Lord Murugan, the beloved warrior deity of Tamil Nadu, is worshipped across numerous temples, many of which are renowned pilgrimage centers. However, beyond the famous six abodes (Aarupadai Veedu), several hidden gems dedicated to Murugan offer a spiritually enriching and serene experience. These temples, tucked away in lush landscapes and ancient sites, provide a divine escape for devotees seeking peace and divine blessings.
1. Viralimalai Murugan Temple
The Viralimalai Murugan Temple, located in Tamil Nadu, has a rich history steeped in divine encounters and spiritual significance.
Mythological story
According to scriptures, Saint Arunagirinathar, a revered devotee of Lord Murugan, also had a divine vision where the Lord instructed him to visit Viralimalai. When he lost his way upon reaching the region, Lord Murugan appeared as a hunter and personally guided him to the temple, strengthening Arunagirinathar’s devotion. As a blessing, Lord Murugan bestowed upon him the Ashta Siddhis (eight supernatural powers) and inscribed the sacred "Om Pranava" mantra on his tongue using the divine Vel.
Architecture
The Viralimalai Murugan Temple can be accessed via a 207-step flight from the Vinayagar shrine or by road. Devotees pass shrines for Idumban and Kadamban on the way. The main deity, Shanmuganathar, is worshipped with his consorts, Valli and Deivanai. The temple also houses shrines for Shiva Lingam, Vishalakshi Amman, Dakshinamurthy, Durgai Amman, Kalabhairava, and the Navagrahas. Nearby is the Santhan Kottai Cave, where the saint Arunagirinathar meditated. The temple remains a revered pilgrimage site, offering divine blessings and spiritual peace.
Traditions
A unique tradition of offering a suruttu (rolled-up betel leaf) is followed here, inspired by a story. During a storm and flood, the devotee Karuppamuthu, unable to return home, gave a shivering old man a suruttu to ease his cold. Later, he found the man had mysteriously vanished. Upon reaching the temple, he saw a suruttu placed before Lord Murugan and realized that the man had been the Lord himself. It is believed that offering a suruttu symbolizes surrendering unethical habits before God and expressing compassion toward the Lord.
Location: Arulmigu Subramaniyaswamy Temple, Viralimalai & Taluk - 621316, Pudukkottai District
2. Nadu Palani Murugan Temple
The Dhandayuthapani Murugan Temple perched atop a scenic hill in Perunkarunai village near Acharapakkam in Tamil Nadu’s Kanchipuram district, is a revered spiritual site. Known as Nadu Palani, a title bestowed by the Kanchi Periyavar, the temple is embraced by ten ancient Banyan trees, creating a sacred atmosphere.
Temple History
Built nearly four decades ago by Sri Muthuswamy Pillai, the temple originated from a divine vision in which Murugan appeared in his dream and instructed him to construct a shrine. Initially, he began with a Vel (spear), but over time, the site evolved into an Abhimana temple, drawing countless devotees. The Jeeva Samadhi of Sri Muthuswamy Pillai remains a place of reverence for followers.
The legend states that Murugan, after visiting Palani, was venerated as Dhandayuthapani, and this temple honours his presence.
Architecture
At the temple entrance, devotees are welcomed by the idols of Vinayagar and Murugan riding his Mayil Vahanam (peacock vehicle). A Mandapam leads to the sanctum, where the main deity, facing east, bears a close resemblance to the idol enshrined in the renowned Sri Dhandayuthapani Temple of Palani.
Reaching the temple requires climbing 120 steps, with a Mandapam providing a resting point midway. Along the ascent, several significant shrines can be found Sri Anjaneya on one side, Idumban on the other, and further ahead, Siddhi Vinayagar. The temple complex also houses a shrine for Goddess Raja Rajeshwari, adorned with a Mahameru Gopuram and Navagrahas on either side.
Festival and tradition
The temple is believed for fulfilling devotees’ prayers, especially in overcoming obstacles to marriage when prayers are offered with devotion.
The temple celebrates grand festivals such as Thai Poosam, Panguni Uthiram, and Aippasi, drawing thousands of devotees who often undertake the sacred Padha Yatra (pilgrimage on foot). A rare spiritual offering at this temple is the Rudraksha Kavadi. During festival times, the Temple Trust conducts Annadhanam (mass feeding) to serve the visiting devotees, ensuring a spiritually fulfilling experience for all.
Location: Arulmigu Maragadha Dhandayuthapani Temple, Nadupalani, Near Acharapakkam, Tamil Nadu
3. Thamtakodi Subramanya Swami Temple
Sri Subramanya Swami Temple is a sacred Murugan temple located on Thamtakodi Thirumalai, Kattukanallur, near Kannamangalam in Arani Taluk.
Architecture
The temple sits atop a hill and can be reached by a narrow, pothole-ridden road or a flight of steps. It is uniquely shaped like a star and has a large tin-roofed hall for weddings and religious events.
A 45-foot statue of Sri Subramanya Swamy has been installed by the temple authorities. At the Sanctum Sanctorum, Sri Subramanya Swami stands alone, facing east, blessing devotees. Surrounding the main shrine are sub-shrines for Valli and Devasena, and idols of Dakshinamoorthy, Durgai, and Sri Sumeethreshwarar. The temple’s Maha Mandapam houses Kanni Moola Ganapathy, Urchavamoorthis, Vinayagar, Ammai Appar, and Sri Mahalakshmi, enclosed in a glass panel. A south-facing Arunagirinathar idol is also present.
A notable feature is the Navagraha shrine, designed like a lily stem emerging from a tortoise shell, with each deity placed according to their specific Raasi stone colour. The six Karthigai Pengal are positioned to face the Moolavar at all times.
Festival
Chitra Pournami, Shasti, Kiruthigai (Tuesdays), Vaikasi Visakam, Ippasi Brahmothsavam, Thai Poosam, and Vaigasi Visakam are celebrated grandly.
Location: Sri Subramaniya Swamy Temple, Thamtakodi, Near Arani, Tamil Nadu
4. Anuvavi Murugan Temple
Anuvavi Murugan Temple, also known as Anuvavi Subramaniar Temple, is located in Kanuvai, Periya Thadagam, Coimbatore, on the north slope of Marudamalai Hills.
Temple History
The temple’s name comes from "Hanu" (Hanuman) and "Vavi" (water resource), symbolizing a divine water source that appeared for Hanuman. According to legend, while carrying the Sanjeevi Mountain, Sri Anjaneya felt extremely thirsty and prayed to Lord Muruga for water. In response, Muruga struck the ground with his spear (Vel), causing a spring to emerge and flow like a river. The origin of this sacred spring remains a mystery.
Architecture
The sanctum was built by King Karikala Chola, with later expansions by the Kongu Cholas, Vijayanagar, Hoysala, and Nayaka kings. Mysore Tippu Sultan also supported the temple in the 18th century.
The temple was rebuilt in 1969 after floods washed away the original Swayambhu Moorthy and sacred mango trees in 1957. Devotees climb 550 steps to reach the temple, which enshrines Subramanya with Valli and Devasena, making it unique among Kongu region Murugan temples.
The temple features a small Arunachaleswarar shrine, a Navagraha shrine, and Hanuman Theertham, a mysterious natural spring. Ancient sages like Pampatti Siddhar are believed to have meditated in the nearby caves.
Festivals and traditions
A hilly path connects Anuvavi Murugan Temple to Marudamalai Murugan Temple. Devotees facing marriage difficulties or childless couples visit this sacred place, believing their prayers are swiftly answered. Major festivals like Aippasi Surasamharam, Karthigai, Panguni Uthiram, and Vaikasi Visakam attract large crowds for special Abhishekams and Poojas.
Location: Kanuvai, Coimbatore, Periya Thadagam, Tamil Nadu 641108
5. Vallimalai Murugan Temple
Vallimalai temple is located in Ranipet district, Vallimalai was previously part of Vellore’s Katpadi Taluk. It is about 25 km from Vellore city and 18 km from Ranipet.
Temple History
Vallimalai Murugan Temple, believed to have been established in the 9th century, is a sacred site where Lord Murugan married Valli. The name "Vallimalai" comes from the belief that Valli was born, raised, and married here. With a history of over 1,200 years, this temple holds great significance. The temple premises resonate with Thiruppugazh, the hymns of Saint Arunagirinathar, who is said to have composed several verses in praise of Murugan at this very site.
Architecture
At the foothills, the Subramanya Swamy Temple features pictorial depictions of Murugan’s love story with Valli. A large pond lies to the right, and devotees first seek blessings at the Valli Amman Temple.
The hill climb consists of around 454 steps, surrounded by thousands of trees. During the monsoon season, the greenery looks even more vibrant. It is best to climb in the early morning, as the weather remains pleasant.
Upon reaching the summit, devotees can see the majestic temple flagpole and Vallimalai Murugan’s hilltop shrine. Though the temple appears small from the outside, it extends deep within. To the left of the cave, there is a shrine for Valli Devi, followed by a Vinayagar (Ganesha) shrine. Lord Murugan is enshrined along with his consorts, Valli and Deivanai. After worshipping Murugan, devotees can explore the cave temple, which has stairways between the rocks leading around it. The pilgrimage continues with visits to the Thiruppugazh Ashram, a sacred pond, and a Jain temple, enhancing the spiritual experience.
Tradition and Festival
Celebrations are held during Thai Poosam, and Vaikasi Visakam, with thousands of devotees flocking to the temple to seek the Lord’s blessings. Karthigai Deepam, celebrated in November-December, sees the temple beautifully illuminated with oil lamps. Those seeking to marry without obstacles or couples longing for children often visit this temple to fulfil their wishes. Devotees facing difficulties in love also frequent the temple, as it is believed that Lord Murugan blesses them with solutions. The Grand Ther Thiruvizha (chariot festival) will be conducted in March this year.
Location: Arulmigu Subramaniaswamy Temple, Vallimalai - 632520, Vellore District