The first and foremost place in the list to visit in KODAIKANAL is “KURINJI ANDAVAR TEMPLE”. For those who are religiously inclined or quenching the religious thirst, this temple will be a perfect destination. The specialty of this temple is that it is situated at a calm and secluded hill top with peaceful atmosphere, surrounded by deep valleys and natural sceneries. It has a colorful mandapam over the gateway that leads to a main hall. The name “KURINJI ANDAVAR” is associated with kurinji(flowers) shrubs. In Tamil, kurinji means “hill region” and andavar means “god”. Hence Lord Muruga is referred as “God of Hill Region”. Kurinji is a plant special to that region which blooms the flowers in abundance once in 12 years. These flowers carpet the hill side. At that time the slopes gives us a feel like sea of purple. During the flowering period, the honey from this place will be considered as pure and good for health. The other days you will have a spectacular view of the terraced hills with carrot cultivation and a few hamlets. There is a famous festival celebrated in summer, when thousands of devotees visit the temple to seek the blessings of the god. Coming to the history of the temple, they used to tell like the temple was built by a European lady, who on coming to India got impressed and started following Hindu religion.
The Kurinji blooming happened last time in 2006 and if the shrubs survive, it is expected that they will bloom again in 2018. I am desperately waiting for that time. Overall the sanctum is a place that you would not feel like leaving the premises. So make it as a place holder in your trip to Kodaikanal, as you would get an inner peace which you are longing for a long time. You can have a look at my write up on KODAI LAKE, Moon Light Walk and total KODAIKANAL.
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