Vallakottai Murugan - He who restores all that is lost

Vallakottai Subramaniyaswami temple (or Vallakottai Murugan temple) is in Vallakottai, a panchayat town in Kanchipuram district. This temple dedicated to Lord Murugan is considered equal to ‘Arupadai Veedu’ temples (Six adobes of Lord Murugan).

As per hagographical records from the place, Vallakottai temple was built 1200 years ago in 9th century. As per Legends, the temple was built by King Bagirathan. The king of Ilanji kingdom Bhagiratha was very arrogant in his behavior with Sage Narada. Narada wanted to teach him a lesson. He angered a demon Goran to attack the Ilanji kingdom. Goran was mighty and suddenly attacked the Ilanji kingdom. King Bhagiratha did not anticipate the attack and lost the battle. He relented and sought Sage Narada for advice. Narada asked him to seek Sage Durvasa, who would help him find a solution. King Bhagiratha wandered in the forests and found Sage Durvasa eventually. The revered sage advised the king to worship Murugan at Vallakottai to redeem his kingdom. King Bhagiratha prayed to Murugan for several years at this place and built a temple for him.

Lord Murugan, the presiding deity stands 7 feet tall in a standing posture in sanctum with his consorts Valli and Deivayanai. This is the tallest Subramanyar Moortham in the world.

As per Hindu mythology, there was a demon by name Vallan who was troubling the Devas, the celestial deities. They went to Lord Murugan and sought his help to quell the demon. Knowing that the time had come for him to put an end to the atrocities committed by Vallan, Murugan fought against the demon and slew him here. Later, he established the place and called it Vallakottai (Vallan’s fort). Meanwhile, Indra, the King of Gods, asked his Guru Brihaspathi to suggest him a place where he could worship Murugan. Brihaspathi suggested Indra go to Vallakottai. When he arrived, Indra pierced the earth with his weapon Vajrayudha and created a tank from which water could be extracted for an offering to Murugan here and fulfilled his needs. The temple tank was henceforth named Vajra Theertha.

The Vallakottai Murugan Temple finds reference in Thirupugazh, written by the famous 15th-century poet-saint, Arunagirinathar. Eight verses in the Thirupugazh are in worship of the temple. As per a legend, the saint worshipped Murugan at Thiruporur temple and was on his way to Thiruthani Murugan Temple. During his sleep, a divine voice directed him to go to Vallakottai temple. He woke up to realise it was the order of Lord Murugan and then visited the temple.

The Vallakottai Murugan is called “Izhanda Selvangalai Meetuth Tharum Arulmigu Kodai Andavar” (he who restores all that is lost). The temple tank is called the Vajra Theertha, and it is the firm belief of devotees that a holy dip in the tank, chanting the name Om Saravanabhava can end all miseries.