Sri Subramaniya Swami Temple is is located at Thiruparangundrami a small town in Madirai District of Tamilnadu. This is one among the Arupadai Veedu of Lord Muruga.

HISTORY OF THE TEMPLE :

Tiruparankundram temple is the sixth century rock-cut temple, which is dedicated to Lord Subramanya. It is one of the six abodes(Arupadai Veedu) of the Lord.Here, Subramanya married Deivayanai, the daughter of Indra, after the victory over Surapadman. Subramanya with his consort is said to have worshipped His parents Lord Parangirinathar and Avudainayaki at this shrine. The main shrine is an early cave temple situated at a height of 1050 feet.

A famous Islamic Durgah (Shrine) is located at the top of the hill, where the grave of an Islamic saint Hazrat Sulthan Sikandhar Badushah, who came from Jeddah during the mid 9th century, is found. Irrespective of religion people from all parts of Tamil Nadu and from Kerala visit this durgah — particularly, people who visit Ervadi Durgah in Ramnad district are supposed to visit this durgah. Many poems were written in praise of Hazrat Sultan Sikandhar Badhusha, by Syed Abdussalam Ibrahim Saalim Hazrat, the third in the list of Madurai Hazrats. It is believed that people who come here with a wish see it answered in a very short time, and so he is also called Mustajab ad Du’aa Sikandhar Badhushah.

DIVINESS OF THE TEMPLE :

At the entrance to this shrine, there are 48 pillars with artistic carvings. A seven tier gopuram above the Kalyana Mandapam is sculpturally beautiful. In the sanctum, there are five cells, each enshrining a deity. In the central shrines, we worship Murga, Durga and Vinayaka. Brahma, Indra, Surya and Chandra are depicted above these images. In the two cells facing each other, there are images of Vishnu with Sridevi and Bhoodevi and a Lingam respectively.

At the top of the hill, there is a shrine dedicated to Kasi Viswanatha. An image of Nakkeerar, the Tamil poet, is seen here standing in reverence. Antiquity of this temple has been sung even in the Sangam Literature dating back to 200 BC. Tamil Bhrami inscriptions in the temple also date back to this period. The current structure dates back to the Pandya kings of the 8th century AD. The Saivite Saint poets Sundarar and Sambandar have sung the glories of this temple and so has Arunagirinathar.

AUSPICIOUS DAYS :

Daily poojas are performed, Thai Poosam(January-February),Panguni Uthiram(April-May),Skanda Shashti & Karthigai(November-December) are very famous festivals in this temple.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE :

Sri BalasubramaniyaSwami Temple is located at Thanigaimalai at Tiruttani. This temple is one among the Arupadai Veedu of Lord muruga. Tiruttani is 82 kms from Chennai

HISTORY OF THE TEMPLE :

Legend has it that, Lord Subramanya married Valli who belong to the Vallimalai nearby. Another legend associated with this temple is that Skanda bore a discus thrown by the furious asura Tarakasuran, on his chest, and hence there is a hole in the chest region of the image of Subramanya in this temple. It is believed that Skanda gifted the discus to Vishnu.

Legend also has it that Indra the king of the Gods gave his daughter Deivayanai in marriage to Skanda, and along with her presented his elephant Airavatam as part of his dowry offering. Upon Airavatam’s departure Indra found his wealth waning.

Subramanyar is said to have offered to return the white elephant, however Indra bound by protocol refused to accept a gift that he had made, and insisted that that the elephant face his direction, hence the image of the elephant in this temple also faces the east.

Another legend has it that Indra presented a sandal stone as a part of his daughters dowry. The sandal paste made on this stone is applied to the image of Subramanya and the applied paste is said to acquire medicinal value.

Legend also has it that Skanda bore the discus thrown by the demon Tarakasuran on his chest, and hence there is a hollow in the chest region of the image of Subramanya in this temple.

DIVINESS OF THE TEMPLE :

The origins of this temple are burried in antiquity. This temple has been mentioned in the Sangam period work Tirumurugaatruppadai composed by Nakkeerar.The hill temple here is reached by a motorable road, and is also accessed through a flight of 365 steps. It has 4 prakarams and a series of towers. There is a shrine to Aabat Sahaaya Vinayakar who is said to have come to the aid of Skanda in winning Valli’s hand in marriage.

FESTIVALS :

Four worship services are offered each day here. The float festival is celebrated in the month of Aadi, Bhramotsavam in the month of Maasi, during which Valli Kalyanam is celebrated on the 8th day, and the Skanda Sashti is celebrated in the tamil month of Aippasi. The gold and silver peacock vaahanams are of great beauty here.

Thircendur Murugan Temple Maha Khumabishegam Live Webcast

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.

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 Devasenâpati 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.

Accommodations :

The Devasthanam maintains a large number of rooms and cottages for the convenience of pilgrims who wish to put up close by to Sri Subrahmanya Swami Tirukkovil in order to have darshan and fulfill their vows. Most rooms and cottages are family-sized.

All rooms and cottages provide basic facilities, viz. electricity and running water only. Cottages also offer limited parking facility. During festival times these accommodations tend to fill up quickly, so the pilgrims are advised to book in advance.

For reservations of these rooms, contact the Devasthanam Information Centre. For further details call (04639) 442271.

Other Facilities

• For single persons locker and stay facility (50 people) are available in Senthil Andavan Viduthi for Rs 5/- per person per day.
• Locker facilities available in Teyvayanai Illam in front of the Temple for Rs 5 per piece per day.

Thiruchendur Murugan Temple Contact’s:

Joint Commissioner/Executive Officer
Arulmigu SubramaniaSwamy Temple,
Tiruchendur – 628 215.
Phone Numbers : 04639-242221, 04639-242270, 04639-242271

Devasthanam Information Centre: 04639- 442271.

Related Websites:

www.tiruchendurmurugantemple.com
www.chendurmurugan.com
www.tiruchendur.org

Swamimalai is a sylvan village, situated about five kilometers west of Kumbakonam on the banks of a tributary of river Cauvery. The temple is situated very close to the bus stand and the railway station is about two kilometers away. It is well connected to and surrounded by important places like Kumbakonam, Tiruvidaimarutur, Mayiladuthurai, Papanasam, Tanjavur etc.

HISTORY OF TEMPLE :

Mythology and History Swamimalai is fourth among the six padai veedu or sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Muruga. The presiding deity here expounded the meaning of the Pranava mantra OM to his own Father Lord Siva Himself. Mythology says that saint Bhrugu before commencing an arduous tavam or penance, got the boon that anybody disturbing his mediation will forget all his knowledge. Such was the power of the penance that the sacred fire emanating from the head of the saint reached up to the heavens, and the frightened devas surrendered to Lord Siva praying for his grace. The Lord extinguished the sacred fire by covering the saint’s head by hand. With the saint’s penance thus disturbed the Lord became oblivious of all his knowledge and is said to have regained them by learning the Pranava mantra from Lord Muruga at this shrine.

Once when Brahma, the lord of all creations was proceeding to Kailasa, the ever-playful child Lord Muruga asked him for the meaning of the Pranava OM. When Brahma admitted his ignorance, the Lord imprisoned him. With Brahma imprisoned, all creations came to a standstill and the devas prayed to Lord Siva to get Brahma released. When Muruga insisted that the imprisonment was a just punishment for the ignorance of Brahma, Lord Siva asked him whether he himself knew the meaning of the primordial Pranava OM. Lord Muruga said that he knew the meaning of OM and can expound it to the latter only if he can accept him as guru and listen to the exposition as a devoted disciple. As Lord Siva acceded to the request of Lord Muruga and heard the exposition of OM as a disciple, the place came to be known as Swamimalai and the presiding deity as Swaminathan.

The temple is built on an artificial hillock of about sixty feet height with sixty beautifully laid stone steps representing the Hindu cycle of sixty years – leading to the Lord . In the ground floor there are temples dedicated to Lord Sundareswarer and Goddesss Meenakshi. Hymns in praise of the presiding deity have been sung by saint Nakkeerar in Tirumurukatrupadaiand by Saint Arunagirnathar in Tiruppukazh. Pujas and Festivals Daily pujas to the deities are performed six times a day (six kalams). Usha Kalam, KalasandhiUchikala poojas are performed in the forenoon and the afternoon poojas commencing from Sayaratchai and Rendam kalam are concluded with Arthajama pooja in the night. and The important festivals conducted in the temple are:

SWAMIMALAI MURUGAN FESTIVAL :

Monthly Kirutikai festival; Temple Car festival in April; Visakam festival in May; Navaratri festival in May; Skanda Shashti festival in October; Tiru Karthikai festival in Nov/December; Taippūcam festival in January; and Pankuni Uttiram festival in March.

GOLDEN CHARIOT THE TEMPLE :

Golden Chariot The temple has an imposing golden chariot made of seven kilos of gold, 85 kilos of silver and other metals like copper, beautifully illuminated with electric bulbs. Devotees on payment of Rs. 1001 can take the deity in a procession in the golden charriot around the outer corridor. Devotees are offered a shawl, eversilver pot and a small box with the Lord’s prasadam. Facilities For the convenience of the pilgrims and devotees, 11 rooms, four cottages, two VIP cottages, one donor cottages, three marriage halls and one dining hall have been constructed and are let out at nominal rent ranging from Rs. 20/- to Rs. 100/- per day only. Sub-temples Among the sub-temples under the administration of the Swamimalai temple, the Sveta Vinayagar temple at Tiruvalanchuli is an important one.

The presiding deity Lord Sadaimudinathar and Goddess Perianayaki have been sung by Tirugnanasambandar and Tirunavukkarasar in Tevaram. A unique feature of this temple is the Sveta Vinayagar or White Pillaiyar made of the sea foam formed at the time of churning of the Milky Ocean by the devas and asuras to get the nectar. The sacred Cauvery River flowing nearby herself has turned around in a right semicircle around this shrine and hence the name Valanchuli or right twist. Renovation of this temple at a cost of Rs. 50 Lakhs is progressing. Another architecturally beautiful temple at Kilpazhayarai dedicated to Lord Somanathaswami is also under renovtion at an estimated cost of Rs. 50 Lakhs. It is worth mentioning that this shring is the birthplace of Saint Managaiyarkarasi, one among the 63 Nayanmars. Hymns in praise of the presiding deity have been sung by Tirunavukkarasar.

Pazhamutircolai is situated 19 kilometres from the temple town of Madurai. The place is full of natural beauty and sylvan surroundings. This hill is also known as Vrishabhadri or Idabagiri. At the foot of the hill is situated Azhakar Kovil, which is one among the 108 divyadesams sanctified by the hymns of Azhwars sung in praise of the Vishnu enshrined in this temple. Atop the hill Lord Muruga stands majestically in the temple as the Lord of the Hills popularly known as Kurinji Nilakkizhavan in Tamil. The temple of Pazhamutircolai can be reached by a motorable road leading to the hill.

Pazhamutircōlai is mentioned as the sixth of Lord Murugan’s Āru Patai Vīdukal, the six holiest Murugan shrines described by Cankam poet Nakkīrar in his poem Tirumurukārruppatai. Regarding the identity of the sixth major site, there is no consensus among scholars and many local temples are ascribed the distinction. Most scholars, priests and devotees identify Palamutircōlai with the shrine of Palamutircolai, twelve miles north of Madurai in the Alagar Hills, above the Alagarcoil Vishnu temple. While this temple is not as large or bustling as the other five recognized shrines, it is just as incredible to visit.

HISTORY OF TEMPLE :

This shrine is located on the northern outskirts of Madurai in a pleasant wooded hill not far from Alagar Visnu Kovil, a fortified temple complex revered as one of the 108 abodes of Vishnu glorified by the hymns of the Alwars. At the top of the hill, is Noopura Ganga, a perennial waterfall with a temple dedicated to Rākkayi Amman. The Nûpura Ganga atop the hill is said to originated from the anklet of Tirumal or Visnu and hence the name of the spring. It is said that sitting in the madavi mandapa near the spring Ilangovadigal wrote one of the five mahakavyas in Tamil, viz., Cilappatikaram. Even today the place is very fertile with many trees and different flora and fauna, a standing testimony to the vivid description of the place’s natural beauty as found in Tirumurugattruppadai of Nakkeerar.

Though the sthala is of ancient origin, the temple as in existence today was constructed only recently. From days of yore Vel has been worshipped as the moolavar or main deity. The idol of Lord Muruga in a standing posture has a single face and four hands with Valli and Teyvayanai on both sides. The Vel made up of stone is of special significance and is worshipped with a great veneration by devotees.

TEMPLE STRUCTURE :

The sthala vriksha is a rose apple tree. The fruits of this tree ripen during Skanda Sashti festival. The temple that was in existence during Sangam period no longer existed in Arunagirinatha’s time. The recently constructed temple is considered as Pazhamutircolai and worshipped by the devotees. It is needless to say that it is one of the six abodes of Lord Muruga very extensively praised and described by Nakkeerar in Tirumurugatruppadai.

Arunagirināthar also reveres this shrine in his Tiruppukal. Arunagirinatha sang 16 Tiruppugzh psalms to Pazhamutircolai Muruga. Though one might be in possession of all types of wealth, if he wants to lead a healthy life bereft of any disease he should necessarily visit Pazhamutircolai. Arunagirinatha very emphatically says in the most unequivocal terms that Lord Muruga should come before him running to bless each and everyone with health and wealth as has been very clearly described in the Tiruppugazh psalm.

Lord Muruga is the deity of the Tamil Land. The temple at Palani is an ancient one, situated at an elevation of 1500 feet above sea level. The deity of Palani Murugan is known as Dandayudhapani Swami, the Lord having the Staff in his Hand.

One also gets to see the “Patha Vinayakar” temple and the Meenakshi Sundareshwarar temple enroute the hill top. There are two broad Praharams in the hill top temple. Idols of Vallabha Vinayakar, Subramanya Vinayakar, Nakkerar, Arunagirinathar can be seen in the second Praharam that houses the Nayakkar Mandapam. The Rajagopuram is composed of five tiers. Bypassing the Paravel Mandapam and Navaranga Mandapam, one can approach the sanctum sanctorium of Dhandayuthapani.

There is a sannidhi for Bhogar who was a saint who dedicated himself to Lord Muruga and contributed immensely. The Vimanan which roofs the Garba Graham is made of Gold and offers a stunning and spectacular sight to the devotees.

HISTORY OF THE TEMPLE

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.

Kavadi :

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

Kings Contribution :

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 Cheran 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 Murugan.

Lord Murugan presides by the name of “Kulandai Velayuthaswamy” at the Thiru Avinanguidi temple located at the foot of the hills at Palani. Climbing a flight of steps leads to the Palani hill temple which is approximately at a height of 450 feet over the ground level. Palani Aandavar awaits majestically at the hill top temple to bless the thousands of Murugan devotees who come to worship him.

Lord Muruga Names :

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.

Golden Chariot :

The Golden Chariot Festival (A very famous occasion in which golden image of the Lord goes around the temple in Gold Plated Chariot)

The Golden Chariot goes round the praharam on the top of the hill in a ceremonious procession along with nadaswaram, Tiruppukazh music and other temple paraphenalia at 7 pm on all Karttikai days and as per the request of the devotees. The illuminated Golden Car is a veritable fairyland.

Festivals :

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

DAILY WORSHIP :

Seven worship services are carried out each day here.

Viswaroopa darisanam :

The day commences with the Viswaroopa darisanam in the morning. The concluding worship service involves a procession of the deity in a golden palanquin in the temple and the palliyarai sevai.

Panguni Uttram :

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 There Thiruvizha is held on the last day of this festival. Offerings of Kaveri water brought from Kodumudi by thousands of devotees in kavadis are made to the deity.

Agni Nakshathram :

Agni Nakshathram is celebrated in the month of Chittirai and Vaikaasi.During this time, thousands of pilgrims circumambulate the hill.

Vaikaasi Visaakam :

Vaikaasi Visaakam is celebrated for 10 days.

Skanda sashti :

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.

Kaartikai Deepam :

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.

Poosam :

Thai poosam is celebrated for 10 days here in the month of Thai.

Palani Murugan Pujas :

There are six pujas every day. At 5 am the Lord gives Visvarupa Darshana. The first puja is Vizhapuja at 7:15 am followed by Kala sandhi at 8am, Uchikalam at 12 noon, Sayaraksha at 6 pm and Rakkalam at 8 pm.

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.

DEVASTHANAM :

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

Annadanam :

Giving annadanam at the hill temple at 12:30 pm is a useful scheme for the benefit of the devotees. If a donor deposits Rs 25,000, the interest of it will be utilised for annadanam on a particular day as per the request of the donor
Palani Dandayudhapani Swami Devasthanam has the honour of being the temple of highest income in Tamil Nadu and second only in all India after Tirupati.

TRANSPORTATION :

Palani can boast of a railway station – just 2 Kms away from the foot of the Palani Malai. The Palani railway station is mid way between Dindigul and Coimbatore.

Palani can be reached in about three to four hours journey from any of the nearest airports: Coimbatore, Madurai and Tiruchy.

The nearest tourist information office is at Madurai. Information is also available from the office of the Devasthanam Information Centre at the Palani bus stand.

Two winch rope cars operated electrically come in as great relief to those ailing and aged, who may not be able to climb the traditional route of 697 steps.

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.