Kurinji Andavar Temple, Palani

Palani hills are 1086 ft.above sea level, whereas Kodaikanal is 7666ft. high. Kurinji Andavar koil is at a height of 6990 ft. to 7000 ft. The shrup flowers once in 12 years. The lord of Kurinji is Muruga. The flower is a symbol for lovers. Muruga is red complexioned; so is Kurinji.

Hence Kurinji flower and a temple for Muruga exists in Kodaikanal. The temple was built in 1936 by the Australian wife of Ponnambalam (Ceylonese) considered to be the father of the Ceylonese. It is 5 km from the Kodaikanal Lake dug in 1863, and in 1971 was taken over by the Palani Devasthanam.

A small peacock Mandapa in front, a tin shed becoming a Maha Mandapa a pillar with a bell atop, a sanctum without a gopura is that all is in the temple. It can be seen from the Palani Hills. The flower show of Kurinji Andavar takes place annually. Fortunately Kodai Hills has not yet lost the charms of rustic beauty.

In this temple, besides the Kurinji Andavar Vinayagar and Navagrahas are also main deities. Festival idols of Vinayaga, single Murugan, and Muruga with consorts are also here. The temple area is vast and only 1/15th of it is occupied by the temple. If the temple is enlarerd it will make a pretty sight. Poomparai Velappar, Kiranur Vagisar, Azhagia Chokkar, Ayakudi Chozakesar, Oddanchathiram Kuzhandai Velappar, Palayam Vinayagar are all temples worth seeing.

In the south street are the peacock mandapa and Arasa marathadi (papal tree) Vinayagar. There is always a big crowd in this street because of water taps.