Tiruttani Murugan Temple
The Tiruttani Murugan Temple, officially known as the Subramaniya Swamy Temple, is a profoundly significant Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Murugan (Subramanya). It stands majestically atop Thanigai hill in the Tiruvallur district of Tamil Nadu, India.
The Tiruttani Murugan Temple is the fifth of the six sacred abodes (Arupadaiveedu) of Lord Murugan. Perched on a hill with 365 steps (symbolizing the days of the year), it is a revered pilgrimage site for devotees seeking peace and blessings. Unlike other Murugan temples, the Soorasamharam festival (commemorating Murugan’s victory over the demon Surapadman) is not celebrated here, as this is where Lord Murugan came to subside his anger after the battle, making it an “Abode of Peace” (Shantipuri). The temple is famed for its unique iconography, where Murugan’s mount is often depicted as an elephant, a deviation from the common peacock, especially the elephant facing east. It is a place of immense spiritual power, inspiring saints and musicians throughout history.
Tiruttani Murugan Temple History
The exact origins of the Tiruttani Murugan Temple are deeply rooted in antiquity and not precisely documented, as is common with many ancient Indian temples. However, its existence can be traced back for centuries:
- Ancient Mentions: The temple is mentioned in the Sangam period work “Tirumurugatruppadai” composed by the poet Nakkeerar. This indicates its presence and significance even in ancient times (likely from the 9th century CE or earlier).
- Patronage: Throughout history, the temple has received patronage from various powerful dynasties and local chieftains. Notably, the Pallava kings are believed to have built the temple in the 9th or 10th century CE, with later renovations and expansions carried out by the Cholas and Vijayanagara rulers. This suggests a continuous tradition of worship and development over many centuries.
- Architectural Style: The temple showcases impressive Dravidian architecture, characterized by its towering gopurams (gateway towers), intricately carved pillars, and multiple prakarams (circumambulatory paths).
Mythological History
The Tiruttani Murugan Temple is rich with captivating legends and mythological tales that contribute to its sanctity and unique characteristics:
- Abode of Peace after Battle: The most prominent legend states that after Lord Murugan victoriously defeated the formidable demon Surapadman at Tiruchendur, he came to Tiruttani hill to calm his fierce anger and regain peace. This is why the intense Soorasamharam festival, celebrated with fervor in other Murugan temples, is not performed here. Tiruttani is thus known as “Shantipuri” (Abode of Peace).
- Indra’s Gift and the Elephant: According to popular mythology, Indra, the king of the Devas, offered his daughter Devasena in marriage to Lord Murugan. As part of her dowry, Indra presented his divine elephant, Airavata. However, upon Airavata’s departure, Indra found his wealth and prosperity diminishing. Lord Murugan, recognizing this, offered to return the elephant. Bound by divine protocol and pride, Indra refused to take back a gift he had given. Instead, he requested that the elephant images in the temple always face his direction (east), and thus, the elephants in this temple are depicted facing east.
- Medicinal Sandal Paste: Another legend linked to Indra’s dowry is the presentation of a sacred sandal stone. It is believed that sandal paste made on this stone, when applied to Lord Murugan’s idol, acquires powerful medicinal properties and is consumed by devotees for healing.
- Imparting Knowledge: Lord Murugan is said to have imparted the knowledge of the Tamil language to the revered sage Agastya at this very shrine, earning him titles like Veeramurti (valiant), Jnanamurti (wise), and Acharyamurti (teacher).
- Blessings for Deities and Sages:
- Lord Rama: After his victory over Ravana in Lanka, Lord Rama is believed to have worshipped Lord Murugan here to attain peace of mind and soul.
- Lord Vishnu: When his powerful chakra (discus) and shanku (conch) were forcibly seized by Tarakasura (Surapadman’s brother), Lord Vishnu prayed to Murugan at Tiruttani and recovered his divine weapons.
- Vasuki: The snake king Vasuki, who suffered severe bodily wounds during the Samudra Manthana (the churning of the Milky Ocean) when used as a rope, found healing by worshipping at Thanikai hill.
- Lord Brahma: After being imprisoned by Lord Murugan for his inability to explain the essence of the “Om” mantra, Lord Brahma propitiated Murugan here and regained his creative powers.
- Valli’s Wedding: While Murugan has two consorts, Devasena (celestial) and Valli (from the earthly world), the temple is strongly associated with the marriage of Lord Murugan and Valli. The legend describes how Murugan, in various disguises (including an old man and with the help of Ganesha as a wild elephant), eventually won Valli’s hand in marriage after testing her devotion.
- Inspiration for Musicians: The renowned Carnatic composer Muthuswami Dikshitar, one of the “Trinity of Carnatic Music,” is said to have received divine inspiration at Tiruttani. Lord Murugan, disguised as an old man, met him on the temple steps and gave him prasadam (blessed food), which led Dikshitar to compose his first kriti (“Sri Nathadhi Guruguho Jayathi Jayathi”) on Lord Murugan.
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.
- Valli Wedding Hall 1 Day Rent ​​Rs. 15,000/-
- Thanikesan Wedding Hall 1 Day Rent ​​Rs. 18,000/-
- 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
- Hill Temple,
- Nagavedu Chathram tonsuring shed, near Thanigai Illam,
- Eswaran Temple tonsuring shed, near Saravana Poigai,
- 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:
- Bus Rs. 100/-,
- For four-wheelers Rs. 50/-,
- For three-wheelers Rs. 30/-,
- 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)
Tiruttani Murugan Temple Poojai
| Pooja Name | Pooja Timings |
| Viswaroopa Pooja (A Special Arathi is shown to Palliyarai swamy and then Thiruvamuthootal is given to swamy and then Moolavar Dheeparathanai will be done. (Pooja timings are subject to change during festival)) | 05:45 AM to 06:00 AM IST |
| Kalasandhi pooja (Rituals like holy bathing, decoration tiruvamuthootal are performed for the idols during poojas. Then devotees will have dharshan. (Pooja timings are subject to change during festival)) | 08:00 AM to 09:00 AM IST |
| Uchikkala Pooja (Rituals like holy bathing, decoration tiruvamuthootal are performed for the idols during poojas. Then devotees will have dharshan. (Pooja timings are subject to change during festival)) | 12:00 PM to 01:00 PM IST |
| Sayaraksha Pooja (Evening) (Rituals like holy bathing, decoration tiruvamuthootal are performed for the idols during poojas. Then devotees will have dharshan. (Pooja timings are subject to change during festival)) | 05:00 PM to 06:00 PM IST |
| Ardhajama Pooja (Tiruvamudhootal and Deeparathanai will be done for the Moolavar. (Pooja timings are subject to change during festival)) | 06:00 PM to 06:15 PM IST |
| Palliyarai Pooja (After Arthajama Pooja, devotees are allowed for Moolavar darshan. Then the Palliyara Urchavar is put into palanquin service, the swing service and pooja rituals are performed. (Pooja timings are subject to change during festival)) | 08:45 PM to 09:00 PM IST |
Tiruttani Murugan Temple Archanai & Other Fees
| Fees Description | Fees |
| Silver Peacock Vaganam and other Vagana Urchavam | 8000.00 |
| Gold Kavasam | 1000.00 |
| Sahasranama Archanai | 750.00 |
| Sandal Kappu | 10000.00 |
| Thirukkalayana Urchavam | 4000.00 |
| Gold Chariot | 3500.00 |
| Panchamirtha abishegam | 2000.00 |
| Silver Kavasam Sathupadi | 1000.00 |
| Kedaya Urchavam | 1500.00 |
Tiruttani Murugan Temple 2025 Festivals
| Festival | Date (2025) | Time (IST) (Approx.) |
Significance & Notes
|
| English New Year | January 1, Wednesday | All Day |
While not a traditional Hindu festival, it’s widely observed, and devotees often begin the year with temple visits.
|
| Skanda Sashti | January 5, Sunday | Begins Jan 4, 10 PM; Ends Jan 5, 08:15 PM |
Monthly observance of Skanda Sashti, dedicated to Lord Murugan. Devotees often observe fasts.
|
| Masik Karthigai | January 9, Thursday | (Daytime) |
Monthly observance of Karthigai star, auspicious for Lord Murugan.
|
| Vaikuntha Ekadashi | January 10, Friday | (Daytime) |
Though primarily for Lord Vishnu, it’s a significant Ekadashi, and devotees may visit temples.
|
| Arudra Darshan | January 13, Monday | (Morning) |
Significant for Lord Shiva as Nataraja, but also observed in other temples.
|
| Bhogi Pandigai | January 13, Monday | (Morning) |
Part of the Pongal celebrations, traditionally for discarding old items.
|
| Pongal | January 14, Tuesday | All Day |
Major harvest festival in Tamil Nadu. While not directly a Murugan festival, it’s a significant time for temple visits.
|
| Mattu Pongal | January 15, Wednesday | (Daytime) |
Part of Pongal, dedicated to cattle.
|
| Thai Amavasai (New Moon) | January 29, Wednesday | (Evening) |
New Moon day, often observed with prayers for ancestors.
|
| Skanda Sashti | February 3, Monday | Begins Feb 3, 06:52 AM; Ends Feb 4, 04:37 AM |
Monthly observance.
|
| Ratha Sapthami | February 4, Tuesday | (Daytime) |
Dedicated to Surya (Sun God).
|
| Masik Karthigai | February 6, Thursday | (Daytime) |
Monthly observance.
|
| Thai Poosam | February 11, Tuesday | All Day |
Highly significant festival celebrating Murugan receiving the Vel from Parvati. Devotees perform Kavadi and other penance.
|
| Brahmotsavam (Start) | (Mid-February, e.g., February 14) | (Temple specific) |
Major annual multi-day festival (usually 10 days) at the temple, featuring processions and special rituals. Exact dates vary slightly but often begin around mid-February.
|
| Shivaratri | February 26, Wednesday | (Night) |
Maha Shivaratri will be observed on March 8th, but this is a monthly Shivaratri.
|
| Skanda Sashti | March 4, Tuesday | Begins Mar 4, 03:16 PM; Ends Mar 5, 12:51 PM |
Monthly observance.
|
| Masik Karthigai | March 5, Wednesday | (Daytime) |
Monthly observance.
|
| Maha Shivaratri | March 8, Saturday | All Night |
Dedicated to Lord Shiva; devotees observe fasts and vigils.
|
| Masi Magam | March 12, Wednesday | (Daytime) |
Auspicious day for taking holy dips in water bodies.
|
| Karadaiyan Nombu | March 14, Friday | (Daytime) |
Observed by married women for the longevity of their husbands.
|
| Ugadi (Telugu New Year) | March 30, Sunday | (Daytime) |
Telugu New Year, observed by Telugu-speaking devotees.
|
| Skanda Sashti | April 3, Thursday | Begins Apr 2, 11:49 PM; Ends Apr 3, 09:41 PM |
Monthly observance.
|
| Rama Navami | April 6, Sunday | (Daytime) |
Celebrates the birth of Lord Rama.
|
| Masik Karthigai | April 29, Tuesday | (Daytime) |
Monthly observance.
|
| Panguni Uthiram | April 11, Friday | All Day |
Celebrates the divine marriages of Murugan, Shiva, and other deities. Very auspicious for marital harmony.
|
| Tamil New Year (Puthandu) | April 14, Monday | All Day |
The beginning of the Tamil calendar year. Special prayers and festivities.
|
| Akshaya Thiruthiyai | April 30, Wednesday | (Daytime) |
Auspicious day for new beginnings and investments.
|
| Skanda Sashti | May 2, Friday | Begins May 2, 09:14 AM; Ends May 3, 07:51 AM |
Monthly observance.
|
| Masik Karthigai | May 26, Monday | (Daytime) |
Monthly observance.
|
| Chitra Pournami | May 12, Monday | (Evening) |
Full moon day in Chithirai month, significant for Chitra Gupta and divine blessings.
|
| Skanda Sashti | June 1, Sunday | Begins May 31, 08:15 PM; Ends Jun 1, 07:59 PM |
Monthly observance.
|
| Vaikasi Visakam | June 9, Monday | All Day |
Celebrates the birth anniversary of Lord Murugan. Special pujas and processions are common.
|
| Masik Karthigai | June 22, Sunday | (Daytime) |
Monthly observance.
|
| Skanda Sashti | June 30, Monday | Begins Jun 30, 09:23 AM; Ends Jul 1, 10:20 AM |
Monthly observance.
|
| Aadi Krittikai | July 20, Sunday | All Day |
A major three-day festival in the Tamil month of Aadi, dedicated to Murugan. Thousands of devotees throng the temple, performing rituals and carrying Kavadis.
|
| Aadi Amavasai (New Moon) | July 24, Thursday | (Evening) |
New Moon day in Aadi month, auspicious for ancestor prayers and performing Aadi Perukku rituals.
|
| Skanda Sashti | July 30, Wednesday | Begins Jul 30, 12:46 AM; Ends Jul 31, 02:41 AM |
Monthly observance.
|
| Masik Karthigai | July 20, Sunday | (Daytime) |
Monthly observance. (Coincides with Aadi Krittikai)
|
| Aadi Perukku | August 2, Saturday | (Daytime) |
Festival of thanksgiving to water bodies, often observed in Tamil Nadu.
|
| Varalakshmi Vratam | August 8, Friday | (Daytime) |
Observed by married women for wealth and prosperity.
|
| Raksha Bandhan / Avani Avittam | August 9, Saturday | (Daytime) |
Raksha Bandhan is a northern Indian festival, while Avani Avittam is significant for Brahmins in South India.
|
| Skanda Sashti | August 28, Thursday | Begins Aug 28, 05:56 PM; Ends Aug 29, 08:21 PM |
Monthly observance.
|
| Vinayagar Chathurthi | August 27, Wednesday | (Daytime) |
Celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha; highly celebrated across Tamil Nadu.
|
| Masik Karthigai | August 16, Saturday | (Daytime) |
Monthly observance.
|
| Onam | September 5, Friday | (Daytime) |
Major festival in Kerala, but observed by Malayalees in Tamil Nadu.
|
| Mahalaya Amavasai | September 21, Sunday | (Daytime) |
New Moon day marking the end of Pitru Paksha (period for ancestor veneration).
|
| Navaratri (Start) | September 22, Monday | (Evening) |
Nine-day festival dedicated to Goddess Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati. While primarily for the Goddess, it’s a significant festive period.
|
| Skanda Sashti | September 27, Saturday | Begins Sep 27, 12:03 PM; Ends Sep 28, 02:27 PM |
Monthly observance.
|
| Ayutha Poojai | October 1, Wednesday | (Daytime) |
Celebrated on the 9th day of Navaratri, for worshipping tools and equipment.
|
| Saraswati Poojai | October 1, Wednesday | (Daytime) |
Dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, often celebrated on the 9th day of Navaratri.
|
| Vijaya Dashami | October 2, Thursday | (Daytime) |
The 10th and final day of Navaratri, celebrating victory of good over evil.
|
| Masik Karthigai | October 10, Friday | (Daytime) |
Monthly observance.
|
| Deepavali | October 20, Monday | (Evening) |
Festival of lights, celebrated widely.
|
| Skanda Sashti / Soora Samharam | October 27, Monday | Begins Oct 27, 06:04 AM; Ends Oct 28, 07:59 AM |
The most important Skanda Sashti of the year. While the Soora Samharam battle is not enacted at Tiruttani, the period is observed with great devotion, culminating in the significant victory day. The following day (Oct 28) will be Tiru Kalyanam (divine wedding).
|
| Subrahmanya Sashti | November 26, Wednesday | Begins Nov 25, 10:56 PM; Ends Nov 27, 12:01 AM |
Also a significant Sashti for Lord Murugan, following the main Skanda Sashti.
|
| Masik Karthigai | November 6, Thursday | (Daytime) |
Monthly observance.
|
| Karthigai Deepam | December 4, Thursday | (Evening) |
A major festival of lights, especially significant in Murugan temples. Lamps are lit everywhere, and a large lamp is lit on the hill.
|
| Hanumath Jayanthi | December 19, Friday | (Daytime) |
Celebrates the birth of Lord Hanuman.
|
| Skanda Sashti | December 25, Thursday | Begins Dec 25, 01:42 PM; Ends Dec 26, 01:43 PM |
Monthly observance.
|
| Masik Karthigai | December 31, Wednesday | (Daytime) |
Monthly observance. (Coincides with New Year’s Eve)
|
| New Year Step Festival | December 31, Wednesday | (Evening onwards) |
Thousands of devotees ascend the 365 steps of the hill temple, lighting camphor and singing devotional songs, ushering in the New Year.
|
| Vaikuntha Ekadashi | December 31, Wednesday | (Daytime) |
Another significant Ekadashi for Lord Vishnu.
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