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

Arulmigu Subramaniya Swamy Temple, Tiruchendur is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Murugan. It is second among six abodes of lord Murugan (Arupadaiveedugal) situated in Tamil Nadu, India. The puranic name or historical name for this temple is Jayanthipuram. This temple is the fourth Hindu temple in Tamil Nadu to get ISO certificationIt is located in the eastern end of the town Tiruchendur in the district of Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, India. It is 40 km from Thoothukudi, 60 km south-east of Tirunelveli and 75 km north-east of Kanniyakumari. The temple complex is on the shores of Bay of Bengal.

Puranic Significance

An asura by name Surapadma was ruling Veera Mahendrapuri, an island fortress. He performed many austerities invoking Lord Shiva and the Lord granted him many boons. Later, the asura became arrogant and captured all the three worlds—the heaven, earth and the hell. He made the Devas, the heavenly immortals to do menial task. The Devas were unable to bear his torture and complained to Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva opened his third eye to create a son to kill Surapadma. Six sparks of fire emanated from the third eye. These divine sparks were received by River Ganges through Agni, the God of Fire and passed on to the Himalayan lake, Saravana Poigai. Here they were transformed into six babies. Saravanapoigai .Here they were transformed into six babies. These babies were suckled by the six Kirithika nymphs. Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi Devi came to Saravana Poigai, and when Goddess Uma fondly clasped the babies they joined together to become Lord Arumuga with six faces and twelve arms. When child Arumuga grew up to become a young boy, Lord Shiva asked him to destroy Surapadma and free the Devas from their cruel bondage. Lord Muruga reached Tiruchendur with his huge army and camped. He sent his lieutenant, Veerabahu to the asuras as an emissary and asked Surapadma to release the Devas. Since Surapadma turned down the request, a war ensued. An intense battle was fought for a few days. During the first five days of the war, the brothers of Surapadma and all other asuras perished. On the sixth day, in the battle between Lord Muruga and Surapadma, the lance of Lord Muruga pierced the body of Surapadma, who got himself transformed into a frightful mango tree, and broke it into two. The broken pieces instantly transformed themselves into a mighty peacock and a cock. Lord Muruga took the peacock as his vahana or vehicle and the cock on his banner. This event is popularly known as Surasamharam, or the destruction of Surapadman. After Surasamharam, Lord Muruga desired to worship his father, Lord Shiva. Hence Mayan, the divine architect constructed this shrine at Tiruchendur. Even now Lord Subramaniyan is seen in the posture of worshiping Lord Shiva in the sanctum sanctorum. Tiruchendur means sacred and beautiful town in Tamil. The temple is dedicated to Murugan, the warrior deity and second son of Shiva. When Murugan came here for the conquest along with his army, he found it to be very small and ordered the celestial architect Viswakarma to expand it. The town came to be know with several names like Tiruchendil, Jayanthipuram, Thiruchilavay and Srisandhinagaram. It is believed to be the place where Muruga conquered the demon Surapadma. After which he was named as Jayanthinathar (meaning nathan – leader, jayanthi – victory, the victorious leader).It is believed that the demigods of Muruga wanted to worship him in a place where there was a mountainous tract, sea and river and hence Tiruchendur was chosen.There are 2 Utsava Murthis :- Jayanthi Nathar(He comes out almost everyday). Shanmukhar Comes out only during Maasi and Aavani Festival. Abhishekham for this lord happens only during this time

Special Features

The temple, which is built near the seashore, measures 91 m (299 ft) north to south, 65 m (213 ft) east to west, and has a nine-tier gopuram, or tower gate, that is 157 feet (47 meter) high.[4] The principal entrance faces south, and opens into the first of two prakarams, the first of which is lined with rows of Yalis. The inner sanctum of the temple is in a cave and the main deity, or moolavar, is Murugan as a saintly child, portrayed in a granite carving. Naazhi Kinaru, a sacred well fed by a freshwater spring, is located 100 m (330 ft) south of the temple. Devotees undergo a ritual cleansing by bathing in water from the well after bathing in the ocean. The Murugan temple at Tiruchendur was occupied by the Dutch East India company from 1646 to 1648, during the course of their war with the Portuguese. The local people tried to free their temple, with no success. The Dutch finally vacated the temple on orders from the Naik ruler. However, while leaving, they removed the idol of the 2 utsava murthis(This idol comes out only during Maasi and Aavani tirunal) made of an alloy named Shanmukhar , and took it with them. During their way in sea, they encountered a strong storm and realised their mistake of stealing the idol.

Festivals

Vaikasi Visagam, Avani Festival, Skanda Sasti Festival and Masi Festival

Century/Period/Age

2000-3000 years old

Managed By

HRCE

Nearest Bus Station

Tiruchendur

Nearest Railway Station

Tiruchendur

Nearest Airport

Thoothukudi

lightuptemple