Murugan Temple Tiruchendur

Thiruchendur Murugan Temple is temple dedicated to Lord Muruga and one of the Arupadaiveedu (six major abodes) of Lord Muruga.

Lord Murugan is said to have come to Tiruchendur to wage a battle against Asura king Surapadman. The Arupadai Veedu of Muruga are all situated in Tamil Nadu. They are Tiruchendur, Tirupparankundram, Pazhamudircholai, Palani, Swamimalai and Tiruttani. Muruga is intimately associated with hilly regions, known in Tamil as Kurinji and is worshipped as the guardian deity. Tiruchendur is also one of the Navagraha Sthalas, sacred to Guru or Brihaspati (Jupiter), since Lord Muruga was honoured here by Brihaspati and the Devas after their victory over Surapadman. In commemoration of the victory, the place was named Jayanthipuram (the word Jayanthi denotes victory). Tamil literary works, dating back from the third century AD, speak highly of the shrine and the legends associated with it. To mention a few are Silappathikaaram, Ahanaanooru, Puranaanooru, Thirumurugaatrupadai and Kanthapuranam. The fact that Kumara Theertham on the banks of Thaambraparni river finds mention in the epic Mahabharata is noteworthy. Adi Shankara had visited the shrine and sung in praise of the Lord in his famous Subramanya Bhujangam. Saivite saints like Kumaraguruparar, Arunagirinathar and Arulprakasa Vallalar are ardent devotees of Muruga and their works Kandar Kalivenba, Thiruppugazh and Thiru Arutpa respectively are remarkable devotional hymns in praise of the Lord. Murugan Temple from the town, a long sheltered corridor leads pilgrims to the shore temple. At the beginning of this corridor, one worships Lord Ganesha, known as Thoondukai Vinayaka. A nine tiered sculptured Gopura with the emblem of Om and Vel adorns the eastern entrance. It was built by Sri Desikamoorthi Swami of Thiruvaaduthurai Adheenam more than 300 years ago. The main entrance to Murugan temple is through Shanmukha Vilasam, facing south. It is a fine specimen of architectural workmanship. There are 24 sacred Theerthas around the seashore. Significant among them are Vadanaarambha Theertha and Shanmukha Theertha or Naazhi Kinaru (in Tamil).

It is customary to enter the shrine after a holy dip in the sea followed by a ritual bath in Naazhi Kinaru. It.is a unique perennial fresh water fountain on the salty bed of the size of a naazhi (a small measuring container), believed to have been created by the Lord Himself with His Vel.

The Sanctum There are two Dwajasthambhas in each corridor. At the entrance to the sanctum, there are statues of two Dwarapalakas, known as Veeravaahu and Veeramahendra. Pilgrims first worship a huge Ganesha by name Kariamanicka Vinayaka and Devi Parvati. In the sanctum, a beautifully decorated image of Lord Subramanya holding a diamond-studded Vel stands facing east. Here He is represented as a Brahmachari. In one hand He holds a rosary of beads and in the other, flowers for Shiva puja. Abhishekas are performed with vibhooti (holy ash), sandal paste, milk and panneer (rose water) among other sacred items. Enshrined behind the sanctum are five Lingas. The processional deities of Sri Shanmukha with His consorts Valli and Deivayanai are by the side of the sanctum. The 33 verses of Subramanya Bhujangam sung by Adi Shankara are inscribed on the walls. In an adjacent shrine, Lord Nataraja and the four Saivite saints Appar, Sundarar, Sambhandar and Manickavachagar are worshipped. On the outer corridor, there are shrines for Valli and Deivayanai with Palliyarai (Sayanagruha). Vishnu in Anantasayana posture and Gajalakshmi are enshrined in a rock cut niche. The scene of Surasamhara is exquisitely carved in bas relief. There are also shrines for Venkatachalapathi, Santhana Krishna, Siddhi Vinayaka, Sahasra Linga, Pancha Bhootha Lingas, Shankaranarayana, Kashi Vishwanatha, Nataraja, Devi Shivakami, Shaneeswara and Bhairava. There is, however, no separate shrine for Navagrahas in this temple. Vibhooti prasad offered in leaves from panneer tree is a special feature of this temple. VALLI CAVE Heres has a separate shrine for Lord Subramanniya.

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