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Tamilnadu Thiruchendur Murugan Temple
Thiruchendur Murugan Temple is a seashore temple placed on the shore of the Bay of Bengal. This temple is situated in a small town named Thiruchendur located in Thoothukudi or Tuticorin district of the state of Tamil Nadu in India. Being closely situated by the sea, the eastern boundary wall of the temple is washed by the lovely waves coming from the Gulf of Mannar. This Hindu temple is dedicated to Lord Muruga or Subramanya and is believed to be the second among the six main abodes known as Arupadaiveedu of Lord Muruga. Lord Muraga Perumal or Moolavar is the presiding deity of the temple and he is symbolized by different forms of Balasubramanyaor, the young Muruga, Shanmuga or Urtchavar, Jayanthinathar, and Kumaravidanga Perumal.The beautiful Thiruchendur Murugan Temple boasts a moderately highly loved gopuram featured with a number of single colored lovely statues. The nine storeyed gopuram displays nine sacred copper pots or Kalasams placed at the top of it. The central door of the tower is laden with wooden carvings that are mostly erotic. At the main entry of the temple, pilgrims are welcomed by huge temple elephants. Dancing peacocks and peahens in the temple premises are an added attraction for the visitors.
Besides the main temple, two worth visiting places near the temple are Nazhi Kinaru and Valli Guhai. The Nazhi Kinaru is in fact, a wonderful natural phenomenon in which a small well of 1 sq feet inside a large well of 14 sq feet. Though the water of the larger well is brackish and gives a sulphurous odor, the water of the smaller well is fresh, clear and sweet in taste. Going a little away from the main temple there is the Valli Guhai which is a cave of sand stone. It is dedicated to God Moruga's consort Valli.
History
The Thiruchendur Muraga Temple mentioned in the Skanda Puranam one of the major favorite shrines Of Lord Muraga. According to the other important religious books, this temple beholds the second position in the six abodes or Arupadaiveedu of Muruga. The place Thiruchender is believed to be the place that is used by Lord Muruga as his base camp while invading Surapadman, the demon king of Sri Lanka. It is believed that this temple is a memorial of the victory of Lord Muruga on Surapadman.
Originally, the temple was built on the reefs of sandstone on the beach. But as a result of sea corrosion the temple gradually eroded. Later on many additions were done to it by the Pandya and the Chera kings. It was further renovated by Mouna Swami, a sannyasin and three black granite stone pragarams were added to it.
Discovery Of The Temple
The Thiruchendur Muraga Temple is a very ancient temple. The name of the first builder of this temple is yet not found. But it is well known that this temple had gone through major constructions done to by the Pandya and the Chera kings. It was further renovated by Mouna Swami, a sannyasin and three black granite stone pragarams were added to it.
How To Reach
By Air
The nearest airport is Tuticorin. It is 30km from Thiruchendur. The next nearby airport is Madurai. It is at a distance of 168 km and takes around 3 hours to reach Thiruchendur. Tiruchy at 311km and Thiruvanthapuram at 175 km are also easily accessible through airports to reach the Thiruchendur.
By Rail
Tirunelveli Junction is the nearest Railway Station. The town of Thiruchendur is linked with Tirunelveli by rail road. From Tirunelveli four passenger trains start for Thiruchendur at 7 am, 9.35 am, 11.15 am and 18.15 am. Apart from this, there is also daily train Tiruchendur Exp #16735 that starts for Thiruchendur at 16.05 from Egmore, Chennai.
By Road
Both Govt and Private buses starting from Madurai, Chennai, Tiruchy and Coimbatore are available to reach Thiruchendur. Apart from this, various buses run from Tuticorin and Tirunelveli. For local transportation auto rickshaws and local rickshaws can be availed.
Important Shrine
Lord Muraga is the main deity of this temple. He is worshipped in the form of the presiding deity, Lord Moolavar. Lord Muraga is also worshipped in the temple in other forms of Balasubramanyaor, the young Muruga, Shanmuga or Urtchavar, Jayanthinathar, and Kumaravidanga Perumal.
Signification Of The Temple
It is believed that this temple is the most favorite of Muruga and thus he is the presiding deity here. Lord Muruga is worshipped in this lovely temple in several forms and names. His forms are Moolavar, the presiding deity of the temple, Balasubramanyaor, the young Muruga, Shanmuga or Urtchavar, Jayanthinathar, and Kumaravidanga Perumal. He is also worshipped by the names of Senthilandavan, Senthilkumar and many others. There is a belief that this grand temple is a memorial of the victory of Lord Muruga on Surapadman, the demon king of Sri Lanka. Hence it symbolizes victory and the triumph of good over evil. Thus it holds a highly significant role in the Tamil culture and faith.
Weather And Time To Visit
The climatic conditions of Thiruchendur are basically very hot and humid. The intensity of temperature and heat increases to the highest in the months of summer, from May to July. Hence, summer is not the preferable time to visit the temple. Yet, the Temple can be visited any time of the year if the pilgrims are comfortable with the heat and temperature during the summer.
In Thiruchendur temple two Mahotsavams are celebrated grandly. One is the Aavanipperunthirunaal that is celebrated in the month of Aavani, that is from August to September and the second one is the Maasipperunthirunaal which is celebrated in the month of Maasi that is from January to February. Here, these are the most preferable time to visit the temple from both the climatic and ritualistic point of view.
Accomodation
Being a small temple town the best means of accommodation in Thiruchendur are the private lodges. Good and comfortable lodging system is available in almost all the lodges in the town. Here is a list of the most preferable lodges for accommodation:
- The Shiva Murugan Lodge in 4, Sannathi Street ,Thiruchendur
- Mani Iyer Hotel in Kovil Street , Thiruchendur
- Devasthanam Rooms and Cottages. For further information you can contact Devasthanam Information Centre at (04639)442271.
Tips For Devotees
As Thiruchendur is a small temple town there is almost no means of employment for the local people. As a result there is an increased amount of beggars on the street. Peoples may face problems while entering the temple or outside it due to the nuisance of the grabbing beggars.
There are a huge number of shops around the temple for selling necessary pooja items and many other necessary things. Pilgrims must use their own discretion regarding the rate and the quality of the products while buying them.
Rules And Rituals Of The Temple
There are very strict and grand rituals in the Temple of Thiruchendur. Nine big pujas are being conducted in the temple each day. The pujas are:
Mudal-Kaalasandhi, Viswarupam, Suprabhaatam,Udayamaartandam, Ciru-Kaalasandhi and Periya-Kaalasandhi, Ardha-jaaman or Raakkaalam, Utchikaalam, Saayaratchai, Ekaandam, Palli-arai Dipaaradhanai or the Lord's rest.
Apart from this some other festivals are also organized in the temple on due time-
- Brahmothsavam in the magha
- Vasanthothsavam in Chaitra for 10 days
- Vaikasi Visakam in Vaisakha for 12 days
- Skandha Sashti in Asvini
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