Sorimuthu Aiyanar Temple : Sorimuthu Aiyanar Temple Details | Sorimuthu Aiyanar- Karayar | Tamilnadu Temple

Sri Sorimuthu Aiyanar temple

Moolavar	:	Maahalingam, Sorimuthu Aiyanar
Urchavar	:
Amman / Thayar	:
Thala Virutcham	:	Iluppai
Theertham	:	Bana Theertham
Agamam / Pooja	:
Old year	:	1000-2000 years old
Historical Name	:
City	:	Karayar
District	:	Tirunelveli
State	:	Tamil Nadu


	Singers:



	Festival:

	New moon days in Aadi (July-August) and Thai (January-February), the last Fridays in both months and Panguni Uthiram in March-April are festivals celebrated in the temple.

	Temple's Speciality:

	Lord Dharma Sastha as Aiyappan in the palace of Pandala king as his adopted Son, came to this place first as a young lad to learn martial arts, hence this is the first temple dedicated to His worship. Based on events in His life subsequently, other Aiyappan temples at Kulathupuzha, Ariangavu and Achankoil came into being according to some facts. Sabarimala temple is the last when the Lord stayed there for His penance. There are shrines for Mahalingam, Sori Muthu Aiyanar, Sangili Bhodathar, Brahmma Rakshasi, Thalavai Madan, Thoosi Madan, Pattavarayar, Sage Agasthya, Sudalai Madan, Irulappan, Irudan, Karadi Madasami the guardian deities. Those on Sabari pilgrimage visit this first temple to wear the mala-chain. On Aadi new moon day, devotees walk through Pookuzhi-fire pit as a prayer commitment.

	Opening Time:

	The temple is open from 5.30 a.m. to 7.30 p.m. continuously.

	Address:

	Sri Sorimuthu Aiyanar Temple, Karayar-627 551, Papanasam, Tirunelveli district.

	Phone:

	+91 4634 250 209

	General Information:

	Of the five famous Lord Aiyappa temples, this is considered the Moodhara.

	Prayers

	Devotees pray for family welfare and health.

	Thanks giving:

	Devotees offer vastras and sweet pudding (sarkarai pongal) to Lord on realizing their wishes.

	Greatness Of Temple:

	Lord Dharma Sastha appears with His left leg bent and the right hanging down slightly siding on the left. Saptha Kannikas (seven maidens) are in His shrine. Those who are not aware of their family deity, pray here. There are Nandhi the bull, elephant and horse vahans. Lord Bhairava graces in the front mandap with His dog vahan before Him. A Brahamin, Muthupattan by name, fell in love with two girls born in a different community. He died in a battle to protect the cows. Later, a shrine was built for him-Pattavarayan- where he appears with his wives Bommakka and Thimmakka. Though a Brahmin, as advised by his father-in-law, he also learnt the cobbler art. Hence, devotees ties chappals in the shrine. When the devotee visits the shrine next year, he will find that the chappals are worn out though not used by any body. This seems to be miracle in the temple. As the temple is in a jungle region, there are no much human movements. Yet the chappals are found used and old. Villagers in the region come here in large numbers to worship Pattavaraya Sami for the welfare of their cattle. There is an Iluppai tree in the temple complex. The bells tied by devotees get stuck to the tree which is considered as the Lord acknowledging their prayers. There are Sangili Bhoodattar, Mottayar, Padala Kandigai, Kumbamani as guardian deities under the tree. There is also Vinayaka nearby with two elephants on both sides.

	Temple History:

	It is generally believed that Sabari Hill is the first temple for Lord Dharma Sastha. This temple on the Pothigai Hills revered as the Mooladhara is considered first by some. During the divine wedding of Lord Shiva with Mother Parvathi, as the mount went down due to the weight of the heavy crowd gathered there, Lord Shiva sent Sage Agasthya to South to balance the ground level. Sage worshipped Lord Shiva on this hill. The Shivalinga worshipped by the sage got buried under the sand in the days that followed. Cows grazing in this region were found pouring their milk at a particular spot and this was communicated to the king. He found a Linga at the spot and built a temple. Lord Dharma Sastha too came out of this place as Sori Muthu Aiyanar.

	Special Features:

	Miracle Based: The sacred tree-Iluppai maram absorbs the bells tied in it by the devotees, hence called Mani(bell) Vizhungi (swallowing) Maram (tree). It is said that Lord is accepting the contribution of the devotees.

Location :
The devotee has to reach Ambasamudram 40 km from Tirunelveli. They may hire cabs to Karayar. Buses will be available from Papanasam only during festival days.

Near By Railway Station :
Tirunelveli.

Near By Airport :
Madurai.

Accomodation :
Tirunelveli:

Hotel Aryas: +91-462-233 9002
Hotel Janakiram: +91-462-233 1941
Hotel Bharani: +91-462-233 3235
Hotel Nainar: +91-462-233 9312