Velodu malai
This temple is 7Km far from "Sithandi'' Batticaloa. The landscape of the Batticaloa district is filled with mountains, hills, and rocks. There are four famous temples located in such hills called Thanthamalai Murugan temple, Kudumbimalai Kumaran temple, Kusalana malai Kumaran temple and Velodu malai Murugan temple. The Velodu malai Murugan temple is located in the village of Sithandi Illukupothana at feet of 125.
To reach the temple, it is easy to use the path through Sithandi , Mawadivembu , and Vantharumoolai. To reach the temple through those Villages it would be 10Km distance. Firstly we have to go to Santhanamedu lagoon side through those villages and reach the Verumthidal junction and the Illukupothana village is situated in the left side of Verumthidal junction in front of Illukupothana school on the right side we can find the path to reach the lake. By going this way and turning to the left side, we should get "Yaanaiveli''. If we go about 500m in a forest path, we could see the Velodu malai Murugan temple.
When we go to the temple through the forest path we can see a canopy established for lord Ganesha and a well in front of it.
The temple is called Velodu malai murugan temple, as we can see few prints known to be Lord Muruga's spear. The Velodu malai murugan temple administration is done by the people who are residing in that village. They well manage the temple. The structure of the temple is similar to the Thanthamalai temple.
From ancient times it has been worshipped by Siddhas. Earlier veddhas was living in this place. It is believed by the village people that there are snakes and wild animals around the temple for the protection of it.
There are two small hills near this "Velodu malai" hill. There are few pieces of evidence and inscriptions for Siddhas and kings' survival in one of the above.
Read More about the rock temples and lord Muruga devotions in the Eastern province at http://maps.gatewaytoeast.com/
