INTRODUCTION
Arulmigu Suruli Velappar Temple (One of the
beautiful Murugan temples) is located at
Surulimalai in Theni district of Tamil Nadu. This
temple is an ancient temple, and this temple is still
being visited by Gods, Demigods, Siddhars and
Saints during Pournami Days. Apart from the idol
of Lord Suruli Velappar, idols of
Lord Shiva, Vishnu and Vinayaka are also present
in the sanctum sanctorum.
This temple is as famous as the Arupadai
Veedu(Six earthly abodes) Temples of Lord
Muruga. According to faith, those who visit this
temple with pure heart would get relieved from
their sins and diseases. Murugan devotees who
live in Theni District used to name their children as
“SURULIVELAPPA”, “SURULIRAJAN” and as
“SURULIVELAYUDHAM”. The famous legendry
Tamil film comedian actor Surulirajan, would have
been named as Surulirajan by his parents, since
he was born near Theni. Through the grace of
Suruli Malai Murugan, he has shined well in his
film career. Though this is a cave temple, yet this
temple contains excellent features since this
temple tree, is considered to be very sacred, and
the sand present in this temple is considered to be
the sacred ash (Vibuthi) etc. As per legend, once
Rishi Agasthya has got the nice wedding darshan
of Lord Shiva and Ma Parvati, and hence this cave
is being praised as Kailash Cave.
Lord Muruga in the name of Suruli Velappar
graciously graces his devotees from this cave.
Chithirai and Aadi (Tamil month) festivals, New
Moon days, Thai Poosam, Shivrathri and Panguni
Uthiram are the most important festivals
celebrated at this temple. Sarkarai Pongal(Sweet
Ghee Pongal) is being offered as Holy Prasadam
(Neivedyam) to Lord Muruga here. Murugan
devotees used to carry milk pots, in order to
perform milk bath to Lord Muruga and also some
of them would tonsure their heads and used to
bath in the sacred Surabi River in order to get a
happy and peaceful life. Since this river contains
medicinal herbs, those who take bath in this holy
River would gain lot of spiritual wealth. This River
is also considered to be the holy Ganges River,
and hence this Temple River is also called as
“GANGAISURABI” River. The temple is kept open
from 08:00 am to 04:00 pm.
Temple Address
Suruli Velappar Temple,
Suruli Falls Road, Surulimalai, Theni district,
Tamil Nadu – 625521.
SONGS IN PRAISE OF LORD
SURULIVELAPPAR(LORD MURUGA)
I look for shelter with Lord Surulimalai Muruga,
who is the ultimate Brahman, who is great than all
other devas, who has a temple in the
Kumaradhara banks, you shines, very brightly like
the glittering sun, you contains the pleasing
personality and you are very handsome.
I humbly take refuge on the six faced, twelve eyed
Lord Guha Peruman, who has been applied
sandal paste all over his body, who contains a
wonderful broad-chest, whose vehicle is the
charming peacock, who is the son of Lord Shiva,
and who is the head of the Army of Devas (Deva
Senatipati).
O! Merciful Lord Muruga, Sri Shivashakti Kumara,
Sri Guhasubramanya, Gurushanmuga,
Gurusubramanya, Guruprakasa, who cares for the
poor, destitute, orphaned, handicapped and old
aged people, who holds the entire universe on his
two eyes, whose full form(Divine form) cannot be
seen even by the gods like Indra and Brahma. Oh
husband of Ma Valli and Ma Devasena, please
make me to prosper in my life by giving your
helping hand. Oh Muruga, if you feel tired, I am
ready to gently press your legs, if you feel hungry,
I would provide you with sumptuous delicious food,
if you want to take rest you can take rest in my lap.
Oh Lord Muruga, Sri Saravana, Sri
Shivagurunatha, Sri Gnanapanditha, through your
iron like shoulders, please protect us from our
enemies, please shower your grace through your
six beautiful faces, please remove our negative
thoughts through your powerful Vel(Spear)
instrument, please chase away our enemies
through your wonderful peacock.
We want to be with you and with your beautiful
consorts Ma Valli and Ma Devasena forever in
your beautiful Skanda Loka, please fulfil our
wishes and do the needful.
“OM SRI SURULI VELAPPA SWAMY NAMO
NAMAHA”
WRITTEN BY
R.HARISHANKAR