Location & Distance
Vallakottai Murugan Temple is located in the small village of Vallakottai, on the Oragadam route, about 10 km from Sriperumbudur in Kanchipuram district, Tamil Nadu.
The temple is situated approximately:
- 35 km from Kanchipuram
- 45 km from Chennai
- 20 km from Chengalpattu
Due to its proximity to Chennai and major highways, the temple is easily accessible and attracts devotees from across Tamil Nadu.
Historical Significance – The Story of King Bhagiratha
In ancient times, there existed a prosperous kingdom called Ilanchi Desam, with its capital city known as Salangondapuram. This kingdom was ruled by King Bhagiratha of the Ikshvaku dynasty. Proud of his wealth and prosperity, the king became arrogant and neglected his duties towards sages and saints.
One day, the great sage Narada, who possessed knowledge of the past, present, and future, visited Bhagiratha’s royal court. The king failed to honor him with proper respect. Angered by this insult, Narada decided to teach the king a lesson.
Around the same time, a powerful demon named Goran was conquering kingdoms in all directions. Narada approached the demon and told him that his conquests would only be complete after defeating the kingdom of Ilanchi. Provoked, the demon attacked Bhagiratha’s kingdom, destroyed the cities, and forced the king to flee into the forest.
Stripped of his kingdom and pride, Bhagiratha realized his mistakes and repented deeply. Sage Narada appeared before him again and advised him to seek guidance from Sage Durvasa in the Thondai region.
Following the advice, Bhagiratha reached Durvasa’s ashram. The sage instructed him to worship Lord Murugan under a Pathiri (Indian coral tree) with complete devotion. The king performed intense penance, meditating on Murugan from his heart.
On a Chithirai month Friday, Lord Murugan appeared before him and blessed him with the restoration of his kingdom. Bhagiratha returned, defeated the demon in battle, and regained his throne.
Out of gratitude, he returned to Thondai Mandalam and built a grand temple for Lord Murugan at Vallakottai. Since then, Vallakottai Subramaniya Swamy is worshipped as the divine protector who restores lost fortunes and grants justice.
Unique Features of the Temple
The Vallakottai Murugan Temple is renowned for housing the tallest Murugan idol in Tamil Nadu, standing at an impressive 7 feet in height.
Lord Murugan is depicted with:
- His divine spear (Vel) symbolizing victory over evil
- Facing the east direction
- Accompanied by Valli and Deivanai
The majestic idol radiates power, compassion, and divine grace, leaving devotees spiritually uplifted.
Temple Architecture & Special Shrines
The temple complex includes several unique shrines:
- Mukkala Ganapathi Shrine (South-West of the prakaram):
Three forms of Lord Ganesha in one sanctum, believed to remove sins and obstacles of past, present, and future.
- Utsava Murthy Shrine in the western corridor.
- Pathiri Tree (Sthala Vriksha) near the Utsava deity.
- Arumuga Murugan Shrine with Valli & Deivanai in the north-west direction.
- Idumban, Kadamban, and Bhairava shrines in the eastern corridor.
These sacred spaces enhance the spiritual depth of the temple.
Temple Timings:
- Morning: 5:30 AM to 1:00 PM
- Evening: 3:00 PM to 8:30 PM
- Entrance Fee: Free
Darshan Details
- Free Darshan: Available for everyone
- Special Darshan: ₹20 – ₹50 (ticket counter)
- Online booking: Not available
Special darshan is helpful during festival days and weekends when crowds are heavy.
Festivals Celebrated
Vallakottai Murugan Temple is often compared to the Arupadai Veedu temples in its spiritual significance.
Major Festivals:
- Thai Poosam – Devotees carry Kavadi and perform vows.
- Panguni Uthiram – Celebrates divine marriage.
- Vaikasi Visakam – Birth star of Lord Murugan
- Karthigai & Bharani Nakshatra days – Monthly special poojas.
Spiritual & Cultural Importance
Vallakottai Murugan Temple is not only a place of worship but also a center of Tamil spiritual heritage. Devotees believe that prayers offered here help:
- Regain lost opportunities
- Remove long-standing obstacles
- Gain victory in legal matters
- Achieve career growth
- Overcome negative karma
The temple atmosphere offers deep peace, devotion, and inner clarity.
How to Reach Vallakottai Murugan Temple
By Air
- Nearest airport: Chennai International Airport – 36 km
By Train
- Nearest major railway station: Chennai – 50 km
By Bus
Direct government and private buses are available:
- S582 – T. Nagar to Vallakottai
- S583 – Tambaram to Sriperumbudur
- S583E – Pallavaram to Vallakottai
Autos and taxis are also easily available from Sriperumbudur, Oragadam, and Tambaram.
Nearby Attractions
The region around Vallakottai offers cultural and scenic spots, including:
- Sriperumbudur Adikesava Perumal Temple
- Oragadam industrial heritage zone
- Local village temples and water bodies
- Traditional Tamil rural landscapes
Conclusion
Vallakottai Murugan Temple stands as a powerful symbol of divine grace, redemption, and victory. With its towering Murugan idol, sacred history of King Bhagiratha, vibrant festivals, and peaceful environment, it remains one of the most spiritually significant Murugan temples near Chennai.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is Vallakottai Murugan Temple famous?
The temple is famous for:
- Housing the tallest Murugan idol in Tamil Nadu (7 feet)
- The legend of King Bhagiratha regaining his kingdom
- Powerful prayers for success, victory, and removal of obstacles
- Grand celebration of Skanda Sashti
2. Which deity is worshipped in the temple?
The main deity is Lord Subramanya (Murugan), worshipped along with Valli and Deivanai.
3. What is special about the Murugan idol here?
The idol stands 7 feet tall, making it the tallest Murugan statue in Tamil Nadu. Lord Murugan is depicted holding the divine Vel (spear) and facing east.
4. What are the major festivals celebrated?
- Skanda Sashti (most important)
- Thai Poosam
- Panguni Uthiram
- Vaikasi Visakam
- Monthly Bharani & Karthigai days
