In the district of Madurai in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, there is a town known for its temples called Thiruparankundram. It is renowned for having the Thiruparankundram Murugan Temple, one of the six abodes of the well-known Hindu deity Lord Murugan (also known as Kartikeya).
One of the oldest temples in Tamil Nadu, the Thiruparankundram Murugan Temple is perched on a hill. It is also one of the rare temples in India where both of Lord Murugan’s consorts, Valli and Devasena, are worshiped. The Saravana Poigai, a sizable tank, and other intricately carved pillars and statues can be found in the temple.
In addition to the temple, Thiruparankundram is renowned for its 8th-century rock-cut cave temples. On the same hill as the Thiruparankundram Murugan Temple, there are other shrines for various Hindu deities in these cave temples.
Hindus frequently travel to Thiruparankundram for religious purposes, particularly those who worship Lord Murugan. For those who want to learn more about Tamil Nadu’s extensive cultural and historical legacy, it is also a well-liked tourism destination.
Getting to Thiruparankundram
Thiruparankundram is situated in the Tamil Nadu state of southern India’s district of Madurai. Here are the several methods for getting to Thiruparankundram:
Via Air: Thiruparankundram is around 10 kilometers from the Madurai International Airport, the closest airport. To get to Thiruparankundram from the airport, you can take a cab or rent a private vehicle.
Via Train: Thiruparankundram is located about 8 kilometers from the closest train station, Madurai Junction. You can take a local bus or a taxi to go to Thiruparankundram from the train station.
Via Bus: Thiruparankundram is well connected by road, and buses from important Tamil Nadu cities are simple to catch. Moreover, there are state-run and privately operated buses that travel to and from Thiruparankundram.
Thiruparankundram is also accessible by automobile. It is conveniently accessible by taking the Madurai-Natham Road and is situated around 8 kilometers from Madurai’s city center.
Once you get in Thiruparankundram, you can use a local cab or a bus to tour the area. On a hill, the Thiruparankundram Murugan Temple is reachable by ascending a set of stairs.
history about thiruparankundram
Thiruparankundram has a long past that goes back to the beginning of time. The following are some noteworthy historical occurrences and myths linked to Thiruparankundram:
Hindu mythology holds that Lord Murugan (also known as Kartikeya) fought the demon Surapadman and married his consorts, Valli and Devasena, there in Thiruparankundram.
The Thiruparankundram Murugan Temple was constructed in the sixth century AD under the Pandya kingdom. The Nayak dynasty later repaired and extended it in the 17th century.
In the first century BC, Thiruparankundram was a significant Jain center. The town’s connection to the Jain religion can be seen in the numerous Jain caves and inscriptions that have been discovered there and nearby.
In ancient times, Thiruparankundram was a significant hub of trade. It served as a crucial rest stop for traders going between the ports on India’s east and west coasts.
When the Delhi Sultanate overran Thiruparankundram in the fourteenth century, the temple suffered damage. The Vijayanagara Kingdom later repaired it in the 16th century.
The Maratha Empire defeated the Nawab of Arcot at the legendary battle of Thiruparankundram, which took place there in 1741.
Hindus travel in large numbers to Thiruparankundram to pray at the Thiruparankundram Murugan Temple to get Lord Murugan’s blessings. The town is an important historical and cultural location that draws visitors eager to learn more about Tamil Nadu’s rich past.
Timing for Thiruparankundram
The Thiruparankundram Murugan Temple is open to devotees every day of the week. Here are the timings for visiting the temple:
Morning Timings:
The temple opens at 5:00 AM
The first puja (worship) of the day takes place at 5:30 AM
Special Abhishekam (ritual bath) takes place at 6:00 AM
The temple closes at 12:30 PM
Evening Timings:
The temple reopens at 4:00 PM
The first puja of the evening takes place at 5:00 PM
Special Abhishekam takes place at 6:30 PM
The final puja of the day takes place at 8:00 PM
The temple closes at 8:30 PM
Note: The timings may vary during festivals and special occasions. It is always advisable to check with the temple authorities before planning your visit.
time of year to visit Thiruparankundram is best
November and February, when the weather is lovely and cool, is the ideal time to visit Thiruparankundram. For visitors to comfortably explore the town and the temple, the temperature is between 20°C and 25°C during this period.
Traveling and visiting the temple during the sweltering summer months of March to May can be uncomfortable due to temperatures that can reach up to 40°C. Visitation during the monsoon season, which lasts from June to September, can also be difficult due to the region’s frequent flooding and high rainfall.
However, suppose you intend to visit Thiruparankundram during a festival, such as the Skanda Sashti festival in November or the Thaipoosam festival in January. In that case, you may want to make travel arrangements in advance. It is a perfect opportunity to observe the religious fervor and cultural celebrations because these holidays are widely observed and celebrated with great zeal.