Kundrathur – a southwestern suburb of Chennai city, comes under Kanchipuram district limits and is famous for Lord Murugan Temple.
Kundrathur is the birthplace of Sekkizhar, a well-known Tamil poet-saint and the Author of Periyapuranam – a fifth Veda in Tamil that immediately took its place as the twelfth and the last book in the Saiva canon.
The name comes after the presence of a hill – ‘Kundru’ in Tamil language and ‘oor’ is a term given to a place, hence “Kundrathur”.
As per Hindu scripture, wherever there is a hill, isn’t it the place for Lord Murugan, lovingly called “Kumara” by the Tamil people. Accordingly, the mountain here also has a temple of Lord Muruga.
Kundrathur is one of the most famous temples of Lord Murugan, and it is the only temple where the Lord stands facing north. Hence this temple is also called ‘South Thanigai’. The temple is also called Dakshina Thanigai Temple. The temple is about 500 years old and must claim 84 steps to reach the temple on the hillock.
Name of the Moolavar – Lord of the Sanctum sanctorum: Lord Subramaniyaswami
Thala Virutcham – Temple Tree: Vilva Tree
Theertha – Temple Water: Saravana Poigai
Contents
History of Kundrathur Murugan Temple
The philosophy is that by worshipping Lord Kumara, who destroys all the evils that hide the souls of humans, namely pride, vanity, and delusion, the demonic forces can be freed from them and attain the blissful state of the next life.
As per Hindu legend, Lord Murugan fought with demons at three different places in different modes. The sea mode fight at Thiruchendur, land at Thirupparankundram, and air mode at Thiruporur. After winning the demons at Thiruporur, He was on His way to Thiruthani with a cheerful heart.
Lord Murugan killed Surapadman, the male animal, into the water path in Thiruchendur, Singamukasura, the eyed animal, into the land path at Thirupparankundram, and Darukasura into the air path at Thirupporur.
Lord Murugan, who killed Darukasura at Thirupporur, consecrated a Shiva lingam at Kundrathur on his way to Tiruthanigai. The Lord He worshipped is blessed with a separate temple in the foothills of Kundrathur in the name of ‘Kandahiswarar’ in a separate shrine with an individual Garba Graham.
The Hindu scriptures say Lord Murugan stayed on this Hill when He travelled from Thiruporur to Thiruthani during His fight with demons. Lord Muruga placed a Shiv Ling, performed Pooja, and meditated deeply here at this hillock.
Kulothunga II – the Chola Emperor (1133 CE to 1150 CE) built the temple. The temple houses all the deities – Lord Vinayaka, Lord Shiva, Lord Bairava, Lord Dakshina Murthy, Goddess Durga (Shiv Durga), and the Navagrahas. The temple has been sung in the Thirupugazh hymns (Kumaran Perumai) by the Tamil Saint Arunagirinathar.
The speciality of this sanctum sanctorum is that we can see Lord Murugan along with Goddess Valli if we view from one side and with only Goddess Deivanai when we view from another side.
Sekkizhar Peruman had a habit of worshipping Kundrathur Kumara every day. To commemorate it, there is a separate shrine for Sekkizhar at the foot of the hill. During the annual Sekkizhar Guru Puja, it is a tradition to rise from the mountain to the Sekkizhar Sannidhi and give darshan to Lord Muruga.
Also Read: 10 Famous Murugan Temples in Chennai
Why Should you Visit Kundrathur Murugan Temple?
People and devotees visit Kundrathur Murugan Temple for different reasons. Those who face challenges in getting married come here to seek His Blessings to remove the obstacles that hinder the marriage. They keep prayers, and to accomplish it, devotees perform Abhishekams (Milk, Rose Water, Tendernut Water, Honey, Panchamirtham (Banana & Dry Fruits Mix) and perform the Holy Wedding Event of the Lord & Goddesses. In addition, devotees offer Vastras / Clothing (both in pure cotton and pure silk) with elegance.
You can see a big Fig tree inside the Temple Prakara. People/devotees who are not yet progenitors seek His Blessings and tie a cradle in the sacred tree. When their desires are met and childbirth happens, they perform Offerings of fruits, sugar, jaggery, and coins equal to the infant’s weight in terms of Thanksgiving to the Lord. It is believed that Kundrathur Kumaran Himself was born as a child to those parents.
When children suffer from illness or ailments, parents/devotees pray to the Lord for the children’s health. The sacred Ash – Vibhuthi is the prasad offered to them as medicine.
In addition, those who want to build their own house come to Kundrathur Murugan temple and keep their prayers by piling the stones on top of each other. It is believed that their dream of building their own house has come true.
The main feature of this temple is the magnificence of the sanctum sanctorum and its tower structure. And Vilva Vinayaka here also graces in a different and outstanding appearance.
You can worship Lord Vishnu, Lord Dakshina Murthy, and Goddess Durga on the sanctum walls of the shrine. Lord Kasi Vishwanath, Goddess Visalakshi Ambal, Lord Bairava, the Navagraha (nine planets), and the Nagar (serpent deities) around the temple.
Festivals:
- Vaikasi Vishakam (the Avatar Day of Lord Muruga) in May
- Skanda Sashti in October-November
- Thirukarthikai in November
- Tamil New Year in April
- Thai Poosam in January
- Thai Pongal in January
- Thai Kiruthigai in January
- Panguni Uthiram in March-April
- Chithirai Sashti in April
- Chithirai Pournami (Full Moon Day) in April
- Aadi Kiruthigai in July
- Thiruvathirai in December
- Maha Shiv Ratri in February
- Vinayaka Chaturthi in September
Added to the above, special Pooja, Abhishekams will be there on Kiruthigai, Valar Pirai Sashti, Pournami (Full Moon Day), Chaturthi, Pradhosham, Thei Pirai Ashtami of every month.
Skanda Sashti is one of the important yet major festivals here, and it is celebrated big for nine days. Soora Samharam – the event of killing Surapadman is enacted on the 6th day, Lord Murugan – Goddess Valli marriage – ‘Valli Thirumanam’ is held on the 7th day, and the Wedding with Goddess Deivanai is held on the 8th day. The wedding ceremony is held on the 9th day on the golden chariot.
Prasadham Offered to Devotees / People
Sandal – the Chandan from the Lord Murugan after Abhishekams is given/distributed among the devotees as Prasad in the temple.
The sacred ash – Vibhuthi is the prime Prasad of the Lord Murugan Temple. And Panchamirtham (a mix of bananas, dates, jaggery, candy sugar, cardamom, honey, raw camphor) is another prime Prasad of any Lord Murugan Temples.
Also, devotes can get a variety of rice (curd rice, tamarind rice, lemon rice) at the Temple stall as Prasad.
Kundrathur Murugan Temple Timings
The temple is open from 6.30 AM to 12.30 PM and from 04.00 PM to 08.00 PM daily.
On special pooja days and festivals, the temple opens at morning 06.30 AM and closes by night 08.30 PM.
| Timings | Temple Service |
| 6.00 AM | Temple Opening Hour |
| 7.00 AM to 7.15 AM | Kaalasandhi Pooja |
| 7.15 AM to 12.30 PM | Darshan Timings |
| 12.45 PM to 3.00 PM | Temple Closing Hours |
| 3.00 PM | Temple Reopens |
| 3.15 PM to 7.00 PM | Sayaratchai Pooja |
| 7.15 PM till 8.30 PM | Darshan Timings |
| 8.30 PM | Temple Closing Hours |
*The timings will vary on Festival days.
| Pooja Details | Ticket Cost |
| Archanai | Rs. 5 |
| Maalai Saaththuthal (Garland Offering) | Rs. 2 |
| Kaanikkai Seluththuthal (Offering Money to Hundi) | Rs. 10 |
| Special Entrance Ticket | Rs. 20 |
| Prasadham Samarpiththal | Rs. 25 |
| Marriage Certificate (Per person) | Rs. 50 |
| Kaavadi Pooja (Paal Kaavadi – Milk, Panneer Kaavadi – Rose Water, Pushpa Kaavadi – Flowers, Mayil Kaavadi – Peacock Feathers) | Rs. 50 |
| Wedding | Rs. 1000 |
| Still Camera Charges | Rs. 50 |
| Video Camera Charges | Rs. 100 |
| Swami Thirukalyanam (Lord & Goddess Holy Wedding) | Rs. 1000 |
Kundrathur Murugan Temple Kumbabishekam
As per Agama rules, Temple Kumbabishekam is performed once every 12 years in the temples. In that way, the Kumbabishekam ceremony was held in the famous Kundrathur Murugan temple with much fanfare on April 15, 2022.
Yagasala Poojas
The Hindu Welfare Department decided to conduct Kumbabishekam, and the work for Kumbabishekam worth two crores was held two months before the Kumbabishekam date. In this, the temple towers and kalashas were renovated. Yaga roads and decorations were set up, and special pujas were performed before one month, and the Kumbabishekam was held with much criticism.
Holy water on the temple towers
Holy water brought from various rivers was sprinkled on the Rajagopuram, other towers, including Moolavar Gopuram, and other Kalashas. Also, in this Kumbabishek ceremony, Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious Charities Minister Shekhar Babu, Tamil Nadu Small & Medium Enterprises Department Minister Tha. Mo. Anbarasan, Kancheepuram Collector Aarthi, Tambaram Police Commissioner Ravi, and Selvaperunthakai MLA attended the ceremony and had darshan of Sami. Ahead of the Kumbabishek ceremony, the whole temple was decorated with coloured lights, and flowers were arranged.
Kundrathur Murugan Temple Contact Details
The Executive Officer
Subramaniya Swamy Temple
Kundrathur
Chennai – 600 069
Ph: 044-2478 0436
Top 5 Nearby Attractions of Kundrathur Murugan Temple
Arulmigu Vadapalani Murugan Temple
Vadapalani Murugan Temple is 42 min (15.9 km) via Arcot Rd and Kundrathur Main Rd from Kundrathur.
Arulmigu Vadapalani Andavar Thiruthalam was built at the end of the 19th century. At first, a small, thatched roof shed was erected, in which an ardent Muruga devotee, Annasamy Nayakkar, worshipped with a coloured painting of Lord Muruga. A devotee of Muruga who suffered from intractable stomachache, he used to visit Thirumurugan shrines at Tiruthani and Thiruporur without fail, even in heavy storms and rains, even when thieves intercepted him. Why are you looking for him when a big man appears in his dream, and Murugan lives in your house? There he heard that you could worship Murugan and be happy.
He informed the people of the house about the incident, and from that day onwards, he worshipped Lord Muruga in his place every morning and evening. As Palani Sadhu, whom he met one day, said, he got rid of his stomach pain after cutting his tongue and wearing a skirt as a novel offering in front of the Murugan shrine in Tiruthani. After that, during the South Palani Yatra, which was a long dream, he went up the hill, visited the sage Thandayuthapani, and came down the steps. A large and beautiful picture of Palaniyandavar caught his eye in one of the picture shops on the way. And so, the miracle he received happened. Nayakkar took the portrait of Murugan that he got in Palani and came to Chennai.
Palani Andavar converted it into a temple by placing that image on his platform. He put up a small shed and relocated his family. He worshipped the image of Lord Palani and used to give signs to all the devotees and solve their problems. Bavadam – People call cutting the tongue an offering to the Lord. After that, knowing the love and interest of Rathanasamy Chettiar, who was doing charity to him, after some time, Thambiran decided that he was the one who could continue this worship after him. he asked.
Rathanasamy Chettyar asked in an unexpected situation. He humbly informed me that I would do whatever charity I could. Hearing that, Thambiran wanted to change this shed and build a small temple for Lord Palani here. Can you help with this? Said. Immediately Chettiar can do the same, and the lovers have this idea as they wish. What is the hindrance in accomplishing it after opening your mouth yourself? We can make proper arrangements for the temple tirupani today itself.
He said very passionately that if they agreed, they could soon build a statue of Lord Palani, build a beautiful temple, and perform the Kumbabishekam. He told Chettiar to arrange the tirupani according to their heart and sent him away.
The next day, Chettiar went to Vaaniyambadi and arranged for an idol of Lord Palani to be made by a Sthapathiyar he knew. Annasamy started doing the temple tirupani in front as per Thiruulak’s note of Thambiran. A brick and lime building were constructed near Kurimedai, where now the sanctum sanctorum of Vadapalani Andavar Thirukoil is located. Thanks to the financial support of many friends, the restoration work was soon completed. It seems to be around AD 1865. In this case, suddenly one day, on the new moon day of Avani month, on the day of Magha Nakshatra, Lord Annasamy Thambiran reached Tiruvadi.
One day, Sri Annasamy Thambiran appeared in Rathanasamy Chettiar’s dream and begged him to dress like himself. Similarly, Rathanasamy Chettiar also donned Bavadam on Aadikrithikai. From the next Kiruthigai, Rathanasamy Thambiran also gained the power to sing passionately. After a few days, the temple tirupani, which Annasamy Thambiran had started as desired was completed. The statue of Palaniyandavar was also received for consecration and the Kumbabishekam was completed. As usual, Rathanasamy Thambiran managed the expenses of temple worship, etc. with the offerings given by the loved ones who came to ask for the sign.
After Kumbabishekam, Rathanasamy Thambiran used to tell everyone to present Kodambakkam Kurimedai as Vadapalani Andavar Temple. Eventually, the fame of Vadapalani Temple spread rapidly throughout the city of Chennai. In the year 1886, on Shashti day in the month of Margazhi, Lord Sri Rathanasamy Thambiran attained the shadow of Tiruvadi on Sadaya Nakshatra. After him, his disciple Pakyalinga Thambiran followed the example of the Guru by donning Bavadam and chanting blessings. Sri Bhagyalingath Thambiran did the Garbha Graham, the first Utprakara Trichutura and Karungal Tirupani of the present Vadapalani temple.
As a result of their great efforts, Sri Vadapalani Andavar Koil became very popular, and devotees flocked in large numbers. The growth and fame of the temple increased with time. In this case, in the year 1931, Sri Bhagyalingath Thambiran Palaniyandavar reached Tiruvadi on Puratasi Monday Dashami Tithi.
Just as the Lord of the South blesses those, who ask, Lord Vadapalani is bestowing all boons in Chennai, the northern part of Tamil Nadu. It is a true phenomenon that those who could not go to Palani and fulfilled their prayers came to this place and fulfilled their wishes to Palani Hill Murugan and received the grace of South Palani Murugan in this North Palani Murugan temple. Many people prayed to Lord Vadapalani for the things they wanted from Palani Murugan and received his grace. Day by day the fame of this temple is growing and rising as a place of prayer that gives blessings to those who wish.
The place where the three Siddhas who created this temple attained samadhi is on Nelkunram Path near this temple. A Siddha temple has been built at that place to visit the Samadhi of the three at the same time. Special pujas are conducted every full moon. Guru Puja is also being done well.
The greatest merit of this place is that those who worship Moolavar and Angarakan (Mars) and perform special Abhishekams and Archan for good education, to be healthy, and to be healthy, will get rid of their shortcomings. The blessing of Lord Vadapalani, the boon of Kaliyuga, is blessed.
In this temple, it is special to worship the Moolavar with shoes. Not found in any other barracks. Wearing sandals signifies the complete elimination of arrogance and ego. It is believed that the right leg of the head of this temple is slightly forward, and it is believed that the Lord of Vadapalani will rush to remove the grievances of the devotees in this Kali Yuga.
The main tree of this temple is the fig tree. Devotees build cradles in fig trees to pray for children. Since the prayers of the devotees are quickly resolved, the place of prayer rises, and the supplicants get the desired boon. Devotees offering gold and silver as offerings, veal, cash, etc. in a bank account, wearing a saree, shaving, ear piercing, Paal Kaavadi, and Pushpa Kaavadi are special merits.
Arupadai Veedu Murugan Temple
Arupadai Veedu Murugan Temple is 1 hr 23 min (23.2 km) via Chennai – Nagapattinam Hwy/Chennai – Trichy Hwy and Pallavaram – Kundrathur Rd. It is 1 hr 34 min (23.3 km) via SH 55 and Kundrathur Main Rd and 1 hr 46 min (25.3 km) via SH 55 from Kundrathur Murugan Temple.
Arupadai Veedu Murugan Temple is located at Besant Nagar on Chennai’s seashore (Bay of Bengal). It is near to the Ashtalakshmi Temple, which is quite famous.
Dr. Alagappa Alagappan, with the blessings of Sri Sri Maha Periyavaal of Kanchi Mutt built this granite structure in Chennai. The temple has 6 Prahaarams – meant for Lord Murugan’s six temples – Arupadai Veedu.
The Swamimalai Prahaaram (on the northeast side) was built in 1995, and the Palani (on the west side) & Thiruthani Prahaarams (on the north-west side) were completed and consecrated in the year 1998. Finally, the Thiruchendur (on the east side), Thirupparankundram, and Pazhamudhircholai Prahaarams (on the south side) were built in 2002. However, the consecration took place in the year 2002, June 21, in the presence of Holiness Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Swamigal from Kanchi Kamakoti Peet.
You can worship the Lord Mahavallabha Ganapathi Temple in the centre of the Shrine. The special occasions are Thai Poosam, Panguni Uthiram, Vaikasi Visagam, Aadi Kiruthigai, and Kandha Sashti – Soora Samharam. All these special Poojas are performed traditionally yet gracefully with Kaavadi, Paal Abhishekams, and other fragranced spice Abhishekams (javvaadhu, paneer, etc.) and silk clothes for the Lord – called ‘Pattu Vasthiram’. Apart from these special Poojas, there are everyday regular Poojas and rituals.
Arutkottam Arulmigu Murugan Temple
Arutkottam Arulmigu Murugan Temple is one of Chennai’s oldest and most popular Murugan temple. The temple was constructed by Burma return Tamilians in 1966. It is located at First Street, Tonidarpet, Nethaji Nagar, Indira Gandhi Nagar, Old Washermanpet, Kalungadi, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600081, South India.
There are four entrances in this temple. The main idol in the sanctum is Lord Muruga. Additionally, there are Sannidhis for Siva Sakthi Vinayagar, Sivan, Valli & Deivanai, Shanmuga Peruman, Navagrahas, Dhakshinamoorthy, Sri Durga, Naga Devadhai, Paalmuneeshvarar and Anjaneyar. Specifically, the Navagrahas here appears with their Spouses. This is a Parigara Shthalam (Atonement Place) for Navagraha Dhosham. In this temple, Palkudam, Kaavadi and Alagu are taken by devotees on special occasions. The special periodical festival Chitrapournami which falls in April or May, is celebrated grandly for 15 days.
Devotees can also find different temples near by Arutkottam Arulmigu Murugan Temple such as:
- Kailasanathar Temple – This Lord Siva temple is situated at Ramchandra Nagar, Venugopal Nagar, Madhavaram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
- Angalaparameshwari Temple – This Goddess Eashwari temple is situated at Mint St, Seven Wells North, Old Washermanpet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
- Saibaba Temple – This Baba Temple is situated at 80 Feet Rd, Kumaran Nagar, Perambur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
- Ayyappa Temple – This Sastha temple is situated at Vasantha Garden Main St, Vasantha nagar, Chinna Chembarambakkam, Ayanavaram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
Siruvapuri Shri Balasubramaniaswamy Temple
This Lord Muruga temple is a 500-year old one. It was built by Vijayanagar kings. It is located in Thiruvallur, about 40 km from Chennai and 3 km away from Chennai – Kolkatta Highway. As per Government records the original name of the temple was Chinnambedu. In this temple, Moolavar is Lord Muruga.
Lord Annamalayar and Goddess Unnamalai Ammayar also shower their blessings to devotees. Lord Murugan is appearing with Goddess Valli in their Marriage Manifestation. The Maragadha Mayil (Emarald Peacock) is a unique feature of this temple. Several Thiruppugal Songs were sung by the Saint Arunagirinadhar in this temple while his visits. His statue is placed as to face the sanctum of the temple. The temple tower is of five stages. The temple will be opened as usual in the early morning and closed at 8.00 pm.
It is said that Lava and Kusa, the sons of Lord Rama, lived here. While Rama passed this area, both brothers fought with Rama without knowing that he was their father. Thus, it was known as ‘Siruvar Por Puri’ means, children waged war. Presently it is called Chinnambedu, means ‘Siruvar Ambu Edu’; that is, Children took arrows. The Distance between Kundrathur and Siruvapuri Murugan Temple is 49 km or 30.4 miles. Devotees must climb 84 steps on this hill to reach the temple.
Kandaswami Temple Kandhakottam
This temple is known as ‘ Chennai Muthukkumaraswamy Kovil ‘ or ‘Kandhakottam’. It is located nearby (Paris Corner) Parimunai, Chennai, Tamil Nadu. One can reach the temple by 5 minute’s walk from Chennai Central Railway Station. It is said that this temple is more than 1000 years ancient.
Lord Kandhasamy is the idol in the sanctom and the Urchavamurthy is Lord Muthukkumaraswamy. Thaayars are Valli and Deivaanai.. The spiritual tree is Mahizham. The Holy water is Saravanappoigai. There is a belief that families can avail prosperity and wealth when they worship Lord Muruga while performing Tuesdays’ Special Rose Water Abishegam.
The major festivals are; 18th Day of Tamil month Thai, Kandhashasti, Vaigasi Vasantha Urchavam, Aadikiruthigai and Panguni Uthiram. The temple opens at 6.00 am to 12.00 noon and from 4.00 pm to 9.00 pm. On the day of Thaippoosam, the temple will be open at 5.00 am.
This temple is administered by the Government of Tamil Nadu – Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department. This temple runs Educational Institutions for Music and Dance classes. Primary, Higher Secondary schools and a College are run by this temple. Some Charitable activities are undertaken by this temple, such as running Free Hospitals and Dispensaries. There is a tradition of conducting Comatha Pooja (Cow Worshiping) daily to shower prosperity on families. The temple is known for the Verses of Thiruvarutpaa sung by Ramalinga Adigalar, popularly known as Vallalar.
Kundrathur Murugan temple FAQs
How many steps are there in Kundrathur Murugan temple?
Kundrathur Murugan Temple has 84 steps from the Mandapam to the temple at the hillock top. Earlier there were no steps, wherein small rocks were there stepped in slope so that people could climb up. And now, steps have been properly built for the convenience of the devotees.
How old is Kundrathur Murugan Temple?
The notes found in the Hindu myths and Puranas depict that the Kundrathur Murugan temple is 2500 years around old. However, the Hindu scriptures state that the Temple is around 500 years old, which could be after built.
How to get to Kundrathur Murugan Temple in Chennai?
Kundrathur is 24.5 Km away from Chennai via Poonamallee High Road which takes 1 hour. The closest airport is Chennai – Meenambakkam. The closest railway stations are Pallavaram & Tambaram. Kundrathur is 16 km away from Tambaram and 8 km away from Pallavaram. Buses are also available from Parrys Corner (Chennai), and Koyambedu Bus Terminal (Chennai).
Chennai to Kundrathur Murugan temple distance?
Kundrathur is 30.7 Km away from Chennai via Poonamallee High Road which takes 1 hour. From the Stations – Kundrathur, Thandalam, Naal Road, the Temple is hardly 10 mins walk.