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 India
StateTamil Nadu
DistrictMadurai
Government
  BodyPanchayat
Elevation
995 m (3,264 ft)
Languages
  OfficialTamil
Time zoneUTC+5:30 (IST)
PIN
625703
Nearest cityMadurai
Lok Sabha constituencyTheni
Vidhan Sabha constituencyusilampatti
Civic agencyPanchayat(saptur)
ClimateTropical wet and dry (Köppen)
Websitewww.sathuragiritemple.tnhrce.in

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

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