Velliangiri Mountains, Coimbatore - India

	The foothills of Vellingiri hills have a rich spiritual ambience. No wonder! The holy shrine of Vellingiri Andavar and His consort Manonmani Amman is situated here. Countless siddhas have made this their home in the past. Even today, many siddhas reside here and perform penance. Poondi is a small village. But it is the abode of Lord Panchalingesha. This place is filled with the vibrations of the five elements- water, fire, wind, the earth and the sky. It is the abode of the Lord of Vellingiri. Tamilnadu has thousands of temples with majestic gopurams, artistic mandapams, lengthy parikramas / prakarams, exquisitely carved sculptures and colourful festivals. They are the living symbols of spirituality. They have also become inseparable parts of the people of this land. Even the small, ancient temples in the tiny villages are equally rich in their spiritual association. The sacred temple of Vellingiri Andavar and His consort Manonmani Amman, situated at the foothills of Vellingiri in Coimbatore district is one such. This acts as the threshold for Vellingiri, the abode of the siddhas. Poondi is situated at the foothills of Vellingiri, which is a part of the Western range of mountains. Poondi village is 40 kilometers away from Coimbatore. Those who wish to climb the hill should begin from Poondi. They can have a darshan of the Swayambhu Lord, after climbing the seven hills. Saint Agasthya has lived here. Countless siddhas have walked around this place. People usually carry the necessary articles including food and water while climbing this hill. Women do not allowed to climb this hill. One can climb this hill between the first of Thai till Vaigasi Visakam. Climbing begins usually at dawn is the best. Vellingiri hill has an altitude of 6000 ft and one has to trek a distance of 6 k.m. to reach the summit. Devotees of Shiva believe that there is a Kailash in the north (Uttara Kailash), one in the centre,(Madhya Kailash) and the third in the south (Dakshina Kailash) Among them, Uttara Kailash is present only in the subtle form. Madhya Kailash is in Tibet. Vellingiri hill is the Dakshina Kailash. So it is referred to as ‘Then Kayilayam’ or South Kailash. It is believed to be the abode of Saint Agasthya and so his successors worship this hill with great devotion. People say that Adi Shankara came here and offered his worship to the Lord.This hill is considered as a symbol of Lord Shiva . It is also looked at as a symbol of penance as saints have been doing penance here since time immemorial. Vellingiri has been sanctified by the presence of Mahayogi Pazhani Swamigal, Shivayogiyar, Sadguru Shri Brahma, Aghori Vimalanadaa, Azhukku Samiyar, Soundarapandi Samiyar, Kalathri Samiyar, Mysore Samiyar, Etti Kotta Samiyar, Milagaay Samiyar. Vellingiri symbolically represents the seven chakkras (energy centres) in the human body. First Hill Mooladhara The shrine of Velli Vinayagar Second Hill Swadhishtanam Pambatti sunai Third Hill Mani poorakam Symbol of Agni, kai thatti sunai Fourth Hill Anahatham Sidhar Ottar’s samathi Fifth Hill Vishudhi Bheeman kaliyurundai hill Sixth Hill Aagna Sethizhai cave, Aandi sunai Seventh Hill Sahasraaram Swayambhu lingam, the lord of Vellingiri