Thiruparankundram’s Arulmigu Subramaniya Swamy Temple (Kovil) is dedicated to the god Murugan (also known as Kartikeya and Subramaniya Swamy) in Thiruparankundram, Tamil Nadu, India.

The Temple is one of Murugan’s six abodes and is regarded as the first and foremost temple of Lord Muruga.

This temple is associated with several myths and legends, one of which states that it is here that Lord Muruga defeated the demon Surapadman, married Deivayani, daughter of the king of heaven, Indra, and worshiped Lord Shiva.

Thiruparankundram Murugan Temple Timings

Everyday temple will be open from 5 AM to 1 PM and 4 PM to 9 PM for Darshan.

Morning – 5:30 AM to 1:00 PM

Evening – 4:00 PM to 9:30 PM

Story of Thiruparankundram Murugan Temple

According to Kanda Puranam, Surpadam was killed by lord Murugan. 

As per Hindu legend, the demon king Surapadam once obtained boons from the god Shiva after performing severe penance and started ruling 1008 worlds.

Surapadam had several sons from his wife Padumakomalai.

Viramkendiram, a city created in the seas, became his capital and he started troubling the devas (the gods).

He imprisoned Indra (the god-king) and desired Indra’s wife, Indrani. Indra sought the assistance of Shiva’s son, the god of war Murugan.

Viravekutevar, the messenger of Murugan was sent to the demon, who was unmoved. 

Then Murugan killed all the sons of Surapadam except Iraniyan in the battle in Thiruparankundram. Later Murugan killed Surapadam who was hiding under the sea, by splitting him into two pieces, which became the god Murugan’s divine vehicles, a peacock and rooster.

The day when Surapadam was killed by Murugan is celebrated as the Skanda Sashti festival in all the Murugan temples.

In order to express his gratitude, Indra married his daughter Deivayanai to Murugan at Thiruparankundram.

According to Kanthar Anoobothi, a divine marriage treatise, Murugan asked all the divine angels and gods who attended the marriage to fly back to heaven in their own vehicles in Mano veham (speed of thought).

It is believed that Murugan worshiped Shiva here as Parangirinathar.

History

Sambandar, a 7th-century Shaiva saint, visited Thirupparamkunram and praised the Shiva icon of the temple Uchinathar in ten Tevaram passages compiled as the First Tirumurai.

The temple is classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam, one of the 276 temples mentioned in the Saiva canon, because it is revered in Tevaram.

The temple is the third in a series of temples on the banks of the Vaigai River.

In this temple, Sambandar blessed the three Tamil chiefs, the Chera, the Chola, and the Pandya. Sundarar and Sambandar wrote the Tevaram Pathigam in this location. 

Nakkirar wrote numerous poems about the Murugan icon. Tiruppugazh, Kandapuranam, and other works speak of this shrine’s glory.

Poojai and Darshan Timings

Architecture & Features

There are several architectural features of note, particularly the rock-cut portions of this hill temple from the Pandya period in the 6th century and the life-sized sculptures in the mandapams of the Nayakar period during the 16th century.

• An Aasthaana Mandapa with several artistically carved pillars leads to the entrance’s towering 150 feet (46 m) tall seven-tiered raja gopuram.
• A 1,050 ft tall granite hill at the temple’s backside with a shrine to Kashi Vishwanath at the top adds beauty to the temple’s overall front view.
• The temple’s image of Vinayaka (Ganesha) holds sugarcane and fruits.
• A single stone was used to create the inner rock cut image.
• This temple has several mandapas, including Kambathadi Mandapam, Ardha Mandapam, and Mahamandapam, which are located on different levels and connected by steps.
• Apart from Murugan, the main shrine also houses the deities Shiva, Vishnu, Vinayaka (Ganesha), and Durga. The temple follows the Shaiva worship tradition.
• All the statues of the deities are carved on parankundram rock.
• Devotees worship Shiva as Parangirinathar along with his wife Parvati as Aavudai Nayaki.
• A board showing Shiva’s dance of bliss is seen outside the sanctum.
• One of the most notable features of this temple is that Shiva and Vishnu face each other which is a rare thing in Hindu temples.
• Vedic school is also there on the banks of the temple pond.
• A carved Nandi (bull), Mayil (peacock), and mouse, the vahanas (vehicles) of Shiva, Murugan, and Vinayaka, stand in front of the Dwajasthambam, the flagstaff.
• Before Ardha Mandapam, there is a flight of six steps known as the “Shadashara Padigal.”
• The hall contains rock carvings of Mahisshasura Mardini (Durga), Karpaga Vinayagar (Ganesha), Andarabaranar, and Uggirar.
• Saravana Poigai, Lakshmi Theertham, Saniyasi Kinaru (well), Kasi Sunai, and Sathiya Koopam are the five water bodies.

Temple Marriage Procedure

• The Bride must be 18 years and above and the Groom must be 21 years and above.
• Unmarried Certificates of the bride and Groom are required.
• Only Hindu arranged marriage is allowed.
• Aadhar card and birth certificate photocopy of Bride and the Groom is required.
• Both Bride’s and the Groom’s Parents’ photo ID proofs are required.
• Parents must be available and Advance booking for the marriage is a must.
• Same-community marriages are allowed.
• There is no online booking for the marriage. A marriage enrollment form is given at the counter.

How to Reach

The temple is almost 10km away from Madurai.

One can reach the temple by cab, bus, Train, or any private mode of transportation.

The bus from Madurai to Thiruparankundram departs from Periyar bus station, which is located near the railway station. 

Nearby Airport: Madurai

Railway Station: Madurai