Arulmigu Sree Muthu Kumara Swamy Devasthanam, Kandhakottam, chennai – Timings, How to Reach, Location
Sri Muthukumaraswamy Devasthanam, popularly known as Arulmigu Kandhaswamy Temple or Kandhakottam, is one of the most celebrated Murugan temples in Chennai. Located in the heart of George Town, the temple lies just a furlong and a half from Chennai Central Railway Station, making it one of the most easily accessible spiritual landmarks in the city.
This sacred shrine is not only admired for its architectural beauty but is also deeply revered for its mystical origin and divine history, dating back to the 17th century.
Divine Origin and Historical Background of Sri Muthukumaraswamy Devasthanam
The foundation of Kandhakottam temple is associated with a powerful spiritual legend. In the 1600s, two ardent devotees of Lord Muruga — Thiru Mari Chetty and Thiru Kandapandaram — regularly visited the famous Sri Kandaswamy Temple at Thiruporur, situated on the Chennai–Mahabalipuram route. They undertook this pilgrimage every month on the auspicious Krithigai Nakshatra day, sacred to Lord Murugan.
In the year 1672 CE, while returning from Thiruporur, the devotees grew exhausted and decided to rest under a margosa (neem) tree near a temple tank. During their sleep, Lord Muruga appeared in a divine dream and revealed that His idol was hidden inside an ant-hill on the tank bund. He instructed them to retrieve the idol and install it in Chennai for worship.
Obeying the divine command, they found the idol exactly as foretold and brought it to Chennai, where they consecrated it in a small brick shrine at the present temple location.
Later, on 13th March 1673, similar divine experiences were reported by Velur Mari Chettiar of the Ayiravar Chetti community and Panchalam Pandaram, further strengthening the temple’s spiritual significance.
Temple Reconstruction and Architecture
As the original structure became dilapidated over time, members of the Ayiravar (Thousand) Chetti community undertook the responsibility of rebuilding the temple using stone.
The grand reconstruction work (Thirupani) began in the Tamil month of Masi in the year 1780 (Kalayukthi year) and was completed by the month of Panguni the following year. The project was carried out by the renowned architect Kumbalinga Achari of Mylapore, whose work is documented in temple inscriptions.
Today, the temple complex covers approximately eight acres, offering a serene and spiritually uplifting environment amid the bustling city.
Deities and Shrines
The main deity (Moolavar) is Arulmigu Kandaswamy, the very idol brought from Thiruporur, standing about two feet tall. On either side of the presiding deity are His divine consorts:
- Arulmigu Valli
- Arulmigu Deivayanai
The Utsava Moorthi, known as Sri Muthukumaraswamy, along with Valli and Deivayanai, is enshrined in a separate shrine in front of a large Utsava Mandapam.
Other important shrines within the temple include:
- Sri Kulakkarai Vinayagar with consorts Siddhi and Buddhi (near the temple tank)
- Sri Kasi Viswanathar and Goddess Visalakshi
- Bhairavar and Veerabhadrar (at the entrance mandapam)
- Saints such as Thiruporur Chidambara Swamigal, Vannasarapam Dandapani Swamigal, Sri Ramalinga Adigalar, and Sri Arunagirinathar Separate shrines for Sri Valli and Sri Deivayanai are located on the right and left sides of the main sanctum respectively.
Saravana Poigai – The Temple Tank
The temple tank, known as Saravana Poigai, is situated within the premises and is considered sacred. It remains filled with clear water throughout the year and offers a peaceful and enchanting view for devotees.
Temple Timings
Daily Darshan Timings:
- Morning: 06:00 AM – 12:30 PM
- Evening: 04:00 PM – 09:30 PM
- Special Darshan tickets costing ₹100 are available at the temple counter, and online booking facilities are also provided.
Festivals and Celebrations
Sree Muthukumaraswamy devasthanam is renowned for its vibrant festivals that illuminate George Town throughout the year.
Major festivals include
- Aadi Kiruthigai (July–August)—Famous for the magnificent silver chariot procession
- Kandha Shasti (October/November) – Commemorates Lord Murugan’s victory over Surapadman
- Panguni Uthiram – Celebrates the divine marriage of Murugan
- Thai Poosam
- Karthigai Deepam
- Monthly Kiruthigai and Skanda Shasti milk abhishekam rituals
These celebrations draw thousands of devotees and create a deeply spiritual atmosphere across the temple town.
How to Reach Sree Muthukumaraswamy Devasthanam
The temple is located just 2 minutes’ walking distance from Chennai Central Railway Station in George Town.
- Nearest Railway Station: Chennai Central
- Nearest Airport: Chennai International Airport (~20 km)
- Easily accessible by bus, auto-rickshaw, or on foot from Park Town
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the significance of Sree Muthukumaraswamy Devasthanam?
The temple is famous for its divine origin, as the idol of Lord Murugan was discovered in an ant-hill following a divine dream in the 17th century and later installed in Chennai.
2. Which festivals are celebrated at Muthukumaraswamy Devasthanam?
Major festivals include Aadi Kiruthigai, Kandha Shasti, Panguni Uthiram, Thai Poosam, Karthigai Deepam, and monthly Kiruthigai and Skanda Shasti rituals.
3. Who brought the Murugan idol to Chennai?
Two devotees, Thiru Mari Chetty and Thiru Kandapandaram, brought the idol from Thiruporur after receiving divine instructions in a dream.
