Temple History :
A long time ago, three great sages — Kashyapa (also called Brahmaputra), Kapila (who had the qualities of Lord Vishnu), and Durvasa (who was born from Lord Shiva) — gathered on the northeast side of Thirukoodachalam Hill. They started discussing the nature of the world and its deeper truths.
During their discussion, a question came up:
“Is this world real (inner truth) or is it an illusion (false appearance)?”
Kapila said, “The world is an illusion.”
But Kashyapa and Durvasa said, “Without the gods who create, protect, and destroy, the world cannot exist. So, the world must be real (an inner truth).”
After thinking about it, Kapila agreed with them.
Then they wondered:
“Who is the real inner truth behind the world?”
Kapila said, “It is Lord Vishnu (Thirumal).”
Kashyapa said, “It is Brahma.”
Durvasa said, “It is Shiva (Rudra).”
They started arguing about who was right. To find the true answer, Durvasa prayed to Lord Murugan. Hearing their prayer, Lord Murugan appeared before them as a young boy.
He told them:
“I Myself create as Brahma, protect as Vishnu, and destroy as Shiva. I do all three actions.”
In this way, He showed that He is the one behind everything that happens in the world — creation, protection, and destruction.
The three sages bowed to Him and asked Him to stay in that place, bless the people with wisdom, and give them whatever they wish for. Lord Murugan agreed and continues to bless everyone who worships Him there.
When everyone went to Mount Kailash to witness Lord Shiva’s wedding, the Earth became heavy in the north and sank in the south. To balance it, Sage Agastya was sent to the south.
Agastya wanted to see Shiva’s wedding, so Lord Shiva blessed him. He told Agastya that if he worships Him at the city of Thirukutralam (Courtallam), he would be able to see both the divine marriage and the divine dance.
Following Shiva’s words, Agastya came to Thirukutralam. There, he found a temple where Lord Vishnu was worshiped in the form of a conch (Sanghu Perumal Temple). Since Agastya was a devotee of Shiva, he was not allowed inside the Vishnu temple.
Feeling disappointed, Agastya went to Ilanji and prayed to Lord Murugan to bless him with the darshan (vision) of Shiva. Pleased with his devotion, Lord Murugan granted his prayer.
Agastya then made a lingam (symbol of Shiva) by gathering white sand (veṇmaṇal) on the banks of the small river and worshipped it. This Shiva lingam came to be known as Iruvaluka Nayagar — meaning “the Lord made from sacred white sand by the great Agastya.”
Afterward, Agastya went to Thirukutralam, disguised himself in Vaishnava attire (like a devotee of Vishnu), and worshipped Shiva by transforming the form of Hari (Vishnu) into Hara (Shiva).
Thus, the Lord Murugan at Ilanji is the one who blessed Sage Agastya to worship Shiva.
At this sacred place:
- The Vinayakar (Ganesha) is called Senbhaga Vinayakar.
- Lord Murugan is seated in a youthful and beautiful form.
- Special offerings like dosa, appam, and vadai are made to Him.
- Even Brahma and Indra’s son once worshipped here and received blessings.
Temple Location:
Arulmigu Thiru Ilanji Kumarar Temple
Ilanji – 627805
Tenkasi District.