Temples Dedicated to Lord Murugan: Exploring the Arupadai Veedu and Other Sacred Shrines
Lord Murugan, also known as Kartikeya, Skanda, Shanmukha, or Subramanya, is one of the most revered deities in South India, particularly in Tamil Nadu. He is the god of war and victory, and is widely regarded as the commander-in-chief of the celestial army. Devotees worship Murugan as a symbol of valor, wisdom, and youth.
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Among the countless shrines dedicated to him across India, especially the southern regions, the Arupadai Veedu or the Six Abodes of Murugan hold immense religious and spiritual significance. These temples are considered the holiest of Murugan shrines and are located exclusively in Tamil Nadu. Each of these temples is associated with a different legend and phase in the divine mission of Lord Murugan.
The Six Abodes of Lord Murugan (Arupadai Veedu)
The term “Arupadai Veedu” translates to “Six Battle Camps,” referring to six holy places where Murugan is believed to have rested or performed heroic deeds during his war against evil. Pilgrims often visit all six temples as part of a spiritual journey.
1. Palani Murugan Temple – The Hill of Wisdom
📍 Location: Palani, Dindigul District (100 km southeast of Coimbatore)
🌄 Hill Temple: Situated on Palani Hills (Shivagiri)
🕉️ Deity: Dandayudhapani Swami (Murugan as an ascetic)
Palani is perhaps the most renowned of all Murugan temples. According to legend, when Sage Narada offered a sacred fruit to Lord Shiva, a dispute arose between Murugan and his brother Ganesha. Shiva decided that whoever circled the world first would win the fruit. While Murugan flew off on his peacock, Ganesha circled his parents, symbolizing that they were his world. Realizing the lesson, Murugan renounced everything and went to Palani as an ascetic.
The deity here is in a standing posture with a staff (danda) and is made of Navapashanam, a mixture of nine medicinal herbs.
2. Swamimalai Murugan Temple – Teacher of Lord Shiva
📍 Location: Near Kumbakonam, Thanjavur District
🌊 River Proximity: On the banks of Cauvery River
🕉️ Deity: Swaminatha Swami
At Swamimalai, Murugan is said to have assumed the role of a teacher and explained the meaning of the sacred syllable “Om” (Pranava Mantra) to his father, Lord Shiva. Hence, he is also called “Swaminatha”, meaning “teacher of the Lord.”
This temple has an unusual architectural feature: the sanctum is atop 60 steps, each representing one year of the Tamil calendar cycle.
3. Thiruthani Murugan Temple – The Divine Wedding Site
📍 Location: 84 km from Chennai, Tiruvallur District
🕉️ Deity: Murugan as a peaceful and wedded lord
After waging wars against the demons, it is believed that Lord Murugan came to Thiruthani to find peace and solitude. It is also the place where he married Valli, his tribal consort. The temple is located atop a small hill and is accessed via 365 steps, symbolizing the days of the year.
Thiruthani is also one of the few temples where Murugan is seen with Vel (spear) and in a benevolent, calm posture, offering blessings.
4. Pazhamudircholai Murugan Temple – The Forest Shrine
📍 Location: 10 km north of Madurai, in Alagar Hills
🌿 Setting: Dense forest environment
🕉️ Deity: Murugan with Valli and Deivanai
Situated amidst a lush green forest, Pazhamudircholai is the only Arupadai Veedu where Murugan is depicted with both his consorts—Valli and Deivanai. The temple finds mention in the literary works of Tamil saint-poets like Avvaiyar, who is believed to have interacted with Murugan here.
The natural surroundings and the spiritual aura make it a serene pilgrimage site.
5. Tiruchendur Murugan Temple – Seaside Victory
📍 Location: 40 km south of Thoothukudi, on the Bay of Bengal coast
🌊 Unique Feature: Only Arupadai Veedu temple on the seashore
🕉️ Deity: Subrahmanya in warrior form
Tiruchendur is the site where Murugan is said to have vanquished the demon Surapadman. Unlike most Hindu temples, which are built on hilltops, Tiruchendur lies at sea level and is famed for its coastal setting.
This temple is an architectural marvel, and its festivals, especially Skanda Shashti, attract lakhs of devotees each year.
6. Thirupparamkunram Murugan Temple – The Wedding Temple
📍 Location: 10 km south of Madurai
🌄 Rock-Cut Cave Temple: Carved into a hill
🕉️ Deity: Murugan with Deivanai
Thirupparamkunram is one of the oldest rock-cut temples in Tamil Nadu. It is here that Lord Murugan married Deivanai, the daughter of Lord Indra, after his victory over Surapadman.
This ancient temple has a sanctum carved out of rock and showcases some of the earliest iconography and inscriptions related to Murugan worship.
🛕 Other Important Temples Dedicated to Lord Murugan
🌄 Marudamalai Murugan Temple – The Western Hill Temple
📍 Location: Suburb of Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
Although not one of the Arupadai Veedu, Marudamalai is a very prominent Murugan temple located in the Western Ghats. The temple is famous for its picturesque location and the natural beauty surrounding it.
Marudamalai is considered a healing hill, and devotees believe that Murugan here blesses with health and vitality.
🌲 Kukke Subramanya Temple – Murugan in Karnataka
📍 Location: Subrahmanya, near Mangalore, Karnataka
🕉️ Deity: Subramanya as a serpent deity
While located outside Tamil Nadu, Kukke Subramanya is one of the most revered shrines dedicated to Lord Murugan in Karnataka. Here, Murugan is worshipped in his serpent form, and rituals such as Sarpa Dosha Nivarana are very popular.
The temple draws thousands of devotees, especially those seeking remedies for Naga Dosha and obstacles in marriage or career.
Skanda Sashti
Skanda Sashti, also known as Kanda Sashti, is a significant Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Skanda, also known as Murugan, Kartikeya, or Subramanya. Observed primarily by Tamil Hindus, this day marks the victory of Lord Skanda over the demon Soorapadman. The festival is particularly important in South India, especially in Tamil Nadu, where devotees observe fasting, visit temples, and participate in devotional activities.
The Sashti Tithi (sixth lunar day) of the Shukla Paksha (waxing moon phase) each month is dedicated to Lord Skanda. Among all, the Skanda Sashti falling in the lunar month of Kartika is considered the most significant. Devotees undertake a six-day fasting period, culminating in the grand celebration of Soorasamharam, symbolizing the annihilation of evil.
Skanda Sashti Vrat Dates 2025
Below are the Skanda Sashti dates for the year 2025, based on the Vikrama Samvata calendar:
| Date | Day | Lunar Month | Tithi Begins | Tithi Ends |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January 5, 2025 | Sunday | Pausha | 10:00 PM, Jan 4 | 08:15 PM, Jan 5 |
| February 3, 2025 | Monday | Magha | 06:52 AM, Feb 3 | 04:37 AM, Feb 4 |
| March 4, 2025 | Tuesday | Phalguna | 03:16 PM, Mar 4 | 12:51 PM, Mar 5 |
| April 3, 2025 | Thursday | Chaitra | 11:49 PM, Apr 2 | 09:41 PM, Apr 3 |
| May 2, 2025 | Friday | Vaishakha | 09:14 AM, May 2 | 07:51 AM, May 3 |
| June 1, 2025 | Sunday | Jyeshtha | 08:15 PM, May 31 | 07:59 PM, Jun 1 |
| June 30, 2025 | Monday | Ashadha | 09:23 AM, Jun 30 | 10:20 AM, Jul 1 |
| July 30, 2025 | Wednesday | Shravana | 12:46 AM, Jul 30 | 02:41 AM, Jul 31 |
| August 28, 2025 | Thursday | Bhadrapada | 05:56 PM, Aug 28 | 08:21 PM, Aug 29 |
| September 27, 2025 | Saturday | Ashwina | 12:03 PM, Sep 27 | 02:27 PM, Sep 28 |
| October 27, 2025 (Soora Samharam) | Monday | Kartika | 06:04 AM, Oct 27 | 07:59 AM, Oct 28 |
| November 26, 2025 (Subrahmanya Sashti) | Wednesday | Margashirsha | 10:56 PM, Nov 25 | 12:01 AM, Nov 27 |
| December 25, 2025 | Thursday | Pausha | 01:42 PM, Dec 25 | 01:43 PM, Dec 26 |
Note: All timings are based on the local time of New Delhi, India.
🌟 Conclusion: A Divine Journey of Devotion and Heritage
The temples dedicated to Lord Murugan are not just religious centers but also reflect Tamil culture, ancient architecture, and spiritual wisdom. From rock-cut shrines to forest sanctuaries and coastal marvels, each abode has a unique story that adds to the mythology of Murugan.
For devotees, visiting all six Arupadai Veedu is considered a path to spiritual fulfillment. Even beyond Tamil Nadu, temples like Kukke Subramanya and Marudamalai expand Murugan’s presence, symbolizing his role as a universal deity of youth, valor, and victory.
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