வல்லக்கோட்டை சுப்பிரமணியசுவாமி கோயில்Vallakottai Subramaniyaswami Temple

Sthala Mahātmyam

Vallakottai Subramaniyaswami Temple, in Kanchipuram district about 50 km from Chennai, is an ancient shrine dating by tradition to the 9th century. Its name derives from 'Valla Kottai,' the fortress of the demon Vallan, whom Murugan is said to have slain here at the plea of the devas, sanctifying the spot as his abode. A related legend tells of King Bhagiratha of the Ilanji kingdom, who, having lost his realm through arrogance, performed penance to Murugan beneath a paatiri tree here and was restored to his throne, thereafter raising this temple. The sanctum is renowned for its majestic seven-foot standing image of Murugan flanked by consorts Valli and Deivasena, among the tallest such representations in South India, fronted by a five-tiered Raja Gopuram. Arunagirinathar, guided in a dream while travelling from Tiruporur to Tiruttani, sang eight Thiruppugazh verses here extolling the Lord as one who restores lost fortunes. Chief festivals include Thai Poosam, Panguni Uthiram, Vaikasi Visakam and Skanda Sashti.