Thirupparankunram Murugan Temple

Thirupparankunram Murugan Temple is one of the oldest temples that belong to the 6th or 7th century. A famous temple that is situated 8kms away from Madurai, and is carved on a rock totally.

Built by Pandyas, the main shrine of the temple is Lord Muruga along with other deities namely: Lord Vishnu, Shiva, Ganesha and Goddess Durga.

Well, Surapadman asura is said to have got a boon that he wished from Lord Shiva on account of his penance. Hence, he started ruling the 1008 lokas, built an empire under the sea and started troubling the devas too. Though married and had several sons, Surapadman, laid his eye on Indrani, wife of Lord Indra. Then Lord Indra sought help from Lord Muruga who slayed the demon and saved the devas too. Thirupparamkunram is the place where the demon was killed by Lord Muruga and also Lord Shiva was worshipped by his son Muruga in the name of Parangirinathar. The asura was cut into two halves and both the pieces became the vehicles of Lord Muruga namely: peacock and rooster.

As a token of Gratitude, Lord Indra got his daughter Devayani married to Lord Muruga here. In remembrance of the destruction of demon surapadman, kandha Shasti festival is celebrated at all Murugan temple during Aippasi month of Tamil calendar.

Daily six rituals are performed in the temple. Here Vishnu deity faces Shiva deity unlike any other temple and this is the specialty of the temple.

There is a tank outside the temple where the devotees can give the fish with Aval and salt.

Quite a renowned temple which you must not miss visiting when you are at Madurai.

Image Attribution : Richard Mortel