Thiruparankundram Temple, Madurai:
Located in Thiruparankundram, Tamilnadu, India, the Arulmigu Murugan Temple is a Hindu temple devoted to the god Murugan, also called Kartikeya. It is said to be one of the “six Houses of Murugan”. Built in the style of rock-cut architecture, the Thiruparankundram Temple is thought to have been constructed in the sixth century by the Pandyas. Here, according to mythology, Murugan wed his wife Devasena after killing the demon Surapadman. It is also stated that Murugan worshipped Parangirinathar, the father of Shiva, here.
In India, the thiruparankundram temple is about 5.0 miles (8 km) from Madurai. Other than Murugan, the gods Shiva, Vishnu, Vinayaka (Ganesha), and Durga reside in the main temple. The temple worships in accordance with Shaiva tradition. The temple has three annual festivals in addition to six daily rituals, the most notable of which is the Kandha Sashti festival, which takes place in the Tamil month of Aippasi (October–November).
Thiruparankundram Murugan Temple History:
The Thiruparankundram Murugan temple predates the sixth century by a great deal, and Jain monks transformed it into a Jain shrine under the patronage of Koon Pandiyan, the ruler of the Pandyas. Later, in the latter half of the eighth century, the temple was transformed into a Hindu temple under the guidance of Gajapathy, the minister of a subsequent Pandya King. The Madurai Nayak dynasty, who ordered the construction of the temple’s pillared halls, added numerous improvements to the structure. The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Tamil Nadu government is in charge of maintaining and running the temple as of 2021.
Legend of Thiruparankundram Temple:
The Skanda Puranam, which describes how the god Murugan killed Surapadman, makes reference to Thiruparamkundram. According to Hindu mythology, after performing great penance, the god Shiva bestowed boons upon the demon king Surapadman. Because of his acquired strength, he began to rule the entire planet. With Padumakomalai, he was married and had multiple sons. His capital became Viramkendiram, a city built in the waters, and he began to annoy the devas (the gods). Indra, the king of the gods, was imprisoned by him, and he also wanted Indra’s wife, Indrani. Murugan, the deity of war and the son of Shiva, was called upon by Indra. The demon was unimpressed when Murugan dispatched his envoy, Viravakutevar, to speak with him. All the Surapadman sons, with the exception of Iraniyan, were killed by Murugan during a fierce battle that took place in Thiruparamkundram. Under the waves, Surapadman took refuge. He was divided into two parts by Murugan, which later became the god’s celestial vehicles, the peacock and the rooster. In all Murugan temples, the day that Murugan killed Surapadman is commemorated as Skanda Sashti festival.
In return, Indra wed Murugan at Thiruparamkundram to his daughter Devasena (Deivayanai). Here, it is thought that Murugan worshipped Shiva in the form of Parangirinathar.
Architecture of Thiruparankundram Murugan Temple:
The temple can be found on the Madurai – Tenkasi route, 8 km (5.0 mi) from Madurai. The temple was constructed using life-size statues from the Mandapas of the Nayaka period (16th century) and rock-cut architecture from the Pandya dynasty (6th century). Aasthaana Mandapa, including multiple intricately carved pillars, leads to the imposing seven-tiered rajagopuram at the entryway, standing 150 feet (46 metres) tall. There is a shrine to Kasi Viswanatha (Shiva) atop the 1,050 foot (320 m) granite hill behind the temple. The temple’s representation of Vinayaka, or Ganesha, is carrying fruits and sugarcane. One single stone is used to create the interior rock cut image.
The three halls leading to the sanctuary, the Kambathadi Mandapam, Ardha Mandapam, and Mahamandapam, are located at different elevations. The primary shrine is an ancient rock-cut temple with cells housing the sanctuaries of Shiva, Vishnu, Vinayaka, Murugan, and Durga. Every statue is engraved on the Parankundram Rock’s wall. Shiva is revered as Parangirinathar, and Parvati, his spouse, is venerated as Aavudai Nayaki. Outside the shrine are panels that show Shiva dancing in pleasure.
Thiruparankundram Temple Timings:
The timings of Thiruparankundram Murugan Temple is,
Morning – 5.30 am – 1.00 pm
Evening – 4.00 pm – 9.00 pm
Pooja Timings at Thiruparankundram Murugan Temple
Thiruvananthal Pooja – 05:30 am – 6.00 am
Villa Pooja – 7.00 am – 07:30 am
Kala Sandhi Pooja – 08:00 am – 8.30 am
Thirukalasandhi Pooja – 10:30 am to 11:00 am
Uchikkala Pooja – 12:30 pm to 01:00 pm
Sayaraksha Pooja (Evening) – 05:30 pm to 06:00 pm
Ardhajama Pooja – 08:30 pm to 09:00 pm
Palliyarai Pooja – 09:00 pm to 09:15 pm
Festivals Celebrated at Thiruparankundram Temple:
The most important event held at the temple is Skanda Shashti, which takes place in the Tamil month of Aippasi (October–November). The act of Murugan killing Surapadman is performed on the final day of the six-day celebration. During this time, various mounts are used to capture celebratory photos of Murugan in the temple’s streets. In this case, Brahmotsavam occurs in the Tamil month of Panguni. At the Chittirai festival, when Madurai locals dress festively, the Vishnu Pavalakanivai Perumal and Murugan are brought in procession to commemorate Minakshi’s marriage. There is a festival honouring this temple’s connection to Nakkirar. During the Tamil month of Karthigai, the Karthigai Deepam festival is also observed by lighting a lamp on a hill. The other festivals observed in the temple include Vaikasi Visakam and the Thai (Tamil month) float festival. Vaikunta Ekadashi is also observed since the temple houses an image of Vishnu.
Thiruparankundram Murugan Temple official website:
https://thiruparankundrammurugan.hrce.tn.gov.in/
Thiruparankundram Temple Address:
Arulmigu Subramaniyaswamy Temple, Thirupparankundram – 625005, Madurai District
thiruparankundram temple contact number – 04522482249
Thiruparankundram Temple distance:
Thiruparankundram temple to palamuthircholai distance – 1 hr 9 min (42.1 km) via NH38
thiruparankundram temple to madurai – 23 min (8.8 km) via Madurai -Thirumangalam Rd/Tenkasi – Madurai Rd/Tirupparankunram Rd
thiruparankundram temple to guruvayur – 6 hr 26 min (308.6 km) via NH 83
thiruparankundram temple to puducherry – 6 hr 10 min (379.6 km) via NH38
How to reach Thiruparankundram Murugan Temple
By Air: Nearest airport is Madurai International Airport which is 10 km away
By Bus: Periyar Bus stand is near to the temple in Madurai which is 7 km to the temple.
By Rail: Nearest Railway Station is Madurai Railway Station which is 8 km away
Thiruparankundram Murugan Temple Photos:
