Sri Subramaniya Swamy Temple, Tiruchendur

Address

Sri SubramaniaSwamy Temple, Tiruchendur – 628 215. Phone Numbers : 04639-242221, 04639-242270, 04639-242271

Diety

Lord Subramaniya swamy

Introduction

Location: Tiruchendur, Thoothukudi district, Tamil Nadu, India
Significance: Second among the six abodes of Lord Murugan (Arupadaiveedugal). Historical name: Jayanthipuram.
Certification: Fourth Hindu temple in Tamil Nadu to receive ISO certification.
Geography: Situated on the eastern edge of Tiruchendur, by the Bay of Bengal. Approximately 40 km from Thoothukudi, 60 km southeast of Tirunelveli, and 75 km northeast of Kanniyakumari.

Puranic Significance:

Surapadma’s Rule: Surapadma, an asura, captured all three worlds and oppressed the Devas. Lord Shiva created Lord Murugan from six sparks to defeat him.
Battle and Victory: Murugan defeated Surapadma in a fierce battle. Surapadma transformed into a mango tree, which Murugan split into pieces that turned into a peacock and a cock. Murugan adopted the peacock as his vahana (vehicle) and the cock as his banner symbol.
Temple Construction: After the victory, Murugan desired to worship Lord Shiva. Mayan, the divine architect, constructed the temple at Tiruchendur, where Murugan is depicted in a posture of worship. The temple was named for its sacred and beautiful location.
Alternate Names: The town has been known by several names, including Tiruchendil, Jayanthipuram, Thiruchilavay, and Srisandhinagaram. Murugan was honored as Jayanthinathar (victorious leader).

Special Features:

Temple Dimensions: Measures 91 m (299 ft) north to south and 65 m (213 ft) east to west, featuring a nine-tier gopuram (tower gate) 157 feet (47 meters) high.
Sanctum Sanctorum: Located in a cave, the main deity, Murugan, is depicted as a saintly child in a granite carving.
Sacred Well: Naazhi Kinaru, a sacred well with freshwater spring, is located 100 m (330 ft) south of the temple. Devotees bathe in this well after bathing in the ocean as part of ritual cleansing.
Historical Incident: During the Dutch East India Company occupation (1646-1648), the local people struggled to free the temple from Dutch control. The Dutch removed the idol of Shanmukhar, a special Utsava Murthy, which led to a storm at sea, believed to be a sign of their error.

Festivals:

Utsava Murthis:
- Jayanthi Nathar: Appears almost every day.
- Shanmukhar: Comes out during the Maasi and Aavani festivals, with special abhishekam during these times.

The Arulmigu Subramaniya Swamy Temple stands as a significant religious and historical site, renowned for its divine legends, architectural grandeur, and rich cultural heritage.