OTHER MURUGAN TEMPLES IN TAMILNADU - TIRUPPORUR MURUGAN TEMPLE

The Tirupporur Murugan Temple is considered as the place of the sacred war. It is one of the 33 major temples of Tamil Nadu and is dedicated to Lord Muruga. This temple is situated 25-km away from Chingleput and 45-km from Chennai. This ancient temple dates back to the Pallava period.The Tirupporur Murugan Temple is called by names like Poriyur or Yuddhapuri or Samarapuri. According to the legends, after defeating Soorapadman at Tiruchendur, Skanda destroyed the rest of the demons at Tirupporur. History of The Temple In the temple there are inscriptions that belong to the early 10th century. There are inscriptions also belonging to the period of Vikrama Chola of the 12th century in the temple. After the glory of Tirupporur reached its peak, it faded into oblivion for some time. But Chidambara Swamigal rediscovered and renovated its glory in the middle of the seventeenth century. It is said that Tirupporur was a descendant of one of the poets of the "Tamil Sangam" of Madurai. Previously this place was a forest covered totally by Palmyra trees. It is believed that the idol of Lord Muruga (also spelt as Murugan) is "Swayambhu Murti", which lay covered up by an anthill. It is said that the image of 'Skanda' was discovered by Chidambara Swamigal in the anthill. He then built the temple again and reinstalled the image. Later the temple was looked after by the decedents of Chidambara Swamigal and reached its present glory. The Legend Related to the Temple The Tirupporur Murugan Temple has many legends related to it. According to one of the legends, Lord Vishnu and his consort Lakshmi were subjected to the curse of Kanva rishi. Lord Shiva came to this place to liberate and relieve them from the effect of the curse. Therefore at Tirupporur temple both Lord Shiva and his son Muruga are worshiped. According to the Sthalapurana, Lord Muruga with his consorts Valli and Devayanai granted protection to devas and explained the meaning of Pranava to Agastya Muni at this place. Other legend says, Skanda described the principle of pranava or reality to the devas here. The very concept of Pranavam is said to have worshiped Skanda here, and the hill behind the temple is known as "Pranava Malai'. Legends also say that Lord Vishnu worshiped Shiva as "Vanmeekeswara" on the Pranava Hill. He did this to get rid of the sin of having killed Soorapadman. Skanda is enshrined in several forms in this temple, all of them related to legends from the Skanda Puranam. The best of these is the depiction of Skanda as a warrior, "Samhara Subramanya". Skanda is also enshrined in the form of a child, explaining the meaning of the oneness of creation Om to his father Lord Shiva. Architecture of The Temple The eastern side of the temple is sanctum sanctorum where there's a 'Palmyra' tree. The anthill under it, has "Kanda Perumal" with "Valli" and "Devayanai" on a small Peetha. Chidambara Swamigal used to perform Abhishekam to these images. There's an image of the lord present in the anthill which is covered with Kavacha and other jewels without the ritual of Abhishekam (also spelt as Abhisheka) performed for this deity. The temple has a hall having 24-pillars and another circular hall having 30-pillars. There is a shrine to "Vembadi Vinayaka" under a Neem tree. On the southern side of the temple, there are two sacred Teerthams (also spelt as Teerthas or Theertahs), "Saravana Poigai" and "Valliyar Odai". Mandapam on the eastern side of the Teerthams has four pillars. There is also another Teertham by name "Pranavamritam". Worship The presiding deity here is offered four worship services each day. Festivities The temple festival celebrated here is the Skanda Sashti, celebrated in the month of Aippasi (October-November). Other festivals that are celebrated over here include "Margazhi Tiruvadirai" and "Navaratri". How to Reach the Tirupporur Murugan Temple

• Air: Nearest airport is Chennai, which operates both national and international flights
• Rail: Chennai is the nearest railway station, which is a major junction and is well connected with different parts of Tamilnadu and India.
• Road: Tirupporur is accessible by road from Chennai and Chengalpattu. Private taxis and buses ply from Chennai and Chengalpattu to Tirupporur.