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Pazhani Andavar's footprints are here
K. VENKATACHARI
Perched on the 600-ft. imposing hillock, adored as Kanakagiri, Sri Pon Velayudhaswami temple of Kinathukadavu (located midway between Pollachi and Coimbatore) has the glory and pride of place as one of the few shrines in Kongu Nadu, celebrated by Saint Arunagiri Nathar in his divine hymns.
The hill shrine can be reached by climbing an easy flight of 200 neatly carved steps. The origin of the temple dates back to the thirteenth century. The temple was renovated by the rulers of Mysore.
The construction of the temple is connected to an interesting episode in the life of the then zamindar of Puravipalayam, said to be a great devotee of Palani Andavar.
The zamindar went to the Palani Hills to worship the Lord but had to return home without having his desire fulfilled. However, he was blessed in a dream with the vision of Lord Dhandayudhapani of Palani. He also discerned the footprints of the Lord on the hillock of Kinathukadavu.
The zamindar went into ecstasy and enclosed the footprints in a niche and started worshipping them with great piety. Soon he built a temple on the hillock for Lord Muruga to mark the event.
The processional deity of the temple is glorified as Sri Pon Velayudhaswami and worshipped with His consorts Valli and Deivanai. The bronze images are noted for their grace and charm.
The presiding deity in the sanctum sanctorum of the small shrine facing east is four feet tall.
The right hand holds the Dhandam (rod). The left hand is placed on the hip. The stone image is adorned with `Rudraksham,' sword and the aspects of the Sun and the Moon - a unique feature indeed.
Sandal is the sacred tree symbolising the sanctity of the temple. There are figures of fish and spear carved in the temple.
The deity is worshipped on special occasions in the forms of Siva, Kali, King and Hunter on Krithigai and Thaipoosam. The small temple, silhouetted against the western sky illuminated by the rays of the descending sun, looks like a lyric captured on canvas.
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In order to please His devotee, Lord Dhandayuthapani made this hillock His abode.
PICTURESQUE: The Ponmalai Velayudha Swamy temple atop a hillock in Kinathukadavu.
GRACEFUL BRONZES: The Utsavar, Sri Velayudha Swamy, with His consorts.
Footprints that the zamindar worshipped.
The steps that lead to the temple.