45. DHARMAPURI

MALLIGARJUNESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance: 60kms from Salem and 50kms from Krishnagiri

Shiva: Malligarjuneswarar

Amman: Kalyana Kamakshi

Speciality:

This temple is referred to as Kottai temple of Dharmapuri. 

This is the only temple in which the Kalyana Kamakshi is on a Shrine which is situated on top of 18 steps.

Kadu Vetti Sidhdhar (who was referred to as Sitha lingam) Somanadhar Sannidhi is a special sannidhi here under one tired Gopuram.

The Mulavar Malligarjunar also known as Thiruvelaleeswarar is under a 2 tired Gopuram. 

Between the 2 Sannidhis is the Ambaal Kalyana Kamakshi on a Shri Chakra under a 3 tired Gopuram. 

The Mulavar Vimanam, Temple Vidhana and the temple mandapam are all bigger than that of Shiva. 

The Shrine is in the form of a rectangle. 

We find Padhmam, Kumudham, Kandam, Kabodham, Pattigai and Ubanam type of exquisite stone sculptures in 43 corners of the Shirne. 

We should climb 18 steps to reach the Ambaal Shrine. These steps denote 18 qualities such as Hunger, Thirst, Fear, Innocence, Pleasure, Requirement, Memories, Sleep, Grey Hairs, Diseases, Death, Birth, Religion, Happiness, Surprise, Sweat, Body and affliction.

The poojas done to these 18 steps are done only by women. 

The Ambaal is sitting on a Pancha Brahmasanam where Brahma, Vishnu, Rudhran, Maheswaran and Sadha Shivan or in the form of Mantra Rupam on a peetam.

Dharmapuri is also known as Thagadur. Thagadur is commonly referred to a place where Bhairavar is situated. In this temple the Kala Bhairavar Sannidhi is very special and people who have hindrances in marriage perform pooja to this Bhairavar on the 8th day from Full moon (Theipirai Ashtami). and receive a Gandharva Raja Kalyana Mala as a prasad from the temple.

The Kala Bhairavar Shrine is in Yantra form in the Kubera corner of the temple.

There is a Soolini Durga Sannidhi facing east. 

The temple was renovated by Seraman Perumal and Kulothunga Chola. 

In early days this temple had 5 Praharas. 

Since, the Pancha pandavas stayed here Thagadur was renamed as Dharmapuri with the name of Dharumar (Yudhistra) who stood for justice.

Kamakshi in Managdu is Dhava Kamakshi, in Kanchi she is Yoga Kamakshi and in Dharmapuri she is Kalyana Kamakshi. This temple was worshipped by many Sidhdhars also. 

There are 3 Thirisuls in front of the Soolini Durga. 

The Sandi Yaaga is performed every year for 3 days for people to worship this Durga. 

The Chera king Adhiyaman Neduman Anji gave a black Gooseberry to Avvaiyar - any one consuming this Gooseberry will never die in this temple.

The distance represented by stones on Main roads was started by Adhiyaman. 

The utility value of Iron, the method of secreting Jaggery from Sugarcane was brought in the period of Adhiyaman of Dharmapuri.

There is a hanging pillar in the Navrang Mandap of Mallikarjuna Sannidhi where the Pillar does not seat on the ground but hangs from the wall. This is a miracle which can be still seen in the temple.

When the Kingdom and people were in danger at times due to certain invasions poojas to Durga (Kotravai vazhipadu) were performed for relief. 

When this incident was carved on pillars the lion sculptures came to life and they were killed in order to make them as idols again. This is still seen in the temple.

The Navakandam incident have also been carved on the pillars.

In the ceiling of the Navaranga Mandapam we find Nataraja with 8 hands and Indiran, Agni, Yama, Nirudhi, Varunan, Vayu, Kubera and Esanan (Ashta Dhik balagars) each on one hand with their vehicles.

The Hanging pillar has 8 faces.

Many rituals are conducted in this temple every one. 

Everything in this temple is very different from other temple.

History:

Adhiyaman Neduman Anji, one of the greatest bestower of the Kadaichangam - the king who is said to have conquered death in Tamil history, has worshipped this temple. 

A brave soldier wanted to sacrifice his life for his country in a manner known as Navakandam in those days. Navakandam means Jumping  with his head down on a soolam so that the sharp pointed tip will pierce his head when he falls from a certain height. When the Soldier tried to do this the Soolini Durga stopped him half way and saved his life. Only from that Incident lemon is pierced on the 3 Sharp corners of the Thirisul in front of the Amman Sannidhis in Amman temples. This  is depicted as a sculpture in front of the Mallikarjuna Shrine. 

Agasthya preached The Pancha Dhasakshari Mahamantra to Rama. Rama started the celebrations of Vasantha Navarathri in this temple. Agasthya sang the Navarathna Manimala in this temple. 

According to the advice of Krishna the Pancha Pandavas installed Raja Durgai (Soolini Durgai and worshipped her).

The Pancha Pandavas performed penance here and Arjna worshipped the Shiva here and therefore Shiva was named Malligarjunar. 

The Lingas worshipped by Dharma and Bheema are in another temple in Dharmapuri (as Dharmeswarar and Bheemaeswarar).