Thirupparankundram Temple, Madurai - Timings, Festivals, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

About Thiruparankundram Temple

At a distance of 8 km from Madurai Junction Railway Station, Thiruparankundram Temple, also known as Tirupparamkunram Murugan Kovil is a 8th century rock cut cave temple situated at Thiruparankundram. Dedicated to Lord Murugan, also known as Subrahmanya, it is one of the major places to visit as part of the Madurai pilgrimage tour. The Thiruparankundram Murugan Temple is recognized as one of the six revered temples of Lord Murugan in Tamil Nadu, that are collectively referred to as the Arupadaiveedu. These temples are regarded as the foremost places of worship for followers of Lord Murugan, with each temple possessing significant religious and historical value.

History of Thiruparankundram Temple

As per the historical records, the Murugan temple existed much before the 6th century. Initially known as the Kudaivari temple, it was established during the era of the earlier Pandya Kings and saw significant development under the later Pandya Kings. Records indicate that Sattan Ganapathi, a resident of Karavanthapura and minister to the king in the 8th century, oversaw the reconstruction of the Thirukovil and the Sree thadagam. The shrines dedicated to Durga Devi and Jyeshtha Devi were built by Nakkan Kotri, Sattan Ganapathi's wife. The compound wall and main entrance tower were completed in 1505 AD under the direction of Veerappa Nayakar. The temple underwent numerous enhancements during the rule of the Madurai Nayaks, who commissioned the construction of the pillared halls. The Asthana Mandapam features 48 intricately carved pillars, created during the reign of Rani Mangammal. Currently, the temple is managed and overseen by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu.

Mythology of Thiruparankundram Temple

Thiruparankundram is the first of the six abodes of Lord Murugan in Tamil Nadu. According to Hindu mythology, Surapadman, a demon king, received boons from Lord Shiva after performing intense penance. Empowered by these boons, he began to torment the celestial beings, even imprisoning Indra and coveting his wife, Indrani. In his distress, Indra turned to Murugan, the god of war, for assistance. Murugan dispatched his messenger, Viravaku thevar, to confront the demon, but Surapadman remained unyielding. A fierce battle ensued in Thiruchendur, where Murugan killed all the sons of the Surapadman except Iraniyan. Surapadman subsequently took refuge beneath the sea, where Murugan ultimately divided him into two parts, which transformed into the divine mounts of the god: a peacock and a rooster. The day on which Murugan vanquished Surapadman is commemorated as the Skanda Sashti festival in all temples dedicated to Murugan. In a gesture of gratitude, Indra arranged for his daughter, Devasena (also known as Deivayanai), to wed Murugan at Thiruparamkundram. Consequently, it is believed that couples who marry at this site receive Lord Muruga's blessings for a joyful and prosperous married life.

Architecture of Thiruparankundram Temple

The Thiruparankundram Murugan Temple is a rock-cut cave temple situated on a hillock. The principal shrine consists of a massive rock slab that contains cells for the deities Subramanya, Durga, Vinayakar, Shiva, and Vishnu. All the idols are intricately carved into the Parankundram rock. The sanctum sanctorum is constructed from a unique blend of nine minerals known as Navabashana, featuring a statue of Lord Murugan depicted in a standing posture. Shiva is revered here as Parangirinathar, accompanied by his consort Parvati, who is worshipped as Aavudai Nayaki. Outside the sanctum, panels illustrating Shiva's blissful dance can be observed. A notable aspect of this temple is the positioning of the deities Shiva and Vishnu, who face each other in the main shrine, a rarity among ancient Hindu temples.

The temple is also renowned for its artistically designed mandapams. The Aasthaana Mandapam stands out with its 48 intricately carved pillars. Other mandapams, including Kambathadi Mandapam, Maha-mandapam, and Ardha Mandapam, located at different elevations, are equally noteworthy. The temple features a towering Rajagopuram that rises to 150 feet. Adjacent to the temple is a picturesque pond inhabited by numerous fish, which devotees feed with salt and rice flakes. Atop the granite hill behind the temple lies a shrine dedicated to Kasi Viswanatha.

Another remarkable aspect of this temple is its appeal to not only Hindu devotees but also individuals of other faiths. A Muslim shrine known as Sekunder is located on the premises and is linked to Lord Murugan through various legends. It is widely believed that Sekunder was a companion of Lord Murugan.

Festivals of Thiruparankundram Temple

The Skanda Shashti festival, observed in the Tamil month of Aippasi (October - November), stands as the most prominent festival of the temple. The climax of the six-day event features a reenactment of Murugan's victory over Surapadman, culminating in a procession where the festive idol of Murugan is paraded on various mounts through the temple's streets. Additionally, the Panguni Uthiram festival, occurring in February or March, and the 14-day annual Brahmostavam, celebrated in May or June, are marked with great grandeur. Another notable event at the Thiruparankundram Murugan temple is Karthikaideepam.

Dress Code & Other Restrictions of Thiruparankundram Temple

Visitors are encouraged to wear modest clothing when visiting Thiruparankundram Murugan Temple. While traditional garments such as dhoti, pants, saree, and salwar kameez are suggested, they are not compulsory. It is advisable to refrain from wearing shorts, sleeveless tops, and other revealing attire to show respect for the temple's customs and traditions.

Thiruparankundram Murugan Temple welcomes individuals of all faiths. However, it should be noted that non-Hindus may be restricted from accessing the innermost sanctum of the temple.

Thiruparankundram Temple Timings

Monday: 5:30 AM to 1 PM & 4 PM to 9 PM
Tuesday: 5:30 AM to 1 PM & 4 PM to 9 PM
Wednesday: 5:30 AM to 1 PM & 4 PM to 9 PM
Thursday: 5:30 AM to 1 PM & 4 PM to 9 PM
Friday: 5:30 AM to 1 PM & 4 PM to 9 PM
Saturday: 5:30 AM to 1 PM & 4 PM to 9 PM
Sunday: 5:30 AM to 1 PM & 4 PM to 9 PM

Thiruparankundram Temple Entry Fee

General Entry is Free
Special darshan available for Rs. 100

Best Time to Visit Thiruparankundram Temple

The Thiruparankundram Murugan temple attracts devotees year-round. Nevertheless, the best time for a visit is during the cooler months from October to March. The temple's festivals, such as Skanda Sashti and Panguni Uthiram, typically held in October-November and March-April respectively, attract significant crowds of devotees and tourists, providing a vibrant cultural experience.

How to Reach Thiruparankundram Temple

The nearest airport is the Madurai International Airport, which is about 10 kilometers away from Thiruparankundram. From the airport, one can hire a taxi or take a bus to the temple. Madurai has its own railway station, and Thiruparankundram has a smaller station as well. Local buses, auto-rickshaws, and taxis are readily available from any part of Madurai city to reach the temple.