Tiruttani Murugan Temple

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Tiruttani Murugan Temple

It was in this kshetra that Muruga had ‘cooled down’ after his war with the asura, Surapadman. It was also here that Muruga married Valli who had hailed from Vallimalai hills which is a near by place. Hence this kshetra is Tiruthanigai, popularly called Tiruthani. Praying to Muruga here is said to bring you luck.

Thiruthani is located 84km from Chennai and is a small town. You can opt for a five minute drive up the modest hill to the temple or you can climb the 365 steps to the shrine. Many devotees take a dip in the temple tank at the foot of the hill before they start climbing.

At the top of the steps is the outermost praharam, where the chariot processions take place. There is a giant-sized pot here, in line with the sanctum, where devotees burn camphor as an offering. The temple elephant is tethered here and will bless you in return for fruit or coins. The temple priests’ houses, shops and the temple office are all located here., There is also a pillared hall where Muslim musicians play music. This tradition has been followed since a Muslim devotee was cured of an ailment after a visit to the temple.

The second praharam is darker and narrower and within the temple. Devotees do the anga pradakshinam on this corridor.

The idol of Muruga is tall and majestic. In his right hand he holds a spear and the other rests lightly curved, on his thigh. At the centre of the idol’s chest is a small hollow said to be the impression made by Vishnu’s discus. At every puja, this hollow is filled with sandalwood paste and devotees are given small quantities of it after the puja. There are separate shrines to Muruga’s two consorts, Valli and Devasena. Devasena holds a lily in her hand while Valli carries a lotus.