Tiruchengottu Velavar Temple is located in Tiruchengode, Namakkal district, Tamil Nadu. The temple sits atop the Tiruchengode Hill, which stands at about 900 feet above sea level. The temple has a rich history dating back over 2,000 years. Kings from the Chola, Pandya, and Vijayanagara dynasties contributed to the temple’s development.
The temple is a powerful spiritual centre for Murugan devotees and attracts thousands of pilgrims every year. Many devotees climb the 1,200 steps barefoot as an act of devotion.
The temple is a stunning example of Dravidian architecture, featuring intricate carvings, towering gopurams (entrance towers), and beautifully sculpted pillars. The sanctum houses Lord Murugan (Tiruchengottu Velavar) in a rare seated posture, along with his consorts Valli and Deivanai. The temple also has a unique idol of Ardhanareeswarar (a form of Shiva and Parvati in one body), signifying the divine unity of masculine and feminine energies.
According to legend, the Tiruchengottu Velavar Temple is linked to several divine stories. The hill on which the temple stands is called Nagagiri (Serpent Hill) because it is believed that *Adisesha, the divine serpent of Lord Vishnu, performed penance here. Pleased with his devotion, Lord Shiva appeared before Adisesha in the form of **Ardhanareeswarar*—a half-male, half-female form symbolizing the unity of Shiva and Parvati.
Another legend states that Lord Murugan came to this hill after a dispute with his parents, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The disagreement arose when Lord Shiva declared that his elder son, Lord Ganesha, won a divine contest. Feeling upset, Murugan left Mount Kailash and settled on this hill in Tiruchengode. His devotees built a temple here to worship him, and he became known as *Tiruchengottu Velavar* (the Lord of the Red Hill).
It is also believed that Saint Agastya and many other sages meditated on this hill, seeking divine blessings. The temple remains a sacred site for Murugan devotees, who believe worshipping here removes obstacles and grants success, health, and prosperity.
The Tiruchengottu Velavar Temple celebrates several grand festivals throughout the year. ‘Vaikasi Vaisaka’ (May- June) marks the birth of Lord Murugan with special rituals and processions. ‘Aadi Perukk’u (July-August) honours the divine feminine energy, while ‘Thaipusam’ (January-February) sees devotees carrying Kavadi as an offering to Murugan. ‘Panguni Uthiram’ (March-April) is celebrated as the celestial wedding of Murugan with Valli and Deivanai. ‘Karthigai Deepam’ (November-December), the festival of lights, illuminates the temple, with a grand lamp lit atop the hill.
The temple is also known for curing ailments, particularly those related to marriage, fertility, and family harmony.
