Sathuragiri Hills
| Sathuragiri Hills சதுரகிரி Mahalingam temple | |
|---|---|
| village | |
| Country |
 |
| State | Tamil Nadu |
| District | Madurai |
| Government | |
| • Body | saptur |
| Languages | |
| • Tamil Official | Tamil |
| Time zone | UTC+5:30 (IST) |
| PIN | 625705 |
| Nearest city | Madurai |
| Lok Sabha constituency | Theni |
| Vidhan Sabha constituency | Usilampatti |
| Civic agency | Saptur-Madurai |
| Climate | Cold and hot (Köppen) |
| Website | http://www.sathuragiritemple.tnhrce.in |
Sathuragiri Hills (Tamil: சதுரகிரி) or Chathuragiri otherwise known as 'Sundara Mahalingam' is situated 10 km from Watrap (Wathirairuppu) near Srivilliputhur. The name Sathuragiri came from chathur ("four"), Veda (Vedas) and giri ("hill"), where all the four Vedas met and formed the hill. Another meaning is that the whole mountain is in a square (chathuram) shape, hence the name Chathuragiri. Sathuragiri is the abode of God. It is otherwise also called as Mahalingam Hill. This is also called as "Siddargal boomi". 18 Siddhas were said to live here. This is a mysterious hill where it is believed that Siddhars still worship the lord Shiva.
Visitor information
Recently, the public are allowed only six days in a month, three days each during new moon and full moon days (i.e. the day before and day after, with full moon or new moon days). Water falls are in Sadhura Giri. The water source is pure and clear. Devotees should not pollute the water source and bathe in the river carefully. Devotees should save the forest. It is better to avoid plastic covers and water bottles in Sadhuragiri Forest because so many living beings are there.
Pilgrims coming from Chennai direction have to come to Madurai and get down at Krishnan Koil Bus Stop on the way to Srivilliputhur, then go to Watrap (Watthirairuppu). From Watrap they go to Thaanipaarai, the base of the hill. Buses are available even from Srivilliputhur itself to Watrap and Thaniparai. Pilgrims travelling from the south have to pass through Nagercoil – Tirunelveli – Rajapalayam – Srivilliputhur – Watrap -Thaniparai. Another way is via Madurai (Mattuthavani) - T.kallupatti - Anaikaraipatti (valai Thoppu). It is the main entrance to reach the lord Shiva temple front gate and another way of Thaniparai is the back entrance of the lord Shiva temple.
By train, one has to take Shenkottai Express from Chennai and get down at Srivilliputtur. From there , there is a bus to Thaniparai (base of the Saturagiri Hill).
For the first time, it takes nearly four to five hours to climb to the top of the hill. Rest, can reach the top within two to three hours. On the hill there is no electricity, W L L telephone connection available (BSNL), getting BSNL cell phones only. There are some shops selling buttermilk, coffee, snacks, etc. During some days like full moon day, new moon day and other festive seasons Annadhanam is served to the devotees from morning till evening near both the temples and stay in the shelter provided there before dark falls. Basic amenities are provided at the hill. Kaalimuthu Swamigal (Kanjimadam) [1] Trust serves for devotees in very kind manner. They pays too much of love with devotees like motherhood manner.
Distance from:
- Madurai to Watrap 77.5 km (60 km from airport & 68 km from Maatuthavani)
- Madurai to Saptur 60 km (Madurai to Thirumangalam to T.Kallupatti to Peraiyur to Saptur to Vaalaithoppu (Sundara Mahalingam Temple))
- Saptur to Vaalai Thoppu 5 km
- Vaalai thoppu to sathuragiri temple 3 km(by walk)
- Madurai to usilampatti to t.krishanapuram to sathuragiri temple(vaalai thoppu)
- Virudnagar to Watrap 35 km
- Rajapalayam to Watrap 31 km
- Srivilliputtur to Watrap 20 km
- Watrap to Thannipaarai (base of hill) 10 km (by auto-rikshaw; mini bus is available)
- Thannipaari to Sathuragiri (Sundaramahalingam, Sivan temple) 7 km (by walk)
Arulmigu agathiyar annathana Arakkattalai provided free food in all days. Siva Sangu Iyya Avarakalin annnthanam in sathuragiri hills during full moon only. He issues free notebooks to poor children from his trust money.
Also Thiru Siva Sangu Ayya Avarkal has built One Maha Kali temple in Taniparai which is a very powerful temple where Yagnas are conducted.
There are several secluded places for the most aspiring in divine path.
Monthly special Pooja details - 2018
Sathura Giri devotees.
Madurai near Tirumangalam to srivilliputhur to watrap to thaniparai sathuragiri Tirumangalam to watrap 52 km, Madurai near Tirumangalam to Alagapuri to Watrap to Thaniparai Sathuragiri. watrap to thaaniparai 8.5 km, virudhunagar to watrap 43.5 km, taxi indica omni,srivillipudur to thaniparai rs,600/,watrap to thaniparai rs,200/
Madurai to Rajapalyam bus : Take Ticket to T.kallupatti here we can get lot of buses to Anaikaraipatti (Valai Thoppu) or get taxi from Saptur/Peraiyur. From T.kallupatti it is just 18 km to reach the Valai Thoppu, here lot of scenic beauty of nature. There are several falls on the way to shiva temple.
The hills are under protected category. Pilgrims are advised not to carry any plastic / polythene bags, which may harm the natural habitat of the hills.