places of interest

The legend is that the local tribals, called Paliyars, while the Kandamanur Zamindar constructed the temple, discovered the main vigraha or idol of this temple. The temple has shrines in honour of Vinayaka and Saptakannikas. It is believed that the spring has curative powers and a bath and eating food cooked in the water of this spring will cure the most incurable of diseases. Pooja Timings: 7.30 am to 8.30 am, 4.30 pm to 5.30 pm Devadanapatti The main shrine in Devadanapatti is Kamatchi Amman Temple. It is situated on the banks of the Manjal river. This temple is 3kms from Devadanapatti in Theni District. In this temple, the doors to the sanctum sanctorum are never opened, and all the pujas are offered only to the portals. The special puja performed in the evening to the accompaniment of local musical instruments is a spectacular audio-visual feast. The important festival in the Kamatchi Amman Temple is held for the Masi Maham and Shivarathri, which fall in February-March. Periyakulam is an important town in Theni District. It is situated 16 kms from Theni and located in the foothills of Kodaikkanal. This town is popular for mangoes. Mango is the largest harvest here, and is second only to Salem. The fruit is exported to foreign countries. During summer the climate is cool at night, like Kodaikanal. Periyakulam is connected to all major towns in Tamil Nadu by road. The nearest Airport is Madurai (80 kms). Budget accommodation is available in this town.

Arulmigu Balasubramanya Temple is an important temple in Periyakulam. Rajendra Chola is said to have constructed this nearly 2000 years ago.

The local legend says that once king Rajendra Chola went hunting in Agamalai near the banks of the Varaha river. And there he saw a pig suckling its young ones. The king unknowingly killed the pig. Seeing the hunger of the young pigs, Lord Muruga fed the piglets. King Rajendra Chola saw this amazing sight, and constructed this temple in memory of this event.

A visit to this temple is considered equal to to making a trip to Kasi or Varanasi. Since Brahmatheertharuns in this river it is believed that a bath in this river will cure any incurable disease.

The idol of Lord Muruga has six faces seems and it seems to have been pierced the earth and risen up from the under the earth. Lord Muruga, who is seen here with his consorts, blesses the devotees.

The old name of Periyakulam is Kuzhanthai Maanagaram.


Kumbakkarai Falls is an amazing feat of nature, and is yet another of Tamil Nadu’s tourist attractions. Comparatively less known, these falls offer a breathtaking view. Situated at the foothills of the Kodaikanal hills, the falls are located 8 kms from Periyakulam. The water from these falls is full of the goodness of minerals and herbs that grow on the mountains.

There are two stages to these falls. At the first stage the water gathers in huge rocky recesses that are variously named after wild animals such as the tiger, elephant, snake, etc., before the water drops as the main fall. Bathing is possible.