Pazhamudircholai Murugan Temple also known as Solamalai Murugan Temple is one of the famous Hindu temples, located about 23.9km north of Madurai, Tamilnadu. This shrine is on the Solaimalai hill, also known as Vrishabhadri or Idabagiri, next to the Azhagar Kovil / Alagar Koyil (Vishnu temple). This Muruga temple is one of the six holiest shrines of Lord Murugan, known as Aarupadai Veedu. It is a holy shrine worshiped by Skanda Puranam and by Nakkeerar’s Thirumurugatrupadai of the Sangam period. Arunagirinathar’s Thirupugazh also worships here. This is the only temple in Arupadai Veedu, where Lord Murugan is worshiped along with his consorts Valli and Devayani.
Lord Murugan is worshiped with his consorts Valli as Iccha Shakti and Devayani as Kriya Shakti and himself as Jnana Shakti. The idol of the lord in a standing position with only one face and four hands is kept between the idols of his wives. The Vel (spear) of the lord made up of stone is of special significance and is venerated with great reverence by devotees. Here Lord Murugan is Worshipped as Vetrivel Murugan and the name Pazhamudircholai means “the fruit orchard”.
Devotees visit this temple in seek of divine blessings from the Lord, many people come to this temple to pray for children, marriage, and even education.
The Raakkayi Amman temple is on top of this hill and a natural spring called Noopura Ganga is near the temple. It is said that bathing in this spring water fulfills Devotee’s desires, hence it is also called ‘Ishta Siddhi’
The specialty of the Temple: The Naval tree generally yields fruit during the Tamil calendar months of Aadi and Aavani (July to September). But, strangely, the tree of this temple yields fruit in the month of Aipasi (October-November), the month in which the emblematic Sashti festival of Lord Murugan is celebrated.
At present, this Subramanya temple is maintained by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu. Photography is not allowed inside the temple.
Solaimalai Murugan Temple Timings:
Morning: 5:30 AM to 1:00 PM
Evening: 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Pazhamudircholai Murugan Temple History:
- As per legends, It is believed that this is where Lord Murugan disguised himself as a boy and tested the Tamil Poet Avvaiyar.
- According to legend, the temple as it now stands was originally designed for Lord Vishnu which was later changed to Lord Murugan due to horoscope issues with the location and the temple deity worshiped in the specified incarnations. Initially, the temple was called Azhagar Kovil, where equal importance was given to Maha Vishnu. Then later due to overflowing temple circumstances which would aggravate temple initiatives as astrologers soon predicted. They found the Horoscopic mismatch and erroneous connections between these two equally important idol cults in the same place might be the reason. Therefore, the temple was rebuilt with the individual deities as the main worship in nearby places.
Solaimalai Murugan Temple Festivals:
Kanda Sashti is the main festival celebrated in this temple. Other festivals celebrated are Vaikasi Visakam, Aadi Karthigai, Varushabishekam on Avani Pooram, Karthika Somavaram, Thirukarthigai, Panguni Uthiram and Tamil New Year.
How to Reach Pazhamudirsolai Temple:
By Air:
The Nearest airport is Madurai airport which is 37.9 km away from the temple.
By Train:
The Nearest railway station is Madurai Junction which is 25 km.
By Road:
Pazhamutircolai is 23 km from Madurai. From Madurai, Pazhamudircholai can be reached by car, van, two-wheeler or by bus.
Buses are available for every 20 minutes from the bottom of the hill to the Temple. It takes about 15 min (3.4 km) to reach the temple.
Solaimalai Murugan Temple Address:
Alagar Hills R.F,
Natham taluka
Dindigul District,
Tamil Nadu – 624401.
Solaimalai Murugan Temple Location:
Other Six Abodes of Sri Murugan | Arupadai Veedu Temple:
- Palani Murugan Temple / Sri Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple
- Sri Swaminatha Swamy Temple, Swamimalai
- Sri Subramaniya Swamy Temple, Tiruttani
- Sri Subramaniya Swamy Temple, Tiruchendur
- Murugan Temple or Subramanya Swamy Temple, Thiruparankundram