Sri Murugan Temple - Thiruparankundram

Sri Murugan Temple is located at Thiruparankundram in Madurai district of Tamilnadu State.

It is regarded as one of the Six abodes of Lord Murugan.

Goddess Valli and Devasena are the consorts of Lord Murugan

An interesting feature of this temple is that of the deities of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu facing each other in the main shrine.

The temple was built in the Dravidian style of architecture, which has a 7-tier structure Raja Gopuram.

 

All the statues are carved on the wall of the Parankundram rock. An Aasthaana mandapam with several artistically carved pillars leads to the towering 150 Feet (46 Meters) high Raja gopuram at the entrance. The Kambathadi mandapam, Ardha mandapam, and Maha mandapam are situated at different levels.

 

There are five theerthams or divine water sources, in and around the temple, Saravana Poigai, Lakshmi theertham, Saniyasi Koneru (well), Kasi Sunai, and Sathiya Koopam.

 

According to legend, the lord married Deivyani, the daughter of Lord Indra at this place. The Tirupuramkundram Temple, Madurai dates back to the sixth century. The antiquity of Tirupuramkundram Temple can very well be gauged from the fact that it finds mention even in the Sangam Literature. The Devas appealed to Lord Shiva to protect them from the terror strikes of the demon Surapanma. Lord created Muruga from six sparks from his forehead eye. Lord Muruga fought Surapanma, destroyed and made of him a peacock for his vehicle and a cock for his flag. This happened in Tiruchendur. Indira offered his daughter Deivaniai to Muruga for marriage. The marriage took place in Tiruparankundram attended by a huge number of Rishis, Devas, and gods. Lord Muruga graces here in the wedding form.

 

There are monthly festivals such as amavasai (new moon day), kiruthigai, pournami, and sathurthi as well as weekly rituals like somavaram (Monday) and sukravaram (Friday) and fortnightly rites like pradosham.

 

The main festival of the temple is Skanda Shashti, which is observed in the Tamil month of Aippasi (October–November). The final day of the six days is when Surapadman is killed by Murugan, and during the festival, several mounts are used to display the celebratory image of Murugan around the temple's streets. Here, Brahmotsavam occurs during Panguni, a Tamil month. To commemorate Meenakshi's wedding (Chittirai festival), the Vishnu Pavalakanivai Perumal and Murugan are brought in procession to Madurai, with locals dressed in festive attire. The connection between this temple and Nakkirar is also the subject of a celebration. During the Tamil month of Karthigai, the Karthigai Deepam festival is also observed by lighting a lamp on a hill. Other festivals observed in the temple are Vaikasi Visakam and the float festival in Thai (Tamil month). Vaikunta Ekadashi is also observed since there is a Vishnu image in the shrine.

Temple Timings :

Morning: 5:30 A.M to 1:00 P.M

Evening: 4:00 P.M to 9:00 P.M

Pooja Schedule :

5.30 am to 6.00 am – Thiruvanadal Pooja

7.00 am to 7.30 am – Vilaa Pooja

8.00 am to 8.30 am – Kalasandhi Pooja

10.30 am to 11.00 am – Thirukalasandhi Pooja

12.30 pm to 1.00 pm – Uchikkala Pooja

5.30 pm to 6.00 pm – Sayaraksha Pooja

8.30 pm to 9.00 pm – Ardhajama Pooja

9.00 pm to 9.15 pm – Pallirayai Pooja 

How to reach the Temple :

9 km from Madurai

Nearby Temples :

Madurai, Sri Koodal Azhagar Perumal Temple – 7 km

Madurai, Sri Meenakshi Amman Temple – 9 km

Madurai, Sri Kallalagar Temple – 44 km

Dindigul, Sri Kalahastheeswarar Temple – 69 km.