Thiruttani Murugan Temple

The genesis of this sacred edifice lies veiled in the mists of antiquity. References to this venerable temple grace the pages of the Sangam era’s Tirumurugatruppadai, a composition attributed to Nakkeerar. Over the epochs, it has enjoyed the patronage of both the Vijayanagara sovereigns and local dignitaries, including chieftains and zamindars.

The original steed of Murugan, it is posited, was an elephant, a departure from the commonplace peacock, which typically assumes the role of his mount. The white pachyderm, revered for its formidable and awe-inspiring presence, finds its place in iconography exclusively within the precincts of two sanctums: this temple and the Tiruttani Murugan Temple.

Per the local lore enshrined within the temple’s narrative, the sovereign of the devas, Indra, bestowed his daughter Devasena in matrimony upon Murugan. As a gesture of munificence, Indra presented his esteemed elephant, Airavata, as part of this ceremonial offering. Curiously, upon Airavata’s departure, Indra found his opulence dwindling. Murugan, in a gesture of benevolence, offered to return the alabaster pachyderm. However, adhering to rigid protocol, Indra declined the gift he had initially proffered, insisting that the elephant perpetually face eastward. This edict remains etched in the imagery of the temple, where the visage of the elephant gazes steadfastly in an easterly direction.

Another captivating legend contends that Indra included a sandalwood stone in the matrimonial gift bestowed upon his daughter. The sandal paste crafted upon this stone is ritually applied to Murugan’s likeness, purportedly imbuing the substance with medicinal properties. Further tales attribute to Murugan the bestowal of Tamil language proficiency upon the sage Agastya, endowing him with epithets like Veeramurti, Jnanamurti, and Acharyamurti within these hallowed precincts.

In a transcendent act of devotion at Thanikai, Vasuki, the serpentine sovereign, found solace as his corporeal wounds, sustained during the Samudra Manthana – the cosmic churning to secure the amrita or nectar of immortality – were healed. This monumental event unfolded amidst the Mandara mountain serving as the churning base and Vasuki as the cosmic serpent rope. Noteworthy is Sage Agastya’s homage to Murugan at Tanikai, wherein the divine bestowal of the Tamil language graced the venerable sage.

Temple Amenities

Marriage Hall

There are 3 marriage halls near Thanigai Illam cottages, Sannathi Street. You can approach the in-charges of the following marriage halls belonging to this temple and make reservations.

1. Valli Wedding Hall 1 Day Rent ​​Rs. 15,000/-
2. Thanikesan Wedding Hall 1 Day Rent ​​Rs. 18,000/-
3. Shanmugar Wedding Hall 1 Day Rent ​​Rs. 9,000/-

Tonsure Facility

To facilitate the devotees visiting the Hill temple to pay their Hair Tonsure prayers, hair tonsuring sheds have been set up in the temple and its related areas and free hair tonsuring has been implemented from 05.09.2021. There are 4 facilities

1. Hill Temple,
2. Nagavedu Chathram tonsuring shed, near Thanigai Illam,
3. Eswaran Temple tonsuring shed, near Saravana Poigai,
4. Tonsuring shed in Stepway near Saravana Poigai.

Vehicle Parking

There are parking facilities for about 400 vehicles near the hill temple Padachetty Kulam and about 100 vehicles near the hill temple bus stop. The following Fee is collected at Ghat Road entrance:

1. Bus Rs. 100/-,
2. For four-wheelers Rs. 50/-,
3. For three-wheelers Rs. 30/-,
4. For two-wheelers Rs. 10/-
   

Information Center:

All the details of the temple can be received by the devotees. Contact No: 81221 89612 (As per TNHRCE)