So, plan your Tamil Nadu temple journey with TripXL.
Cover Photo: Pierre André Leclercq / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
