FAMOUS MURUGAN TEMPLES IN TAMILNADU

According to the Tamil tradition, it is believed that Lord Muruga is living in all the mountains.The god is known as Karthikeya, Skanda, Vadivela and Guha. The Arupadaiveedu (six abodes) are the most important shrines for the devotees of Muruga in Tamil Nadu, India. They are:

  

                                     1. Thirupparamkundram

                                     2. Tiruchendur

                                     3. Tiruvavinankudi(Palani)

                                     4. Tiruverakam(Swami Malai)

                                     5. Tiruttani

                                     6. Pazhamudircolai.

 Thirupparamkundram

                     

Tirupparamkundram is at a distance of eight kilometers from Madurai in South India. This holy place is associated with the divine marriage of Muruga with Tevayanai. Tirupparamkundram enshrines Murugan as the leader of the armies of the Gods, and as the Lord of Devasena, the daughter of Indra, the King of the Gods.The entire city of Madurai wears a festive look as Vishnu and Skanda from Tirupparamkundram make their way to Madurai to attend the Divine marriage between Shiva and Meenakshi.

 Tiruchendur

                

The Subramanya shrine at Tiruchendur is situated by the seashore. From Tirunelveli in the South India, one has to travel a distance of about 60 km to reach this beautiful sea resort. Muruga vanquished the demonic forces led by Soorapadma at Tiruchendur. Although the shrine is of ancient origin, much of the structure here is from the 19th through the 20th centuries. Inscriptions from the 9th century Pandya rulers are seen in the temple.As per the legends, Muruga worshiped Shiva and waged a battle against demon Soorapadman here.A well called "Naazhi kinaru" situated nearer to sea has pure water.

Tiruvavinankudi(Palani)

                 

Tiruvavinankudi(Palani) is the third Padai Veedu. The other names of Pazhani are Sivagiri and Sivamalai. Pazhani is at a distance of about 60 km from Dindigul in western Tamil Nadu.Lord Muruga in the form of a lad, clad in loin cloth and holding a shaft (Dandam) in his hand known as Dandayudha pani. Statue of Muruga made from "Navabashanam" by sage Bogar.Shrine famous for Kavadi festivals and head-tonsuring as a way of offering by devotees.

Tiruverakam(Swami Malai)

                  

Tiruverakam  popularly known as Swamimalai, it is located at a distance eight kilometers from Kumbakonam in Tanjore District on the northern banks of the river Cauvery. The Lord here presents Himself as Gurunatha Who taught the essence of Pranava to His Father, Siva ('Swami') and thus becameSwaminatha. The temple has six daily rituals at various times from 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., and three yearly festivals on its calendar. The annual Vaikasi Visagam festival is attended by thousands of devotees from far and near.

Tiruttani   

Tiruttani is prominent among them. Situated at a distance of 13km from Arakonam, near Madras, Tiruttani abounds in scenic beauty. In Tiruttanai, so it is said, Murugan is in a soothing and relaxed mood. His ire over Soora and his kinsmen, whom He vanquished in battle, has cooled down. His two divine consorts, Valli and Teyvayanai are with Him at this temple. Tiruttani has a unique distinction since it is the favourite hill of Muruga among all the hills in the world.As per the legends, Lord Muruga remained calm and peaceful here after waging the war with Asuras and married Valli here.

 Pazhamudircolai

                 

Pazhamudircolai comes last in the series of six holy places. This is at a distance of about 20 km from Madurai in Tamil Nadu. The temple of Muruga, Who is flanked by Valli and Teyvayanai, is located amidst quiet and beautiful landscape.On the top of the hill, there is a holy stream called "Nubra Gangai". Azhagar Kovil, the temple of Śrī Narayana, is also near Pazhamuthircholai.