Tiruttani Subramaniya Swamy Temple – It Has Been Pointed Out The Fifth Abode Along With Six Holy Abodes

SUBRAMANIYA SWAMY TEMPLE

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TIRUTHANI

Tiruthani is a holy town located in Tiruvallur District of Tamil Nadu and is famous for the Murugan Temple. This temple is one among the six Padai Veedus (Battle Grounds) of Lord Murugan, other five are Palani, Swamimalai, Tirupparangunram, Pazhamudircholai and Thiruchendur. This place represents the site where Subramanya stayed after destroying the demon Surapadman. 

The story of Lord Muruga and Valli has a great message of philosophy. Every one should walk towards the Almighty for liberation from the cycle of births and deaths.

The world we live in is a rented house and what our own is the feet of the Lord. Almost all of us feel that this is ours and are hunting for material wealth and pleasures. Enlightened souls understand this truth and they win illusions and reach the final destination-the feet of the Lord.

Tiruttani is also said to be the place where the Lord Subramanya married Valli - one of his two consorts. This temple has been mentioned in the Sangam period work Tirumurugaatruppadai composed by Nakkeerar.

According to legend, Devayani, daughter of Indra married Lord Murugan and was presented Indra's elephant Airavatam as part of his dowry offering. Upon Airavatam's departure Indra found his wealth waning.

Lord Subramanya is said to have offered to return the white elephant, however Indra refused to accept a gift that he had made and instead requested that the elephant face his direction, hence the image of the elephant in this temple also faces the east. 

The hill temple is reachable by a motorable road and is also accessed through a plight of 365 steps. The temple has 4 enclosures and a series of temple towers. There is a shrine to Aapat Sahaaya Vinayakar who helped the Murugan in winning Valli's hand in marriage.

The processional image of Murugan is housed in a Rudraksha tower. The large ornament adorning the image of Subramanya is decorated with green stones and is of great beauty. 

Lord Muruga is seen holding Vajra Hastam in his right hand instead of Vel, his regular weapon. There are separate shrines for Valli and Devayani. Sri Aadhi Balasubramanian graces on the wall behind the sanctum sanctorum as a child. Lord Bhairava graces in temple with 4 dogs vehicle representing 4 Vedas. The temple also has five ponds spread around the temple. 

By Air

Chennai internation airport in the nearest airport.

By Train

Arokonam and tiruvallur station is the nearest railway stations.

By Bus

Tiruthani is 97 km from Chennai, 42 km from Tiruvallur and 42 km from Kancheepuram.