Peria Mariamman Temple is located opposite to the Erode Corporation Building in the city of Erode. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu Goddess Mariamman. The temple is believed to have been built by the Kongu Cholas around 1200 years ago.

The area covered by the temple complex is 3500 sq. ft. The temple of Goddess Mariamman is believed to have the power to cure ailments such as chicken pox, small pox and high temperatures.

Erode Peria Mariamman Temple Timings

The temple is open on all days from 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Pooja Details of Erode Peria Mariamman Temple

Pooja to the main deity Mariamman is performed everyday as follows:

• Kalasandhi – 7:00 AM
• Utchikala – 12:00 AM
• Sayarakshai – 7:30 PM

Temple Festivals of Erode Peria Mariamman Temple

The festivals observed in the temple are as follows:

• Panguni Festival (March-April)
• Kambam Naduthal
• Maa Vilakku
• Pongal
• Therottam (Temple Car procession)
• Manjal Neerattu

The celebrations starting from Kambam Naduthal to Manjal Neerattu takes 20 days and is celebrated with all pomp and gaiety.

How to reach Erode Peria Mariamman Temple

The temple is located at around 2.6 kilometres from the Erode bus stand. Salem is 60 kilometres and Coimbatore is 100 kilometres away from the temple. Erode Railway Station (1.6 kilometres away) is the nearest station. The nearest airport is at Coimbatore (around 92 kilometres away).

Sangameswarar Temple located in Bhavani, in the Erode District of Tamil Nadu is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple also famously called Thirunana and Thirukooduthurai is at a distance of 16 kilometers from Erode. The Moolavar (main deity) is Sangameswarar and Thayaar (Goddess) here is Vedha Nayagi.

History & Legend of the Temple

Bhavani Sangameswarar Temple is an ancient temple built by the first Pallava King, Mahendra Verman. According to legend, during the British Rule, William Karo who worked as a collector for Coimbatore District visited Bhavani. One night, when he was asleep, he was woken up and got out of the Bungalow he was staying in, by a small girl. Once he was out, the Bungalow is said to have collapsed.

After the priest of the temple informed him that it was Bhavani Vedanaayaki Amman who had saved him, he became an ardent devotee of the Goddess. The three holes that he had made in the temple walls in order to pray to the Goddess are still present. Another legend associated with the place is that Kubera, the Lord of Wealth, is said to have been advised by Lord Shiva himself that he would find a Shivalingam under the Illandai tree.

Prominent Features of the Temple

About the place

The place Bhavani is a well-known Parihara Sthalam (a place for absolution of one’s sins) in Tamil Nadu. The Sangameswarar Temple is a holy one located at the Sangamam (confluence) of three rivers – Kaveri, Bhavani and the mystic Amutha(flowing underground) and hence the place is popularly called the Dakshina Triveni Sangamam (Triveni Sangamam in the South). The place also has the name Kooduthurai again indicating the confluence of three rivers.

Prominence of the temple

The temple is one of the 276 Devara Padal Petra Shiva Sthalam, the third Sthalam in Kongu Nadu and Lord Shiva shrine in the temple is a Swayambumurthi i.e it is self-manifested.

A place in literature

The Nayanmars Thevaram pathigam is composed by Sambandar. He had composed 10 poems in this temple in the praise of the Lord which comes under 2nd Thirumurai.

Architecture of Sangameswarar Temple

The temple has a unique architecture with beautiful stone carvings. Constructed on a 4-acre plot, the temple has a 5-tier Gopuram (tower) on the northern side.

Deities in the temple

The presiding deity is Lord Shiva as Sangameswarar along with his consort Vedanayagi. At the entrance is the shrines of Kottai Vinayagar (Lord Ganesha) to the left and Kottai Anjaneyar (Lord Hanuman) on to the right. The main tower encompasses the shrines of Raja Ganapathi and Lord Muthukumaraswamy (Lord Murugan). The corridors are adorned by the shrines of Lord Vinayakar, Lord Murugan and his consorts, Goddess Gajalakshmi, 63 Nayanmars, Jurahareshwarar (in dancing posture), “Pancha Bhootha” Lingams, Kasi Viswanathar, Goddess Visalakshi, Amirthalingam, and Jeshtadevi.
Separate shrines are found for Lord Adhikesava Perumal, Goddess Soundaranayaki and Yoga Narasimhar.

Temple Timings – Sangameswarar Temple

The temple timings are as follow: 5:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Pooja Timings & Details

The pooja timings is as mentioned below:

Sangameswarar Temple Festivals

Some of the major festivals observed in the temple that attracts huge number of devotees are

• The famous Car festival(Ther) conducted for 13 long days during the Tamil month of Chithirai (April-May)
• The day celebrated as “Aadiperukku” falling on the 18th day of the Tamil month of Aadi (July–August).
• Pradosham Pooja, Amavasyas (new moon days), Shiva Rathri and Vaikunta Ekadasi are also observed quite ritualistically.

How to reach Sangameswarar Temple

Bhavani, located at 15 kilometres from Erode, 30 kilometres from Gobichettipalayam, 56 kilometres from Salem, is well connected to all major cities. Erode is the nearest Railway hub and Coimbatore International Airport at a distance of around 96 kilometres is the nearest Airport.

Accommodation

Good number of lodges and cottages at affordable rates are available at Bhavani.

Thindal Sri Velayudha Swamy Temple in Erode

Thindal Murugan Temple also called Arulmigu Velayutha Swamy Thirukovil in Erode, is one of the very famous places of worship in Tamil Nadu. The primary deity in this temple is Lord Murugan. The temple is situated on the small hill rock called the Thindal Malai, 8 kilometres from Erode bus stand on the Perundurai road.

History of Thindalmalai Murugan Temple

Thindal is one of the 24 countries in ancient Kongunadu. Kongunadu ruled then by Chera Kings, had been divided for ruling convenience in the past. The Thindal Murugan Temple is built in Dravidian architecture. Of the 108 temples of Lord Murugan praised in the celebrated Tirupugazh hymns of Sage Arunagiriar, Thindalmalai Murugan Temple is one.

According to the history of the temple, the place Poondurai in Erode was affected by drought. Elaborate prayers were offered by the farmers to Idumban to get them the grace of Lord Murugan. Following this, out came rains and the place became fertile again. The traditional ritual of seeking Idumban’s grace for fertility still continues.

Unique Features of Thindalmalai Murugan Temple

• The temple houses a golden temple chariot car which is used to carry out ceremonial processions holding images of Gods.
• The temple premises has two parts – the places above the rock is called Maelthindal or Thindalmedu and the eastern side of the hill rock is called the keel thindal.
• The temple conducts a number of pujas (offering to the God) for various purposes including marriage, progeny etc.
• Panguni Uthiran is the major festival that is celebrated in the temple every year. Thousands of pilgrims come from across the southern parts of India in order to attend the festival.
• The Deepa Sthamba (lamp post) adds a special attraction to the temple with its Kongu region type of design. The pillar is adorned by various religious sculptures
• A beautiful arch at the outset of national highway welcomes the devotees to the temple. The arch is bedecked with artistic paintings of many Gods.

Other deities and locations found in the temple are as follows:

• Arasamarathu Vinayagar – As tradition goes, Lord Ganesha is the first deity in the temple premises. This temple was constructed 40 years and deity here is named as Arasamarathu Vinayagar. The temple finds its place below a peepal tree (Arasamaram in Tamil) and is surrounded with Snake God (Naagar in Tamil).
• Siddhi Vinayagar – The Siddhi Vinayagar shrine is surrounded by two Snake Gods or Naagars. At this place devotees can find the idol of Velayudhaswamy in the front Mandap.
  From here onwards start the steps climbing that leads to the main shrine. The hill rock consists of 150 steps in all with a height of 60 metres.
• Idumban Sannadhi – Few steps from the entrance is the Idumban Sannadhi. This deity is also known by the names Idumbakkumaran and Idunbasan.
• Sri Velayuthaswamy Shrine – Above the hill rock is where Sri Velayuthar shrine is located. To the left of main deity is the Uchava Moorthy statue where Lord Murugan is with Valli and Deivanai.
• The Thannasi cave is located on the north western side of the temple. On the event of Karthikai festival, special poojas are performed in Thannasi Siddhar Cave.
• Reaching the Sanctum Sanctorum, devotees feel the divinity of Lord Murugan holding his ‘Vel’ (weapon) and seek his blessings.
• Theertha Sunai, a sweet spring is found on the north east side of the hill. The water of this holy spring is used for abhishekam of Lord Murugan and for the devotees to quench their thirst.

Festivals in Thindalmalai Murugan Temple

Kandha Shasti, Thirukarthigai, Thai Poosam and Panguni Uthiram are the major festivals which are attended by pilgrims. Chitra Pournami, Vaikasi Festival, Aadi Perukku, Aadi Karthigai, Kandha Shasti, Markazhi Pooja are some of the other noted festivals observed in the temple.

Temple Timings – Thindalmalai Murugan Temple

Pujas are performed thrice a day in the temple. The timings of which are as follows:

• Morning – 7:00 AM
• Noon – 12:00 PM
• Evening – 6:00 PM

The temple is open from 6:30 AM to 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM and from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM on all festival days. Annadhanam is provided at 12.30 pm to devotees every day. The Golden Chariot procession or ‘Thangaratham Ulla’ is conducted everyday at 7:00 PM. The price for conducting the procession is Rs. 1500.

How to reach Thindalmalai Murugan Temple

The temple is located at a distance of 8 kilometres from Erode junction. It is easily accessible by road from Erode and Trichy. Nearest bus terminal is at Thindal and nearest railway station is Erode Junction. Coimbatore International Airport is the nearest airport.

Lower Bhavani Dam also called the Bhavani Sagar Dam is one of the world’s largest earthen dams (type of dam made of compacted earth). It is located around 16 kilometres west of Sathyamangalam, in Erode district, Tamil Nadu. It is built on Bhavani River which is a major tributary of the Kaveri River. The dam creates Bhavanisagar Reservoir.

Image Attribution : Pratheept2000

History of Bhavani Sagar Dam:

It is the second largest dam in Tamil Nadu after Mettur Dam. It was one of the first major irrigation project initiated in India after independence in 1948. The Dam construction was completed in the year 1955 and was fully operational since 1956. The dam was constructed at a cost of 21 million.

Descriptive features of Bhavani Sagar Dam

• The dam is fed water by the Southwest and Northeast monsoons. It receives water from two catchment areas in the Western Ghats. The Eastern catchment area includes the Upper Bhavani, Avalanche and Emerald Lakes, Kundha, Gedhai, Pillur, Nellithurai and Lower Bhavani. The Western catchment area includes Portimund, Parson’s Valley, Pykara, Glenmorgan, Chinkara, Maravakandy, Moyar, Thengumarahatta and Lower Bhavani.
• The dam supplies water to two canals: (a) Kalingarayan Canal which in turn feeds Arakkankottai and Thadampalli channels (b) Lower Bhavani Project
• The dam had two hydroelectric power stations, one on the east bank canal and the other on the Bhavani River. East power station has a capacity of 8 megawatts totaling to a capacity of 16,000 megawatts .
• There is a peaceful garden in front of the dam with a play area for children, a small boating ride and a basic eatery spot. The entry to the park is charged at Rs. 5 per head.
• The view atop the dam is restricted now due to safety reasons. The place is a quiet getaway from the bustle of city life. One could also prefer to get the fresh fishes from the dam.
• Bhavani Sagar Dam is open on all days from 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM.

How to reach Bhavani Sagar Dam

Bhavani Sagar Dam is located at 16 kilometres west to Sathyamangalam, 35 kilometres from Gobichettipalayam and 36 kilometres north-east to Mettupalayam. The distance to Coimbatore is around 80 kilometres which is the nearest Airport.

One of the largest dams of Tamil Nadu, the Kodiveri Dam is constructed on Bhavani River near Gobichettipalayam. It is a common picnic spot located near Sathyamangalam in Erode District. The famous Bannari Mariamman Temple is around 20 kilometres from the Kodiveri Dam.

History of Kodiveri Dam

It is believed that the Kodiveri Dam was built over the Bhavani River when a drought had hit the area in the earlier past. It was constructed by Kongalvan in the year 1125 AD. The dam has been created by carving a 20-foot wall of rock, wherein the stones were interlocked with iron bars and the lead was used as mortar.
The Dam then on has been a major source of irrigation in the area.

Technical Details of the Dam

The Kodiveri Dam built using iron bars and lead provides a sound and long-lasting irrigational support to the areas around. The Dam built on Bhavani River gives rise to two channels – Arakkankottai on the northern side and Thadapalli on the southern side of Bhavani River. The Dam irrigates a total area of 24,504 acres. The Thadapalli Channel helps in the irrigation of lands north of Gobichettipalayam. Sugarcane and paddy are predominantly cultivated in this area.

Other notable features of Kodiveri Dam

• The Dam has a beautiful Park at its bottom that adds to the attraction of the place.
• The Falls are not very heavy and one can easily reach to the bottom of the falls and enjoy bathing and swimming.
• The Entry Fee is a meager amount of Rs. 4 per head.
• The place is also ideal to taste some of the fresh fishes caught by the coracle rowers.
• Boating is also available for the entertainment of tourists.
• Recent steps taken by the Government (improvement in infrastructure of the Dam, better recreational and restroom facilities) have made the place more approachable for the tourists.

How to reach Kodiveri Dam

The Dam is situated along the State Highway 15 about 15 kilometres from Gobichettipalayam towards Sathyamangalam. The nearest railway station is at Erode (38 kilometres). Coimbatore International Airport is the nearest airport (74 kilometres).