Kurinji Andavar Temple - Kodaikanal

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Site Name: Kurinji Andavar Temple 
Site Type: Hill station, Temple
Location:  Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu state, India
Highlights: The most famous temple in Kodaikanal
Nearest Railway Station: Kodai Road - around 80 kms
Nearest Airport: Madurai - around 120 kms 
How to reach: Well connected by road from Dindigul and Madurai
Hotel: A lot of options are available in Kodaikanal and Dindigul
Restaurants: All options - vegetarian and non vegetarian; North Indian, Chinese, South Indian, etc. in Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal, as you all probably know, is one of the popular tourist destinations in India. Thousands and thousands of visitors go to this hilly town called as 'Princess of hillstations'. Let us explore about Kurinji Andavar Temple, a popular temple located in Kodaikanal, in this article.

Kurinji Andavar Temple is located at about 4 kms from the heart of Kodaikanal town. The name of the temple is originated from the Kurinji flowers as there are so many Kurinji plants are found in the region where the temple is located. Kurinji flower is a rare flower which blossoms once in twelve years. 

The main deity of the east facing temple is Dhandayudapani (Subramanya aka Murugan). He is found in the sanctum santorum. In the main shrine there is a small idol of Ganesha also found. 

The small temple has a three tiered tower and a single parakara surrounding the main shrine. In the prakara the sub-shrines of Vishnu, Ganesha and Nava Graha are found. Facing Vishnu, there is Hanuman idol; beyond that there is Garuda idol. 

The temple also acts as a good viewpoint for tourists. From this temple, one could get the breathtaking views of Palani Hills and Vaigai Dam. 

The temple is the most popular one in Kodaikanal. Only few people know that this temple was built by an European woman. She married a Hindu and changed her name as Leelavati. She settled down in Kodaikanal and was called as Lady Ramanathan (her husband was Mr. Ponnambalam Ramanathan). The temple was built by her in 1936 CE.

Happy travelling.
Location: Kurinji Andavar Temple Road, Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu 624101, India

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