Murugan Temple In Tamilnadu India

South India is home to thousands of temples that are torchbearers of its glorious ancient heritage, representing the magnificent art forms that evolved over several centuries. Among different temples, the Muragan Temples in the southernmost state of Tamilnadu are the major tourists attractions of the place for the legends, architecture and festivals. Several of these temples have been glorified by the Tamil mythological texts and the hymns written therein.


There are around 54 ancient Murugan temples located in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka. Dedicated to the deity Skanda or Murugan, one of the most revered deities in Tamil Nadu, these temples attract tourists from all around. According to legend, when demon Soorapadman held Lord Indra's son and other devas captives, Lord Muruga as the supreme commander marched with his contingent for a war against the demon. In Skanda Purana, Muruga was created in order to destroy the evil forces and protect his devotees. He is also known as the embodiment of knowledge. The deity is also known by other names such as Kartikeya and Subramanyan. Various ancient south Indian texts including the great Tamil literature Sangam, speak of several legends associated with Skanda. Skanda is enshrined in several forms in various temples across the state of Tamil Nadu.
Tamilnadu Murugan Temples

Some of the most popular tamilnadu Murugan temples are given below known for their legends and architectural beauty.

Tiruvavinankudi Temple
Located in the town of Palani near Madurai, it is one of the much visited temples in Tamil Nadu and is one of the six sacred shrines of Lord Muruga. According to legend, it was the place where Muruga, the supreme commander resided temporarily, when he was proceeding to battle against the demon Soorapadman. The ancient Tamil poet, Arunagirinaathar, has composed 95 verses of Palani in his work Thirupugazh.

The main temple complex is located atop the Plani hills. Its innermost sanctum is crowned with a gold plated vimanam. Inside the temple, there are shrines to Navaveera, Navadurga, the Saptamataas and Chandeshwar. Navdurga or goddess Bhubaneshwari is worshipped here along with Margatalingam. There is also a beautiful Mandap located in front of the sanctum with 12 pillars.


Tiruthani Temple
According to Hindu mythology, it is the place where God Skanda stayed after killing demon Surapadman. It is also the very place where Lord Subramanyan married the daughter of Indra, Deivayanai.


Tirupporur Temple
Situated at a distance of 45 kms from Chennai, this ancient temple dedicated to Lord Murga is also known as the Poriyur or Samarapuri temple. This was the place where Lord Murga after destroying Soorapadman killed all other demons. Here Lord Skanda is worshiped in many forms such as "Samhara Subramanya" - a warrior and also in the form of a child. The images of lord in the sanctum are covered with Kavacha and other jewels. The temple complex also houses two pillared halls and two sacred Teerthas on its southern side. On the eastern side, there is also a Mandapam with four pillars.


Tiruchendur
Located in the southern part of the state near Kanyakumari, it is one of the popular shrines dedicated to Lord Murugan. Several inscription of 9th century can also be seen on the walls of the temple. The temple houses a 137 feet high gopuram. There is a mandapam known as the Shanmukha Vilaasa Mandapam in front of the temple with several carved pillars.

Festivals & Celebrations Of Murugan Temple In Tamilnadu India
There are several festivals celebrated in all the Tamilnadu Murugan Temples. But the most important of them are the Skanda Sashti, Margazhi Tiruvadirai and navratri. Skanda Sashti is celebrated every year in the months of October and November. This week-long festival attracts devotees from all parts of South India to worship the lord and receive his blessings. This week-long festival comes to an end with the abhishekam ceremony.