Pickup from Chennai early morning
Visit: Thiruthani, Swamimalai, Pazhamudircholai
Evening halt near Madurai or Kumbakonam
Visit: Thiruparankundram, Palani, Thiruchendur
Return journey to Chennai or Trichy
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Event: Marriage to Sri Valli
After the war with the demons, Lord Murugan attained inner peace at this tranquil hilltop shrine. Known as Tanikasalam, it is here that Murugan met and married Sri Valli. The temple’s most prominent festival is Aadi Karthigai, during which thousands of devotees carry kavadi—symbolic offerings that represent the burdens of life. They ascend the hill in joyous procession, singing devotional songs in praise of Muruga.
Event: Teaching the meaning of the Pranava Mantra “OM”
Here, Murugan is worshipped as Swaminatha Swami. This temple is significant because Murugan taught the sacred syllable “OM” to his father, Lord Shiva—reversing the roles of teacher and student. His vahana (mount) here is Airavata, the divine elephant, gifted by Lord Indra, rather than the usual peacock.
Event: Darshan with both consorts
Located amidst the Alagar Hills, this is the only one of the six abodes where Murugan appears with both his consorts—Deivanai and Valli. He is worshipped here as Kurinji Nilam Kizhavan. The temple, also called the Solaimalai Murugan Temple, includes shrines for Lord Ganesha and Lord Shiva, offering a complete and spiritually enriching experience.
Event: Marriage to Deivanai
Located six miles south of Madurai, this is a rock-cut cave temple built in the 8th century by King Maravarman Sundara Pandiyan. Lord Murugan is worshipped here as Subramaniya Swamy. This site marks the divine event where Murugan married Deivanai, the daughter of Lord Indra, after triumphing over the demon Surapadman.
Event: Renunciation after losing the Fruit of Knowledge
In this hill temple, Murugan is venerated as Dandayuthapani, holding a dandam (staff). According to legend, Sage Narada presented the Gnana Pazham (Fruit of Knowledge) to Lord Shiva, who challenged his sons, Ganesha and Murugan, to earn it. While Murugan attempted to circle the world, Ganesha symbolically circled his parents and won the fruit. Disheartened, Murugan renounced everything and stood atop the Palani Hills.
Event: Destruction of the demon Surapadman
This is the only abode located by the seashore. Here, Lord Murugan, worshipped as Senthilnathar, defeated the demon Surapadman with his divine Vel, gifted by Goddess Parvati. The temple also houses the sacred Naazhi Kinaru well, from which Murugan drew water during a drought. The annual Soorasamharam and Kanda Shasti festivals celebrate this powerful victory.
Feel the divine power and spiritual peace as you visit the Arupadai Veedu – the six sacred temples of Lord Murugan across Tamil Nadu. A perfect 2-day escape for your soul, filled with devotion, scenic beauty, and timeless traditions.
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