Kazhugumalai

Kazhugumalai is one of the ancient murugan temples in Tamilnadu known for its rock-cut images. Kazhugumalai has been revered by the Thirupugazh hymns of Arunagirinathar. Kazhugumalai is located on the road between Sankaran koil and Koilpatti near Tiirunelveli.

The Karnatic Music composer Mutthuswamy Deekshitar has sung in praise of this shrine. There are several literary works in praise of this shrine. The Ettappa Nayakar cheieftans are associated with several of the renovation efforts and endowments to this temple.

Kazhugaachalam is also known as Ten Palani. The presiding deity here is Kazhugachalamurthy (Aarumugaswami ) enshrined as a beautiful rock-cut image in a cave. The temple and the picturesque tank are located at the foothills of the 300 feet high hill. The temple dates back to the 8th century, of the early pandya kings as testified by inscriptions . However, the shrine to shiva and several other mandapams date back to the period of the king of Ettaiyapuram of the 16th century.

Legend has it that a Pandya ruler by name Adi Madhura Pandyan built this temple, upon seeing a cow empyting the contents of its udder into an anthill on this hill, where an image of Skanda on a peeacock mount was discovered.

Legend also has it that Rama performed the last rites to Jatayu at Pullirukkuvelur). Sambaadi, the brother of Jatayu regretted his inability to do the same, and upon Rama's direction worshipped Skanda at Kazhugumalai after bathing in the Aambal river. Legend also has it that Rama rested at Chaayamalai (Vaanarampatti) enroute to Srilanka with the army of Vaanaras.

Legend also has it that Agasthyar rested here enroute to Potikai Malai, and that Murugan's shrine faces southwest towards Potikai in acknowledgement of his worship.

The sacred ash is offered on a leaf as in Tiruchendur. The peacock mount is seen to the left of Skanda unlike the usual position on right.

Also enshrined here are Jambukeswarar and Akhilandeswari. There are also shrines to Somaskandar, Bhikshadanar, Veerabaahu, Natarajar, Manikkavaacakar and others. The water in the temple tank Valli Sunai is considered to be of medicinal value. The sculptural work in the Mahamandapam is of great value.

The Vettuvan koil (Vinayakar koil) is found on top of the hill. Several Jain carvings are seen on the hill.

Festivals: Six worship services are carried out each day here. Skandasashti is celebrated with great splendor. Thai poosam, panguni uttram and Vaikasi Visakam are the annual festivals celebrated here. Cattle fares in the vicinity