--> Skip to main content


Thiruchendur Murugan Temple – One of the Six Shrines of Muruga in the Arupadaiveedu Temples in Tamil Nadu

Thiruchendur Murugan Temple is the only Arupadaiveedu Temple that is located on a beach – the Bay of Bengal. The popular belief is that Murugan vanquished the demon Soorapadman here. The Sooramaharam ritual held on the sixth day of Skanda Sashti attracts thousands of devotees to the temple.



Legend has it that Demon Soorapadman became invincible with boons from Shiva. He soon became terror for all celestial and earthly beings. Muruga was then born to annihilate the demon. He accomplished the mission at the spot where the present day Thiruchendur Murugan Temple is located.

Muruga here is worshipped as Senthilandavar or Subramaniaswamy. Legend has it that after He annihilated the demon, Murugan wished to worship Shiva. Mayan, the divine architect, built the temple. The murti of Murga in the temple is seen in the posture of worshiping Shiva in the sanctum sanctorum.

The utsava murti or processional deity of Muruga is flanked by his consorts Valli and Devasena.



Thiruchendur Murugan Temple is more than 2000 years old and is built in granite. The nine-tiered gopuram, 137 feet high, is an architectural marvel.

Another highlight of the temple is the 124 carved pillars in the Shanmugavilasa Mandapam.

You can hear the sound of ‘Om’ from a hole in the wall opposite to the temple flagstaff.

A unique well near the beach known as Nazhi Kinaru has sweet water.

Panchalingam shrine can be accessed from the temple by walking through a short tunnel.

The most important festival is the Skanda Sashti festival observed for six days after Diwali. The most important ritual is the Soorasamharam on the sixth day. Thirukalyanam is observed on the next day.