Sathuragiri Mahalingam Temple
Name : SathuraGiri , Chathurachalam, Siddhar Bhoomi, Mooligai Malai (Vanam), Mahalinga Malai.
Location : It is situated approximately 5 Kms from "Watrap" (otherwise called as "Vathirairuppu") near Srivilliputhur. It is approximately 100 Kms from Tirunelveli and 70 Kms from Madurai.
As the name speaks, the mountain is mentioned as "South Kailash" (Thenkailayam), Bhoologa Kailayam as Lord Shiva and Parvathy have promised the Siddhars that they will stay here permanently and visit other places only from here. It is also said that it is the meeting place and head quarters of all the Siddhars, who still stay there in various places/caves in the mountain to worship Lord Siva and Parvathi.It is also said in Siva Puranam that the four Vedas joined together and formed this mountain and that is why it is called Chathur(ved)agiri.
Diety : There are two temples in the hill
- Sri Sundara Mahalinga Swamy Temple and
- Sri Santhana Mahalinga Swamy Temple
- also there is sannathi for Sundara Moorthy
The Akasha Ganga (river) which flows from above the Santhana Mahalingam temple, separates the two temples in to two sides of the banks. The distance between these two temple is hardly 15 minutes walk.
One more sanctum of Lord Siva is also there in the top of the hill which is called as "Periya Mahalingam" (Big Mahalingam). This is worshipped by Siddhars and only those who are destained to see it will be able to go there. Most dangerous place! it can be reached with help of the local people called "Palingargal".
Trekking Adventures : There is Thavasi Cave above the temple. This cave is formed in between Rocks and one has to crawl to go inside the cave. After crawling there is a huge space inside for 12 people to gather and do meditation. This place is illuminated by small oil lamps.
