places to visit
The city has several major temples: Marudamalai, Perur, Annur, Sidhapudur Ayyappan Kovvil, Karamadai, Kooniamman Temple, Bathrakali Amman Kovil and Arulmigu Vazhai Thottathu Ayyan Temple,Thandu mariamman kovil.
Marudamalai
The word "Marudhachalapathy" or "Maruthamalai Andavar" means Master of Hills, abounding in Marudha trees. The name has also a legendary origin. A Siddha, overcome by excessive thirst and tiredness, sought shelter under the shade of a Marudha tree and prayed to the mercy of the Lord Muruga for a shower of water, which sprang at once as though by a miracle from beneath the tree. As water gushed out from the roots of the marudha tree, the Siddha leaped in joy, glorifying Muruga as the Lord of "Marudha" and "Jalam" (water) with the passage of time, "Marudhajalapathi" became "Marudhachalapathy".
According to the epic, while sitting under a marudha tree, a saint prayed to God for help quenching his thirst and exhaustion. Soon he noticed water springing from beneath the tree. Overwhelmed, he pronounced Lord Muruga as the Lord of Marudhajalapathi. In due course it became 'Marudamalai'. History has it that Pambatti Siddhar, was originally a snake charmer and was initiated into the world of philosophy by a Siddhar by name Sattai munivar. Pambatti Siddhar is said to have performed several miracles, and written extensively on herbal medicine. His songs are addressed to snakes.
Location of the temple: Sri Subramanyasami temple is located at Marudamalai, 13 km North - West of Coimbatore, Industrial city of Tamil Nadu, India.
Perur
The Garbagraha of this temple was built by Karikala Chola in the early Hindu era. It is a Shiva shrine with a Swayambumoorthy.
The Sthalapuranam (local folklore) states that when the calf of divine cow Kamadhenu was playing in the forest of arasu trees, its' legs plunged into a hard object from which blood gushed out. It was discovered that the object was nothing but a sacred Siva Lingam. This led a temple to be built here. It was built over the Moolasthanam and worshipped by the Saivaites. The place became a Vaipu Sthalam in Saivalore. It is one of the few temples in Kongunadu which figures in the Devaram by Saint Appar and Saint Sundarar. The temple is located in Perur, 6 km from Coimbatore on the Siruvani main road, on the banks of the Noyyal river.
Lord Nataraja and His Natya Sabha is worth seeing here. The statues in this mantapam are very beautiful.The veins of the dancers in the statues can be seen. Nataraja's festival, Arudhra Dharsanam, is one of the important festivals celebrated here. It occurs on the full moon day in the Tamil month of Marghazhi (Dec-Jan).
Sri Santhalinga Mutt, also known as Arulmigu Santhalingar Thirumadam, is one of the ancient Virasaiva mutts established by Sri Santhalinga Swamigal. The mutt now provides quality education, religious services and services to the poor and needy. It has done yeoman service for development of Tamil and use of Tamil in temple worship.
Annur
The Manneswara Temple is located here. This Temple of Shiva was built by a Chera King around 1000 years ago. It is believed that a hunter was digging the roots of a tapiaco tree to pull it down. He was surprised to see blood gushing out of the root. He later found a 'Lingam' beneath the tree. On hearing this, the King built a temple here. The uniqueness of this temple is that it faces was 'Markandeya', a staunch devotee worshipped the 'Linga' enshrined here, it is believed. And this Linga is 'Suyambu Linga' that means natural one.
Karamadai
Dedicated to Lord Ranganatha, this is the second oldest temple in Coimbatore. It was built by the Vijayanagara Kings. The Temple attracts a large concourse of people from throughout the land.The famous Ranganathar temple in karamadai is an easy destination for the people of Coimbatore, Tirupur, Annur, Ooty, Metupalayam etc.
The 'Thottiyars' clan of people lived at Karamadai. A cow of one of the thottiars failed to yield milk all of a sudden. He found out that the cow was shedding milk at a bush. Enraged, he started to cut it and heard an exploding sound and saw blood gushing from inside. On hearing this, the other people in the village came there and found a 'Suyambu Lingam' inside the bush. The same night God appeared in the dream of him and asked him to adorn the 'Lingam' with 'Chandana Kaapu'.and it is very near to periyanayakkan palayam.
Vellalore
Vellalore Has old and big temples such as Theneeswarar temple , Thiru Karavaratharaja perumal temple , Periya vinayagar temple e.t.c.This is the second largest Village in India.
Vana Bathrakali Amman Koil (Kali Temple)
This is one of the oldest temples in Coimbatore. It is on the banks of the Bhavani River. The goddess' name is "Vana Bhadrakali Amman".
This temple attracts lot of devotes on newmoon days (amavasayai). Thousands of devotees gather here during these days.
