Introduction To Kundrathur Murugan Temple
Located in the Southwest region of Chennai, Kundrathur Murugan Temple is a landmark you cannot miss. Lord Muruga is the son of Lord Shiva and Parvati. Most of the Murugan temples are located on Hilltops and this one is no different. You can reach the Temple by climbing 84 steps and the Temple is decked up in all its glory on all the auspicious days for Lord Muruga. Devotees also have the option of using a toll road to ride along the hill in case they cannot climb. Located on a hilltop, this Temple has origins dating back to the 12th century.
While there are many Murugan temples in Tamilnadu, Kundrathur is unique for the darshan of the deities it offers. Unlike the other temples, Lord Muruga here faces the northern direction in his sanctum. Lord Muruga and his two consorts are a sight to behold in this Temple. Another special feature is that if you view the God with his consort Valli / Deivanai depending on the side they are viewing the God. This special feature is an indication of Lord Muruga’s spirit which is an embodiment of wisdom and bravery.
Legend of Kundrathur Murugan Temple
As with most temples, there are multiple legends associated with this Temple.
- Victory Temple: One of the legends is that Lord Muruga built this Temple after his battle with Tarakasura. Post his victory against the demon at Thiruporur, he was on the way to Thiruthani when he saw the beautiful hill of Kundrathur. He was so enthralled by its beauty that he placed a Siva Linga and worshipped him entering a meditative state.
- The Chola Legend: Kulothunga Chola II built this Temple for Lord Muruga when he visited here and was impressed by the natural beauty surrounding the hilly area. With Lord Muruga’s grace, he was able to build a Temple for him that has stood for centuries.
- Kundrathur is also the birthplace of the famous Tamil Poet and Saint Sekkizhar. He wrote Periyapuranam which is touted to be the fifth script of the Saiva literature.
- The name of this area indicates the natural beauty of the hill. Because Kundru means hill and oor is a generic name for a place. Therefore, the name itself holds so much information about the palace.
This is one of the most famous temples for Lord Muruga. The other name for this Temple is South Thanigai or Dakshina Thanigai. The Temple’s tree is Vilva and the theertham or the pond associated with the temple is called Saravana Poigai. Apart from Lord Muruga, the Temple is home to Goddess Durga, Lord Dakshina Murthy, Lord Ganesha, Lord Bairava and Lord Dakshinamoorthy. Because Sekkizhar was fond of Lord Muruga and worshipped at this Temple every day, there is a small shrine for him at the foot of the hill.
The Architecture of Kundrathur Murugan TempleTemple
As mentioned earlier, you need to climb about 84 steps to reach the Temple. These steps are symbols of the hard path one has to take for enlightenment. For those who do not want to climb, the Temple can be accessed via a road that you can drive through. The Temple Tower consists of 5 tiers adorned with mythical creatures and carvings. The grand Temple Tower is a visual treat after the steep climb.
Once you cross the outer sanctum, you enter the inner hall that hosts God and his consorts. Apart from the main sanctum, there are also other Gods that surround the main sanctum. Some of the important things to view here are the 100-pillar hall that is supported by beautifully sculpted pillars that help in hosting all the festival prayers too.
The hall also holds the Mayura Vahan which is the sculpted peacock, Lord Muruga’s vehicle. During special occasions, the God is carried around in the Mayura Vahan offering darshan to everyone around the Temple.
Benefits of Worshipping in Kundrathur Murugan Temple
There are so many reasons to visit this Temple. People also visit for specific reasons offering special prayers to God seeking what they want in life.
- For Marriage: Devotees who seek marriage, visit this Temple and offer Abhishekams with various elements such as milk, rose water, tender coconut water, honey and Panchamirtham. They also perform weddings in the Temple premises. Some choose to offer clothes to the God and Goddesses.
- For Childbirth: People having difficulties in having a child visit the Temple to pray to Lord Muruga. The Temple has a Fig tree in the outer prakara or sanctum. Devotees tie a cradle to this tree praying for a child. After childbirth, they offer fruits, sugar, jaggery or money equivalent to the weight of the child in gratitude.
- To heal the sick: The sacred ash or the viboothi given in the Temple is used for treating those who are unwell.
- Owning a house: People build bricks or stones stacked one on top of the other to form a tower asking for Lord Muruga to remove any obstacles associated with buying a home.
Festivals at Kundrathur Murugan Temple
All days auspicious to Lord Muruga are celebrated in this Temple. Vaikasi Visagam which falls during the May to June period every year celebrates the birth of Lord Muruga. During the period of October to November is the six day Kantha Sashti festival where Lord Muruga fights and wins against Surapadman. The Tamil New Year and fiscal new year are grand occasions too. Thai Pongal and Thai Poosam together are celebrated in the month of January and all the festivals offer special prayers to Lord Muruga.
Abhishekam with various items such as milk, honey, sandalwood paste and other sacred things are done on a daily basis. They also offer Archaana and Deepe Aradhanai. Devotees can choose to participate in them after getting information from the temple desk.
How to Reach Kundrathur Murugan Temple
Kundrathur Murugan Temple can be easily reached from Chennai and Kanchipuram. There are also adequate public transport options if you need to use them.
By Air: The nearest airport is Chennai and the Temple is about 13 kms from the airport.
By Train: The railway station close to Kundrathur Murugan Temple is Tambaram Sanatorium which is at a distance of 9 kms from the Temple.
By Road: Buses from Tambaram can help you reach the Kundrathur Murugan temple.
Kundrathur Murugan Temple Timings
The Temple remains open from 5 am to 1 pm and 3 pm to 9 pm every day.
