Thoranamalai Murugan Kovil — Attraction in Tamil Nadu

Thoranamalai Murugan Temple is a beautiful temple located in Thoranamalai Hills in Thirunelveli District of Tamilnadu. Thoranamalai is located very near to Courtrallam. It is located on Tenkasi to Kadayam Route. This is a highly popular temple on a hilltop in a beautiful location. The temple’s speciality being that there are 60 natural water springs (sunai) around the Hill.Thoranamalai looks like an elephant; hence it is called as Vaarana Malai. It was believed that Agasthiyar stayed here and did research on medicines. Also his disciple Theraiyar attained Jeeva Samadhi here. It was believed that Lord Rama visited here and worshipped Agasthya. People believe that Siddhars come and worship this hill in formless form.The temple is situated just in midst of a rocky plain fully covered by iron grills. (Iron grills might have built to protect the temple from the monkeys). It is a very good treat to eyes to see the surroundings and the sceneries. Murugan is enshrined in this hill in a cave at the top of the hill. The way from the downhill to hill top is full of greenery. Lord Vinayaka Temple at the Foot Hill marks the path to hill top Murugan temple. There was another Murugan Temple at the downhill.There was an entrance arch for this temple at the downhill. Shrines of Vallabha Vinayaka, Navagraha, Guru Bhagavan, Mahalakshmi, Saraswathi, Sapthakannis, Kannimaramman and Nagars can be seen in the Murugan Temple located at downhill. There are 926 Steps to reach the hill temple. There are herbal plants all along the way to the hill temple. Take care of elders and children as the path to hill temple is rugged.Murugan at the hill temple (Cave) is facing east. Mahakavi Bharathiyar had praised this Murugan as “Kugaikul Vaazhum Kugane”. There are 64 Sunais (springs) in Thoranamalai. There are 2 Sunais (springs) located at Downhill. It is believed that if devotees take bath in these springs will cure their Skin Disease.Water will be available in these springs during peak summer also. Waters of these springs tastes different with each spring and has medicinal values. The Mother Nature around is preserved at its best around the temple. The Foot hill has nice well...

Thoranamalai Murugan Temple in Tenkasi is not just a place of worship — it’s a blend of history, divinity, and true human effort.

Legend says that Sage Agathiyar performed the first cranial (cervical) surgery here on King Kasivarman to cure his chronic headache. That spiritual depth alone makes this place unique. But reaching the temple is just as divine — with nearly 1,200 steps to climb, the uphill journey itself becomes a form of meditation and self-discipline.

Back in 1970, Thiru Athinarayanan, a humble school teacher, began nurturing this temple with his time and effort. Over time, people from nearby towns started visiting regularly, especially on Tuesdays and Fridays, and even more so on the last Friday or Tuesday of the month. For many — especially those aged 50 and above — climbing these steps has now become a spiritual fitness routine as well.

In recent years, Dr. Dharmaraj from Avudayanoor has transformed the temple infrastructure with his own funds — developing safer walkways, resting areas, and renovating the sacred Lakshmi Theertham. This photo was taken during one of the construction phases. His contribution is beyond praise — but what's even more humbling and awe-inspiring is the hard work of the laborers behind the scenes.

As someone who’s seen it firsthand — these workers carry stone bricks weighing 80–95 kg on their heads and walk up all 1,200 steps — not just once, but 4 to 5 times a day, under the hot sun, with sweat pouring down. And this has been going on for not just months, but over 5 years.

💪 No amount of money can measure the dedication, risk, and physical strength of these workers. Their contribution deserves deep respect and recognition. Hats off and big salute to every single soul who is making this sacred mountain temple rise stronger — step by step,...

Temple located at the top of pothigai hills. Only way to reach the top of the hill is by steps ... the steps are vertical and little difficult for senior citizens to climb.But we can find senior citizens climbing the hill. On full moon days every month girivalam function is very popular . Thousands of people participate in this occasion every month. The girivalam distance is approximately six kilometers. The girivalam path goes through forest area hence other days are not advisable for girivalam .Ideal time for girivalam is early morning on full moon days. The Thoranamalai Lord Murugan Temple is located in a greenery area. While climbing the hill on the way located natural water source so called sunai. Devotees used to take bath at this sunai.we can find water round the year at this place. On the top of the hill apart from Lord Murugan temple there is a amman temple too. People used to take rest on rocks under trees after climbing the hill. We can see the panoramic view of the green plains which is really breathtaking. The natural scenery is great. At the bottom of the hill there is a vinayagar temple and navagraha temple. Weekends are usually crowded. Ramanadhi dam is located very near to the temple. That is also an interesting place to visit. Thoranamalai Lord Murugan Temple is a pride of tenkasi Dist...