Arulmigu Subramanya Swamy Temple, popularly known as Tiruttani Murugan Temple, is one of the most sacred Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Muruga (Subramanya). It is located on the scenic Thanigai Hill in Tiruttani town of Tiruvallur district, Tamil Nadu. This ancient temple holds immense religious significance as it is the fifth among the six holy abodes of Lord Muruga, collectively called Arupadaiveedu.
Perched at a height of about 700 feet above sea level, the temple offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding hills and plains. Devotees must climb 365 steps, symbolizing the number of days in a year, to reach the sanctum, making the pilgrimage both spiritual and symbolic.
Spiritual Significance of Tiruttani
According to Hindu mythology, after defeating the demon Surapadman, Lord Murugan arrived at Tiruttani to attain peace and tranquility. Hence, Tiruttani is considered the abode where the warrior god transformed into a calm and compassionate deity.
This peaceful nature of Lord Muruga is reflected in the temple idol. Unlike other Murugan temples:
- He holds Vajra Hastam (thunderbolt) instead of his usual Vel (spear)
- His vehicle (Vaahana) is an elephant, not the peacock
- He is worshipped without his weapon, symbolizing serenity and wisdom
Unique Legend of Airavatam – Indra’s Elephant
As per legend, Indra, the king of gods, gave his divine white elephant Airavatam as dowry during the marriage of his daughter Deivayanai to Lord Murugan. After the elephant left Indra, his prosperity began to decline.
Lord Murugan offered to return the elephant, but Indra refused, valuing honor over wealth. Instead, he requested that the elephant face his direction. Since then:
- The elephant idol in the temple faces east
- Every elephant statue within the temple follows this tradition
Indra also gifted a sacred sandal stone, from which sandal paste is prepared even today. This paste is believed to possess powerful medicinal and healing properties and is applied to the deity and distributed to devotees.
The Divine Mark on Lord Murugan’s Chest
Devotees can notice a small hollow mark on Lord Murugan’s chest, believed to have been caused by the discus thrown by the demon Tarakasuran during battle. According to legend, Murugan later gifted this divine discus to Lord Vishnu.
Marriage of Murugan and Valli at Tiruttani
Another major legend associated with Tiruttani is the divine marriage of Lord Murugan and Goddess Valli.
Valli was the adopted daughter of Nambirajan, chief of a forest tribe. She grew into a devoted follower of Lord Murugan and vowed to marry only him. To test her devotion:
- Murugan disguised himself as an old man
- Lord Ganesha turned into a wild elephant to frighten her
Seeking protection, Valli approached the old man, who then revealed his divine form. Overjoyed, Valli accepted him as her husband. Their celestial wedding was celebrated at Tiruttani, making this temple highly auspicious for marriage blessings and child boon prayers.
Temple Architecture
The Tiruttani Murugan Temple is built in traditional Dravidian architectural style. The shrine of the procession deity is especially remarkable as it is housed in a mandapam adorned with one lakh (100,000) Rudrakshas.
Surrounded by hill ranges, the temple complex provides a peaceful and divine atmosphere that attracts pilgrims throughout the year.
Golden Chariot Procession
A Golden Chariot procession is held daily, except during major festivals such as:
- Thai Poosam (4 days)
- Panguni Uthiram (4 days)
- Navaratri (10 days)
- Soorasamharam (1 day)
- Deepa Karthigai (1 day)
This daily ritual is one of the temple’s major attractions.
Special New Year Step Festival
On 31st December midnight, hundreds of devotees climb the 365 steps while singing Tiruppugazh hymns. Camphor lamps (diyas) are lit on each step, symbolizing blessings for every day of the coming year. This unique tradition is called the New Year Step Festival.
Prasadam and Offerings
Prasadam Available:
- Laddu
- Tamarind rice
- Panchamirtham (five-fruit mixture)
Common Offerings:
- Flowers
- Ghee lamps
- Sandal paste
- Devotees believe the sandal paste distributed here can cure diseases and bring spiritual healing.
Festivals Celebrated
- Thai Poosam – January / February
- Chithirai Brahmotsavam – April
- Vaikasi Visakam – May / June
- Aadi Krithigai – July / August
- Skanda Sashti – October / November
- Thirukarthigai – November / December
- New Year Step Festival – 31st December
Temple Timings & Dharshan Details
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
|
Timings |
5:00 AM – 12:00 PM & 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
|
Special Darshan |
₹100 – ₹200 per person |
|
Entry Fee |
Free for all |
|
Online Booking |
Available |
|
Best Time to Visit |
October to March is ideal, as the weather is cool and pleasant, making the hill climb comfortable. |
How to Reach Tiruttani Murugan Temple
- By Bus: Frequent local buses available from Chennai
- By Train: Tiruttani Railway Station (nearest)
- By Air: Chennai International Airport (approx. 2 hours drive)
- The temple is easily accessible as Tiruttani is close to Chennai.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many steps are there to reach the temple?
There are 365 steps, symbolizing the 365 days of the year.
2. What is unique about Lord Murugan’s idol at Tiruttani?
Unlike other temples:
- Lord Murugan holds Vajra Hastam instead of Vel
- His vehicle is an elephant, not a peacock
- He is worshipped without his weapon, showing his peaceful form
3. Why does the elephant face east in this temple?
Indra gifted his elephant Airavatam during Murugan’s marriage to Deivayanai. When Murugan offered to return it, Indra requested the elephant to face his direction (east). Hence, the elephant idol faces east.
4. What is special about the sandal paste given here?
The sandal paste is made from a sacred stone gifted by Indra and is believed to have strong medicinal and healing powers.
