Kundrathur Murugan Temple

The Kundrathur Murugan Temple, located in Kundrathur, a southwestern suburb of Chennai in Tamil Nadu’s Kancheepuram District, is a notable religious and historical landmark. This hill temple, built by Kulothunga Chola II with guidance from the saint-poet Sekkizhar, is dedicated to Lord Murugan, the warrior god and son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The name “Kundrathur” is derived from the Tamil word “Kundru,” meaning “hill,” in reference to the temple’s location atop a small hillock.The Kundrathur Murugan Temple in Tamil Nadu is steeped in legend and vibrant traditions, attracting devotees seeking blessings for various life challenges.

Situated on a hillock, this temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan, who is seen here with his consorts Valli and Deivanai in a unique way—each is visible only from a specific side of the temple. This reflects the legend that Murugan stayed on this hill during his journey from Tiruporur to Tiruttani and worshipped a Shiva linga he created here before continuing his journey. This Shiva linga is now known as Kandhazheswarar, named after Murugan (also known as Kandan), and it is enshrined at the temple’s foothills.

Kundrathur Murugan Temple History

According to Hindu mythology, Lord Murugan stayed on the hill during his travels from Tiruporur to Tiruttanigai. This place is also known as South Thanigai since Lord Subramaniar is standing facing the direction of north, facing Thanigai.

The temple is closely tied to the life of Sekkizhar, a revered Tamil poet-saint and chief minister under Kulothunga Chola II. Sekkizhar is renowned for authoring the Periyapuranam, the last of the 12 books in the Shaiva canon, which chronicles the lives of the 63 Nayanmars (Shaiva saints). Sekkizhar reportedly resigned from his ministerial duties to dedicate himself to writing this monumental work. His younger brother, Palaravayar, dug a water tank near their house, now known as Palaravayar Kulam, highlighting the family’s contributions to the community. Sekkizhar’s birthplace and his association with this temple add to its cultural and spiritual value, making it a pilgrimage site for Shaivites and devotees of Murugan alike.

This is the sole Murugan temple in Tamil Nadu, where the Lord can be seen standing in a north-facing direction. The temple was constructed by the Chola king, Kulothunga Chola II. The unique feature of this temple is that the Lord can be seen only with one Goddess at a time, despite the fact that both Goddesses are present with him. When viewed from one side, we can see Muruga with Goddess Valli, and when viewed from the other side, we can see him with Goddess Deivanai. To reach this hill temple, one has to climb 84 steps.

As per mythology, Lord Murugan worshipped a Shiva linga at this place before reaching Tiruttani. An asura called Tharagasuran was harassing the Devas. Murugan marshalled his army and waged a fierce battle with him at Thiruporur, and defeated him. After the war, the Lord desired to go to Tiruttani to become calm again. En route to Tiruttani, he glimpsed a small hillock and decided to rest there for a few days. While staying at the hillock, he made a Shiva linga and worshipped it every day. This Shiva is known as Kandhazheswarar, and the linga can be found at the foothills of Kundrathur. He is called so because Kandan (Murugan) worshipped him. Later, the great Chola king, Kulothunga II, built the temple at this place. There is a separate shrine for Lord Shiva, worshipped by Lord Muruga. A Tamil saying goes that wherever there is a mountain hillock or mountain, Lord Murugan could be found there. After some days, Murugan left this place and went to Tiruttani, where he took up residence.

The renowned poet, Sekkizhar, who was also the chief minister of Kulothunga Chola II, was born in this place, where the temple came up. After resigning from the ministry, he penned the work, Periyapuranam. He had a younger brother, Palaravayar, who dug a water tank near his house. This tank is now known as Palaravayar Kulam.

Unique Aspects of the Temple

The Kundrathur Murugan Temple, also known as “South Thanigai,” is unusual in that Lord Murugan, the presiding deity, faces north—a rare orientation among Murugan temples. Standing on a hillock, the temple requires devotees to climb 84 steps to reach the sanctum. Many Murugan temples in Tamil Nadu are located on hilltops, in line with the Tamil saying that Murugan resides wherever there is a hill or mountain.

The temple also houses shrines for other deities, including Ganesha, Shiva, Bhairava, Dakshinamurthy, Durga, and the Navagrahas. The sacred tree here, known as the Sthala Vriksham, is the Vilva tree, while the temple’s holy water source, or Tirtham, is called Saravana Poigai.