Thiruthani Murugan temple is located on the hill of Thiruttani, Tiruvallur district, Tamil Nadu. The 365 steps here to reach the temple are notable since every one of these indicates the 365 days of a year. This is the fifth abode among the six Lord Muruga’s temples that are Palani Murugan Temple, Swamimalai Murugan Temple, Thiruchendur Murugan Temple, Thiruparankundram, and Pazhamudircholai Murugan Temple.
The temple is about 87 kilometers from Chennai. Here another notable feature is the mount of Lord Muruga, which is the white elephant, whereas, in all other temples, the peacock is the mount. The temple’s history takes us back to the dated time where it has the mentions in the Sangam period where it was also fertilized by the Vijayanagar rulers.
Legend
The temple has got many legends, and hence its importance. The most famous legend is about Lord Muruga’s mount, the white elephant. It is said that when Indra gave her daughter to Muruga, he also offered Muruga the white elephant in dowry. Upon the departure of the elephant Airavatam, Indra found his wealth waning each day.
Lord Muruga wanted to give the elephant back to Indra, but as Indra had gifted the elephant, it was not valid to accept the elephant. Instead, Indra requested Muruga to make the elephant face him, and hence the mount faces the East direction.
Another legend is about the sandalwood paste that is applied to Lord Muruga in the temple. Indra also gave the sandalwood paste to Lord Muruga on the marriage of her daughter to Muruga. This paste is said to possess all the medicinal values, and hence it holds utmost significance.
The shrine that is established in the temple can be seen with a hollow region in the chest. The legend states that once during the battle against the demon Tarakasuran, Muruga took his attack, the discus on his chest, and hence it created a hollow.
This shrine is believed to be worshipped by Lord Rama as well. After killing Ravana, Lord Rama wanted to have peace of mind. That is why he came to this temple and worshipped Lord Subrahmanya. Arjuna is also believed to worship this shrine of Lord Muruga when he was heading to the South for Teertha Yatra.
Lord Vishnu prayed to Lord Muruga when his Chakra and Conch were seized by the demon Tarakasura, brother of Soorapadma. Muruga then fought against the demon and got Vishnu his sacred wheel and conch back.
Lord Brahma also pleased Muruga at this holy place after Muruga imprisoned him for not knowing and explaining the meaning of the word “Om.” After worshipping the Lord and pleasing him, Brahma got his power back, which he became deprived of due to his egoistic tendency.
It is also believed that Lord Muruga was the knower of the Tamil language, and later, he blessed sage Agasthyar Muni to know Tamil. The king of serpents Vasuki, when he got hurt during the milky ocean churning process, worshipped Lord Muruga at Tanikai and got rid of his wounds.
Festivals and Celebrations
Monthly Karthikai s is a common celebration here in the temple, which is celebrated by a large number of devotees. There are two annual festivals as well celebrated grandly: the Aadi Krittikai and the 31 December New Year Step Festival, Thaipusam. In the Tamil month of Adi, the float festival is celebrated, Bhramotsavam comes in the month of Maasi, and celebration happens for Skanda Sashti as well in the Tamil month of Aippasi.
Amenities offered
Devotees can have the following benefits while visiting the temple:
- There are cottages and rooms near the temple for a comfortable stay.
- Kalyanam halls are there for marriages at this divine place by paying a nominal fee.
- Devotees can take the golden car for the procession by submitting the specific payment.
- Pure cow milk can be purchased for the Abhishekam.
- Devotees can have the Puja performed for one day each year for eternity by paying a lump sum of money.
- There is an orphanage for poor boys who are provided with food, clothes, and education.
- Publications, calendars, rosaries, and souvenirs are available for sale.
Timings
The temple opens from 5:45 am to 21:00. On special days, the temple is open full day between 12 pm to 3 pm is closed on some festival time.
