Sathuragiri Hills

Sathuragiri Hills, also known as Chathuragiri, is a forested hill range in the Western Ghats near Watrap in Virudhunagar District, Tamil Nadu. Revered as a sacred hill, it is famous for the Sundara Mahalingam and Santhana Mahalingam temples dedicated to Lord Shiva at the hilltop. The hills are associated with the 18 Siddhars and offer a 7 km trek through dense forest, streams and biodiversity.

Visitors can expect a moderately difficult 7 km uphill trek through dense forest of the Western Ghats to reach hilltop Shiva temples. The trail passes streams, rest sheds, small shops and forested slopes with views of surrounding valleys. At the top are the Sundara Mahalingam Temple and Santhana Mahalingam Temple with simple shrine structures. The environment is natural and forested with limited facilities, primarily a pilgrimage and trekking experience.

Sathuragiri Hills is traditionally believed to be the abode where 18 Siddhars, including Korakkar and Sundaranandar, meditated. The hilltop Shiva temples are of ancient origin and have long been a pilgrimage centre in the Western Ghats, maintained through local tradition and forest temple administration.

The hills are a significant Hindu pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Shiva as Sundara Mahalingam and Santhana Mahalingam. Pilgrims undertake the trek especially on Amavasya (new moon), Pournami (full moon) and Pradosham days and during the Aadi Amavasya festival, when large numbers visit for worship and to honor the Siddhar tradition.