Pachaimalai Subramanya Swamy Temple

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Pachaimalai Arulmigu Subramanyaswamy Temple ' (Pachaimalai Balamurugan Temple) is one of the two major hill temples (other being Pavalamalai) located in Gobichettipalayam, Tamil Nadu, dedicated to Tamil God Murugan. The temple constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, is located on top of a small hillock in the outskirts of the town of Gobichettipalayam. It is commonly believed that the temple got its name ‘Pachaimalai’ meaning ‘Green Hill’ owing to the trees and greeneries, which is wrong. The actual reason is the presence of a spring(நீரூற்று) directly beneath the presiding Deity at the sanctum santorum. It can be understood from the fact that water being used in the temple is obtained from a bore well on top of the hill. During the drought years of 2001 – 2005, when the wells went dry in the areas around the hill, the water was available on top of the hill, owing to the presence of the spring. Pachaimalai is renowned for Lord Shanmuga, who is the manifestation of Lord Muruga with six faces. The poojas for Shanmugar at Pachaimalai is similar to those at Thiruchendur. Every month during the auspicious days of Visakam, Shasti and Kiruthigai, Abihekam and special Shanmugarchanai is performed for the Deity. During Skandha Shasti, Shanmugarchanai is done for six days consecutively. During the annual Bhramotsava which falls in the month of Panguni, one can witness Lord Shanmuga in three attires. In the first one, Lord Shanmuga and his consorts are adorned completely in White conveying that he is Brahma, the Creator, the second, Red attire conveys that he is Shiva, the Destroyer. On the day of Panguni Uthiram, he is clad in Green, symbolizing that he is Vishnu, the Protector. Devotees offer green flowers,clothes and rose water to the Deity on that day.At Pachaimalai,Sri Kalyana Subramanya presides over the chariot festival held on Panguni Uthiram, every year. Kalyana Urchavam or the marriage ceremony is performed for Lord Subramanya during Panguni Uthiram, Thai Poosam and Kandar Shasti. He also goes on fast for seven days during Kandar Shasti and Soorasamharam( சூரசம்ஹாரம்) is enacted by him in Gobichettipalayam town. It is believed that the statue of the Subramanya is older than 600 years. The Kadamba Tree is revered as the Sthala Viruksham at Pachaimalai. It is very rare to find this tree. It is considered very auspicious for Lord Murugan. The name "Kadamban" for Lord Murugan is derived from the name of this tree. Its flower has a beautiful and a characteristic fragrance. It flowers only during the month of Chitirai.Skanda Shashti is celebrated with usual pomp. Lord Subramanya goes on a six-day fast along with his devotees to mark this occasion, there are special pooja scheduled on all six days and the lord is taken for a procession in a golden chariot. Lord Subramanya got his weapon Vel from his mother Parvati to kill demon Soorapadman. The "killing of Soorapadman" is termed as Soorasamharam and the event is enacted in Gobichettipalayam. Later, Lord Subramanya goes back to Pachaimalai in his peacock mount and special pooja takes place. Kalyanotsavam is performed to Lord Subramanya with Valli and Deivayanai at the Vasantha Mandapam in Pachaimalai. Everyone is served lunch and the 'fasting' devotees finish their fast. Vaikaasi Visaagam festival is celebrated with great devotion with Lakshaarchanai. On Visaagam day, Thaarabishekam is performed to the Lord with large quantities of milk. Later, Sathru Samhara Homam was performed. Guru and Sani Peyarchi special pooja is also performed. During Karthigai Deepam, scores of people light lamps in the temple including the steps of this great hillock. Thai Poosam is celebrated at Pachaimalai with devotion and grandeur. People from Pudupalayam and Modachur carry Kavadi of different kinds. A massive Annadhanam is organized for all the devotees. It is done at Pachaimalai every Tuesday morning. The specialty is that, unlike other places, Devotees are encouraged to recite the mantras along with the acharyas. One can hear a multitude of voices at the same time which gives a sense of peace to the mind. One should be prepared to come early by eight’o clock, to participate in the full archanai. Don’t be surprised if you find a huge crowd. Shatru Shamkara Homam is done in a grand manner at Pachaimalai during Vaikasi Visagam(birth star of Muruga). It is done for six days consecutively during Skandha Shasti and Panguni Uthiram. It is also done voluntarily by devotees on other days. Thaaraabishekam is done simultaneously for both Balamurugan (Moolavar) and Maragatheeshwarar at Pachaimalai. It is usually done on a regular basis during Agni Nakstatram, the hottest period of a year. It is also done by devotees on a voluntary basis. It is to be noted that Pachaimalai shares lot of similarities with that of Palani. Some of them are listed below. Maha Bhairavashtami (21/11/2016) was celebrated in a grand manner with special yagam, 108 Sangaabishekam, abishekam and special poojas for Lord Bhairava at Pachaimalai. Special Annadhanam was oraganised towards the end of the function. Pachaimalai is situated near Pudupalayam in the outskirts of Gobichettipalayam. To get there by road, reach Gobichettipalayam and travel further 1 km to reach Pachaimalai. The temple is located on top of a hillock which can be accessed by road or by foot from the base of the hill. By rail, reach Erode (40 km) and then travel by road via Gobichettipalayam. The nearest airport is Coimbatore, 85 km away.