Subramaniya Swamy Temple Pazhamuthircholai
Pazhamudhircholai is a Hindu temple where the prime residing deity is Lord Muruga. The temple is 25 km away from Madurai, and it is one of the six Muruga’s residing abodes. The other five ones are Thiruparankundram Subramanya Swamy Temple, Palani Dandayudhapani Swami Temple, Swamimalai Swaminatha Swami Temple, Tiruchendur Senthil Andavar Temple, and Tiruttani Subramanya Swamy Temple.
The scenic beauty of the place is one of the prominent aspects of the temple that attracts devotees and those who are in search of a peaceful and serene place right in the middle of a forest. The temple has descriptions in Tamil literacy books such as Silappathikaram, Ettuthogai, and Pathupattu. The Madurai Sangam poet Nakkeerar has also described the six holy abodes of Muruga in his “Thirumurukaartupadai.”
Pazhamudircholai’s fertile hill can be seen as a home to various fruits, vegetables, and greenery. The views are amazing from the top of the hill that makes it a picturesque place surely. In this place, Lord Muruga can be seen with his two consorts, Goddesses Valli and Deivayanai. All three are in separate shrines where devotees come to seek the blessings of Lord Muruga.
There are wedding arrangements as well, and people come here to pray for their happy marital life. They come here to pray for a child; since Lord Muruga is also about courage and intelligence, students too pray for their good academics.
There is a small temple above Pazhamudhircholai where people of local tribes spend their life. They manage their lives using the herbs and flora and fauna of the place. Here in the temple, Muruga is worshipped as Gnana Shakti and his tribal wife, Valli as Iccha Shakti, and Devayani as Kriya Shakti. This icon of Muruga has one face only, whereas he is a six-faced God known as Shanmuga.
There is a small shrine where Lord Ganesha resides too. Monkeys can be witnessed playing around the temple tower. All important events for Lord Muruga happen here; those who come at the right time or when a festivity takes place can enjoy seeing the temple all adorned and submerged in the devotion of Muruga.
Legend of Pazhamuthir
A well said legend is about a Tamil poet Avvaiyar who was a staunch devotee of Lord Muruga. Once Avvaiya was traveling somewhere; this was an afternoon, and the sun was at the peak. So Avvaiyar decided to take shelter under a tree where she didn’t have anything to drink or eat.
After a while, Lord Muruga, in the form of a young boy, appeared in front of Avvaiyar and asked him if she wanted roasted or unroasted fruits. Being a poet herself and a knowledgeable person, Avvaiyar mocked at the idea of roasted fruits and told the boy to bring unroasted fruits.
Later some fruits fell from the tree which Avvaiyar collected and started blowing off the dust. On which the young boy asked whether if she was colling down the roasted fruits. Being a poet, Avvaiyar was amazed by using words from a village boy in such a playful manner. She sensed that he couldn’t be some simple boy and request him to show his true identity.
Lord Muruga then appeared in his true form and blessed the poet. It is said that the devotees still worship the tree under which the poet took shelter.
Timings of Pazhamuthir
The temple remains open from 6 AM to 6 PM when devotees can visit. Those who want to witness the temple’s immense beauty, where it is all adorned and full of devotional environ, visit the temple during any festivity. Festivals like Panguni Uthiram in March, Kandha Sashti-Kanta Shasti Vratam, Aadi Krithigai, thaipusam and Vaikasi Visakam attract a large crowd of devotees when the entire place feels more vivacious and devotional.
However, one can visit the temple all year round and if you want a more peaceful experience, then skip coming during the festivities. After reaching Madurai, you can hire a private cab. There are buses run by the temple administration that you can opt for. Buses are a cheap fair, plus there are plenty of them that cover the distance of 25 km from Madurai to the temple. There is a road for two-wheelers as well for those who have a bike or scooter.
