Anuvavi Murugan Temple

Introduction to the Anuvavi Murugan Temple

Anuvavi Subramaniar Temple, known as Anuvavi Murugan Temple, is in Kanuvai, Periya Thadagam, Coimbatore. It lies on the north slope of Marudamalai Hills. There is a welcome arch in which the Murugan statue and his two consorts are beautifully carved.

"Hanu" stands for Lord Hanuman/Anjaneya, and "Vavi" means 'water resource' in Tamil. Hence, 'Hanuvavi' means 'a water source that appeared for Anjaneya.' Over time, the name changed to Anuvavi.

Legend of the Anuvavi Murugan Temple

According to the Anuvavi Murugan Temple legend, Sri Anjaneya felt thirsty while passing through this hill with the Sanjeevi mountain. He prayed to Muruga here for water. Muruga stabbed a spot with his spear (Vel) from where water sprang up and flowed like a river. The origin of the spring in the temple is still mysterious. As Kumara/Muruga helped Hanuman, the hill is praised as Hanumakumaran Malai. Malai means "hill" in Tamil.

History of the Anuvavi Murugan Temple

King Karikala Chola built the sanctum of the Anuvavi Murugan Temple in the early Christian era. During the Kongu Chola Period, the Ardha Mandap and Maha Mandap were built.

The Vijayanagar, Hoysala, and Nayaka kings gave endowments from the 14th to 17th centuries. The Alagadri Nayak of Madurai built the famous Kanaka Sabhai in the 17th century. Mysore Tippu Sultan monetarily supported the temple in the 18th century. The main shrine was renovated in the middle of the 18th century, and later, the Mandap of 63 Saints was built. In 1957, heavy floods washed away the Swayambhu Moorthy and the five holy mango trees.

The new temple was built in 1969. The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department (HR&CE) manages the Anuvavi Murugan Temple.

The Architecture of the Anuvavi Murugan Temple

The Anuvavi Murugan Temple is in the middle of the Anaikatty mountain range, surrounded by Guruvirukshamalai on the north, Anuvavimalai on the south, and Kadalarasimalai on the west. Devotees access this east-facing temple through a flight of 550 steps. Visitors can see the Idumban shrine at the foothill.

A small shrine for Vinayaga is located on the way to the Anuvavi Murugan Temple. This hilltop temple has a Sanctum, Antarala, Maha Mandap, and Mukha Mandap. The sanctum of the Anuvavi Murugan Temple enshrines the presiding deity, Subramanya, with his consorts, Valli & Devasena, in standing posture. He is a Swayambhu Moorthy. Generally, most Murugan temples in the Kongu region enshrine Balamurugan or Dhandayuthapani without his consorts, whereas Anuvavi Murugan Temple is unique. The temple features a typical South Indian architectural style.

A small Arunachaleswarar shrine is above the temple. Devotees climb a few steps to reach it. The temple’s Mukha Mandap contains the idols of Vinayaka and Veerabahu. There is a north-facing Hanuman shrine in the temple premises. A wooden chariot is seen at the temple premises to take the deity around the temple on festival days.

A Navagraha shrine is also located in the Anuvavi Murugan Temple. There is a natural spring named Hanuman Theertham adjacent to the temple. Its origin is still a mystery. The spring is called Kanachunai, which means not discoverable, and Vatra Chunai, which means the well that does not dry up, as per the inscription of a king from the Mysore Wodeyar dynasty. Devotees can see a few caves on the slopes of the hill. It is believed that Pampatti Siddhar and other sages inhabited these caves while doing penance. The famous Marudamalai Murugan temple lies on the southern side, which can be reached through a hilly path from Anuvavi Murugan Temple. There is a tall Hanuman statue at the base of the hill.

Festivals in Anuvavi Murugan Temple

The Anuvavi Murugan Temple celebrates Aippasi Surasamharam in October-November, Karthigai in all months, Panguni Uthiram in March-April, and Vaikasi Visakam in May-June. Local people throng the temple during these festivals to participate in special Abishekams and Poojas.

Benefits of Worshipping at the Anuvavi Murugan Temple

Unmarried people who face obstacles in their marriage visit the Anuvavi Murugan Temple and worship the deity, offer Mangal sutras, vastras, and perform weddings for Muruga and his consorts. Childless couples worship the deity for five Tuesdays for progeny blessings. People who suffer from mental and skin problems bathe in the Anuvavi Theertham before sunrise and worship the deity to get relief.