Sri Palani Dandayudhapani Swami - Palani (Tiru Avinankudi)

Dandayudhapani Swami:-

Lord Murugan is the deity of the Tamil Land. Palani (Tiru Avinankudi) is the third Padai Veedu. The temple at Palani is an ancient one, situated at an elevation of 1500 feet above sea level. The deity of Palani is known as Dandayudhapani Swami, the Lord having the Staff in his Hand. The deity at the sanctum sanctorum is made out of an amalgam of nine minerals popularly called Navabashana. The deity is in a standing position with a baton in his hand. He has the look of a person who has renounced all worldly pomp. He has just a loincloth besides the baton. He is a mute messenger of the great precept 'Renounce all to reach Me'. The icon is unique in the whole world. It was made by siddha Bhogar by combining nine poisonous substances (navabashana). Murugan signifies beauty and Lord Murugan of Kurinji land is the god of Beauty and Youth.



About Idol:-

The idol of the Lord Muruga in Palani, was created and consecrated by the Sage Bhogar, one of Hinduism's eighteen great ascetics (siddhas), out of an amalgam of nine medicinal stones or Navapaashaanam(In Sanskrit,"Nava" means Nine and "Pashanam" means POISON ). NavapAshanam is believed to possess great medicinal qualities.

The legend also holds that, since it was a quick-setting mixture, the sculptor had to work very rapidly to chisel its features, but that he spent so much time in creating the exquisitely beatific face, he did not have time to bestow but a rough grace upon the rest of the body, thus explaining the contrast between the artistic perfection of the face and the slightly less accomplished work upon the body. Panchamrita is anointed to the Deity made of the medicinal Navapashanam daily and is distributed to devotees.


About idol:-

The idol of the Lord Muruga was created by sage Bhogar. The idol is believed to possess great medicinal qualities.

    The deity faces west rather than east.
    The idol is made of amalgam and nine medicinal stones( Navapaashaanam).
    The deity bears excessively large ears. (It says that Lord listens to each of his devotees' prayers).

Lord Murugan is the lord of war and victory yet he is very merciful and kind. This temple is situated on Sivagiri hill, Tamil nadu. It is believed that lord listen to the prayers of all his devotees and fulfils their wish.

The deity is in a standing position with a baton in his hand. He has the look of a person who has renounced all worldly pomp. He has just a loincloth besides the baton. He is a mute messenger of the great precept 'Renounce all to reach Me'. The icon is unique in the whole world.

Lord Muruga's idol is accompanied by the two minor shrines of Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati. Also present here is the shrine of Sage Bhogar and Lord Ganapati.

 History of the Temple:-

       Legend has it that Idumban, a disciple of Sage Agasthayar, while carrying two hillocks by the name Sivagiri and Sakthigiri, on his shoulders as Kavadi, wanted to rest for a while and placed these hillocks on the ground. Lord Muruga, mischievously immobilized these hillocks and Idumban could carry the Kavadi no further.


The sanctum of the Arulmigu Dandayudhapani Swami temple is of early Cheera architecture while the covered ambulatory that runs around it bears unmistakable traces of Pandya influence, particularly in the form of the two fishes, the Pandyan royal emblem. The wall of the temple sanctum has wide inscriptions in the old Tamil script.

In the first inner walkway of the temple there are two minor Sannidhis, One Sannidhi is for Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and other Sannidhi is for Sage Bhogar. In the second outer walkway, is a celebrated shrine to Ganapati, besides the carriage-house of the Lord Golden Chariot.

This temple draws more than 7 million devotees, which is the largest number of devotees who visit this temple in Tamil Nadu.

At the entrance near the Raja Gopuram, you can see two beautiful sculptures. One is a young lady carrying her child in the right hand and holding a flower basket in the left and another sculpture is a beautiful lady, the friend of the first standing in front of her. There are pillars with Yaali in the Paaravel Mandapam. In the Ardha Mandapam there are sculptures of young, good looking damsels. They create a sense of admiration in the minds of the visitors. The Sanctum of Dandayudhapani Swami is full of art-work. The roof of this sanctum has the Kodungai design which speaks the talent of the sculptors. The balcony - like structure on the outer side of this area adds beauty.

In the Navaranga Mandapam, there are two sculptures, one is the divine dance of Lord Siva and opposite to this the other one is dance of Kali after her shedding her ego.

In the Thiruppugazh (Tamil religious songs), he praised Palani as "It is greater than Kasi" and as "Palani Hill that has many miracles".

Some devotees also go round the Palani hill before climbing the hill and in the "Girivalam" (going around the temple or hill) they get to pray at any of the sixty eight Vinayakar temples in the boundary of the Girivalam route. The Tamil months Chitrai and Vaikasi witness the maximum number of devotes performing the Giri Valam.

At Palani temple Pooja s are performed seven times in a day. The first service of the day is the Viswa roopa darisanam. The last pooja includes a procession of the uthsavar in a golden palanquin around the temple and the palli arai sevai.


       Following this as a tradition, the Muruga Bakthas carry Kavadis of milk, Sandalwood, Flowers etc.

       Scriptures show that Cheaman Perumal, a ruler of Kerala, built the main temple sometime in the 7th Century AD. Kings Jadavarman and Krishnadevaraya are known to have generously donated for the temple construction. The Nayakars and Nagarathar community rulers were greatly involved in the construction of certain parts of the temple. The other portions of the temple was constructed in the period of Chera Kings during their rule of South Kongu Nadu. In the scriptures found in the sanctum sanctorium (Garbhagraham) dated 13th century it is known that Pandiyan Kings, Chola Kings also contributed greatly for the festivals of this temple and worshiped Lord Muruga.

The Legendary, Historical and Spiritual Significance of the Hill Temple


Palani Hill Temple Moolavar:-

There is a legend how Lord Murugan came to this sacred spot. Narada Muni, a sage, brought a golden mango to the divine court of Lord Siva when Lord Siva was seated with his consort Parvati and His children Lord Vinayakar and Lord Subrahmanya. Narada gave the fruit to Lord Siva and implored Him to eat since it was a rare, miraculous Jñanapalam, the fruit of wisdom. As a loving husband, Lord Siva gave it to Parvati and requested her to eat. As a loving mother, she wanted to give the fruit to her children. As there was only one fruit and it should not be cut, they announced a contest and said that the winner would be given the fruit. Whoever completes one round of the globe first will be given the fruit.

Lord Subrahmanya mounted His peacock to go around the world. Lord Vinayakar circumambulated around His parents, symbolising the world, and got the fruit. On return, Lord Subrahmanya found that He was cheated. In anger, He renounced His family and came to this spot to settle forever. Lord Siva and Parvati came to pacify Him. They said, "Pazham Nee" ('You are the Fruit'). Hence the name Palani is a popular syncopation of the two words mentioned.

The presiding deity, Lord Dandayudhapani Swami, is the son of Lord Siva and son-in-law of Vishnu. He has other names such as Kulandaivelan, Balasubrahmanyan, Shanmukhan, Devasenapati, Swaminathan, Vallimanalan, Devayanaimanalan, Palaniandavar, Kuriñjiandavar, Arumugan, Jñana Pandita, Saravanan, Sevar Kodiyon, etc. Tamils, Keralites, Bengalis, Sri Lankans, Malaysians, Fijians, Africans, Australians and Americans to name a few come here to worship Lord Muruga. Thus Murugan worship cuts across provincial boundaries and national frontiers.

Cheaman Perumal, a ruler of Kerala, built the main temple perhaps in the 7th Century AD. The Nayaks built the Navaranga Mandapam which is a fascinating stone structure incorporated by four pillars and endowed with nine bays. The other portions of the temple have been built by the Pandiya kings, besides a number of local heads, religious groups and individual devotees.


Murugan Golden Chariot(thanga ratham):-

The idol of Chinnakumarar (Palani Murugan), an elegant form made of bronze, is placed on top of a golden peacock giving out a beautiful stature with its widened feathers. Now this striking combination is kept on top of the Thangaratham or golden Chariot and is taken around the prakaram during Kirthigai days and on specific six festival days. There will not be any such procession of the Gold Chariot on Thaipoosam, PanguniUthiram, ten days during Dasara festival, SooraSamharam and KarthikaiDeepam in PalaniMurugan Temple.
The lighted up golden car is absolutely enchanting. People gather just to witness the golden chariot and get the blessings of lord Murugan. Temple asthananadaswaram, Thiruppugazhbajan group and all other people usually form part of the ceremonious ThangaThervalam.A devotee has to pay charges if he wants to draw the golden chariot around the prakaram.

Navapashanam :-

The icon made by siddha Bhogar by combining nine poisonous substances (Navapashanam).


The deity of Palani is known as Dandayudhapani Swami, the Lord having the Staff in his Hand. The deity at the sanctum sanctorum is made out of an amalgam of nine minerals popularly called Navapashanam. Some people say it is a combination of medicinal herbs. It consits of the following items : Veeram, Pooram, Rasam, Jathilingam, Kandagam, Gauri Pasanam, Vellai Pasanam, Mridharsingh, Silasat. The deity is in a standing position with a baton in his hand. He has the look of a person who has renounced all worldly pomp. He has just a loincloth besides the baton. He is a mute messenger of the great precept 'Renounce all to reach Me'. The icon is unique in the whole world. It was made by siddha Bhogar by combining nine poisonous substances (Navapashanam). Murugan signifies beauty and Lord Murugan of Kurinji land is the god of Beauty and Youth.

The Palani Hill temple has been constructed on  the top of a hill. It is said that the temple was built by a Chera King.


 Vallisunai:-

In the Hill temple, Valli sunai considered to be the most ancient and holiest, was not properly cleaned for the part 15 Years. The Sunai was cleaned (for more then 10 days) and transformed into a cleaned Holy Sunai.

 Popularity of Palani:-

Nevertheless to say, Palani is very famous for the Murugan temple. To the most of the people, the name Palani itself refers to the Murugan Kovil. People from all over the world fly to this temple to have the darshan of the deity. The devotees bring different types of Kavadis and offerings to the Lord by Padha Yatra (Foot Pilgrimate) mostly during Thai Poosam.

The temple is very popular for the festivals celebrated here. Some of the festivals are Thai Poosam, Panguni Uthiram, Chitra Pournami, Agni Nakshatram, Vaikaasi festival, Aani-annabhishekam, Kandhar Shasti (Soora Samharam), Tiru Karthigai and Margazhi pooja. Panchamirtam and Javvadhu Vibhuti (sacred white powder) are the special offerings provided by the temple.

The bronze idol of Lord Chinnakumarar (Child Muruga) sitting on a peacock whose feathers are spread out beautifully is fixed on the golden chariot that will be taken round the Prakaram on top of the hill in a ceremonious procession on Karthigai days (Tamil month days) and during other festivals. This procession will not be conducted on the days of Thaipoosam, Panguni Uthiram, ten days during Dasara festival, Soora Samharam and Deepa Karttikai.

Taking bath in Saravana Poigai is said to be the destroyer of sins. Saravana Poigai is the pool in the Himalayas, from which the Child Muruga is said to have emerged. Hence the name, Saravana Bhava. Saravana Poigai pools in Muruga shrines are the sources of redemption and the accumulated sins are destroyed by taking bath here.

There are also lots of places to see in and around Palani. They are Tiru Avinankudi Temple, Mariamman Kovil, Periyanayaki amman kovil or Aanai Kovil, Kuthiraiyar Dam Falls, Thekkanthottam and Varathamanathi Dam.

 Temple Pooja Timings:-

      Early Morning     05.50 am     Vishvaroopa Dharshnam
1     Vizha Pooja     06:45 a.m.     Sadhu, Sanyasi Alangaram
2     Sirukalasandhi Pooja     08:00 am     Vedavar Alangaram
3     Kalasandhi Pooja     09:00 am     Balasubramaniar Alangaram
4     Uchikkalam Pooja     12:00 Mid-day     Vaitheegal Alangaram
5     Sayaraksha Pooja     05:30 pm     Raja Alangaram
6     Rakkalam Pooja     08:00 pm     Virithan Alangaram


Festivals in Palani:-

Besides regular services, days sacred to the god Subrahmanyan are celebrated with pomp and splendour every year, and are attended by throngs of devotees from all over South India. Some of these festivals are the Thai-Poosam, the Pankuni-Uththiram, the Vaikhashi-Vishakham and the Soora-Samharam.

Thai-Poosam, which is considered, by far, the most important festival at Palani, is celebrated on the full moon day of the Tamil Month of Thai (15 January-15 February). Pilgrims after first having taken a strict vow of abstinence, come barefoot, by walk, from distant towns and villages. Many pilgrims also bring a litter of wood, called a Kāvadi, borne on their shoulders, in commemoration of the act of the demon Hidumba who is credited by legend with bringing the two hills of Palani to their present location, slung upon his shoulders in a similar fashion. Others bring pots of sanctified water, known as theertha-kāvadi, for the priests to conduct the abhishekam on the holy day. Traditionally, the most honoured of the pilgrims, whose arrival is awaited with anticipation by all and sundry, are the people of Karaikudi, who bring with them the diamond-encrusted vél or javelin, of the Lord from His temple at Karaikudi.

Important Festivals at Palani Temple:-

 Panguniuttiram, Thai Pucam, Kanda Sasthi, Agni Nakshatram are the major festivals. Vaikasi Vishakam, Tirukkarttikai and other festivals are also celebrated.


Scanda Sashti:-

Sashti or sixth day of the full moon and the sixth day of the new moon are favorite days for Lord Muruga. Several devotees of Muruga observe partial or full fast on each Sashti day and throughout the Kanda Sashti period.

The Sashti falling in on the waxing moon period in the month of Aippasi (October-November) is the day on which Muruga is believed to have killed a super-demon called Sura Padman. This is commemorated in the six-day festival of Kanda Sashti as a symbol of perpetual destruction of evil by God.

Skanda Sashti, the sixth day in the bright half of the month of Aippasi, is celebrated in Saivite temples all over Tamilnadu, and with an extra measure of grandeur in temples dedicated to Subramanya. Skanda Sashti commemorates the destruction of evil by the Supreme General Kartikeya, son of Shiva, and is celebrated with the dramatic enactment of Soora Samhaaram.


Bhogar Samathi:-

The Bhogar Shrine is in the southwestern corridor of the hill temple. Siddhar Bhogar created the icon (the amalgam of nine minerals) and did daily services. He lived long ago, perhaps 3000 BC. A medical prodigy as he was, he could prepare the amalgam on nine medicinal minerals in proper proportion. In this shrine, pujas are offered to Navadurga, Bhuvaneswari and Maragatha Lingam that were worshipped by Bhogar. It is said that there is a subterranean tunnel linking the shrine with the sanctum sanctorum through which Bhogar is said to go to the main idol and perform daily pujas as he is said to be only in nirvikalpa samadhi.


Kavadi & Pada Yatra :-

 Devotees from various places bring different types of kavadis and offerings to the Lord by pada yatra or foot pilgrimage, the most popular time being Thai Poosam.

Constituent Temples :-

Tiruvavinankudi, Periyanagaki Amman temple, Shanmuganadhi group of temples, Idumban Hills, Vishnu temple, Pada Vinayagar temple, 108 Vinayagar shrines around the hill temple, the Kuriñjiandawar temple (Kodaikkanal), the Velappar temple aat Poomparai (Kodaikkanal) are the important constituent temples adminstered by Palani Dandayudhapani Swami Devasthanam.
Giri valam:

Devotees also go round the Palani hill before the ascent and in the “Giri valam”- get to pray at any of the sixty-eight Vinayakar temples abutting the giri valam route. The Tamil months Chitrai and Vaikasi witness the maximum number of devotes performing the Giri Valam.

Tonsure ceremony is a special feature of Palani. Many devotees of all ages perform tonsure ceremony at Palani.

Daily Worship:-

 Seven worship services are carried out each day here. The day commences with the Viswaroopa darisanam in the morning. The concluding worhsip service involves a procession of the deity in a golden palanquin in the temple and the palliyarai sevai.

1) Panguni Uttram is celebrated for 10 days as the annual Bhramotsavam. This festival is celebrated only at Tiruvavinankudi in the foothills to Muthukumarar the festival deity here.The Ther Thiruvizha is held on the last day of this festival. Offerings of Kaveri water brought from Kodumudi by thousands of devotees in kaavadis are made to the deity.

2) Agni Nakshathram is celebrated in the month of Chittirai and Vaikaasi.During this time, thousands of pilgrims circumambulate the hill. Vaikaasi Visaakam is celebrated for 10 days.

3) Skanda sashti is celebrated for 7 days. Soorasamharam is enacted on the last day of this festival in which both Chinna Kumarar the festival image of the hill temple and Muthukumaraswami of Thiruvavinankudu participate.

4) Kaartikai Deepam is celebrated for 10 days. In addition Kaartikai asterism in each month is celebrated with a procession of a golden chariot in the hill temple. Thai poosam is also celebrated for 10 days here.

ANDHAR SHASTI (SOORA SAMHARAM):-

This is a very important festival at Palani, during the 6 days in the month of Aippasi (7th Tamil month). This is based on the mythological story of Lord Muruga Killing the demons. On this day only (once in a year) the Lord comes down the Hill, and after vanquishing the demons, ascends the Hill again. This is associated with Kandhar Shasti. The four demons (Gajamugan, Tharagan, Singamugan and Surapadman) are won by the Lord. It is a grand sight to see the dramatic representation of this. On this day devotees observe total fasting as they consider that this will offset all their sins.

THIRUKKARTHIGAI:-

From Thirugnanasambandar’s statement “Ancient Karthigai day”, we known about the age-old practice of this festival. It falls on Karthigai Day in the Tamil month of Karthigai. It is celebrated for 10 days and daily “Chinna Kumarar” goes in processionin the small golden carriage. On Karthigai day, he goes inthe Golden Car. On the 10th day, woman devotees light lamps and worship Murugan. This is done in Thiruvavinankudi, Periyanayagi Amman Temple and the Hill Temple.This is a very important day for devotees. Every month also, an Karthigai day, devotees visit Palani.

MARKAZHI POOJA:-

During the Tamil month of Markazhi (9th month) the Hill Temple opens at 4 A.M, and recital of Thiruvembavai is done. The early morning Pooja is done in all the main Temples in Palani. The recital of Thiruppavai is done at Perumal temple.

Prasadam of Murugan:-

Panchamirtham :-

 Panchamirtam is applied to Lord idol as abshishekam and then distributed to devotes.

    It is considered divine and holds immense medicinal properties.
    Palani Panchamirtham is the oldest form of Jam or Friut mix.
    Can be preserved for months without refrigeration.
    It is not only Delicious but also nourishing food.

Other Temples:-
Avinankudi Temples:-

Of the six abodes of Lord Murugan, Aavinankudi is considered as the third abode. Here Murugan appears in the form of a child. Thiru Murugatruppadai a book which praises Lord Murugan and his six abodes deals about Aavinankudi in a very elaborate manner.This Aavinankudi is considered as the place where from Lord Murugan solved the problems of other Gods. During Sangam period kings of Aavi community ruled Palani and it surrounding area, and hence the name Aavinankudi came into existence. There is also another saying that Boomi Devi(Thiru), Kamadhenu(Aa), Sun(Vi) and Agini(Enan) ( God of Fire ), once came to this palce to worship Lord Murugan and hence the name of Thiru Aavinankudi came into existence.In Aavinankudi temple the stone idols of Boomi Devi, Kamadhenu, Sun and Agini are worshiped. Also in the books Palani Thalapuranam, Palani Thiruvaram, Kandha Sasti Kavasam, and in Kandha puranam the greatness of this holy place is found in many songs. The famous Arunagiri Nathar in his ThiruPuzhal has written 13 songs about Aavinankudi Murugan.
Edumban Temple

Edumban Temple:-

After hearing the news that his student Sura Badhman was killed in the war between Lord Murugan and him, Edumban the Asura Guru (tutor) of Sura Badhman was very much upset. Edumban on getting the advice of Agasthiar, started moving the two holy hills from North direction to get Mukthi (liberation from birth-death cycle). These holy hills are named as Shiva Giri and Sakthi Giri abode of Lord Shiva, Sakthi, Ganesh, and Murugan. Edumban used Bhrama Thandam as the beam to carry the two hills and used Snake as the rope to tie the two hills to the beam. The stone sculpture of Edumban carrying the two hills is found in Aavinankudi Temple at Palani.


Periyanayagi Amman Temple:-

Periya Nayagi Amman temple is one of the important temples in Palani. It is one of the sub temples of Dhandayuthapani Swamy devastanam. During festivals season many people visit the temple.
Kurunji Andavar Temple

Kurunji Andavar Temple:-

Temple History The name of this temple is SRI KURINJI EASWARE TEMPLE, Kurinji is the name of a flower which blossomes once in 12 years in the Kodaikonal hills. Taking this flower's name the deity here is called "SRI KURINJI EASWARE", In fact He is Lord Murugan. This temple was built in 1936 by an European Lady, who on coming to India, got faith on Hindu religion and started following it. She changed her name as Leelavathi married Mr. Ramanathan. She is also known as Lady Ramanathan. This temple is under the management of Arulmighu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Thiru Kovil, Palani. Kurinji Flower Kurinji Flower blossoms once in 12 years is a rare tree and is seen on the temple.

Peria Udayar Temple:-

The main shrine dedicated to Sri Brihadeswara or Peria Udayar, represented by a Swayambu Linga, and others to Nataraja and Vishnu and the sanctum for the goddess is significantly absent. Sri Brihannayaki or Perianayaki Amman Temple is a very famous temple of the town.

Aivarmalai:-

Nine miles west of Palani the "Hill of the five", or Iyiramalai or Aivarmalai is associated with mythological legends. The hill is 1402 feet high above the sea level. The local tradition says that at this hill the five Pandava brothers took their rest during the last years of their exile of 13 years. On the north-eastern side, the rock of which it consists over.


Accommodation :- 

The Temple Devasthanam has constructed pilgrims’ resthouses, single, double, deluxe and air-conditioned rooms as well as cottages. Reasonable rates are collected from the devotees for their stay at Palani.

 Nearest Major Town/City:-

    Dindigul - 57 km from Dindigul to palani

How to Reach:-

    By Air:-
    The nearest airport is Madurai
    By Train:-
    The nearest railway station is the Palani railway station
    By Road:-
    Palani is 56 km far from Dindigul, 120 km from Madurai and 115 km from Coimbatore. Bus facilities are available from all parts of Tamilnadu.

Gandhamaadhana Parvatham Swami - Sri Tiruchendur Subramanya swami

Tiruchendur:-

This beautiful shrine dedicated to Lord Subramanya is in the southern district of Tirunelveli in Tamil Nadu. Its a shore temple on the East Coast situated off the Gulf of Mannar. The temple is revered as one of the Arupadai Veedu or six abodes of Lord Subramanya or Muruga (Padai Veedu denotes a place where warriors camp during a battle; Aru in Tamil means six). In North India, Subramanya swami is better known as Kartik.

Tiruchendur being the second abode of one of the six chosen spots ( Referred to by Nakkirar ) of Lord Muruga is situated 40 KMs South of Tuticorin on the banks of beautiful seashore.
It is 56 KMs away from Tirunelveli and some 88 KMs away from Kanyakumari. Since Lord Muruga has encamped here along with His army to defeat Surapadma this place has become a padai veedu.
The other names for Tiruchendur are Thirucheeralaivai, Jayanthipuram, Thirubhuvana Madevi and Sathurvedi Mangalam.
The glory of this pilgrimage place has been praised by Nakkirar in Thirumurugatru padai and also in other Tamil Literatures like Purananooru, Chilapathikaram and Devaram. Arunagirinathar also has compared Tiruchendur with Thirukailai.

Legend Of Murugan Temple Tiruchendur:-

Once Devas were subjected to untold miseries by three Asura brothers, Surapadman, Singamukha and Taraka. The Devas invoked Lord Shiva for their deliverance. Lord Shiva, agreeing to help them, sent out six fire sparks from His third eye. The Fire God Agni received the sparks and sent them first to the Ganges and then to the Himalayan lake Saravana Poigai. There the sparks assumed the form of six divine babies on lotus flowers. They were nourished by Krithika nymphs. Then Lord Shiva and Devi Parvati arrived at Saravana Poigai, and the moment the Devi embraced the babies, they transformed into one divine form with six heads and 12 hands and came to be known as Shanmukha or Aarumukha (meaning one with six faces). This son of Lord Shiva is the redeemer of the Devas. In course of time, he was appointed as the leader of the Devas and Subramanya got the sacred Vel (spear) from His mother Parashakti. He killed Singamukhaasura and Taarakaasura in a battle and destroyed Krounchagiri, the abode of the Asuras.
 
Surapadman had his fort in the mid-ocean, known as Veera Mahendrapuram. Lord Muruga, Brihaspati and the Devas came to the shores of Tiruchendur to vanquish Surapadman. Vishwakarma, the celestial architect, built a shrine for Lord Shiva on the sandstone hillock to enable Muruga to perform pujas. He sent his lieutenant Veeravahu to Surapadman to seek his surrender. 

But Surapadman launched a battle with all his asura shakti. The demon assumed the form of a huge mango tree. But the Lord wont let him go. He pierced it with His Vel and the tree split into two. One portion turned into a cock and the other into a peacock. Even in this truncated form, the Asura was still fighting. The battle finally ended with a dying Surapadman seeking the Lords mercy. Muruga gave the demon Viswaroopa darshan and adopted the peacock as His permanent charger and the cock as His banner. This divine victory is commemorated as a six-day Skanda Shashti festival in Tiruchendur and other Subramanya temples. On the last day, Surasamhara, the final act of killing Surapadman, is re-enacted. Thousands of devotees throng Subramanya temples to witness this event.

Sthala Purana of Tiruchendur:-

Many thousands of years back, the Tamilans worshipped Nature as Muruku (a Tamil word meaning: ‘youthfulness, tenderness, fragrance, etc’). Temples were constructed in natural settings — around forests, hilly areas, waterfalls and seashores.

Tiruchendur temple is one among them, but it has a special significance. It was here that Lord Murugan arrived with his band of warriors to fight against the Asura, Soorapadma. So a temple was constructed at Tiruchendur for Lord Murugan in rememberance of this.

Soorapadma was a very powerful Asura who was causing immense hardships to Devas and mankind alike by his wicked deeds. The Devas appealed to Lord Shiva to spare them from the tortures of Soorapadma. Lord Shiva in response to their appeal told them that He would produce a Son from His Sakti to annihilate Soorapadma.

Lord Shiva generated six powerful sparks from His third eye called Netrikkan. Lord Vayu and Lord Agni carried these sparks to river Ganges. Goddess Ganga carried them to Saravana Poygai, a holy pond.The sparks became six divine small male babies.

By God’s grace, six divine water nymphs (the six Krittikas) nurtured these babies.

When Lord Shiva and Parvati Devi came to earth to behold these babies, Goddess Parvati embraced all the six infants at once and made them into a single child with six faces and twelve hands. From Goddess Parvati Devi’s anklets, nine shaktis appeared. Veerabahu and lakhs of soldiers emerged from these Nava Shaktis. These men headed by Veerabahu became the warriors of Lord Murugan. Lord Shiva for His part gave Lord Murugan a vel (spear) called Vetrivel destined to give success at all times (Vetrivel – spear of success). He also endowed him with eleven Rudras. Eleven Rudras were changed into eleven arms.

With the blessings of His divine parents, Lord Murugan came to Tiruchendur with His armed group. He immediately sent Veerabahu as an emissary to Soorapadma and asked him to release all the Devas imprisoned by him. But the Asura refused. So Lord Murugan had no option but to wage war against Soorapadma and his legions. It lasted for ten days.

Lord Murugan defeated the Asuras and converted Soorapadma into a peacock and a cock. The peacock or Mayil became the vehicle of Lord Murugan. Therefore He is also called Mayilvahanan. Ceval or cock adorned his flag.Hence,He is called Ceval kodiyon.

The guru of Devas Lord Prahaspati, Lord Indra, Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and all the Devas hailed Lord Murugan’s victory and worshipped him nine times (Nine Kala Pooja). Lord Murugan in turn worshipped Lord Shiva in the form of Linga called Sivalinga. Since Lord Murugan and the devas emerged victorious at Tiruchendur, it is also called as Jayanti Nagar as Jaya means victory.

Lord Murugan blesses everyone who worships Him. He extends His arul or supreme grace to all those who pray before Him. He removes all the ills of people who come to Him. He never lets down His disciples. Worship Lord Murugan at Tiruchendur and seek His blessings. He will present everything.

About Muruga:-

 
Lord Muruga's association with Tiruchendur is highly significant. It is described in extenso in His epic, the Skanda Puranam. The young Muruga as the Devasenāpati vanquishes evil in the form of Surapatuma. The Tamils have ever since been celebrating the event as an annual festival during Skanda Sashti.

Tiruchentil means as it does, the House of Victory. It borders the sea and has all the natural charm of a hero's fortress. It is verily a haven of Peace and Bliss. The Tamils in this part of the peninsula have such an attraction for the place and its presiding Lord Arumuga Nayinar.

An attempt is here made to give His bhaktas all over a close account of His shrine at Tiruchendur; and with this additional desire of impressing that the Temple is one worthy of a pilgrimage in this life. The divine inspiration and His grace that the bhakta is sure to secure will more than recompense his labours.

Temple Structure:-

 
Normally, the Raja Gopuram will be in the eastern side of temples in South India Temple. But in Tiruchendur alone the Raja Gopuram is in the western side. It is said that the Raja Gopuram was not erected on the eastern side since the sea is very close in the eastern side. The basement will not be strong as it is near the sea and there is a possibility of danger to the tower due to sea erosion.

First Prakaram:-

 
When we enter the first prakaram, we can see the shrine of Kumara Vidanga Peruman in the left. He is the processional festival deity of Lord Arumuga Nainar. Proceeding further, we can see the 63 Nayanmars and Thogai Adiyars in the left and Dakshina Moorthy on the right. The next three pillars are embellished with the figures of Kasi Swami, Mauna Swami and
Desika Moorthy Swami, the people who brought about the temple thiruppanis.

Next to them is the grand Valliamman shrine, beautifully decorated with marble slabs. Behind this shrine are the shrines of Sankara Narayanar Swami,Visalaksi Amman, Vethapuriswarar Swami, Vathapuriswarar Swami, Yegambaranathar Swami decorated with marble slabs stands near Valliamman Shrine and in between them is the Yagasalai. We can worship Lord Chandeeswarar at the northern side of the prakaram and the shrines of Natarajar, Saneeswarar and Bairavar are on the opposite side.

Maha Mandapam:-

 
By moving through the Maha Mandapam in two ways, we can worship both the Moolavar (Lord Balasubramanian) and Lord Arumuga.

From a spot called Maniyadi, we can worship Lord Balasubramanian. Opposite to Maniyadi, Parvathi Amman and Kariyamanicka Vinayagar can be seen. Veerabagu Devar is at the left and Veera Mahendra Devar is at the right side of the Moolavar.

Second Prakaram:-
 

In this prakaram, a small Dakshinamoorthy image is at the southern side. At the western end of the prakaram is Noottretu Lingas, or the 108 Lingas. The shrine for Soora Samhara Moorthy is situated next to the108 Lingas and also the shrine of Arunagirinathar, author of Tiruppugazh, is situated in this prakaram. Next to it is the flight of steps leading to Mela Gopuram. Mela Vasal Vinayagar is seated opposite to these steps. At the northern side of the prakaram,the shrine for

Perumal is situated. Here Perumal is in a standing position. Next to this shrine, in the Santhanasala rock, we can worship Lord Ranganathar in a lying posture and Goddess Gajalakshmi by his side. Also we can see Sridevi, Boodevi, Neeladevi and the images of 12 Alwars.

Shanmugha Vilasa Mandapam:-

The principal entrance to the temple faces south. The magnificent Shanmugha Vilasam is the front extension to the main temple. The mandapam is 120 feet long, 86 feet broad and supported by 124 columns. Those who observe fasting, stay in this mandapam where sea breeze blows refreshingly. This mandapam was originally made of white stones. It was later renovated with granite stones by Mauna Swamigal. The granite roof of the mandapam, without the support of pillars, bears testimony to the excellent architectural technology of the ancient days. Looking from the Shanmugha Vilasa Mandapam one can worship Lord Senthilandavar with his consorts in the Maha Mandapam.

The seashore temple of Subrahmanyam at Tiruchendur is one of the delightful spots sanctified and venerated by every Hindu.

As one of the first spiritual centres for the salvation of man, His shrine has been an attraction for Hindus for ages. This sacred house of God is in the extreme southwest of the Indian peninsula. The rising sun bows in adoration of it each morning as he rises from the rippling expanse of the ocean, and spreads light and life over every living object.

Bordered by the sea on the East and the North, the temple walls on these sides are washed by the foaming waves of the Gulf of Mannar. The date of the temple is hidden in the Puranic past. The nucleus of the structure however has been here for more than 2,000 years as the Tamil Classics inform us.

Two Murugas :-

 Lord Muruga who came here to extinguish Soorapadman appears as Lord Subrahmanya with four arms. A notable aspect is that He appears in an ascetic posture holding flowers in His right hand performing Siva Pooja. His tapasya should not be disturbed; so, there is no paved corridor for Him. His primary Utsava Murthi, Shanmugar, is in a separate sanctum facing south. There is a corridor to go around and worship Him. The same pooja and other protocol offered to the Prime Deity is given to Him also.

The Darshan of Pancha Lingam :-

 Lord Muruga performed a ‘thanksgiving’ Siva Pooja after he won Soorapadman. He, in this same form appears with a lotus flower on his right hand. Like a Siva devotee, He wears a matted hair on His head. On His left rear-side wall, there is a Lingam. The ‘Deepa Aaraadhanai’ (worship with light) is first given to the Lingam and then only to Murugan. In the sanctum of Shanmugar also there is a Lingam behind the deity. Both these Lingams are in darkness and could be seen only in the Deepa Aaraadhanai light. Besides, adjacent to the sanctum of Muruga on the right side is the sanctum of ‘Pancha Lingam’. The tradition is that the devas come to worship them during the month of Maarkali. Opposite to the Prime Sanctum of Muruga are found Nandi, the carrier of Lord Siva and the Divine Peacocks.

Ganga Pooja :-

 Everyday, after the noon Pooja, the priests carry milk and rice in a vessel, in a procession with the usual musical fanfare and immerse it in the sea. This is known as ‘Ganga Pooja’. In the ‘Saravana Poigai’ here, a sculpture is presented with Lord Muruga as six kids crawling on six lotus flowers with the ‘Karthigai’ girls at the center.

Nazhi Kinaru:-

Any visit to the temple will not be complete without visiting Nazhi Kinaru. The Nazhi Kinaru is a rare natural phenomenon where there is a 14 sq.ft well and inside this well is a small 1 sq.ft well. The water in the larger well has sulphurous smell and is brackish, but the water in the small well is clear and sweet-tasting. According to the legend Lord Shanmukha's troops were thirsty and Shanmukha planted his spear or Vel at this spot and caused fresh water to gush out from the brackish water well.

About 2 kms from the Muruga temple there is an ancient Shiva temple named 'Shiva Kolundeeswarar'.

Valli Guhai (Cave):-

A little removed from the main shrine is a sandstone cave dedicated to Valli, Lord Muruga's consort.

Greatness of Lord Muruga:-

Lord Muruga won and accepted Soorapadman on Sashti (sixth day) of the waxing moon (bright) night (valar pirai) of the month Aippasi. This day is celebrated as ‘Kanda Sashti’. This incident happened at Tiruchendur and hence, the ‘Kanda Sashti’ festival is calebrated in this place with all grandeur.

The Mahabharatha asserts that the day of the birth of Lord Muruga is the ‘Kanda Sashti’ Day. In the Kanda Purana, Kachiappa Sivaachaariyar says that the Devas, in order to become powerful to challenge the asuras, carried on a vow by soliciting Lord Muruga to be in the ‘kumbham’ (sacred pot) for six days. Lord Muruga blessed them likewise. This incident is remembered as ‘Kanda Sashti’ and celebrated after Aippasi New Moon Day. 

The offerings to Lord Muruga :-

At Tiruchendur, every day 9 times poojas are performed for Lord Muruga. During these poojas different naivedyams (food offerings) like dhal pongal, kanji (gruel), thosai, appam, ghee-rice, balls made of cooked greengram and jaggery are offered. To a poverty-stricken man, a person who has won poverty will point to the patron’s place and pacify the man saying that his poverty will be annulled if he goes there.

Prayers and thanks giving:-

Those who face impediments for their marriage, pray to this Lord; they are blessed with good wedlock. We can conduct abishekam to the Lord and His Spouse and offer new clothes. Devotees fast during Kanda Sashti, visit the temple and witness the grand celebration of Lord Muruga winning Soorpadman. They will break their fast, only after witnessing this celebrations
Prayers Devotees specially pray for their weddings and childless parents for children.


Temple timings:-

The temple is open from 5 am in the morning to 9 pm in the evening.

Poojas Offered    Timings
Subrapadam    05.10 hrs
Viswaroopam    05.30 hrs
Dwajasthamba Namaskaram    05.45 hrs
Udaya Marthanda Abishegam    06.15 hrs
Uchikala Abishegam    10.30 hrs
Rakkala Abishegam    19.15 hrs
Ragasia Deeparadhanai    20.45 hrs
Palliarai Deeparathanai    20.55 hrs
Nadai Thirukappiduthal    21.00 hrs.

Temple Festivals:-

Vaikasi Visagam - (May to June)
Avani festival (August - Septmber)
Skanda Sasti Festtival - 7 days (October - November)
Masi festival - 12 days (February - March)
 
These festivals are the important festival celebrated at Thiruchendur Murugan Temple. The Skanda Sasti Festival is celebrated in a big scale by a unique called as Soorasamharam.

The temple virtual poojas in Thiru chendur are performed daily as per Kumara Thandiram Murai, Nine Kalams of Pooja . There are 10 sub temples annexed to this. Among them the following temples are very famous. Arulmigu Kanchi Vijaya Kachi Konda Pandeeswarar Temple, Arulmigu Venkatachalapathi Temple, Arulmigu Veiyulu Kandambal Temple.

Sashti Yaagam :-

 At Tiruchendur, on the first day of the ‘Kanda Sashti’ festival during early morning, comes Jeyanthinaathar (Lord Muruga) with His spouses Valli and Deivaanai, representing the Prime Deity. The yaaga commences in the hexagon shaped sacrificial fire altar (yaaga kundam) for the victory of Lord Muruga. Around the altar, Lord Siva, Goddess Sakthi, the four Vedas, Lord Muruga, Valli, Deivaanai, Mahavishnu, Vinayaka, the seven Gurus, Vaastu Brahma, the Devas, the Sun, the Ashtadik Balakas (the guards of the eight sides), the Dwara Balakas (the Entrance Securuties) – all these devathas are made to rest in the kumbhams. The yaaga is conducted till noon and after the pooja Jeyanthinaathar goes to the Shanmugavilaasa Mandapam. On the sixth day, the Lord without His spouses, comes to the seashore and kills Sooran. After this, the
Victorious Lord with Valli and Deivaanai returns to the yaaga saalai.

Abishekam to the Mirror :-

 Jeyanthinaathar then comes to the sanctum of Mahaadevar at the paved corridor. At that time, a mirror will be placed before Him. The priest will conduct the abhishekam to the image of Jeyanthinaathar reflected in the mirror. This is called ‘chaayabhishekam’. ‘Chaaya’ means ‘shadow’. This abhishekam is performed to cool down the victorious Lord Muruga. The tradition is that Lord Muruga Himself enjoys seeing this Mirror Abhishekam. The Lord returns to His
sanctum and with this, the event of Soorasamharam (the annihilation of Soora) comes to an end. On the next day that is on the seventh day, the holy wedding of Lord Muruga and Deivaanai is performed. Lord Indra not only gives in marriage Deivaanai to Lord Muruga for having defeated the asura but also renders service by becoming the holy peacock. This marriage happens at Tirupparankundram, the first ‘patai veetu’. At Tiruchendur, the holy wedding between Lord Muruga and Deivaanai is performed on the next day to ‘Kanda Sashti’ since it is the place where Soorapadman is vanquished. During the morning of that day, Deivaanai would go to the ‘tapasu mandapam’ and will do her tapasya to get married to Lord Muruga. In the evening
Kumaara Vitankar ( another Utsava murthi), representing Lord Muruga goes to the tapasu mandapam seated on His peacock vehicle, garlands Deivaanai and gets engaged. During the midnight, both reach the ‘Tirukalyaana Mandapam’. There the wedding is performed. The next day, the Lord with Deivaanai goes on street procession. The next three days the Lord in the
‘Tirukalyaana Mandapam’ will be on the ‘oonjal’ (swing) and bless the devotees.

Turmeric Bath (‘manjal neeraatu) for Lord Muruga :-

During the festivals in the villages, the maidens enjoy by pouring turmeric water on the young boys on whom they have a customary claim for marriage. In a similar way, in this place also the

‘Turmeric Bath’ is conducted to Lord Muruga. On the last day of the ‘Kanda Sashti’ festival, Lord Muruga with His spouse Deivaanai goes in street procession. At that time, the devotees receive the Lord who has had His wedding in their village and to contain the rage happened due to the battle with Sooran, joyfully pour turmeric water on the Lord.

 Triple Lord Muruga :-

 Lord Muruga is an incarnation of Lord Siva. He as a Guru to His father taught the meaning of the ‘pranava mantra’ OM. He imprisoned Lord Brahma since Brahma did not know the meaning of the same mantra. After extinguishing Sooran, He was the one to marry Lord Vishnu’s daughter. He was bound to the affection of His uncle, Lord Vishnu. Thus, Lord Muruga is related to all the three Lords, Trimurthis. To indicate this, Lord Muruga at Tiruchendur
appears as an incarnation of Trimurthis, Lord Siva, Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma during the festivals conducted in the months of Aavani and Maasi. On the 7th day evening of the festival, He is adorned with red dress and appears as Lord Siva.

At the dawn of the 8th day, He is dressed in white and graces us in the form of Lord Brahma and during the noon He appears in green dress signifying Lord Vishnu. At Tiruchendur, the Rajagopuram is on the western side of Lord Muruga’s sanctum. 

Here, Lord Muruga faces east looking at the sea. The Rajagopuram should be opposite to the Lord in the east; since the sea is there in the east, the Rajagopuram is erected in the west. As the threshold of this gopuram is higher than the rostrum (peetam) of the prime sanctum of Lord Muruga, it remains always shut. During the ‘Kanda Sashti’ festival in the midnight of the Divine Wedding day, this door will be opened. At that time, however, the devotees will not be allowed to enter through that door.

Four Utsava Murthis :-

 Generally, there will be only one Utsava Murthi for the Prime Deity of any temple. But, in Tiruchendur,
 there are four Utsava Murthis, Shanmugar, Jeyanthinaathar, Kumaara Vidangar and Alaivaay Perumal. The specialty is that all these four have separate sanctum each. Kumaara Vidangar is called ‘Maappillai Swamy’ meaning the ‘Bridegroom God’.

Santhana Malai (Sandal Hill) :-

 Of the six ‘patai veetu’ of Lord Muruga, it appears as though Tiruchendur alone is located
in the seashore and the other five are hill-temples. In reality, Tiruchendur is also a hill-temple. This temple is situated in the Sandal Hill at the seashore. Hence, this sacred place is called ‘Gandhamaadhana Parvatham’. In course of time this hillock has disappeared. Even now, near the sanctum of Perumal in the second paved corridor and near the ‘Cave of Valli’, we can see the Santhana Malai bulging out as a small mound.

 Nearest Major Town/City:-

Tirunelveli - 59 km from Tirunelveli to Thiruchendur.

How to Reach:-

By Air:-
 The devotees from Chennai, other States and Foreign Countries arrive Madurai by Air. From Madurai frequent bus and train facilities are available to reach Tiruchendur.
By Train:-
The Southern Railway is operating train services from Tirunelveli to Tiruchendur from 6.50 A.M., 9.20 A.M., 1.20 P.M., & 5.50 P.M., Similarly trains are running from Tiruchendur to Tirunelveli from 6.50 A.M., 1.20 Noon, 3.50 P.M., and 5.50 P.M.
By Road:-
TTiruchendur is situated on the Kanyakumari-Tuticorin-Rameswaram coastal bus route. Kanyakumari 85 km, Rameswaram 325 km,

Chennai 670 km.