FAMOUS MURUGAN TEMPLES IN CHENNAI

1.Vallakottai Murugan Temple:

Vallakottai Temple is located at a distance of 24 km from Tambaram on the outskirts of Chennai and about 12 km south of Sri Perambathur on the Sriperumbudur – Chengalpattu route.

The king of Ilanji kingdom Bhagiratha was very arrogant in his behavior with Sage Narada. Narada wanted to teach him a lesson. He angered a demon Goran to attack the Ilanji kingdom. King Bhagiratha did not anticipate the attack and lost the battle. He relented and sought Sage Narada for advice. Narada asked him to seek Sage Durvasa, who would help him find a solution. The revered sage advised the king to worship Murugan at Vallakottai to redeem his kingdom. King Bhagiratha prayed to Murugan for several years at this place and built a temple for him.

It is believed that Lord Indra, had pierced the ground with his vajra ayudha near the temple to get water to do puja to Lord Muruga here. Hence the temple tank is known as Vajra Theertham.The temple is believed to be around 1,200 years old and this temple has the tallest idol of Murugan in India.

The Vallakottai Murugan is called இழந்த செல்வங்களை மீட்டுத் தரும் அருள்மிகு கொடைய அண்டவர் (he who restores all that is lost).

Location : https://maps.app.goo.gl/wLU1Y9N592v9jt4T7




2.Tiruthani MuruganTemple:

King Nambirajan and his wife prayed to Shiva for a child, and they found a baby girl in the forest named Valli. She grew up devoted to Murugan, vowing to marry only him. Murugan tested her resolve in the disguise of an ascetic, and Ganesha, in the form of an elephant, frightened her. Murugan then revealed himself, and Valli accepted his proposal. Their wedding is believed to have taken place in Tiruthani.

The temple is known for its 365 steps, symbolizing the days of the year. Sri Vallimalai Swamigal initiated Padi Pooja in 1917, where each step is ritually washed, adorned with turmeric and kumkum on New Year's Eve. The ceremony involves lighting lamps, singing Tirupugazh hymns, and concluding with special midnight poojas to welcome the new year.

Devotees pray for child boons, good marriage alliance, for family welfare, prosperity, and long life. Those suffering from any mental traumas, confusion, or anger, seek blessings of a calm and clear mind.

Timings : 6.00 AM to 9.00 PM (Mon - Sun).



3. Kundrathur Murugan Temple:

This Murugan temple is the only Murugan temple where the deity faces north. Constructed by Chola king Kulothunga Chola II, the temple has a unique feature - Lord Muruga can be seen with only one Goddess at a time, either Valli or Deivanai, depending on the viewpoint. To reach the hill temple, one must climb 84 steps. 

According to mythology, Murugan rested here and worshipped a Shiva linga called Kandhazheswarar. The Chola king later built the temple, and there is a separate shrine for Lord Shiva. Poet Sekkizhar, born in this place, authored Periyapuranam after resigning as the chief minister.

Devotees visit the temple for seeking solutions to delays in marriage. They perform Abishekams and conduct a wedding ceremony for Lord Muruga. A sacred fig tree in the temple is used by those facing infertility; they tie a cradle to it, returning with offerings once their wishes are fulfilled. Parents with ailing children also visit, praying for their health.

Timings : 6 AM - 8 PM (Mon - Sun)


4. Siruvapuri Balamurugan Temple:

Luv and Kush, sons of Shri Rama and Devi Sita, lived here. Unaware of Shri Rama's identity, they waged war against him, leading to the place being called Siruvar Por Pori (children waging war). It was later renamed Chinnambedu. Another story involves Murugammai, an ardent devotee of Murugan, whose arms were cut off by her husband due to her devotion. Calling out to Murugan, he appeared and miraculously restored her hands as a reward for her dedication.

The lord here, Sri Balasubramanyar is known for granting wishes, especially for those seeking to buy or construct a house. A unique feature is the rare image of Murugan and Valli standing hand in hand, symbolizing equality. Devotees worship Valli Kalyana Sundarar for blessings on family marriages, particularly on the auspicious day of Thai Poosam Nakshatram, associated with Valli and Murugan's wedding day. 

It’s a Belief that (Darshan Continuously every Week on Tuesdays “Totally 6 Tuesdays”) Any Wish Would Come True

Timings: 06.00 AM - 01.00 PM and 04.00 PM - 08.00 PM


5. Thiruporur Murugan Temple:

According to Hindu legend, Murugan battled demons in three locations: Tiruchendur (sea), Thirupparankundram (land), and Thiruporur (air). The name "Porur" means "war" in Tamil, as Muruga defeated Tharakasuran here. It's also called Tharukapuri and Samarapuri. The area got submerged in floods, and Sage Chidambara Adigal discovered a statue under a palm tree after hearing a divine voice in Madurai. He built a temple at that spot.

In Thiruporur Murugan Temple, Muruga uses his spear to disappear negativity, bringing happiness and peace to devotees. Women worship the deity for marital blessings.

Timings: 6.00 am to 12.30 pm and 3.30 pm to 9.00 pm.


6. Vadapalani Murugan Temple:

The Vadapalani Temple is believed to have the same divine blessings as the Southern Palani temple, making it an alternative pilgrimage for those unable to visit Palani. Palaniandavar here resolves devotees' issues with his grace, and the temple is considered sacred and powerful.

This temple is unique as Murugan is depicted wearing footwear, symbolizing humility and shedding arrogance. His standing pose with the left foot forward signifies his rush to aid devotees.

Devotees offer silver and gold, and some perform rituals like tongue piercing and head tonsuring. Special prayers include Paalkavadi and Pushpakavadi. The temple, renowned for problem-solving, witnesses around 7,000 marriages annually due to its auspicious reputation.

Timings: 05.00 AM - 12.00 PM and 04.00 PM - 09.00 PM


7.Arupadai Veedu Murugan Temple:

Arupadaiveedu means 'six abodes of Murugan.' The temple in Besant Nagar, Chennai, houses six granite temples, each dedicated to Lord Murugan with different names and unique interiors. Dr. Alagappa Alagappan's idea of consolidating all six abodes was approved by Kanchi Paramacharya, who provided land near the sea in Besant Nagar. Devotees can worship all six Murugas in one shrine at this unique temple in Kalakshetra Colony.

Timings: 7AM - 11AM and 5PM - 8:30PM





8. Kandhakottam Temple:

Sri Muthukumaraswamy Devasthanam, popularly known as Kandaswamy Temple or KandaKottam, is a celebrated temple in Chennai, located a short distance from Madras Central Railway Station. In the seventeenth century, devotees Thiru Mari Chetty and Thiru Kandapandaram discovered a Muruga idol in Thiruporur and brought it to Madras, where Mari Chettiar built a small temple.

 The current stone temple was constructed about 200 years ago, with renovations and a Mahakumbhabishekam recently performed. The temple's mystical origin under a margosa tree near a tank, as revealed in a divine dream, is recorded in a stone inscription. The temple gopuram was later constructed by Thiru KaliRathna Chettiar.

Timings: 6AM - 8 PM


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