Sathuragiri Hills
Sathuragiri Hills (சதுரகிரி; caturakiri), also known as "Chathuragiri" or "Sundara Mahalingam",[1] is a pilgrimage site located 10 km from Watrap, near Srivilliputhur, in the state of Tamil Nadu in South India.[2] The hills are a part of the Western ghats.
Sathuragiri
சதுரகிரி Mahalingam temple | |
---|---|
Kesri | |
Nickname(s): Radhay | |
Country | ![]() |
State | Tamil Nadu |
District | Madurai |
Government | |
• Body | Panchayat |
Elevation | 995 m (3,264 ft) |
Languages | |
• Official | Tamil |
Time zone | UTC+5:30 (IST) |
PIN | 625703 |
Nearest city | Madurai |
Lok Sabha constituency | Theni |
Vidhan Sabha constituency | usilampatti |
Civic agency | Panchayat(saptur) |
Climate | Tropical wet and dry (Köppen) |
Website | www |
There are a few specific days when the general public is permitted to visit the Sathuragiri Hills. These days include new moon and full moon days and on two Pradhosham days . Visiting hours are between 6 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Origin of the name
The name Sathuragiri originates from the words "Chathur" which means "Four," "Veda" which means "The Vedas" , and "Giri" which means "Hill." When combined, the words mean "the hill formed at the confluence of all the four Vedas." An alternative origin for the name is attributed to the fact that the hill is square-shaped and therefore known as "Chathuragiri." In ancient times Sathuragiri was also known as Udayagirinathar. In Udayagirinathar, a wealthy landlord owned a vast tract of land which was home to an ancient Shiva temple. The temple was looked after by an elderly priest. A stream (similar to the present Agaya Ganga Theertham at Sathuragiri) ran next to the temple. Sathuragiri is known as the Abode of God. It is also known as "Siddhargal bhoomi" ( the land of the sages or the Sidhars). The " 18 great Siddhars" are said to have lived here.
References
- https://www.sanskritimagazine.com/hindu-temples/sathuragiri-hill-chathuragiri-the-abode-of-siddhas/
- "Sathuragiri Hill (Chathuragiri) - The Abode of Siddhas". Sanskriti - Hinduism and Indian Culture Website. 13 March 2018. Retrieved 1 April 2020.