Murugan Temple Thirupparamkunram Tamil Nadu

Also known as Thirupparamkunram Murugan temple, this spiritual site is a gem for the city of Madurai as its one of the six revered temples of Murugan in Tamil Nadu. Loved by the worshippers as the God of War and Victory, Muruga is the son of Shiva and Parvati and has been mentioned in several medieval and ancient texts that belong to the Indian culture. This famous temple of Tamil Nadu is situated at a short distance from the main city of Madurai and is visited all around the year by pilgrims. It is counted among the finest examples of Dravidian style of architecture and was built during the 6th century by the Pandyas. The place where this rock cut architecture temple is set up, according to legends is the same place where Murugan killed Surapadman, the demon and tied the knot with Deivayanai. From the time it was built till now, the saints follow the Shaivite tradition of worship and laud the prime deity Murugan with its six daily rituals and its 3 annual festivals. The Kanda Sashti festival in the Tamil month of Aippasi is celebrated with great joy in the city for the destruction of evil by Murugan, the God of War and Victory.

Stories Associated with the Temple

The legend that is related to this popular temple of Madurai revolves around the battle of Lord Muruga and demon king, Surapadman who in the end became the vahana(vehicle) of Lord Muruga. It is said that the demon king performed penance of Lord Shiva and hence the Lord blessed him with boons. Thereafter, Surapadman took over the 1008 worlds and tied the knot with Padumakomalai who gave birth to a number of sons. With his power corrupting his mind, he started bothering the Devas, imprisoned Lord Indra and also wished to have his wife Indrani. And this is where Muruga came in the picture on Lord Indra’s request.It is when the demon king refused to listen to the messenger sent by the Lord, Muruga himself went in for the fight and not only he killed all the sons of Surapadman except Iraniyan but was on the verge of killing Surapadman too who asked the Lord to spare him. To which the Lord agreed and asked Surapadman to be his vahana(vehicle) i.e., a peacock forever. By this act of Lord Muruga, Indra got really impressed and offered the hand of his daughter Deivayanai to Lord Muruga and Thiruparankundram is the place where they got married.

Architecture

The speciality of this 6th century-built temple in the city of Madurai is basically its rock cut architecture and life-sized structures that pull in travellers especially photographers to Tamil Nadu. Another tourist attraction of this temple is the cells that are the abode of Durga, Vinayakar, Shiva, Vishnu and Subramanya which are specially sculpted on the parankundram rock. Apart from this, one thing that you can't miss out on your pilgrimage tour to Murugan temple is that Vishnu and Shiva face each other, which is one of the rarest things that are found in Hindu temples in India. Besides, there is a tank just outside the temple that has fishes in it which are fed by the devotees who come for a sightseeing tour.

Opening/Closing/Arti time

5:00 A.M to 1:00 P.M; 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Location/Address

Thiruparankundram, Tamil Nadu 625005

Best Time to Visit

To relish a peaceful vacation in Tamilnadu, the months of March and April are considered one of the best times to visit Murugan Temple as during that time a 14-day festival takes place.

How to Reach?

The best way to reach Madurai Murugan temple is via bus as Thiruparankundram falls on the route connecting Madurai Periyar bus stand to Thirumangalam via regular service.

Nearby Tourist Attractions

• Arulmigu Meenakshi - Sundareswarar Temple
• Gandhi Museum
• Koodal Azhagar Temple
• Thirumalai Nayak Palace
• Alagar Koil
• Mariamman Teppakulam