Lord Murugan Devotional Logo

Sacred Abodes of Lord Murugan

The Six Most Revered Temples (Arupadaiveedu)

Thiruparankundram Murugan Temple
1st Padai Veedu

Thiruparankundram

4.6
Madurai District, Tamil Nadu
Cave Temple 8th Century Wedding Site

Significance

Thiruparankundram is where Lord Murugan married Devasena (Deivayanai), the daughter of Indra, after his victory over the demons. The temple represents Murugan's aspect as the divine householder and is considered one of the most important Shaivite pilgrimage sites.

Structure: Rock-cut Cave
Special: Wedding Festival
Tank: Saravana Poigai

Temple Timings

Morning 5:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Evening 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
More Details Directions
Historical Importance

The temple dates back to the 8th century Pandya period. It's mentioned in the Tirumurugatrupadai and other ancient Tamil texts. The cave temple architecture is particularly noteworthy.

Unique Features
  • Rock-cut cave temple with exquisite sculptures and carvings
  • The only Arupadaiveedu where Murugan is worshipped with Devasena (his celestial consort) rather than Valli
  • Contains shrines for all six abodes within the temple complex
  • Natural spring called "Saravana Poigai" considered sacred
Festivals
  • Chitra Pournami (Apr-May): Full moon festival with special pujas
  • Kanda Shasti (Oct-Nov): 6-day festival celebrating Murugan's victory
  • Panguni Uthiram (Mar-Apr): Re-enactment of Murugan's wedding to Devasena
Tiruchendur Murugan Temple
2nd Padai Veedu

Tiruchendur

4.9
Thoothukudi District, Tamil Nadu
Beach Temple 6th Century Kanda Shasti

Significance

Tiruchendur is where Lord Murugan is believed to have camped with his army before and after his victorious battle against the demon Surapadma. The temple represents Murugan's aspect as the divine warrior and is the only Arupadaiveedu located on the seashore.

Location: Bay of Bengal shore
Deity: Subramaniar as Warrior
Special: Sea Abhishekam
Gopuram: 157ft Tall

Temple Timings

Morning 5:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Evening 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM
More Details Directions
Historical Importance

The temple has inscriptions dating back to the 6th century CE. The current structure was built in the 17th century by the Nayak rulers, with later additions by the Dutch after they partially destroyed it.

Unique Features
  • The only Murugan temple among the six abodes located on the seashore
  • The 157ft tall gopuram (tower) is visible from the sea
  • Special abhishekam performed with seawater on festival days
  • Contains rare sculptures depicting Murugan's battle with Surapadma
Festivals
  • Kanda Shasti (Oct-Nov): 6-day festival culminating with Soorasamharam (re-enactment of the battle)
  • Masi Makam (Feb-Mar): The deity is taken to the sea in a golden chariot
  • Vaikasi Visakam (May-Jun): Birthday celebrations with special pujas

Palani

4.8
Dindigul District, Tamil Nadu
Hill Temple 2nd Century CE Thai Poosam

Significance

Palani is considered the most important among the six abodes. Here, Lord Murugan is worshipped as Dandayudhapani ("the one holding the staff"), representing an ascetic form. According to legend, Murugan came here after a dispute with his brother Ganesha over a divine fruit, choosing to meditate on the hill instead.

Elevation: 450m (1500ft)
Deity: Navapashanam Idol
Steps: 659 to hilltop
Special: Panchamritam Abhishekam

Temple Timings

Morning 5:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Evening 12:30 PM - 10:00 PM
More Details Directions
Historical Importance

The Palani temple finds mention in ancient Tamil Sangam literature dating back to 2nd century CE. The current structure was built by the Pandya kings in the 14th century.

Unique Features
  • The deity is made of Navapashanam - an amalgam of nine poisonous herbs that became medicinal
  • No abhishekam is performed for the main idol, only alankaram (decoration)
  • The temple has a natural spring called "Saravana Poigai"
Festivals
  • Thai Poosam (Jan-Feb): 10-day festival with silver chariot procession
  • Panguni Uthiram (Mar-Apr): Wedding festival of Murugan and Devasena
  • Kanda Shasti (Oct-Nov): 6-day festival commemorating victory over Surapadma
Palani Murugan Temple
3rd Padai Veedu

Swamimalai

5.0
Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu
60 Steps Guru Aspect Sweet Pongal

Significance

Swamimalai is where Lord Murugan is said to have explained the meaning of the Pranava Mantra "Om" to his father Lord Shiva, hence earning the name "Swaminathan" (teacher of the Lord). The temple represents Murugan's aspect as the teacher of spiritual wisdom.

Structure: 60 steps (Tamil years)
Shrine: Padi Vithai (Step Lesson)
Abhishekam: Sandalwood paste
Offering: Sweet Pongal

Temple Timings

Morning 5:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Evening 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
More Details Directions
Historical Importance

The temple dates back to the 2nd century BC and was developed by the Chola kings. The current structure was built in the 18th century by King Pratapa Simha.

Unique Features
  • The 60 steps represent the 60 Tamil years in the Hindu calendar
  • Murugan is depicted holding the "Vel" (spear) in his left hand while teaching Shiva
  • The temple is famous for its exquisite bronze icons crafted by local artisans
Festivals
  • Vaikasi Visakam (May-Jun): 10-day festival celebrating Murugan's birthday
  • Kanda Shasti (Oct-Nov): 6-day festival with Soorasamharam
  • Thai Poosam (Jan-Feb): Special abhishekams and processions
Swamimalai Murugan Temple
4th Padai Veedu

Tiruttani

4.9
Tiruvallur District, Tamil Nadu
Hill Temple Ancient Sacred Well

Significance

Tiruttani is where Lord Murugan is believed to have married Valli, the tribal princess, after his victory over the demon Surapadma. The temple represents Murugan's aspect as the divine bridegroom and is considered particularly powerful for fulfilling devotees' wishes.

Elevation: 200m (656ft)
Steps: 365 to hilltop
Sacred Well: Jnana Gangai
Deity: Shanmukhar

Temple Timings

Morning 5:45 AM - 1:00 PM
Evening 1:00 PM - 9:00 PM
More Details Directions
Historical Importance

The temple has ancient origins with references in Sangam literature. The current structure was built during the Vijayanagara period (14th-16th century).

Unique Features
  • The temple has a sacred well called "Jnana Gangai" whose waters are believed to have healing properties
  • Murugan is depicted with only one consort (Valli) here, unlike other temples where he's with both Devasena and Valli
  • The temple is known for its powerful "Swayambhu" (self-manifested) idol
Festivals
  • Aadi Krithigai (Jul-Aug): Special festival during Tamil month of Aadi
  • Kanda Shasti (Oct-Nov): 6-day festival ending with Soorasamharam
  • Vaikasi Visakam (May-Jun): Birthday celebrations of Murugan
Tiruttani Murugan Temple
5th Padai Veedu
Pazhamudircholai Murugan Temple
6th Padai Veedu

Pazhamudircholai

4.7
Madurai District, Tamil Nadu
Forest Temple Sangam Literature Fruit Orchard

Significance

Pazhamudircholai is a forest temple where Lord Murugan is worshipped as the guardian of the hills and nature. The temple is surrounded by lush greenery and fruit orchards, representing Murugan's connection with nature and simple living.

Location: Alagar Hills Forest
Deity: Subramaniar with Valli
Special: Fruit Offerings
Mention: Tirumurugatrupadai

Temple Timings

Morning 5:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Evening 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
More Details Directions
Historical Importance

The temple is mentioned in the ancient Tamil work Tirumurugatrupadai (part of Sangam literature). It's believed to be at least 2000 years old, though the current structure is more recent.

Unique Features
  • The only Arupadaiveedu temple located in a dense forest with natural surroundings
  • The temple is surrounded by fruit orchards ("Pazhamudircholai" means "fruit orchard")
  • Natural spring called "Nupura Gangai" where devotees take bath before worship
Festivals
  • Kanda Shasti (Oct-Nov): 6-day festival with special abhishekams
  • Panguni Uthiram (Mar-Apr): Celebrates the divine marriage of Murugan
  • Thai Poosam (Jan-Feb): Special pujas and processions

Arupadaiveedu At a Glance

Temple District Deity Name Specialty Best Festival Unique Feature
Thiruparankundram Madurai Subramaniar Married Devasena Panguni Uthiram Rock-cut cave temple
Tiruchendur Thoothukudi Shanmukhar Warrior Form Kanda Shasti Seashore temple
Palani Dindigul Dandayudhapani Ascetic Form Thai Poosam Navapashanam idol
Swamimalai Thanjavur Swaminathan Teacher of Shiva Vaikasi Visakam 60 steps representing Tamil years
Tiruttani Tiruvallur Subramaniar Married Valli Aadi Krithigai Sacred Jnana Gangai well
Pazhamudircholai Madurai Solaimalai Murugan Forest Temple Kanda Shasti Located in fruit orchards

Pilgrimage Planning Guide

Best Time

October to March when weather is pleasant. Avoid summer (April-June).

Route Suggestion

Chennai → Tiruttani → Swamimalai → Palani → Tiruchendur → Thiruparankundram.

Dress Code

Traditional attire preferred. Men: Dhoti/Shirt. Women: Saree/Salwar.

Offerings

Coconuts, flowers, sandal paste. Each temple has unique offerings.

Transport

Well-connected by road and rail. Local buses and taxis available.

Accommodation

Temple lodges, budget hotels and mid-range options available.

Food

Temple prasadam and local vegetarian restaurants available.

Duration

Minimum 4-6 days recommended to cover all six temples comfortably.