Vallakottai Murugan Temple
Arulmigu Subramaniyaswamy Temple, situated close to Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu, is among the most prominent shrines dedicated to Lord Murugan in South India. The temple is especially noted for housing the tallest image of Murugan in the country—a 7-foot idol in the sanctum and a towering 44-foot statue outside.
According to local tradition, this sacred spot is linked to the tale of the demon Vallan, who caused great distress to sages and devotees. Lord Murugan is believed to have appeared here, vanquished Vallan, and restored peace. In memory of this victory, the site came to be called Vallakottai, meaning “the fortress of Vallan.”
Vallakottai Murugan Temple History
According to a local legend, Lord Murugan came to Vallakottai to defeat a demon named Vallan, who was troubling the sages and people. After Murugan killed the demon, the place was named Vallakottai, meaning “the fort of Vallan.”
The temple was first built during the Pallava period (7th–9th century CE) and was later improved by the Chola and Vijayanagara kings.
This temple is also mentioned in the famous Thiruppugazh songs written by Saint Arunagirinathar, which makes it an important place of worship for Murugan devotees.
Mythological History
About 1,200 years ago, King Bhagirathan ruled in a city called Salangondapuram in the land of Ilanchi. He was a very proud king. Once, the sage Narada Maharishi visited him, but the king insulted the sage out of arrogance. Angry, Narada left and went into the forest.
In the forest, Narada met a demon named Vallan, who was on a mission to conquer kingdoms. Narada told the demon, “If you defeat the proud King Bhagirathan, your victory will be complete.” Vallan then went to war with Bhagirathan and defeated him. The defeated king went to the forest, where he again met Narada. Realizing his mistake, the king fell at the sage’s feet and begged for forgiveness. Narada forgave him and asked Durvasa Maharishi to guide the king. Following this, King Bhagirathan built a temple at Vallakottai.
Vallakottai gets its name from the demon Vallan, who once ruled the place and troubled the Devas until Lord Murugan defeated him; before dying, Vallan requested the place be named after him, and Murugan agreed, so it became known as Vallakottai (“Vallan’s Fort”). The saint Arunagirinathar, while traveling to Tiruttani, was divinely guided by Murugan in a dream not to forget Vallakottai; he then visited the temple and composed eight Thiruppugazh hymns in praise of the Lord. The temple’s sacred tank, Vajra Theertham, has its glory from the time when Indra, following the advice of his guru Brihaspati, came to Vallakottai, struck the ground with his weapon Vajrayudha to create the tank, bathed Murugan, and worshipped him. It is believed that devotees who bathe in this holy water, chant “Om Saravanabhava,” and participate in the temple festivals will be freed from sins and blessed with peace and happiness.
Temple Amenities
Acess to Temple
The Vallakottai Murugan Temple is easily accessible by road, as it lies on the Chennai–Sriperumbudur route. It is about 50 km from Chennai and just 5 km from Sriperumbudur.
Marriage Hall
-
The temple has a marriage hall (Kalyana Mandapam) for conducting weddings.
-
It is inside the temple premises and maintained by the temple management.
-
Couples consider it auspicious to get married in Lord Murugan’s presence.
-
The hall can be used for marriages and other spiritual or family functions.
-
Basic amenities like seating, stage, and space for rituals are provided.
-
Devotees must book in advance through the temple office.
-
The office will guide on fees, availability, and procedures.
Tonsure Facility
Vallakottai Murugan Temple has a tonsure (head-shaving) facility for devotees who wish to offer their hair as a mark of surrender and devotion to Lord Murugan. A designated area near the temple is set up for this ritual, where barbers perform the tonsuring in a hygienic manner. Devotees usually take a bath in the holy Vajra Theertham after tonsuring and then proceed for darshan.
Vechile Facility
Vallakottai Murugan Temple offers a paid vehicle parking facility for devotees. Cars, two-wheelers, and buses can be parked in the designated area by paying a nominal fee, ensuring convenience and proper management of the parking space.
Information Center
Vallakottai Murugan Temple has an information center to assist devotees and visitors. The center provides details about temple history, festivals, rituals, timings, and other facilities. Devotees can also get guidance on pooja bookings, donations, and pilgrimage-related queries.
Vallakottai Murugan Temple Poojai
| Pooja Name | Pooja Timings |
|---|---|
| Ko Pooja | 06:00 AM to 06:15 AM IST |
| Ushakala Pooja | 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM IST |
| Sayaraksha Pooja | 05:30 PM to 06:00 PM IST |
| Ardhajama Pooja | 08:00 PM to 08:30 PM IST |
Vallakottai Murugan Temple Archanai & Other Fees
| Fees Description | Fees |
|---|---|
| Milk Abhishegam | 1500.00 |
| Santhana Kappu Alangaram | 6000.00 |
| Maha Abhishegam | 1250.00 |
Vallakottai Murugan Temple 2025 Festivals
| Festival | Month/Approximate Date | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Thai Poosam | January/February | Devotees carry Kavadi and offer prayers to Lord Murugan. |
| Panguni Uthiram | March/April | Celebrates the celestial marriage of Murugan with Deivanai and Valli. |
| Aadi Pooram | July/August | Devotion to Goddess Andal and special poojas to Murugan. |
| Skanda Shasti | October/November | Six-day festival commemorating Lord Murugan’s victory over the demon Surapadman. |
| Karthigai Deepam | November/December | Festival of lights, special abhishekam and lighting of lamps in the temple. |
| Vaikasi Visakam | May/June | Celebrates the birth of Lord Murugan with processions and rituals. |
