TIRUPPARAKUNDRAM - MURUGAN TEMPLE

It is the venue of Lord Muruga's wedding with Devasena the lovely daughter of Devendra, the king of gods. It is a hill temple deemed the best among the six favourite abodes Arupadiveedus of the Lord, since his ace martial career and spiritual eminence were honoured here with a prize that none but he deserved and obtained - the favourite daughter of Trilokadhipathi Devendra, for killing the formidable demon Surapadman, a thorn in the flesh of gods and causing terrible nightmares to them, though they were immortals.

It is a grand shrine beautified with tall gopurams and huge mandapams - the best specimens of Dravidian style of architecture. The Kalyana Mandapam is adorned with a large number of statues of great - beauty adding to the splendour of the temple carved out of a giant rock of unusual dimensions. The murals narrate many episodes of Murugan's exploits and wedding scenes. The unique feature of the temple is - that abhishekam is performed to the Vel - the potent weapon of the Lord instead of the idol. The well chiselled icon of Muruga feasts the eyes of the adorers, as he is considered the prince charming among the gods.On the summit of this pretty hill, there is a grand shrine dedicated to Kasi Viswanathar. Another that lures the viewers is the status of the famous poet Nakeerar of the Sangam period's reputation.

Lord Muruga seated in his sannidhi, with his comely spouse is looking afar down at the sacred feet of his illustrious parents Meenakshi and Sundareswarar, who are looking up at him eternally, enjoying the spectacle of the glory of their valorous son's marriage and sports. It is always crowded; as it is considered very auspicious for celebrating marriages and the like.

It lies at about 8 km to the south of Madurai, the famous pilgrim town of Tamilnadu and is accessible by all kinds of vehicles.

[ Back ] [ Up ] [ Next ]