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