Description
The temple of Kazhugumalai is situated 24 kms from Sankaran Koil and 76 kms from Tirunelveli. The shrine of this temple has been created from a huge rock. Its unique feature is that rather than rising from the foundations, it was chiseled from the top.
History
Legends tell us the Pandya ruler Adi Madhura Pandyan built this temple when he saw a cow emptying the contents of its udder into an anthill on this hill. It was here that the image of Skanda on a peacock mount was discovered.A story also tells us that lord Rama performed the last rites to Jatayu here. Jatayu's brother Sambaadi apologized his failure to do the same. It was upon Rama's request that he worshipped Skanda here after bathing in the Aambal River. We also here that Rama rested at Chaayamalai (Vaanarampatti) while on his way to Srilanka with the battalion of Vaanaras. The peacock mount is seen to the left of Skanda unlike the usual position on right.
Importance/Significance
'Vettuvar Koil is the name by which the local people call this temple. Its front entrance is lined with 2 embellishments of demons. Here you will come across the portrayal of a musical tryst of these ganas. You will be able to see one dancing and the other playing a musical instrument. With regards to any other temple, the top of the tower over the sanctum can be seen as well as appreciated from a distance but in this temple it is upside down. It is shaped in the form of an octagonal and decorated with lion heads. You will also be able to see beautifully carved art pieces in the four vimanas of this temple. Siva and Parvathi can be seen in the east, Dakshinamurthi in the south, Narasimha in the west, Kazhugumalai temple and Brahma on the lotus in the north. Kazhugaachalam is also known by the name of Palani. It's current deity is Kazhugachalamurthy which is preserved in the form of a beautiful rock-cut image in a cave. The picturesque tank and the temple are located at the foothills of the 300 feet high hill. This temple was built somewhere around the eighth century of the early Pandya kings. However, the shrine to several other mandapams as well as that of Shiva dates back to the period of the 16th century.
Festivals/Events/Gatherings
In this temple, you will witness 6 worship services which are carried out each day here. Skandasashti is celebrated with great splendor. The annual festivals which are celebrated here include panguni uttram, Thai poosam, and Vaikasi Visakam. You will also come across cattle fairs in the area during Panguniuttram and Thaipoosam.
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