Thiruchendur Beach in Tamil Nadu, India, holds historical and religious significance, primarily due to the presence of the Thiruchendur Murugan Temple, also known as the Arulmigu Subramaniaswamy Temple.
Image Attribution: Suresh Babunair
Thiruchendur Murugan Temple:
The primary historical significance of Thiruchendur Beach is the Thiruchendur Murugan Temple, dedicated to Lord Murugan, also known as Kartikeya or Subramanya. This temple is one of the six holy abodes (Arupadai Veedu) of Lord Murugan, making it a highly revered pilgrimage site for Hindus. The temple complex has a long history and is associated with various legends and stories from ancient scriptures.
Legend of Lord Murugan’s Victory:
According to Hindu mythology, Thiruchendur is believed to be the place where Lord Murugan defeated the demon Surapadman, showcasing his valor and divine power. This battle between good and evil is an important story in the Murugan mythology and is celebrated during the annual Soorasamharam festival.
Ancient Maritime Trade Route:
Thiruchendur was an important port during ancient times, serving as a significant maritime trade route. The town’s history is intertwined with maritime trade, and its coastal location made it a hub for commerce and cultural exchange.
Historical Inscriptions:
The temple and its surroundings feature various inscriptions and artwork that provide insight into the historical and cultural heritage of the region. These inscriptions often reveal details about the temple’s construction, endowments, and the socio-religious practices of the time.
Religious Pilgrimage:
Thiruchendur Beach has been a destination for pilgrims and devotees for centuries. The temple draws millions of visitors each year who come to seek the blessings of Lord Murugan and to participate in various religious rituals and festivals.
Cultural Significance:
The temple’s annual festivals, including the Soorasamharam festival, draw large crowds and are culturally significant events in the region. These festivals showcase traditional music, dance, and other cultural performances.
Historical Heritage Preservation:
Efforts have been made to preserve and protect the historical and cultural heritage of Thiruchendur Beach and the Murugan Temple. Archaeological and heritage organizations work to safeguard and document the historical artifacts, inscriptions, and structures associated with the temple and its surroundings.
How to reach Thiruchendur Beach:
By Air: The nearest airport to Thiruchendur is Thoothukudi Airport (Tuticorin Airport), located approximately 39 kilometers away. You can book a flight to Thoothukudi Airport from major cities in India. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Thiruchendur Beach.
By Train: Thiruchendur has its own railway station, Thiruchendur Railway Station, which is well connected to other major cities in Tamil Nadu and neighboring states.
By Road: Thiruchendur is well connected by road, and you can reach the beach by bus, taxi, or your private vehicle.
The Mutharamman Temple in Kulasekara Pattinam or Kulasai is a highly revered and renowned Hindu temple located in the coastal town of Kulasekara Pattinam in the Thoothukudi district of Tamil Nadu, India. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Mutharamman, a form of the Divine Mother, and is particularly famous for its annual Dasara Festival.
Image Attribution: @Kulasai Sri Mutharamman Temple from facebook
Deity of Kulasekarapattinam:
The primary deity of the temple is Goddess Mutharamman. She is believed to be a powerful and benevolent goddess, and devotees seek her blessings for protection, well-being, and the fulfillment of their wishes.
Dasara Festival in Mutharamman Temple:
The Mutharamman Temple in Kulasekarapattinam is particularly famous for the annual Dasara Festival celebrated in honor of the goddess. This festival is a grand and vibrant event that typically occurs during the Navaratri period, which usually falls in September or October.
The festival lasts for several days and draws thousands of devotees from different parts of Tamil Nadu and beyond. The temple is beautifully decorated, and a variety of rituals, cultural events, and processions take place during this time.
Decorations and Processions:
The temple is adorned with colorful decorations, lights, and floral arrangements during the Dasara Festival. Elaborate processions featuring idols of the goddess, traditional music, dance performances, and cultural programs are organized, creating a vibrant and spiritual atmosphere.
The ‘Dussehra Set’ that Promotes Unity
The ‘Dussehra Set’ in Kulasekara pattinam is a significant tradition that fosters unity and team spirit among the town’s youth. Devout devotees participate not only as individuals but also in groups, collectively known as a ‘Dussehra Set.’ During this period, multiple Dussehra sets are formed in various towns. Those aspiring to please Goddess Kali are expected to adhere to rigorous fasting practices for a continuous period of 40 days. These fasting practices closely resemble celibacy, and they involve consuming only a single meal of pacharisi (a type of rice) each day.
This fast gives the devotees the power to tame the mind and body. So in each set, the one who wears the role of Kali is considered to be the leader. As it is a festival for Ambigai, Kali has a lot of importance there. Long braided hair, trident in hand, red paint on face, black paint if black, Kapala garland on neck, special clothes for it, korappal on mouth, patience is very necessary to wear Kali Vedam every day.
Mutharamman Temple Visiting Hours :
The Kulasai Mutharamman Temple in Kulasekaranpattinam welcomes visitors from 5:30 AM to 1:30 PM in the morning and from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM in the evening.
How to reach Kulasai Mutharamman Temple:
By Air: The nearest major airport is Thoothukudi Airport (TCR), which is approximately 40 kilometers away from Kulasekarapattinam. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or use other transportation options to reach the town.
By Train: The nearest railway station is the Thoothukudi Railway Station, which is well-connected to various cities and towns in Tamil Nadu. From Thoothukudi, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Kulasekarapattinam, which is about 35 kilometers away.
By Road: Kulasekarapattinam is well-connected by road, and you can reach the town by bus or taxi. It’s located along the Tamil Nadu State Highway 176, making it accessible by road from nearby cities and towns.
If you are traveling from Chennai, you can take a road trip to Kulasekarapattinam. The distance from Chennai to Kulasekarapattinam is approximately 650 kilometers, and the journey usually takes around 10-12 hours by road.
Hare Island – Thoothukudi
Hare Island lies by the Thoothukudi port and is located at a distance of 9 kilometres from the old bus stop of Thoothukudi city. Hare Island forms a part of the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park which consists of 21 small islands and lies for 160 kilometres between Thoothukudi and Dhanushkodi.
Hare Island covers an area of 1.29 square kilometres and is the largest island in the Gulf of Mannar.
Hare Island is no longer an island as it is now connected by road.
The place is a popular picnic spot and is thronged by tourists during holidays, owing to its proximity to the city. The island is a perfect getaway to get some fresh air and to spend leisure time with tranquil nature.
Tiruchendur Murugan Temple
Arulmigu Subramanya Swamy Temple is located in the town of Tiruchendur along the shores of the Bay of Bengal. The temple is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Murugan. It is one of the six sacred abodes (Arupadaiveedu) of Lord Murugan.
Legend
According to the legend, Tiruchendur is the place where Lord Murugan (the second warrior son of Lord Shiva) defeated the demon Surapadman. It is further believed that the divine demigods wanted to worship Lord Murugan in a place marked by the expanse of mountains, sea and river and hence Tiruchendur was chosen.
The Temple Structure of Tiruchendur Subramanya Swamy Temple
The Raja Gopuram (temple tower) is built on the western side of the temple, unlike other temples where the Raja Gopuram is erected on the eastern side, the reason being that the sea is very close in the eastern side.
The Gopuram is nine-tier that is 138 feet high. The sanctum sanctorum of the temple has Lord Subramanyam in a standing posture. To his left is the shrine of Sivalinga Jagannatha.
Temple Festivals of Tiruchendur Subramanya Swamy Temple
- Brahmotsavam is held twice in a year during the Tamil months of Masi (February-March) and Aavani (August-September). The festival is held for 12 days and is witnessed by thousands of worshippers every year.
- The Vasantha Festival is a 10 day festival held in the Tamil month of Chittirai (April-May).
- Vaikasi Visagam (May-June)
- Skanda Sasti Festival is a 7 day festival held in the Tamil month of Aippasi (October-November)
Temple Timings in Tiruchendur Subramanya Swamy Temple
Temple is open on all days from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
Pooja Details of Tiruchendur Subramanya Swamy Temple
| Pooja Name | Pooja Timing |
|---|---|
| Suprabatam | 5:10 AM |
| Viswaroopa Darshanam | 5:30 AM |
| Dwajasthamba Namaskaram | 5:45 AM |
| Udaya Marthanda Abhishekam | 6:15 AM |
| Udaya Marthanda Deeparadhanai | 7:00 AM |
| Kalasandhi Pooja | 8:00 to 8:30 AM |
| Kalasha Pooja | 10:00 AM |
| Uchikala Abhishekam | 10:30 AM |
| Uchikala Deeparadhanai | 12:00 Noon |
| Sayaratchai Pooja | 5:00 PM |
| Arthasama Abhishekam | 7:15 PM |
| Arthasama Pooja | 8:15 PM |
| Ekanda Seva | 8:30 PM |
| Ragasia Deeparadhanai | 8:45 PM |
| Nadai Thirukappiduthal | 9:00 PM |
How to reach Tiruchendur Subramanya Swamy Temple
The temple is located at a distance of 60 kilometres south-east of Tirunelveli, 40 kilometres from Tuticorin and 75 kilometres north-east of Kanyakumari.
Tiruchendur is well connected with many major cities across South India. Thoothukudi Railway Station is the nearest station to the temple at a distance of around 42 kilometres. The nearest airport is at Madurai (around 99 kilometres away).
Muthu Nagar Beach in Thoothukudi
Muthu Nagar Beach is located in the beach lover’s paradise of Tamil Nadu, Thoothukudi. Visitors of Thoothukudi can enjoy a great beach holiday at the Muthu Nagar Beach.
Involving in beach activities, relaxing and watching the sunset views are some of the best things to do at the beach.
Boating and Water Sports activities are available on this beach.
The beach is located 5 kilometres towards south from Thoothukudi town and at a distance of 620 kilometres from Chennai. Thoothukudi Railway Station is located at around 6 kilometres from the beach. Tuticorin Airport is at a distance of around 19 kilometres and Madurai Airport is located at a distance of around 131 kilometres.
Overview of Basilica of Our Lady of Snows Church – Tuticorin
Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Snow or Our Lady of Snows Church in Tuticorin is dedicated to Mother Mary. The place is believed to have been graced by the visit of Saint Francis in the year 1542. The church was built by the Portuguese on a cliff in the year 1711 and was opened in the year 1713. The church houses the statue of Our Lady that was bought to Tuticorin in the year 1555. The shrine was later raised to the statue of Basilica.
Architecture of Basilica of Our Lady of Snows Church
Our Lady of Snows, built in an ancient architectural style is a famous Christian religious center in Tuticorin. The beautiful church boasts a magnificent Portuegese architecture and an impressive carving of the shrine of Our Lady of Snows. The church is a prominent Catholic pilgrimage site and also one of the top tourist attractions in Tuticorin. The place is thronged by a large crowd of devotees during the annual festival days.
History of Basilica of Our Lady of Snows Church
The history of the church is connected with the conversion of about 22 villages constituting around 30,000 people who embraced Christianity. These native people of the Pearl Fishery Coast had a sharp dispute with the Muslims regarding the right of Pearl Fishing. They converted to Christianity as a token of gratitude to the Portuguese who rescued them from the cruelties of Muslims.
There are many miracles associated with the statue of Our Lady of Snows. According to history, the statue was taken away and installed in a nearby island for a few years. It was returned to the church in the year 1610.
She is fondly referred to as the Mother of Refuge for the coastal villages Vembar, Vaippar, Tuticorin, Punnaikayal, Virapandian patinam, Thiruchendur and Manapad.
The Basilica of Tuticorin
Basilica is a Greek term signifying a Royal Hall, which in time has come to mean a large and beautiful hall. It is the greatest honour for a church to be raised to the status of a Basilica. The 400th Anniversary of the Church of Lady of Snows was marked by Paul John Paul II raising it to the status of Basilica through his apostolic letter dated 30th July 1982.
The Shrine Basilica at Tuticorin has pointed arches, buttresses and ribbed vaults in Portuguese architectural style.
Mass Timings in Basilica of Our Lady of Snows Church
The church is open on all days. The mass timings are as below:
- All Days – 5:30 AM, 6:30 AM and 5:30 PM
- Saturdays – Novena Mass at 11:30 AM and Novena and Benediction at 6:30 PM
- Sundays – 5:00 AM, 6:30 AM, 8:00 AM, 9:30 AM ad 5:30 PM
How to reach Basilica of Our Lady of Snows Church
Tuticorin is well connected by road to all major cities across South India. The nearest railway station and airport to the Church is at Tuticorin.
