ஞானமலை
Siva Siva
ஞானமலை முருகன் கோயில் - வரலாறும் பாமாலைகளும் - 2026
https://drive.google.com/file/d/12gnEvlsiwkztGLqlqxsj8dBbJfEBXFGl/view
V. Subramanian
Subbaier Ramasami
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Siva Siva
Siva Siva
Govindacherikuppam, Tamil Nadu 632505
Jnanamalai Jnanaskandan Temple, Govindacheri, Vellore - photo set:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/157094014@N07/albums/72157701106523552
Gnanamalai: a hill of Wisdom
Geetha Venkataramanan
AUGUST 16, 2018
It was at Gnanamalai that Arunagirinathar had a glimpse of the feet that once saved his life, at Tiruvannamalai
The hill temple vibrates with the crowd that starts arriving for Adi Krithigai, which is the following day. Thousands come, most of them carrying Kavadi, a phenomenon associated with Murugan. Gnanamalai looks fresh and clean, the ambience typical of a place, where Mandalabishekam is on after consecration. But this hill is special. Muruga is the Lord of Kurinji, the terrain of mountains and he has countless hilltops as His abode. Gnanamalai and the small temple stand out for the fact that this is the place Arunagirinathar mentions in one of his Tiruppugazh verses, a place that had been elusive for many years.
“The Tiruppugazh referred to is ‘Manaiyaval Nagaikka...’ in which Arunagirinathar mentions Gnanamalai. This hill in Vellore district, however, remained as ‘Idam Vilanga Thalam’ until 1998, when an inscription gave a clue,” explains Valayapettai R. Krishnan, Tiruppugazh scholar and Murugan researcher. The author of several books on the subject, he thinks the ‘discovery’ of Gnanamalai, its development and consecration mark a milestone in his journey. On learning about an inscription on a rock of Gnanamalai, V. Muralidharan of Tiruvannamalai visited the spot. He came back with details, which made Krishnan go there for investigation. Convinced that this was the hill Arunagirinathar mentioned in the hymn, he set about the task of making it known to the public. The inscription found on a rock above an eternal spring says that Kalingarayan (1322-1340), son of Sambuvaraya Pazhayariayar, sculpted steps on the hillock to reach the temple of Sri Gnana Panditaswami. It is under the care of HR&CE Department.
In the past 20 years, the members of Siruvapuri Abisheka Committee and Gnanasramam Trust with the help and guidance of generous donors have built steps to the hill top and a motorable path besides facilitating water supply, etc.
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The greenery makes the 150-step climb a pleasant experience. Pointing to the image of Gnana Dakshinamurti beneath a tree, Krishnan says, “The presence of this Kal-aala tree made us place the statue here. The biosphere has rare species of flowers and herbs,” he informs. Nelli is the sthala vriksham. The outline of the twin hills of far away Sholingur is hazily visible in the noon glare. Incidentally, Gnana Malai, Valli Malai and Tiruthani lie in a straight line.
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The entire project, including the steps, Yoga Anubhuti Mantapam on the landing, the guest house at the foothill, which includes accommodation for the archaka’s family, and amenities for devotees have all been created over a period of time with generous donations. “Funds are needed to maintain the temple and the infrastructure and to conduct festivals and pujas. The hill, which is special in many ways, should be developed and more devotees should visit the place, where Arunagirinathar had a second glimpse of His feet,” says Krishnan, whose life-long mission is to spread the glory of Tiruppugazh and bring to light more places underlined by saint Arunagirinathar. For details contact 9444418526, 9003232722, 9442671847.