Thiruparankundram translates as ‘the sacred hill outside Madurai’. Temple Legend states that Muruga married his first wife, Devasena, Indira’s daughter here. Hence Muruga stands in the form of the divine groom or Kalyana Murugan here.
Temple Deity – Kalyana Murugan
The entrance to the temple is through a pillared mandapam at the base of the hill. There is a tank where the annual float festival takes place. Steps lead up to several levels where the shrines have been constructed by tunnelling into the hill-side. To get to the sanctum of Muruga, you have to climb up six steps, the number corresponding to the letters in the Sadakshara mantra or sacred incantation to Muruga. In the main shrine, Muruga is seen in a seated position along with his bride, Devasena. Frescoes of the sun and moon hover above the deities. As the idol of Muruga is sculpted on the rock face, no oblations are offered to this idol. Instead the idol is coated with oil and punugu, the scented excretion of the civet cat. Oblations are offered only to the panchaloha spear or vel that Muruga holds in his hand. There is a shrine to poet Nakkeerar who composed the Thirumurugatrupadai (The Story of Muruga) in this kshetra. The three cave temples on this hill have beautiful carvings.
ADDRESS: Thiruparankundram, Madurai
Timings :
- Morning : 5 AM – 1 PM
- Evening : 4 PM – 9 PM
Special Events At Temple:
- Panguni Uthiram – It is celebrated in the month of March.
- Vaikasi Visakam – Clebrated in the month of Vaigaasi. Visakam is Lord Muruga’s birthday star.
- Kandha Sashti – Kandha Shasti Vratam is observed once a year in the month of ‘Aippasi’ (October–November).
How To Reach Tiruparankundram Temple
Thiruparankundram Temple is located at a distance of 9.5 km from Madurai. Pilgrims can either hire a cab from Madurai to this temple or travel via public transport. Many buses run from Madurai to here at regular intervals. Madurai has its own airport , railway station and bus Station which is well connected from different parts of India.