Thiruchendur Murugan Temple is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Murugan situated in Tamil Nadu, India.The puranic name for this temple is Jayanti Puram.It is also one of the Arupadaiveedu or Six sacred temples of Kaumaram religion. It is the only one among the Six sacred temple complexes to be situated near the sea shore. Other five are situated in a mountain region.
Shrine’s History
Early Cankam poetry refer to the Murugan seashore shrine at Tirrucciralaivay, which is thought to refer to the Thiruchendur Temple. The earliest existing inscription at the temple is dated 875 AD and talks about a Pantiyan called Varekuna Maran. In 1649, the Tiruchendur temple was occupied by the Dutch for a brief period, during their conflict with the Portuguese, to be used as a base. The Dutch removed some idols when they vacated the temple, which was returned after many negotiations with the Madurai Naikaar in 1651. In 1868, 3 priests led a movement to rebuild the temple and collected funds for the same. The rebuilt temple was consecrated in 1941. A further gopuram was added and consecrated in 1971.
Legends Associated with This Shrine
Years ago, as legend has it, the sacred sculpture of Balasubramaniyam was stolen by Dutch invaders. But as they set sail with their booty, they were caught in a ferocious hurricane and threw the Deity overboard, either to lighten their load or out of fear they might have been cursed by their evil deeds. Soon thereafter, Lord Subramaniya appeared to the worried Tiruchendur temple priest in a dream and precisely described the spot in the sea where the icon could be retrieved. Following the instructions, devotees recovered the Deity and returned it to the temple. In another major shrine at Tiruchendur, another form of Lord Murugan called Shanmuganatha, is worshipped. This elegant icon is not only sacred, it is a masterpiece of art featuring Lord Murugan with six faces and twelve arms. In tribute to this particular form of the Lord, vibhuthi, or sacred holy ash, is distributed here on leaves with twelve veins depicting the Lord’s twelve hands.
Shrine’s Map Location and How to Go There
By Road
Tiruchendur Bus Station, Tiruchendur. This will connect all the places in Tamilnadu
By Rail
Tiruchendur Railway Station, Tiruchendur. This will connect all the places in Tamilnadu
By Air
Nearest Airport is Madurai Airport.
Shrine Timings
Period Time Pooja Detail Morning 5.10 Subrapadam – Thirupalli Eluchi Morning 5.30 Viswaroopam Darshan Morning 5.45 Dwajasthamba Namaskaram Morning 6.15 Udaya Marthanda Abishegam Morning 7.00 Udaya Marthanda Deeparadhanai Morning 8.00 Kalasandhi Pooja Morning 10.00 Kalasha Pooja Morning 10.30 Uchikala Abishegam Noon 12.00 Uchikala Deeparadhanai Evening 5.00 Sayaratchai Pooja Night 7.15 Arthasama Abishegam Night 8.15 Arthasama Pooja Night 8.30 Ekanda Seva Night 8.45 Ragasia Deeparadhanai, Palliarai Pooja Night 9.00 Nadai Thirukappiduthal
Events Celebrated at This Shrine
Vaikasi Visagam (May – June) A large number of devotees, numbering about two lakhs, participate in the festival. A procession of Sri Jayanthinathar with Valli and Deivanai is conducted in the night. Avani Festival (August – September) Devotees numbering about two lakh participate in this festival. On this Avani festival 7th, 8th and 10th-day functions are more important. ? 7th Sikappu sathi Festival. ? 8th Pachai Sathi Festival. ? 10th Car Festival (Big cars will not be available). Skanda Sasti Festival – 7 days (October – November) Devotees numbering about five lakhs will participate in the above festival. On this festival occasion, devotees fast for all six days. On the 6th day, Surasamharam is demonstrated. On the 7th day, Thirukkalyanam to Deivanai is celebrated in a grand manner. Masi Festival – 12 days (February – March) More than three lakh people participate in this festival. ? 7th day Sikappu Sathi ? 8th Pachai Sathi Festival ? 10th Car Festival (Big cars will not be available) ? 11th-day Floating festival (yearly once)
Extra Information About this Shrine
Devotees who take a vow place their offerings during a festival and other days. They austerely fast and carry Kavadi, Palkudam, offer Abishegam etc. to the Lord. The Golden Chariot procession, Chandana Lebanon, Dharabhishegam, Dharahomam are performed by devotees in fulfilment of their vows. Devotees who perform such austerities get relieved of their mental worries; the unmarried get married; and the childless beget children by the grace of Arulmigu Subramanya Swamy.