The Presiding Deity of this Temple is Lord  Shanmuganathar and He is an incarnation of Lord Murugan. He Blesses His Devotees along with His Consorts Valli and Devasena. This Temple is a Hilltop Temple. This small Hillock is filled with Virali Tree and is believed that many Rishis took the Avathar of Virali Tree in order to get the Blessings of Lord Murugan. Initially this place was called as Viralimalai but later called as Viralimalai. Since this Temple is built on a Hillock around a forest area there are lots of Peacock roaming inside and around the Temple.  None does any harm to them since Peacocks are considered as a Vaahan to Lord Murugan.  The Temple does not have a road to reach the top and hence all Devotees old and young have to climb up 207 steps to reach the Temple.  In the 18th century Vadi Lakkaiya Naicker and his successor renovated this Temple and it was later maintained by Pudukottai Thondaiman. Devotees Pray their respects to Lord Murugan by performing Ear Boring, Carriyng Kavadi, Milk Pots, Tonsuring and by performing Anga Pradakshiman around this Temple. Festivals like Vaikasi Visakam, Soora Samharam, Skanda Shasti, Thai Poosam etc is celebrated in a grand manner attracting lots of Devotees from distant areas.  

Temple Phone Number: 076675 - 65356,  04322 - 221084, 98423 90416

Temple Timing: 6 AM to 12 Noon and 4 PM to 8 PM

Distance From Chennai to Viralimalai 359 Kms