Famous Murugan Temples in Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu is a South Indian coastal state known for its lip-smacking food, breathtaking heat, and an unbreakable sense of worship and devotion. A majority of Hindus in Tamil Nadu worship the Hindu god of war - Lord Kartikeya, also known as Murugan, Subrahmanya, and Skanda. Lord Kartikeya is the sibling of Lord Ganesha, son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. 

The Murugan Temples dedicated to Lord Kartikeya are inherently embodiments of artistic expression and excellence. The intricate architecture and masterful craftsmanship of each Murugan temple make it a sight to behold. The designs are so detailed, perfectly chiseled, and colorful adding to the charm and allure of the temple. 

Across Tamil Nadu, there are as many as 54 Murugan temples, built across several generations under the rule of various dynasties like Cholas and Pandyas. As many as six of the temples are revered and worshipped as “shrines”, and are popularly referred to as Aaru Padai Veedu. These shrines are believed to have been visited personally by Lord Murugan when he was fighting against the demon Soorapadam. 

In this blog, we will explore the top 8 Murugan temples in the State of Tamil Nadu. Let’s dive in;

1. Thirupparamkunram Murugan Temple

Thirupparamkunram Murugan Temple is a historic place of worship built in the 8th century during the reign of the Pandyan dynasty, also referred to as the Pandyas of Madurai, an ancient Tamil dynasty of South India. 

Thirupparamkunram is historically very important as it is one of the six abodes of Lord Murugan. The temple has been carved out of a mountain by cutting rocks, adding to its overall charm. It is a magnificent structure with intricate designs carved out on the rocks, a perfect example of the Dravidian style of architecture. Another unique feature of this temple is that it is the only temple in the country where idols of Lord Murugan and his consorts, Valli and Deivanai, and the divine peacock vehicle are all present in a single shrine

Thirupparamkunram Murugan Temple should be on every devotee's list of Murugan temples to visit. 

• Timings - 6:30 AM - 12 PM, and 5 PM - 8 PM
• How to get there - The nearest railway station is Madurai station (8 kilometers away). The nearest airport is the Madurai Airport located just 10 kilometres away. 

2. Palani Murugan Temple

Palani Murugan Temple also popularly known as Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple is one of the six abodes of Murugan. The temple is believed to be constructed in the 5th - 6th A.D. by Cheraman Perumal. Later it is believed to have been expanded and further constructed by Pandyas and Nayak kings. 

Palani Murugan Temple is located in the Palani mountains of Tamil Nadu. It is set atop a hill and the devotees must climb over 650 steps to reach the temple. There is a belief in the locals of the area that a darshan (sight) of Lord Murugan can absolve a devotee of all their sins. 

• Timings - The temple is open to visitors from 5 AM to 10 PM. 
• How to get there - The nearest railway station is Palani railway station and the closest airport to the temple is Coimbatore International Airport located about 100 kilometres from Palani. 

3. Pazhamudircholai Murugan Temple

Located on the outskirts of Madurai in the lush green forests of Western Ghats, Pazhamudircholai is one of the most prominent places of worship as it is one of the six abodes of Lord Murugan. Known for its natural beauty and divine atmosphere, Pazhamudircholai is also a part of the Arupadaiveedu pilgrimage. 

The colors on this temple pop commanding immediate attention from the visitors, and the architecture of Pazhamudircholai is also commendable, a perfect Dravidian style temple with precise and intricate carvings covering the entire temple. 

Pazhamudircholai should be on every devotee’s list for its divine atmosphere, colorful construction, and natural beauty surrounding the temple. 

• Timings - The temple is accessible to devotees from 5 AM to 9 PM. 
• How to get there - The closest railway station is Madurai Station located 25 kilometers away.  Madurai Airport is the closest airport to the Pazhamudircholai Murugan Temple. 

4. Swamimalai Murugan Temple

Located on the banks of River Cauvery on the outskirts of Thanjavur, Swamimalai Murugan Temple is a prominent Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Karthikeya. This temple is the fourth out of the six abodes of Lord Murugan. 

It is one of the oldest Murugan temples in Tamil Nadu, believed to have been constructed somewhere around the 2nd century BC. It is said to have been upgraded by Parantaka Chola I. Swamimalai Murugan Temple is special because it is believed to be the place where Lord Murugan taught Pranav Mantra to his father, Lord Shiva, thus earning the name Swaminatha, meaning the Teacher of Shiva. 

One must visit this temple not only for its historic and religious importance but also to appreciate the art and architecture of the Swamimalai Murugan Temple. 

• Timings - The temple is open for a visit between 5 AM to 10 PM.
• How to get there - The nearest railway station is Kumbakonam Railway Station in Thanjavur district. The nearest airport is Tiruchirapalli Airport, located 70 kilometers away. The temple has good road connectivity for buses and personal vehicles also. 

5. Thiruchendur Murugan Temple

It is one of the most prominent places of worship, located in the small coastal town of Tiruchendur in the Thoothukudi district of Tamil Nadu. Thiruchendur Murugan Temple is one of the most beautiful temples in the country and is the only temple to be located on the seashore which adds to its magnificence and charm. 

This temple is believed to be the place for Lord Murugan’s ultimate battle against the demon Surapadman, which is also considered as the purpose of Lord Murugan being born.  It is one of the few temples in India having various forms and avatars of both Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva together. 

It is a must-visit temple for its religious and historical importance but it can also be simply visited for the views and atmosphere it offers. 

• Timings - The temple is accessible between 6:30 AM to 12 PM in the first half of the day. It is then open to the public in the second half of the day between 5 PM and 8 PM. 
• How to get there - The nearest station to Thiruchendur Murugan Temple is Tiruchendur railway station. The closest airport is Tuticorin Airport located 40 kilometres away from the temple. 

6. Thiruthani Murugan Temple

It is a must-visit temple for the devotees of Lord Murugan as Thiruthani Murugan Temple is fifth out of the six abodes of Lord Murugan. Situated on the way to Tirupati, Thiruthani Murugan Temple is proudly nestled 700 meters above sea level on the hills of Thiruttani in the Tiruvallur district of Tamil Nadu. 

The devotees have to climb 365 steps to reach the temple on top. The number 365 also has a special meaning it represents the total number of days in a year. This temple is believed to be situated exactly in the same place where Lord Murugan came to rest atop the hill to calm himself down in the aftermath of the battle with the demon king Surapadman. 

Historically and religiously important, this Murugan temple holds a special place in the hearts of the Lord Murugan believers. 

• Timings - The temple is open to devotees from 6 AM to 9 PM.
• How to get there - The nearest station is Thiruthani railway station. The closest airport is Chennai International Airport. 

7. Marudamalai Murugan Temple

It is located near Coimbatore on a hilltop offering mesmerizing views of the surrounding areas. The temple’s origin goes back to the 12th century during the reign of Chola king Koon Pandiyan. 

The temple is surrounded by lush green forest on all sides. The temple complex has multiple shrines dedicated to various deities, including Lord Ganesha, Lord Shiva, and Goddess Parvati. An important belief about this temple is the presence of natural spring which is believed to have natural healing tendencies. 

• Timings - The temple is accessible from 5 AM to 9 PM
• How to get there - The closest station is Coimbatore railway station at 16 kilometers distance. Coimbatore Airport is the nearest airport to the temple. 

8. Vadapalani Murugan temple

It is located in the bustling metropolis of Chennai. Constructed in 1890, the temple boasts impressive Dravidian-style architecture, with bright attention-catching colorful gopurams (pillars) and intricate carvings. 

It is one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in the country, frequented by famous personalities. Today the temple has become a popular spot to get married, and up to 7000 weddings take place in the Vadapalai Temple. The main deity of the temple Lord Murugan has been depicted as a young and charming deity. 

Timings - This temple is open in two sessions. 5:30 AM to noon. It is then operational from 4 PM to 9 PM. 

How to get there - The nearest airport is Chennai International Airport while the closest railway station is Chennai Central.

Choose SuperbMyTrip Services

Tamil Nadu is one of the most popular states in India, which is home to various breathtaking temples. There are 54 Murugan temples in the state, and almost all of them are famous tourist destinations and provide scenic views to visitors, physically and spiritually. You can be there with your family, friends, or loved ones and have fun and a great time. So, if you are thinking of heading to Tamil Nadu and looking for affordable tour packages, then choose SuperbMyTrip for the best experience. We also provide great deals and offers on flight and hotel bookings. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. How many Murugan temples are there in Tamil Nadu?

Tamil Nadu boasts an impressive 54 temples dedicated solely to Lord Karthikeya, also popularly known as Lord Murugan. Most of the 54 temples are ancient reflecting stories from an ear bygone. 

2. Which is the most famous Murugan Temple?

The six abodes of Lord Murugan are considered to be the most famous and important of all the Murugan Temples. 

3. What are the six abodes of Lord Murugan?

The six abodes of Lord Murugan are Thiruparankundram, Tiruchendur, Palani, Swamimalai, Thiruthani, and Pazhamudircholai. Palani is considered the most powerful of them all. 

4. How can I explore Murugan temples?

People who want to check out the temples by themselves can book an affordable package from SuperbMyTrip.