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Arulmigu Subramania Swamy Temple, Thiruchendur

Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu • Others

Moolavar

Subramania Swamy (Murugan) with Valli and Deivanai

Timings

  • Daily: 04:00 – 21:00
  • Select festival days (per temple notice): 01:00 – 21:00

Special Poojas / Festivals

  • Skanda Sashti (Soorasamharam)
  • Avani Uthsavam
  • Masi Uthsavam
  • Vaikasi Visakam
  • Thai Poosam
  • Panguni Uthiram
  • Float Festival (Theppotsavam)
  • Car Festival

Famous For

  • One of Murugan’s six sacred abodes (Arupadai Veedu).
  • Sea-shore temple with west-facing sanctum.
  • Skanda Sashti Soorasamharam re-enactment.
  • Nazhi Kinaru freshwater spring by the beach.
  • Distribution of leaf-wrapped sacred ash (ilai vibhuti).

Nearby Temples

  • Mutharamman Temple, Kulasekarapattinam – ~13.5 km
  • Srivaikuntanathan Perumal Temple, Srivaikuntam – ~28.4 km
  • Aadhinathar (Alwarthirunagari) Temple – ~24.4 km
  • Thiruvaragunamangai (Natham) Perumal Temple – ~27.5 km
  • Thirupuliyangudi Perumal Temple – ~26.9 km
  • Vaithamanidhi Perumal Temple, Thirukkolur – ~21.9 km
  • Irattai Tirupathi (Devapiran & Aravindalochanar), Tholavillimangalam – ~21.5 km

History

  • One of the six abodes (Arupadai Veedu) of Lord Murugan.
  • Sea-shore temple on the Bay of Bengal at Thiruchendur.
  • East gopuram of nine tiers; sanctum oriented west towards the sea.
  • Nazhi Kinaru twin fresh-water spring near the beach is a key feature.
  • ‘Ilai vibhuti’ (sacred ash wrapped in leaf) is distributed by the temple.
  • Two major annual uthsavams: Avani and Masi; Soorasamharam during Skanda Sashti.
  • Daily opening officially notified as 04:00–21:00; earlier openings on select festival days.
  • Administered by Tamil Nadu HR&CE; official temple portal provides schedules and services.
  • Consecration (Kumbabishekam) and conservation works held periodically, including 2025.

Thiruchendur is the seashore abode of Murugan, counted among the six Arupadai Veedu. The temple stands on the Bay of Bengal coast and is closely associated with the narrative of Soora Samharam, the slaying of Surapadman.

Epigraphs and local tradition point to continuous patronage under the Pandyas and later rulers. The nine-tiered east gopuram rises about 157 feet, while the sanctum faces west towards the sea, a notable coastal orientation.

A distinctive feature here is the twin freshwater spring called ‘Nazhi Kinaru’ near the beach. Devotees also receive ‘ilai vibhuti’—sacred ash wrapped in leaf—dispensed by the Devasthanam.

The temple observes two major annual uthsavams (Avani and Masi) alongside Vaikasi Visakam, Thai Poosam, Panguni Uthiram and the famed Skanda Sashti with the Soorasamharam enactment. A float festival is also conducted in keeping with tradition.

Temple timings are officially notified as 04:00 to 21:00, with earlier openings on specified festival days. Kumbabishekam and conservation works are undertaken periodically, including recent consecration in 2025.

Story Sections

Origins by the Sea

On the sandy shore of Thiruchendur, Murugan is venerated as Subramania Swamy. The site remembers the victory over Surapadman, retold each year as Soorasamharam.

Royal Patronage

Inscriptions and local records indicate steady support from Pandya rulers and later dynasties. The complex expanded over time, with the tall east gopuram becoming a coastal landmark.

Water and Worship

Nazhi Kinaru, a rare freshwater spring by the beach, remains central to pilgrim rites. Leaf-wrapped vibhuti reflects a long-kept temple practice.

Cycle of Festivals

Avani and Masi uthsavams, Vaikasi Visakam and Thai Poosam draw devotees in large numbers. Skanda Sashti culminates in the dramatic Soorasamharam pageant.

Present Day

The temple follows published schedules and opens early on key festival days. Periodic consecrations and conservation keep the shrine active and accessible.

Slogans

  • Vetrivel Veeravel
  • Om Muruga
  • Om Saravanabhava
  • Kandhanukku Arogara

How to Reach

By Road: Well connected by road; buses and cabs operate from Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli and nearby towns directly to Thiruchendur.

By Train: Nearest station: Tiruchendur (TCN), from where autos and cabs reach the temple in minutes.

By Flight: Nearest airport: Tuticorin (Thoothukudi) Airport; proceed by road via Thoothukudi to Thiruchendur.

📍 View on Google MapsLat 8.496021, Lng 78.129203