Arulmigu Subramanya Swamy Temple, situated on the Thirupparankundram hill in Madurai district of Tamil Nadu, is in the news for the Karthigai Deepam festival. This temple is considered a center of reverence for devotees and tourists. This unique cave-style ancient heritage site carved out of a mountain is famous not only for its religious importance but also for its unique historical and mythological heritage.

According to belief, this temple, built during the Pandya period of the 6th-8th century, still exists in its original form and thousands of devotees come here every day for darshan. The special thing about the temple is that its entire structure has been made by carving a huge rock, in which beautiful carvings of gods and goddesses, cave-like sanctum sanctorum and high gopuram present a grand example of its ancient heritage.

History of the temple

• Arulmigu Subramanya Swamy Temple, situated on the Thirupparankundram hill near Madurai, is one of the most ancient and important religious places in Tamil Nadu.
• This temple is believed to be of Lord Murugan (Kartikeya), who is worshiped with great devotion in South India.
• The temple is believed to be the place where Lord Murugan killed the demon Soorapadma and after this Lord Shiva got Murugan married to Devasena (daughter of Indra) here.
• The temple is believed to be built between the 6th to 8th century by the Pandya kings.
• This temple has been built by cutting a huge rock, which makes it very unique from the architectural point of view.

Main features of the temple

Ancient rock cut cave temple

• The temple is completely carved out of a large mountain rock. The carvings and sculptures inside it are very beautiful and rare.

Lord Murugan – Devasena Marriage Venue

• It is said that Lord Murugan’s marriage with Devasena took place at this place. Therefore it is also called the holy place of marriage (well-being place).

Confluence of Jain, Hindu and Muslim faith

• Thirupparankundram hill is considered sacred for many religions.
• There are also caves of Jain saints on the hill.
• There is a dargah of a Muslim saint nearby.
• This place is also considered a symbol of religious harmony.

amazing architecture

• The stones have carvings of Lord Shiva, Vishnu, Ganesha, Surya, Devi and other deities.
• The sanctum sanctorum of the temple is deep inside the rock.
• The huge gopurams (temple towers) and tall pillars of the temple are extremely attractive.

Beliefs to temple

Recognition of marriage and childbearing

• It is believed that in this temple the marriage wishes are fulfilled very quickly.
• Couples who wish to have children perform special puja here.

Enemy obstacles are removed

• Murugan is considered a commander. Devotees believe that worshiping here removes enemies, obstacles, negative energy and fear.
• Special puja is done in this temple for debt relief.
• Here ‘Shatru Samhar Puja’ and ‘Karj Mukti Puja’ are especially famous.

How to reach the temple?

railroad track

• The nearest railway station is Madurai Junction (about 8–10 km away).
  Auto/cabs are easily available from Madurai to the temple.

nearest airport

• The nearest airport is Madurai International Airport (about 12 km away).

road route

• Buses are available from every major city of Tamil Nadu (Chennai, Coimbatore, Trichy).
• Local buses, autos and taxis are easily available from Madurai city to the temple.