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Ramalingampatti Sri Pathala Sembu Murugan Temple is located in Bhogar Nagar, Ramalingapatti, in Dindigul, a district in Tamil Nadu. The presiding deity here is Murugan. He is the son of Shiva and Parvati and the brother of Ganesha, the elephant-headed deity. He is known here as Pathala Sembu Murugan. The mountains of the Western Ghats and Devarmalai surround this temple, which is near the Palani Murugan temple. The sanctum sanctorum of this temple is in a cave 16 feet under the ground, and copper is one of the metals used to make the idol. Hence, the name Pathala (underground) Sembu (copper) Murugan. There is also another sanctum at ground level. Devotees have to descend 18 steps to reach the underground sanctum.
Legend of Pathala Sembu Murugan Temple
Murugan is an important deity in Tamil Nadu, as he is the patron deity of the Tamil people. According to a Tamil saying, “Kundirukkum idamellam Kumaran”, meaning that Kumaran/Murugan is present in hilly places. The temple is very popular as the deity here is very generous in granting boons to his devotees. Legend says that the Siddha saint, Bogar, created the statue of Murugan in Palani using Navaapashanam so that devotees would have good health. Bhogar was a disciple of Sage Agastya, one of the Saptarishis. The former had a disciple called Thirukovilur Siddhar, who is supposedly an avatar of Bhogar. It was Thirukovilur Siddhar who installed the Muruga idol in this shrine and offered worship to him here.
The temple is a well-known Parihara Sthalam. Many people come here to perform remedies to nullify or mitigate the adverse effects of the planets in their horoscopes. The idol that Thirukovilur Siddhar made is one-and-a-half-feet high. It comprises 5 metals – gold, silver, copper, iron, and lead. Rituals were done for the deity in the underground cave and the idol was given daily Abishekam to give strength to the body.
A few centuries later, Gandhamaran, a descendant of Bhaskara Sethupathi, the king of the Ramanathapuram principality, became aware of the glory of the idol and began to perform Poojas at the temple. Some time later, a new temple came up through the efforts of many devotees, and a Kumbabishekam took place.
Special Features of Pathala Sembu Murugan Temple
The 1000-year-old temple faces the east direction. The guardian deity Sangili Karuppasamy stands majestically at the front of the temple, facing east. The idol is 15 feet tall and crafted from a single stone. Selva Vinayagar is found in the front hall. Kalabhairava graces the east in the Artha Mandapam. From here, 18 steps lead to the underground sanctum sanctorum. Devotees also worship Easan (Shiva) as Jalakandeswarar near the temple. The idol of Shiva is inside the Gopuram, at a height of 36 feet. On Pradosham days, there are special ablutions and Poojas. Special Poojas for Muruga also take place daily.
Muruga is in the standing position in the underground cave. His right-hand displays Abhaya Mudra, and in his left hand is the Vel (spear). In front of the idol, one can also find the Murugan idol worshipped by Thirukovilur.
There is a goshala or cow shed as well, which shelters cows. Devotees often do Gho Daan (cow donation) at the temple to get rid of bad karma.
Benefits of Worshipping at the Pathala Sembu Murugan Temple
Vibhuti, or sacred ash, is given as Prasad at the temple. This fragrant Vibhuti can supposedly heal various ailments and is made of 18 kinds of herbs. Devotees believe that it has divine qualities.
Worshipping at the temple is good for reducing the negative effects of planets like Shukra, Guru, Shani, Surya, and Ketu. Hence, this temple is well-known as a Sarva Dosha Nivarthi Sthalam, where one can remedy planetary Doshas.
Devotees also get Karungali mala (a garland made of ebony wood beads) which have been blessed by placing them at Muruga’s feet. These can remedy the adverse effects of planet Mars/Kuja, bring good health and wealth, and repel negative energies. Other benefits include removal of delays in marriage, progeny blessings, victory over enemies, success in career, support of the Pancha Bhootas, relief from Rahu, Ketu, and Kuja Doshas, gain of land and property, good education, knowledge, and blessings of the Kula devta (family deity).
Gooseberries blessed in the Pooja are also given to the worshippers. Devotees also offer the deity Karungali vel and Sandhana (sandalwood) vel.
Many people come to the temple and make offerings, seeking a good position in their workplace and favors from the government.
Others visit the temple, hoping for progeny blessings, courage, and prosperity. Vastras (garments) and ornaments are some of the offerings.
Festivals
Purattasi Brahmotsavam, Panguni Uthiram, Skanda Shasti, Masi Magham, Vaikasi Visakam, Vaikunta Ekadasi, Thiru Karthikai, and Sravana Deepam are some of the important festivals at the temple.
Temple Timings
6 am – 8 pm.
How to Reach
By Road
The nearest bus stand is Ramalingampatti.
By Rail
The nearest railway station is Dindigul.
By Air
The nearest airport is Madurai.