Sathuragiri Hills
Sathuragiri Hills சதுரகிரி Mahalingam temple | |
---|---|
village | |
Country | India |
State | Tamil Nadu |
District | Madurai |
Government | |
• Body | Panchayat |
Languages | |
• Official | Tamil |
Time zone | IST (UTC+5:30) |
PIN | 625703 |
Nearest city | Madurai |
Lok Sabha constituency | theni |
Vidhan Sabha constituency | usilampatti |
Civic agency | Panchayat(saptur) |
Climate | both chill and hot (Köppen) |
Website | http://www.sathuragiritemple.tnhrce.in |
Sathuragiri Hills(Tamil: சதுரகிரி) or Chathuragiri otherwise known as ' SUNDARA MAHALINGAM ' is situated 10 km from Watrap (Wathirairuppu) near Srivilliputhur. The name Sathuragiri came from Chathur (4) Veda (Vedas) Giri (Hill), where all the four Vedas met and formed the hill. Another meaning is that the whole mountain is in square (Chathuram) in shape so the name Chathuragiri. Sathuragiri is the Abode of God. It is otherwise also called as Mahalingam Hill. This is also called as "Siddargal boomi". 18 Siddhas were said to live here. This is a mysterious hill where it is believed that Siddhars still worship the lord Shiva.
Recent update - Public are allowed only Six days in a month, 3 days each during New Moon & Full Moon days (i.e. Day before & Day after, with Full moon or New moon days).water falls are in Sadhura Giri.Water source are pure and clear. Devotees should not pollute the water source and bath in river carefully.Devotees should save the forest.It is better to avoid plastic covers and water bottles in Sadhuragiri Forest because so many living being is there.
How to Reach here: Pilgrims coming from Chennai direction has to come to Madurai and get down at Krishnan Koil Bus Stop on the way to Srivilliputhur then go to Watrap (Watthirairuppu). From Watrap have to go to Thaanipaarai, the base of the hill. Buses are available even from Srivilliputhur itself to Watrap and Thaniparai. Pilgrims travelling from South have to pass through Nagercoil – Tirunelveli – Rajapalayam – Srivilliputhur – Watrap -Thaniparai.And an another way via Madurai(mattuthavani)-T.kallupatti -Anaikaraipatti(valai Thoppu) it is the main Entrance to reach the lord shiva temple front gate & on another way of thaniparai is the back Entrance of the lord shiva temple.
By Train: One has to take Shenkottai Express from Chennai and get down at Srivilliputhur. Then from there they can take a bus to Thaniparai (base of the Saturagiri Hill).
Up the Hill: For the first time, it takes nearly 4 to 5 hours to climb to the Top of the hill. Rest, can reach the top within 2 to 3 hours. On the hill there is no electricity, W L L telephone connection available (BSNL), getting BSNL cell phones only. We can find few number of shops selling buttermilk, coffee, snacks, etc. During some days like full moon day, new moon day and other festive seasons Annadhanam is served to the devotees from morning till evening near both the temples and stay in the shelter provided there before dark falls. Basic amenities are provided at the hill.
Distance from
- Madurai to Watrap 65 km (60 km from airport & 68 km from maatuthavani)
- Virudnagar to Watrap 35 km
- Rajapalayam to Watrap 31 km
- Srivilliputtur to Watrap 20 km
- Watrap to Thannipaarai[ base of hill ]10 km [ by auto riksha,mini bus is available ]
- Thannipaari to Sathuragiri [ sundaramahalingam, sivan temple ] 7 km [ by walk ]
Annadhanam
Annadhanam(Free Food) is Provided To The Pilgrims on almost all days especially on New Moon Days and Full moon days By several Annadhana Madam/Volunteers.
"Sathuragiri Kanjimadam" which is managed by "Sree Kalimuthu Swamigal Trust" provides food for all devotees at any time at free of cost.
Arulmigu agathiyar annathana Arakkattalai provided free food in all days. Siva Sangu Iyya Avarakalin annnthanam in sathuragiri hills during full moon only. He issues free Note Books to poor children from his trust Money.
Also Thiru Siva Sangu Ayya Avarkal has build One Maha Kali temple in Taniparai which is very Power Full Temple where Yagnas are conducted.
There are several secluded places for the most aspiring in divine path.
Sathura Giri devotees.
Kaalimuthu Swamigal Trust serves for devotees in very kind manner.They pays too much of love with devotees like motherhood manner.
Location
Madurai near Tirumangalam to srivilliputhur to watrap to thaniparai sathuragiri
Tirumangalam to watrap 52 km, Madurai near Tirumangalam to Alagapuri to Watrap to Thaniparai Sathuragiri. watrap to thaaniparai 8.5 km, virudhunagar to watrap 43.5 km, taxi indica omni,srivillipudur to thaniparai rs,600/,watrap to thaniparai rs,200/
Madurai to Rajapalyam bus : Take Ticket to T.kallupatti here we can get lot of buses to Anaikaraipatti (Valai Thoppu) or get taxi from Saptur/Peraiyur. From T.kallupatti it is just 18 km to reach the Valai Thoppu, here lot of scenic beauty of nature. There are several falls on the way to shiva temple.
External links
The Hills are under protected category. Pilgrims are advised not to carry any plastic / polythene bags, which may harm the natural habitat of the hills.