Murugan Tiruttani

Other Temples, Thiruvallur District

God

Muruga, facing east

Goddess

Devayanai, Valli

Other Gods

Sumathreeswarar, Bhairava, Kumareeswarar, Tirumoolateeswarar, Kalatheeswarar, Balasubramaniaswamy, Kailasanathar, Shanmuga, Abathsagaya Vinayagar, Nava Veeras, Veerabadra, Surya, Ekambareswarar, Arthanareeswarar, Arunachaleswarar, Prasanna Kadhareswarar

Murugan Tiruttani is a very famous and popular east facing temple on a 700 feet tall hill with 3 prakarams, 365 steps representing the days of the year, and a holy pond at the base of the hill. One of the Aarupadai Veedu (six abodes) Murugan temples, Tiruttani Murugan Temple is visible from a long distance and the thronging crowd on festival days has to be seen to be believed. Lord Muruga here is holding the Vajra (Thunder producing weapon) in his right hand instead of the usual Vael. Lord Indra’s mount Airavata (Elephant) is seen before him (facing the other way) instead of the usual Peacock. Bhairava here is seen with 4 dog mounts representing the 4 Vedas. It is also said that a scar received while battling the Demon Sura is on the deity.

Holy water (Theertham) –Saravanapoigai- Saravana Theertham, Saptha Rishi Theertham

Holy Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – No information

History

Murugan Tiruttani is estimated to be about 2000 years. Murugan Tiruttani temple has been mentioned in the Sangam period (200 BC – 300 CE) work Tirumurugaatruppadai composed by Nakkeerar. Murugan Tiruttani has been patronized by the Vijayanagar rulers, local Chieftains and Zamindars. Hymns have been rendered by Arunagirinadhar (5th century CE), Ramalinga Swamigal and Muthuswamy Dikshidhar.

Legend

Muruga is said to have relaxed and cooled down here at Murugan Tiruttani after his furious war with Soora, an asura. He is believed to have married Valli and Devayanai here at Murugan Tiruttani. Lord Indira offered Airavata his white elephant as a wedding gift to Deivanai. Subsequently his prosperity waned and he prayed to Lord Muruga to allow the elephant in the shrine to turn the other side so that his fortunes will change. The Lord obliged and thus you see the elephant in front of him facing the other side. He is also believed to have imprisoned Brahma here when he did not know the meaning of the mantra ‘Om’ and later released him.

Directions

Tiruttani is a well known town on the Chennai to Thiruvallur-Tirupati road and about 85 kms from Chennai. Plan to reach the Murugan Tiruttani temple in the mornings or evenings and climb up. The temple is very crowded during festival and important days. Vehicles can go to the top of the hill.

Stay and Food

There are a few vegetarian restaurants at the base of the hill just before the hill road entrance.

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