Arulmigu Vazhai Thottathu Ayyan Temple is located at Ayyampalyam of
Palladam in
Coimbatore District,
Tamil Nadu. It is about 40 km east of
Coimbatore and about 20 km west of
Tirupur.
The presiding deity is Lord Shiva. The shivling was consecrated under the Kiluvai Tree by Chinnaiyan, who later in life came to be known as ‘Ayyan’ - a devotee of Lord Shiva. Adjacent to the linga is an ant-hill, the soil of which is given as prasad to the devotees. The soil if applied all over the body is believed to cure the ill effects of poisonous insect bites.
The main annual festival of Vazhai Thottathu Ayyan Temple is the Ayyan Guru Pooja conducted for three days in December – January. Other famous celebrations here are Adi Peruku, Adi Amavasai, Diwali, Karthikai Theepam, Markazhi Poojas, Thai Pongal, Thai Amavasai, Mahashivaratri and Pankuni. The temple is open for worship from 05:30 to 20:30 hrs. The temple also runs a hostel, Kalyana Mandapam and a Higher Secondary School.
By road, Vazhai Thottathu Ayyan Temple can be approached from Somanur, just 4 km away. Auto rickshaws are available at Karumathampatti (7 km south-east) on National Highway 47. One can even approach the temple from Cottonpet (8 km north-east) on National Highway 67.
