Sathuragiri

Sathuragiri Hills சதுரகிரி Mahalingam temple
village
Country	India
State	Tamil Nadu
District	Madurai
Government
• Body	saptur
Languages
• Official	Tamil
Time zone	IST (UTC+5:30)
PIN	625705
Nearest city	Madurai
Lok Sabha constituency	Theni
Vidhan Sabha constituency	Usilampatti
Civic agency	Saptur-Madurai
Climate	Cold and hot (Köppen)
Website	http://www.sathuragiritemple.tnhrce.in

Sathuragiri Hills (Tamil: சதுரகிரி) or Chathuragiri otherwise known as 'Sundara Mahalingam' is situated 10 km from Watrap (Wathirairuppu) near Srivilliputhur. The name Sathuragiri came from chathur ("four"), Veda (Vedas) and giri ("hill"), where all the four Vedas met and formed the hill. Another meaning is that the whole mountain is in a square (chathuram) shape, hence the name Chathuragiri. Sathuragiri is the abode of God. It is otherwise also called as Mahalingam Hill. This is also called as "Siddargal boomi". 18 Siddhas were said to live here. This is a mysterious hill where it is believed that Siddhars still worship the lord Shiva.

Recently, the public are allowed only six days in a month, three days each during new moon and full moon days (i.e. the day before and day after, with full moon or new moon days). Water falls are in Sadhura Giri. The water source is pure and clear. Devotees should not pollute the water source and bathe in the river carefully. Devotees should save the forest. It is better to avoid plastic covers and water bottles in Sadhuragiri Forest because so many living beings are there.

Pilgrims coming from Chennai direction have to come to Madurai and get down at Krishnan Koil Bus Stop on the way to Srivilliputhur, then go to Watrap (Watthirairuppu). From Watrap they go to Thaanipaarai, the base of the hill. Buses are available even from Srivilliputhur itself to Watrap and Thaniparai. Pilgrims travelling from the south have to pass through Nagercoil – Tirunelveli – Rajapalayam – Srivilliputhur – Watrap -Thaniparai. Another way is via Madurai (Mattuthavani) - T.kallupatti - Anaikaraipatti (valai Thoppu). It is the main entrance to reach the lord Shiva temple front gate and another way of Thaniparai is the back entrance of the lord Shiva temple.

By train, one has to take Shenkottai Express from Chennai and get down at Srivilliputtur. From there , there is a bus to Thaniparai (base of the Saturagiri Hill).

For the first time, it takes nearly four to five hours to climb to the top of the hill. Rest, can reach the top within two to three hours. On the hill there is no electricity, W L L telephone connection available (BSNL), getting BSNL cell phones only. There are some shops selling buttermilk, coffee, snacks, etc. During some days like full moon day, new moon day and other festive seasons Annadhanam is served to the devotees from morning till evening near both the temples and stay in the shelter provided there before dark falls. Basic amenities are provided at the hill.

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Wikipedia