Murugan Temple In Thiruparankunram – It Is The Primary Of Six Army Camp Temples (Aaru Padai Veedu)

MURUGAN TEMPLE

AT

THIRUPARANKUNRAM

The Murugan temple is located near Madurai in the tamilnadu state of India. It is one of the most sacred Tamil Hindu shrines - Murugan Temple in Thiruparankundram.

The temple may start with the 8th century AD when Pandya rulers built rock-cut temple. During the reign of Nayaks of Madurai (1559 - 1736 AD) the temple was supplemented with beautiful gopurams and beautified. There was built extensive and beautiful front part (mugha mandapam) with 48 ornate pillars carved during the rule of Pandya and Nayaks.

Of the six army camp temples (Aaru Padai Veedu) of Lord Muruga, this is the first temple. While Lord Muruga graces in a standing form in other five army camp temples, He graces in a sitting, wedding form with His consort Deivanai. Murugan Temple in Thiruparankundram became one of the most revered shrines in Tamil Nadu

The Devas appealed to Lord Shiva to protect them from the terror strikes of demon Surapanma. Lord created Muruga from six sparks from His forehead eye. Lord Muruga fought Surapanma, destroyed and made of him a peacock for his vehicle and a cock for his flag. This happened in Tiruchendur. Indira offered his daughter Deivaniai to Muruga in marriage. The marriage took place in Tiruparankundram attended by a huge number of Rishis, Devas and Gods. Lord Muruga graces here in the wedding form. He is named Subramanya.

This is the only temple where abishek is performed to Vel. More importance is attached to Vel as the Lord came to this place victoriously after defeating the demon Surpanma with the power of this weapon.

Temple leads very active religious life with numerous festivities and Thiruparankundram for most part of the year is teeming with life.

Vaikasi Visakam in May-June, Aadi Krithikai in July-August, Purattasi Vel festival in September-October, Skanda Sashti in October-November, Tirukarithikai in November-December, Thai poosam in January-February and Panguni Uthiram in March-April are the festivals celebrated in the temple

As if there is not enough importance and reverance, on the top of hill there is also a Muslim shrine devoted to Sekunder - Alexander the Great! Local Muslims consider that Alexander the Great was the friend of King Murugan. Thus Thiruparankundram is a place where both Hindu and Muslims go well along.

Worship timing's

Morning: 5.00A.M to 1.00P.M

Evening: 4.00 P.mM to 9.00P.M

There are eight kalam (times) of poojas daily and they are as follows :

S.No	Pooja Name	Time
1	Thiruvananthal	5.30 A.M
2	Vizha Poojai	7.30 A.M
3	Kalasanthi	8.00 A.M
4	Thirukaka santhi	10.00 A.M
5	Uchikalam	12.00 P.M
6	sayaratchai	5.30 P.M
7	Artha Jamam	8.45 P.M
8	Palliyarai	9.00 P.M

By Air

The nearest airport to Thiruparankundram is madurai airport, madurai which is 6 km away from Thiruparankundram.

By Train

The nearest railway station to thiruparankundram is Madurai Jn Train Station which is 5 km away from Thiruparankundram.

By Bus

There are regular buses from other major cities of the country to Madurai.