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Six Abodes of Lord Muruga in Tamil Nadu – Arupadai Veedu - Symbolism

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Arupadai Veedu (aaru-padai-veedu) or ‘six-army-houses’ are the six temples dedicated to Muruga in Tamil Nadu which depicts Muruga as a warrior-god. It is also known as Thirumurugatrupadai. The temples are located atop six sacred hills and dates back to the 2nd century.


The six abodes of Lord Muruga are:

Thiruparankundram Temple - Located in Madurai. It is believed that Lord Muruga married Devasena here. Muruga stands in the form of groom - Kalyana Muruga.

Thiruchendur Murugan Temple - Only Arupadai Veedu not on a hill. It is located on the beach of Bay of Bengal. Muruga Vanquished Soorapadman here.

Palani Murugan Temple - Murugan is worshipped here as Dhandayuthapani - an ascetic boy holding dandam or staff.

Swamimalai Murugan Temple -Located near Kumbakonam. Muruga is here worshipped as the teacher of Shiva. Muruga explained the meaning of Pranava mantra to Shiva here.

Thiruthani Murugan Temple - Murugan cooled himself down here after defeating Soorapadman. Muruga also married Valli here.

Pazhamudircholai Murugan Temple - Located near Madurai. Muruga gave darshan to Avvaiyar here. it is the only Arupadai Veedu where Muruga appears with his consorts in the main sanctum.

Symbolism Of Arupadai Veedu

The term "Arupadai Veedu" refers to the six abodes of Lord Murugan (also known as Kartikeya, Subramanya, or Skanda) in Tamil Nadu, India. These six sacred shrines hold deep spiritual and cultural significance within the Hindu tradition, especially among Tamil Hindus. Each of these abodes symbolizes various aspects of Lord Murugan's divine attributes and his role as a deity. Here is a brief overview of the symbolism associated with each of the Arupadai Veedu:

  1. Tirupparankundram:

    • Location: Near Madurai
    • Symbolism: This temple represents Lord Murugan as a warrior. It is the site where Murugan is believed to have married Devasena, the daughter of Indra, the king of the gods. The shrine symbolizes the divine union and victory of good over evil.

  2. Tiruchendur:

    • Location: Near Tuticorin
    • Symbolism: Situated by the sea, this temple marks the place where Murugan defeated the demon Surapadman. The temple represents the triumph of light over darkness and Murugan's role as the protector of humanity.

  3. Palani:

    • Location: Near Dindigul
    • Symbolism: Palani is associated with the story of Murugan renouncing worldly pleasures and taking residence on the hill. The temple symbolizes renunciation and the pursuit of spiritual wisdom.

  4. Swamimalai:

    • Location: Near Kumbakonam
    • Symbolism: At Swamimalai, Murugan is depicted as a teacher, imparting knowledge to his father, Lord Shiva. This temple symbolizes the importance of knowledge and wisdom, emphasizing that learning is a continuous process.

  5. Thiruthani:

    • Location: Near Chennai
    • Symbolism: This temple is believed to be the site where Murugan went to rest after defeating the demon Surapadman. It symbolizes peace, tranquility, and Murugan's role in providing solace to his devotees.

  6. Pazhamudircholai:

    • Location: Near Madurai
    • Symbolism: Located in a dense forest, this temple represents Murugan in his most youthful and vibrant form. It symbolizes the importance of nature and fertility, as well as Murugan's eternal youth and energy.

Overall, the Arupadai Veedu collectively symbolize the multifaceted nature of Lord Murugan. He is depicted as a warrior, a teacher, a renunciate, and a protector, reflecting the diverse aspects of life and spirituality. The pilgrimage to these six abodes is seen as a journey towards spiritual enlightenment, representing the various stages and challenges one encounters on the path to self-realization.