Location:
40 kms from Coimbatore.
Famous for: Siva Temple
Altitude: 6000 ft.
The Siva Temple
Of all the mountain shrines in Kongunadu, the Siva temple of Velliangiri in
the western boundary is considered to be the most famous. Known as
Rajathagiri, Velliangiri, Dakshin Kailash or Bhoolok Kailash, this sacred
spot, according to legend, is where Siva performed his cosmic dance on the
request of his consort Umadevi. The five faces of Lord Shiva, Brahma,
Vishnu, Rudra, Maheshwara and Sadasiva, are seen as Panchagiri and as
Panchalingas pertaining to the panchabhutas, in Velliangiri. The hill ranges
have abundant natural resources, which include rare herbs. Lord
Panchalingesa and his Consort Manonmani Amman alias Parvathi, bestow their
grace on the devotees who throng here annually between February and May.
Festivals
A unique feature of Dakshina Kailash is the annadhanam organised by the
Arya Vaisya jewellers for the past two centuries, for four days during
Mahasivaratri. It is now carried out with all earnestness and enthusiasm, by
the jeweller community and the Lala group.
Getting There
At present special buses ply between Coimbatore and Poondi only on festive
occasions. Coimbatore is on the international circuit with flights
connecting it to Sharjah. On the domestic front it is connected to
Kozhikode, Chennai, Kochi, Bangalore, Mumbai and Delhi. The place is also
well connected by both rail and rail.
Staying
Tourists can unpack at the economical standard hotels available in
Coimbatore.
