Sri Chakra Temple is located on a hillock called Oothumalai near Salem on the Seelanaickenpatti bypass in Tamil Nadu. Though Oothumalai is most popularly known for the Sri Balasubramania Swamy Temple, there is also a Sri Chakra Temple within the same sacred hill complex, making the entire area spiritually rich and significant.
The main deity of the temple is the Sri Chakra, also known as the Sri Meru or Sri Chakra Maha Yantra. It is a sacred geometric diagram representing Goddess Lalitha Tripurasundari, the divine mother in the Sri Vidya tradition. Worship of the Sri Chakra is believed to invoke the complete form of Shakti – power, peace, protection, and prosperity.
The temple is modest in structure but deeply spiritual in energy. Built in traditional South Indian style, it has a small sanctum where the Sri Chakra is enshrined on a pedestal. The shrine faces east and is set within natural rock surroundings, creating a serene environment ideal for meditation and prayer. The approach to the temple includes well-laid steps and paths along the Oothumalai hill.
The Sri Chakra Temple is believed to have been established by saints and spiritual seekers who practiced Sri Vidya Upasana on Oothumalai Hill many centuries ago. The temple was built in a location where ancient sages were said to have meditated on the divine mother. Over the years, local devotees and spiritual masters identified the energy spot as suitable for installing the Sri Chakra Meru, thereby transforming the site into a Shakti Peetham.
Long ago, the hill now known as Oothumalai in Seelanaickenpatti was chosen by many sages and siddhars as a place for meditation and penance. It is believed that the Saptha Rishis—the seven great sages—once bathed in a spring on this hill and performed pujas to Lord Shiva and Murugan during New Moon days. The hill got its name “Oothumalai,” meaning “Hill of Exhalation,” because spiritual breath (Oothu) from their deep penance sanctified the entire area.
The most unique and sacred feature of this temple is the Sri Chakra, a mystical geometric yantra consisting of 43 interlocked triangles symbolizing the divine union of Shiva and Shakti. According to legend, Sage Agastya and his consort Lopamudra installed this Sri Chakra and worshipped it to balance spiritual energies in the south. It is also believed that Sage Agastya composed the ancient Tamil grammar text “Agathiyam” here.
In addition, the great saint-poet Arunagirinathar is said to have visited this hill and composed Thiruppugazh hymns in praise of Lord Murugan.
The main deity here is Lord Balasubramaniar (Murugan), who is uniquely depicted holding the neck of his peacock—a posture rarely seen elsewhere. The temple and surrounding caves are believed to have housed Siddhars like Bogar, Karadi Siddhar, and Kabila Rishi, making this hill a powerful spiritual center. It is said that Lord Shiva himself once exhaled here during a cosmic dance, adding to the sanctity of the hill.
Locals believe that chanting near the Sri Chakra shrine or meditating on the hill brings peace of mind, relief from illness, and divine protection.
Worshipping at this temple is believed to cure diseases, bring peace, and ward off doshas, such as Sevvai and Navagraha afflictions. Devotees visit the temple seeking blessings for childbirth, marriage, health, education, and prosperity, and it remains a spiritually powerful place deeply connected to the Tamil Siddha tradition and Sri Vidya worship.
