6 Padai Murugan Temple List Location

The Six Sacred Abodes of Lord Murugan – A Pilgrimage Guide If you’ve ever felt the magnetic pull of the Tamil‑Tamilian hills, the salty breeze of the Bay of Bengal, or the quiet hush of a forest shrine, you’ve been drawn toward the divine energy of Lord Murugan. In Tamil tradition the deity is worshipped in six “Arupadai Veedu” – literally six battle camps – each representing a different facet of the god’s mythic adventures. Below is a practical, travel‑friendly rundown of the six Padai Murugan temples – their exact locations, what makes each one unique, and a few insider tips to help you plan a seamless pilgrimage (or a memorable Arupadai Veedu Tour Package ). 6 Padai Murugan Temple List & Location 1. Tirupparankunram – The Battlefield Near Madurai Detail Information Official Name Arupadai Veedu – Tirupparankunram (Sri Subramanya Swamy Temple) Location Tirupparankunram, Madurai District – ≈ 7 km north of Madurai city centre Number Of Arupadai Veedu First – Arupadai Veedu Muurgan Temple How to Reach • By Train – Tirupparankunram railway station (on the Chennai‑Madurai line).• By Road – Direct bus services from Madurai central bus stand; auto‑rickshaws readily available. Key Highlights • Historical Significance – Site where Murugan defeated the demon Surapadman; the hill is dotted with ancient rock‑cut cave shrines.• “Mannargudi Veedu” – A small shrine dedicated to the deity’s consort Valli.• “Muthu Pallakku” – An ornate pearl palanquin used during the Skanda Shashti festival. Best Time to Visit October – February (pleasant climate) & during Skanda Shashti (mid‑November) for a spectacular night‑time fire‑walking ceremony. 2. Thiruchendur – The Seaside Fortress Detail Information Official Name Arupadai Veedu – Thiruchendur (Sri Subramanya Swamy Temple) Location Thiruchendur, Thoothukudi District, Tamil Nadu – ≈ 600 km south of Chennai, on the Bay of Bengal Number Of Arupadai Veedu Second – Arupadai Veedu Murugan temple How to Reach • By Train – Thiruchendur railway station (connected to Chennai, Madurai, Tirunelveli).• By Road – NH 44 & NH 326A; regular KSRTC & private buses from Tirunelveli & Thoothukudi.• By Air – Nearest airport: Thoothukudi (≈ 80 km) or Madurai (≈ 160 km). Key Highlights • Ocean‑front shrine – The sanctum sits just a few metres from the sea, offering a dramatic sunrise view.• “Shivagiri” Hill – A small hill behind the temple where the deity is believed to have stood after the battle with Surapadman.• Marine Festival – Held every Mahashivaratri, with processions on the sand. Best Time to Visit October – February (pleasant sea breezes) & during Aadi Thiruvizha (July‑August). 3. Palani – The Hill of the Devotee Detail Information Official Name Arupadai Veedu – Palani (also called Sri Varasiddhi Vinayaka Swamy Temple) Location Palani, Dindigul District, Tamil Nadu – 10 km north of Dindigul, 130 km south‑west of Madurai Number Of Arupadai Veedu Third – Arupadai Veedu Murugan temple How to Reach • By Train – Palani railway station (direct trains from Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai)• By Bus – Tamil Nadu State Transport (TNSTC) & private buses from Dindigul, Coimbatore, Bangalore• By Air – Nearest airport: Madurai (≈ 130 km). Hire a cab or take a bus from the airport. Key Highlights • Sarabho Hill – 2,300 ft of steep steps (or a ropeway) leading to the sanctum.• The “Golden Elephant” – a massive golden idol of Ganesha at the base.• Devotee’s Path – a 6‑km pilgrimage walk from the town to the hilltop, a tradition for the truly devoted. Best Time to Visit January – May (cool evenings) & during Thai Pongal (mid‑January) when the temple is illuminated. 4.Swamimalai – The Guru’s Teaching Place Detail Information Official Name Arupadai Veedu – Swamimalai (Sri Swaminatha Swamy Temple) Location Swamimalai, Kumbakonam Taluk, Thanjavur District – ≈ 12 km from Kumbakonam, ≈ 300 km from Chennai Number Of Arupadai Veedu Fourth – Arupadai Veedu Muurgan Temple How to Reach • By Train – Kumbakonam railway station (well‑connected to Chennai, Trichy, Tiruchirappalli).• By Road – 10 km from Kumbakonam on the Kumbakonam–Tanjavur road; frequent buses and auto‑rickshaws. Key Highlights • Hill‑top shrine – Only 100 ft high, accessed via a gentle staircase.• Gurukula – Legend says Murugan taught the meaning of the sacred “Om” to his father, Lord Shiva, here.• Silver ‘Palkudi’ – A massive silver plate used for daily worship, a spectacular sight. Best Time to Visit March – June (cool evenings) & during Panguni Uthiram (March/April) when the temple hosts a vibrant procession. 5. Thiruthani – The Hill Overlooking Chennai Detail Information Official Name Arupadai Veedu – Thiruthani (Sri Subramanya Swamy Temple) Location Thiruthani, Tiruvallur District, Tamil Nadu – ≈ 55 km north‑west of Chennai Number Of Arupadai Veedu Fifth – Arupadai Veedu Muurgan Temple How to Reach • By Train – Thiruthani railway station (on the Chennai‑Bangalore line).• By Road – NH 205 (Chennai‑Bangalore) – frequent KSRTC & private buses from Chennai Koyambedu. Key Highlights • Panoramic Views – From the top you can see the entire Chennai metropolitan area on a clear day.• “Pazhamalai” – The hill is also known as ‘Pazhamalai’ (the “old hill”) and houses a 1,500‑year‑old stone inscription.• “Maduraikannu” – A silver bell that rings every hour, echoing across the hills. Best Time to Visit November – February (cool evenings) & during Aadi Masi (July‑August) when devotees perform the famous “Kavadi Attam”. 6. Pazhamudircholai – The Forest Sanctuary Detail Information Official Name Arupadai Veedu – Pazhamudircholai (Sri Velli Muthur Swamy Temple) Location Near Kumbakkarai on the Western Ghats, Dindigul District – ≈ 30 km from Madurai, ≈ 140 km from Chennai Number Of Arupadai Veedu Sixth – Arupadai Veedu Muurgan Temple How to Reach • By Road – Take the Madurai‑Kodaikanal road (NH 45) to Kumbakkarai, then a steep 2 km trekking path (or a short jeep ride).• By Train – Nearest station: Madurai (10 km). Key Highlights • Lush forest backdrop – Surrounded by teak and sandalwood trees; the ambience feels like a real battle‑camp clearing.• Waterfall at Kumbakkarai – A perfect spot for a cool dip after prayers.• “Kavadi Procession” – Devotees carry ornate wooden arches (kavadi) up the hill during Thai Pongal. Best Time to Visit September – December (post‑monsoon greenery) & during Tamil New Year (Puthandu) in April. Suggested 5‑Day Itinerary Day 1:- Chennai to Thiruthani-Kumbakonam Today Morning 6.00 AM Chennai Pickup to Thiruthani, reach at Thiruthani Darshan to Fifth Padaiveedu of Thiruthani Lord Murugan Arulmigu Subramaniya swami Temple after darshan Proceed to Kumbakonam, reach at Kumbakonam Check in to hotel and Leisure. – Night Stay at Kumbakonam Day 2:- Kumbakonam Swamimalai-TiruchendurToday Morning Checkout from the hotel start to drive Fourth among the Arupadaiveedu Swamimalai Murugan temple darshan after darshan Proceed to Tiruchendur, reach at Tiruchendur Check in to hotel and Leisure.– Night Stay at Tiruchendur. Day 3:- Tiruchendur – MaduraiToday Early Morning Darshan to Second Arupadai Veedu of Tiruchendur Murugan temple after darshan Checkout from the hotel Proceed to Madurai, reach at Madurai Check in to hotel and Leisure.- Night Stay at Madurai. Day 4:- Madurai- Thiruparankundram- Pazhamudhircholai-PalaniToday Early Morning Darshan to Madurai Meenakshi Amman temple after darshan Checkout from the hotel start to drive Thiruparankundram, reach at Thiuparankundram Darshan to First Arupadai Veedu of Thiruparankundram Arulmigu Subramaniya swamy Murugan temple after darshan Start to drive Pazhamudhircholai, reach at Pazhamudhircholai darshan to Sixth Padaiveedu