Semmanur Shiva Temple – Faith and Fervour

Semmanur lies on the Coimbatore-Anaikatti-Mannarkad Road, around 40 km from Coimbatore and is famous for the Malleswaran Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, on the banks of Bhavani.

The temple is sacred to the three tribes that inhabit the forests nearby - the Mudugas, the Irulas and the Kurumbas. It is believed that a girl and boy from the opposing Muduga and Irula tribes fell in love and eloped in the face of resistance. The story gets a bit hazy thereafter but apparently over time, the tribes realised that the two were none other than Shiva and Parvati. The tribal people believe the gigantic Malleswaran hill to be Shiva and the river Bhavani to be Parvati. So, they built a temple there.

The temple is a simple structure with no embellishment. On an ordinary day, it looks almost neglected but for the colourful paint covering it. However, on Mahashivarathri the temple comes alive. The tribesmen walk from distant hills, trekking through some of the most difficult and treacherous parts in the jungle to light a fire on the hilltop at night. At the instant the fire is lit, festivities begin at the temple below.

The phrase ‘night life’ takes on a whole new meaning during a Shivarathri festival in Semmanur. Karagattam and Poi Kaal Kudhirai - two traditional folk dances of Tamil Nadu – are performed, driving the devotees into a frenzy. The festivities continue well into the night.

Good to Know

Location: 25 km from the Sterling Resort

Tickets: No tickets

Timing: Not Applicable