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.
Century/Period/Age
2000-3000 years old
Managed By
HRCE
Nearest Bus Station
Tiruchendur
Nearest Railway Station
Tiruchendur
Nearest Airport
Thoothukudi