KUNDRATHUR MURUGAN TEMPLE — Attraction in Tamil Nadu

Kundrathur Murugan Temple is in Kundrathur, a suburb of Chennai. It lies in the Kancheepuram district of Tamil Nadu. The presiding deity is Lord Murugan, who is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Murugan is known by many names – Kartikeya ("son of Krittika"), Kumara ("child or son"), Shanmukha ("one with six faces"), Skanda ("attacker"), etc. He is the patron deity of Tamil Nadu and the youthful God of war. He enjoys immense popularity among Tamil Hindus and is worshiped mostly in places with a sizeable Tamil population, including Sri Lanka and Malaysia.

Murugan was the commander of the demi-gods who led the army of the devas against the demons and defeated them. He sojourned at six places during the epic battle against the demon, Surapadman. These six sites are Swamimalai, Tiruttanikai, Tiruvavinankudi (Palani), Tiruppamkundram, Pazhamudirsolai, and Tiruchendur. At each one of these sites, there are ancient temples which have been glorified in the Tamil poems of Tirumurugaatruppadai. This belongs to the Sangam period (c. the third century C.E.). Together, these six sites are known as "Arupadai Veedu" which means ‘the six battle camps of the Lord’.

In many Hindu mythological tales, Murugan is represented as a bachelor. Most of the major events in his life occurred during his youth. The legends about his birth are also popular. Hence, Murugan is often revered as a child-God, the same way Lord Krishna is worshipped in north India. Some Hindu myths claim that he has two wives, Valli and Deivanai.

Hindu mythology states that Murugan stayed on the hill while traveling from Tiruporur to Tiruttanigai. This place is also called South Thanigai, as the Lord is shown facing the northern direction, facing Thanigai.

This is the sole Murugan temple in Tamil Nadu, where the Lord can be seen standing in a north- facing direction. The temple was constructed by the Chola king, Kulothunga Chola II. The unique feature of this temple is that the Lord can be seen only with one Goddess at a time, despite the fact that both the Goddesses are present with him. When viewed from one side, we can see Muruga with Goddess Valli, and when viewed from the other side, we can see him with Goddess Deivanai. To reach this hill temple, one has to climb 84 steps.

As per mythology, Lord Murugan worshipped a Shiva linga at this place before reaching Tiruttani. An asura called Tharagasuran was harassing the Devas. Murugan marshalled his army and waged a fierce battle with him at Thiruporur, and defeated him. After the war, the Lord desired to go to Tiruttani to become calm again. En route to Tiruttani, he glimpsed a small hillock and decided to rest there for a few days. While staying at the hillock, he made a Shiva linga and worshipped it every day. This Shiva is known as Kandhazheswarar, and the linga can be found at the foothills of Kundrathur. He is called so because Kandan (Murugan) worshipped him. Later, the great Chola king, Kulothunga II, built the temple at this place. There is a separate shrine for Lord Shiva, worshiped by Lord Muruga. A Tamil saying goes that wherever there is a mountain hillock or mountain, Lord Murugan could be found there. After some days, Murugan left this place and went to Tiruttani, where he took up residence.

The renowned poet, Sekkizhar, who was also the chief minister of Kulothunga Chola II, was born in this place, where the temple came up. After resigning from the ministry, he penned the work, Periyapuranam. He had a younger brother, Palaravayar, who dug a water tank near his house. This tank is now known as...

This place is also known as South Thanigai, as Lord Subramaniar is depicted facing the north. Temple timings -6 am–1:30 pm, 3:30–8:30 pm 🦚 🪷🪷🪷Aroharaaa murugan thunai 🪷🪷🪷 🦚 Vetri vel Muruganuiku aroharaaa, My favorite temple, has enriched my life and shown me a good path. It is very divine and spiritual and you will get recharged l. I feel blessed to have visited this temple, you will feel the power and i encourage you to visit this temple with your family and receive blessings 🦚 🪷🪷🪷Aroharaaa murugan thunai 🪷🪷🪷 🦚

As per purana stories Lord Murugan worshipped Shiva linga at this place before he reached Thiruthani. As per purana Asura called Tharagasuran was troubling the Devas. Lord Murugan came with his army and fought with him at Thiruporur. Finally in the war Murugan quelled the Asura. After the intense war Lord Murugan wanted to go to Thiruthani to calm himself. On the way to Thiruthani he saw a small hillock and stayed there itself for few days. While he stayed at the hillock he created Shiva linga and worshipped every day. That Shiva is called as Kandhazheswarar and that is there in the foot hill of Kundrathur. As Kandan (Lord Murugan) worshipped Shiva he is called as Kandhazheswarar. There is a saying in tamil that wherever there is a hillock or mountain Lord Murugan will be there. After a few days Murugan started from here and resided at Thiruthani. This temple was constructed by Kulonthunga Chola

The history of Kundrathur Murugan Temple dates back over a thousand years. The temple's exact origin is still being determined, but it is believed to have been built during the Chola dynasty (9th to 13th centuries).

The temple has a rich cultural heritage and has been a centre of Hindu worship for centuries. However, during the British colonial period, the temple was neglected and fell into disrepair. In the early 20th century, it was restored and renovated by local devotees, and since then, it has become one of the most critical Murugan temples in the region.

The temple has undergone several renovations and additions over the years. Today, it boasts several impressive structures, including the multi-tiered gopuram (tower), the 100-pillar hall, and the sacred tank known as the 'Sri...

If you are looking for a sacred and historic place to worship lord Murugan, the Kundrathur Murugan temple is a great option. The temple is located on a small hill in the Kundrathur town, about 28 km from Chennai. The temple is believed to be more than 100+ years old and was built by the tamil kings. The temple has a unique architecture and design, with a thubaskambham, a pillar that supports the roof of the sanctum sanctorum, and a palipeedam, a pedestal where the idol of lord Murugan is placed. The idol of lord Murugan is in a sitting posture, facing north, which is rare among Murugan temples. The temple also has a separate shrine for lord Vinayagar. Next to the Vinayagar shrine, there is a meditation hall dedicated to pamban swamigal, a renowned saint and poet who composed many hymns in praise of lord Murugan. The temple attracts many devotees throughout the year, especially during the festivals of Thai Poosam, Panguni Uthiram and Skanda Sashti. If you prefer to drive by car, you have another way where you can go directly to the shrine and park on the hill. The parking space on the hill is limited, so they restrict the vehicles based on availability. This temple is very orthodox and historic following the agama principles. Murugan is divinely blessing his devotees from his sacred garbha graha. This temple thalavriksham is Arasan/king tree, where people light oil lamps pray thier desires by devoting the lights. There is navagraham along with other idols and structure followed the ahama rules that are available in and around the temple. All of that were very divine for their devotees where you can feel the spiritual enthusiasm all over the premises. There are separate hall available for tonsuring and marriages, if you want you have to contact the temple EO office for more information and bookings. It is well connected by roads, but it is better to reach by two/four wheeler. Otherwise it will be a little tough to reach by public transport. There are prasadam stalls and a book shop available inside the praharam. Temple timings are as usual 07:00-12:00 PM and 4:00-9:00 PM, but they are subject to change on festival and auspicious days based on temple calendar and their...