Thiruttani, Kanchipuram - Timings, Festivals, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

About Thiruttani Temple

At a distance of 13 Km from Arakkonam, 44 Km from Kanchipuram, 65 Km from Tirupati, and 86 Km from Chennai, Thiruthani, or Thiruttani is a holy town located in the Tiruvallur District of Tamil Nadu. The town is home to the famous for Arulmigu Subramanya Swamy Temple, also known as Thiruthani Murugan Temple. Dedicated to Lord Murugan, this temple is one of the prominent pilgrimage sites in Tamil Nadu, and among the six Padai Veedus (Battle Grounds) of Lord Murugan, other five are Palani, Swamimalai, Tirupparangunram, Pazhamudircholai and Thiruchendur. This place represents the site where Subramanya stayed after destroying the demon Surapadman. Tiruttani is also said to be the place where the Lord Subramanya married Valli, one of his two consorts.

History of Thiruttani Temple

The origins of this revered temple are deeply rooted in antiquity, with mentions in the ancient Sangam literature, specifically in Tirumurugatruppadai, penned by the poet Nakkeerar. This sacred site has received the patronage of Vijayanagara rulers, local chieftains, and zamindars over the centuries. Beyond its storied past, the temple has been extolled by Saint Arunagirinathar, a devout follower of Lord Murugan from 600 years ago, who acknowledged this hill as a favored destination for worship, graced by deities and a beloved retreat for saints who engaged in deep meditation. Sri Muttuswami Deekshitar, a revered figure from 200 years ago, found his muse in Tiruttani. It was here that our Lord, appearing as an elderly man, encountered him on the temple steps and blessed him with prasadam, inspiring him to compose his first song on Lord Murugan.

Mythology of Thiruttani Temple

According to the legend, Indra, the king of devas gave his daughter Devasena in marriage to Murugan, and presented his elephant Airavatam as part of his dowry offering. Upon Airavatam's departure, Indra found his wealth to be waning. Lord Murugan offered to return the elephant, however Indra for whom honor stood before anything else, refused the offer, and rather insisted that the elephant face his direction. Since then every elephant in the temple pointed towards the east.

Another legend has it that Indra presented a sandal stone as a part of his daughter's gift. The sandal paste made on this stone is applied to the image of Murugan and the applied paste is said to acquire medicinal value.

On worshipping at Thanikai, the king of the snakes, Vasuki got his bodily wounds healed, which had been caused during the Samudra Manthana. Sage Agastya worshipped Murugan at Tanikai when he was blessed with the divine gift of the Tamil language.

Architecture of Thiruttani Temple

This temple is situated on the Thanigai Hill, which can be reached via 365 steps resembles 365 days in a year. The temple has four precincts and a five-tiered gopuram. This temple has two shrines, one for Lord Murugan in the form of Shaktidhar and another for Valli and Deivayanai. The primary sanctum of the temple is built with one lakh rudrakshas. Lord Murugan is seen holding Vajra Hastam in his right hand instead of Vel, his regular weapon. It is believed that if one worshipped Lord Murugan with heart and soul for five consecutive days in this hill temple, the person would be blessed with the best in his life and after.

The interesting fact about the temple is 3 consecutive days in March allow the rising sun into the primary sanctum. On the first day, it touches the feet of the primary deity, while the second day it falls on the heart; and on the final day, it falls on the head. Sri Aadhi Balasubramanian graces on the wall behind the sanctum sanctorum as a child. The processional image of Murugan is housed in a Rudraksha tower.

There is a shrine to Aapat Sahaaya Vinayakar who helped the Murugan in winning Valli's hand in marriage. Lord Bhairava graces in temple with 4 dogs vehicle representing 4 Vedas. The temple also has five ponds spread around the temple. The Thiruthani Saravanapoikai, the sacred pond at the foot hill, is highly renowned for its curative effects because the water is enriched with sulfur, iron and other minerals.

Festivals of Thiruttani Temple

The Tiruttani Murugan Temple hosts several festivals throughout the year, including Brahmotsavam in February, Thaipusam in January, Aadi Krittikai in July/August, and the New Year Step Festival on 31st December, drawing large crowds of devotees. When the old (Gregorian) year is rung out and the New Year sets in at the stroke of midnight on December 31st each year, lakhs of devotees are present on the sacred Tanikai hill to have the darshan of their Lord. This festival came into vogue during the British Raj when the famous Vallimalai Swamigal persuaded his followers to offer their homage first to Lord Tanigesan, the giver of all good and only then to their official bosses. On this day, numerous bhajana parties gather and ascend the hill, singing the melodious Tiruppugazh songs and burning camphor on each of the hill's 365 steps, one for each day of the New Year.

Dress Code & Other Restrictions of Thiruttani Temple

While there isn't a strict dress code for visiting the Sri Subrahmanya Temple in Thiruttani, it's recommended to dress modestly and respectfully, covering your shoulders and legs, as a mark of respect for the temple's sanctity. Men are encouraged to wear a dhoti or pajama paired with an upper garment, as well as formal trousers and shirts. Women may opt for a saree, half saree, or churidhar.

Non-Hindus are welcome to explore the temple complex and appreciate its architectural beauty; however, access to the sanctum sanctorum may be restricted.

Thiruttani Temple Timings

Monday: 6 AM - 9 PM
Tuesday: 6 AM - 9 PM
Wednesday: 6 AM - 9 PM
Thursday: 6 AM - 9 PM
Friday: 6 AM - 9 PM
Saturday: 6 AM - 9 PM
Sunday: 6 AM - 9 PM

Thiruttani Temple Entry Fee

General Entry is Free
Special Darshan available for Rs. 100 & Rs. 300

Best Time to Visit Thiruttani Temple

The best time to visit Tiruttani is during the winter, from November to February as this period offers cool and pleasant weather, ideal for temple visits and other outdoor activities. During the summer months, temperatures can be quite hot and humid, potentially reaching up to 40 degrees Celsius, making outdoor activities less comfortable. To avoid the midday heat and crowds at the Thiruthani Murugan Temple, consider visiting during the early morning hours, or late evenings.

How to Reach Thiruttani Temple

The town of Tiruttani can be easily reached from various parts of Tamil Nadu and neighboring states. About 89 km from Thiruttani, Chennai Airport is the nearest airport which is well-connected with domestic and international flights. From the airport, one can hire a cab or take a bus to reach Tiruttani. Tiruttani railway station is well-connected to major cities and towns in Tamil Nadu. Thiruttani is connected by regular bus services from Chennai, Tiruvallur, Bangalore, and Tirupati.