Sri Murugan Temple is located in Pillur village near Kovanur, in Sivaganga District, Tamil Nadu.
Although no written historical records exist, the temple is believed to be 500–1000 years old. Local tradition says that the original worship spot existed during ancient Siddha times, connected to Sage Agasthya. Over centuries, the temple evolved from a small sacred shrine into the present form, maintained by villagers and devotees.
The presiding deity is Lord Murugan (Subramaniya Swamy), worshipped in a serene and blessing posture. The lord is accompanied by Valli and Deivanai, symbolizing divine grace and protection. The temple also houses shrines for Sri Vinayaka, Kasi Viswanatha with Visalakshi, and Idumban, giving devotees a complete spiritual experience within the temple premises.
Sri Murugan Temple follows simple Tamil village temple architecture. The sanctum is built in a classical Murugan style with clean stone work, and in front of it stands the beautiful Peacock Mandapam, representing Murugan’s divine vehicle. The temple does not have a large gopuram, but the inner prakaram is peaceful, open, and surrounded by greenery. Additional small shrines inside the temple enhance its spiritual atmosphere.
The history of this temple is closely linked to Sathappa Gnani, a spiritually gifted child from Kovanur. As a young boy named Sathappan, he helped thirsty sages in the forest. Pleased by his good nature, they taught him sacred spiritual practices. As he grew older, his wisdom and divine grace spread across the region, and he later became the Rajaguru (Royal Preceptor) of the Sivaganga kings. It is believed that Sathappa Gnani established or revived the worship of Lord Murugan at this sacred spot, which later developed into the temple we see today.
The Sthalapurana of Kovanur Murugan Temple is rooted in the presence of Sage Agasthya. After completing his rituals at a nearby sacred site, Sage Agasthya reached Kovanur during sunset. Needing water for his evening Sandhya Vandana, he struck his kamandala on the ground, causing a fresh water spring to rise instantly. This divine spring is considered the beginning of the temple’s sacredness.
Nearby, Agasthya saw a medicinal plant growing naturally. When the spring water flowed over the plant and touched his feet, it turned into a fragrant, healing liquid. Realizing its divine nature, he named it “Pooneer”, a substance believed to cure diseases and cleanse negative energies. Agasthya blessed the place and foretold that Lord Murugan would reside here, granting healing to all who visited.
Over time, Siddhas and saints visited this spot for meditation. Among them was Sathappa Gnani, who established regular worship. Because of Agasthya’s blessing and the healing Pooneer, the temple became famous as a spiritual and medicinal healing center. Devotees still believe that praying here and collecting Pooneer on auspicious days helps remove illnesses, planetary doshas, and mental worries.
The temple celebrates all major Murugan festivals with devotion. Skanda Sashti in Aipasi is the most important, marked by fasting, special poojas, and full village participation. Panguni Uthiram is celebrated with special abhishekam for Murugan’s divine wedding. During Karthigai Deepam, lamps are lit across the temple, creating a serene and spiritual atmosphere. All festivals are simple yet deeply devotional.
