We might come across the story about Vallimalai Murugan Temple but how many of us really knew the history of this temple?
Previously part of Katpadi Taluk in Vellore district, the hill temple lies approximately 25 kilometres from Vellore city and about 18 kilometres from Ranipet. Nestled amid lush greenery, Vallimalai stands as one of the most revered abodes of Lord Murugan, deeply associated with his divine union with Valli.
Believed to have been established in the 9th century, the temple carries a history of over 1,200 years. The name “Vallimalai” is derived from the belief that Valli was born, raised, and married at this very hill. The sacred atmosphere of the temple is enriched by the hymns of Saint Arunagirinathar, whose Thiruppugazh verses are said to have been composed here in praise of Lord Murugan.
At the foothills, devotees are welcomed by the Subramanya Swamy Temple, where pictorial depictions narrate the divine love story of Murugan and Valli. A large temple pond lies to the right, and devotees traditionally begin their worship at the Valli Amman shrine before ascending the hill.
The climb to the hilltop shrine consists of around 454 steps, shaded by thousands of trees. During the monsoon season, the surroundings become especially vibrant and serene. Early morning is considered the most ideal time for the climb, as the weather remains pleasant and spiritually uplifting.
At the summit stands the Vallimalai Murugan hill shrine, marked by a majestic temple flagpole. Though modest in appearance from the outside, the temple extends deep into a cave-like structure. Inside, devotees first encounter the shrine of Valli Devi, followed by a Vinayagar shrine. Lord Murugan is enshrined here with both his consorts, Valli and Deivanai. The cave temple features narrow pathways and stairways carved between rocks, offering a unique and immersive spiritual experience.
The pilgrimage is further enriched by visits to the Thiruppugazh Ashram, a sacred pond, and an ancient Jain temple located nearby, reflecting the region’s layered religious history.
According to legend, Goddess Lakshmi once attempted to disturb Lord Vishnu’s penance by dancing before him. During this moment, a drop of sweat fell onto the grass and was consumed by a deer. In time, the deer gave birth to a baby girl, who was named Valli and raised by the tribal chief of the region. Valli grew into a woman of exceptional beauty and virtue.
Sage Narada informed Lord Subramanya about Valli, and the Lord descended to Vallimalai, where he fell deeply in love with her. After several failed attempts to win her heart, Lord Ganesha intervened and helped unite the divine couple. Valli eventually eloped with Lord Murugan and lived with him at Thiruthani. However, as Vallimalai remained dear to her heart, Lord Murugan agreed to reside here eternally with both Valli and Deivanai.
The Thiruppugazh Ashram at the hilltop continues to honour Valli’s devotion and penance to this day.
During the Pallava dynasty, a rock-cut Subramanya temple was constructed at Vallimalai. This ancient structure is now recognised as a monument of national importance by the Archaeological Survey of India, reflecting its architectural and historical value.
At the base of the hill lies the Sri Thenvenkatachalapathy Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is believed to have come to Vallimalai in the form of a saint to bless his daughter Valli. The temple follows a unique tradition where devotees receive the Sadari blessing using the sacred feet of Lord Vishnu, symbolising Valli’s intense penance to gain her father’s consent for marriage.
The temple opens daily from 7.30am to 12.30pm, and again from 2pm to 6.30pm.
Vallimalai is especially significant for devotees affected by Mars (Sevvai) dosha in their astrological charts. On Tuesdays, such devotees offer red flower garlands and curd rice to Lord Murugan as nivedanam. Those whose prayers are fulfilled often perform abhishekam, offer honey and thinai (millet) flour, and present vastram (clothing) to the deity as a mark of gratitude.
The temple is also home to the sacred Vengai tree. It is believed that when Valli and Murugan met in secret, Valli’s father transformed himself into this tree upon discovering them, and it continues to stand as a silent witness to their divine love.
Source / Image Credit : touringwithpk, valimalaimurugan , Vikatan , vallimalai-temple
