Thiruparankundram

Thiruparankundram is one of the 6 abodes of Lord Muruga. It lies 8 kms, south west to the temple town of Madurai. Lord Muruga is called Subramanya in Thirparankundram.

Legends say

The hill of Thiruparankundram is called Southern Himalayas, where the Gods assemble. It is also an abode where the Sun and the Moon abide together.

After defeating the demon king, Surapadman, Muruga came to Thiruparankundram along with the Devas. He at once directed the celestial sculptor, Vishwakarma to build a temple for him and a city around it. The cave temple which is carved from a single piece of rock is 1050 meters above sea level was built by the divine sculptor, Vishwakarma.

Story of Devasena

Devasena was in a previous incarnation Amrita Valli. She had a sister, Sundara Valli. They were the two daughters of Lord Vishnu. They desired to marry Muruga and did severe penance to him,on the banks of Saravana Poigai (lake in the Himalayas) to secure the blessings of marriage. The Lord pleased with them appeared before them and told Amrita Valli that she will be reborn as a daughter of Indra and he will marry her. Sundara Valli too was blessed to be married to him after taking birth in the family of hunters.

Divine Wedding of Muruga and Devasena

To celebrate Lord Muruga`s victory over Surapadman, Lord Indra gave his daughter Devasena in marriage to Lord Muruga on the auspicious day of Panguni Uthiram. Panguni is the Tamil month of Phalguna that falls in the months of March – April. The wedding took place in the midst of all Devas, Rishis and Gods. In all other five shrines of Muruga, he is seen with both his consorts, Devasena and Valli. It is only in Thiruparankundram, he is seen with Devasena alone.

Inside the Temple Sanctum

In the sanctum sanctorum, the Lord is seen in the wedding form with his consort Devasena.Muruga is seen in a seated posture. He came here with his sacred weapon, the Vel which was given to him by his mother Parvati to destroy the demon, Surapadman. All abisekams are done to the Vel alone. It is the only temple where abishekams are done to the Vel, unlike other 5 temples of Muruga. As this is a cave temple, the Lord is anointed with a scented paste called punnugu alone. We see Lord Vishnu facing Lord Shiva in place of Nandi, hence this temple is also called Mal (Vishnu)Vidai (bull). Brahma, Lord Indra, Saraswathi without veena, Savithri, Sun, Moon and Sage Narada are also seen here.

Auspicious for Weddings

This shrine is considered auspicious to conduct weddings and many vow to conduct weddings in this shrine. Thousands of weddings for many generations have taken place here. Panguni Uthiram is the period when the divine marriage is conducted every year to Muruga and Devasena. Many conduct weddings during this period for its auspiciousness and blessedness.

Those seeking the boon of marriage should visit this place and seek the blessings of Muruga. It is said the Lord hears the prayers of the devout and the wish of marriage is fulfilled through his grace. Those having problems in marriage too can pray to the Lord and visit this shrine to secure blessings of peace. After the wedding, the devotees pray to do annadanam or feeding the poor in the temple as a spiritual gesture to please the lord.

Holy Tank

The holy tank called Lakshmi Theertham found within the temple has many fishes in it. It is believed that if one offers puffed rice or pori to these creatures, one will get relieved of skin ailments.

Full Moon Days

On Full Moon days, people go around the hill –Girivalam. They seek the blessings of the Lord in the fulfillment of wishes, relief from all types of sufferings, and for spiritual upliftment.

Main Festivals

The main festivals of this temple are Skanda Shasthi, Vaikashi Visakam, Aadi Karthigai, Thai Poosam, Panguni Uthiram and Thai Poosam. Saivaite sages like Sundarar, Manikavasagar, Appar, Sambandar and Nakkerar have sung in praise of the Lord and visited this shrine.

It is believed that whoever visits the Lord of this temple should never leave without feeding at least one hungry person. The Lord is most pleased when one feeds the poor according to their individual capacity.