Murugan is a Hindu deity who is the son of Shiva and Parvati. He is also the patron deity of Tamil Nadu. Skanda, Kartikeya, Shanmukha, Subramaniam, Kumara, and other names have been bestowed upon him. He is a revered figure among Tamil Hindus, as well as among the Tamil diaspora in Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and other countries.
Murugan was the supreme commander of the devas, and he led them to victory against Surapadman’s demons. The six war camps known as the Arupadaiveedus are where Murugan stayed throughout his conflict with Surapadman. The villages are named Tiruttanikai, Swamimalai, Tiruvavinankudi (Palani), Pazhamudirsolai, Tirupparamkunram, and Tiruchendur. All of these locations have ancient Murugan temples extolled in Tamil literature from the Sangam period.
Muruga is Ganesha’s older brother as well. Muruga, on the other hand, is less well-known and popular outside of South India, whereas Ganesha is well-known and beloved in other parts of India, particularly the north. Nonetheless, he is regarded as the most beautiful of the Hindu gods, possessing numerous celestial characteristics. Muruga is revered at a number of well-known temples in Tamil Nadu.
In Chennai, there are many beautiful temples dedicated to Lord Muruga. Here are some of the most pristine, beautiful, and well-visited Murugan temples in Chennai.
1. Vadapalani Murugan Temple
Vadapalani Murugan Temple was constructed in 1890 and was just a straightforward shed constructed by a Murugan devotee named Annaswami Nayakar, who worshipped a Murugan painting. During his worship, he felt a special power enter his body, which helped cure people and help people get married. It is now regarded as an auspicious location for a wedding. Today, it is a magnificent temple that hosts numerous weddings. This temple witnesses at least 7,000 marriages each year.
2. Arupadai Veedu Murugan Temple
Legend has it that the demon Soorapadman tortured the Devas before being defeated by Lord Shiva’s son Kartikeya. Kartikeya, known as the god of love and war, was born for this purpose. The temple interiors are extremely ornate and detailed.
3. Kundrathur Murugan Temple
It is an ancient temple in Tamil Nadu’s Kaanchepuram district. According to legend, Lord Murugan stayed on this hill on his way from Tiruporur to Tiruthanigai. Lord Murugan can only be seen with one goddess at a time inside the temple, despite the fact that he is with two. The architecture is cutting-edge, and the wall depictions and murals are stunning.
4. Arulmigu Murugan Temple
This temple in Chennai is one of the oldest Murugan temples. It was constructed many years ago. The interior of the temple is worth seeing. People come here seeking Naga Dosham and Chevvai Dosham remedies.
5. Siruvapuri Bala Murugan Temple
Siruvapuri Bala Murugan Temple is 500 years old. The legend claims that there once was a woman who would constantly chant Murugan’s name, which enraged her husband because he did not like how devoted his wife was to Murugan. He became so enraged that he severed her arm, but she continued to chant the Lord’s name, causing the Lord to come down and repair her arm himself.
6. Kumuran Kundran
Kumuran Kundran is a 40-year-old temple dedicated to Lord Murugan. It has many beautifully decorated idols on each floor, and the temple itself is built on a hill. Legend has it that when Saint Kanchi Mutt visited Chromepet and saw the hill, he suggested building a temple for Lord Murugan.
The saint had already left, but work on the temple was slow, and no one knew why the sage had advised it. However, after 20 years, a lance—Lord Murugan’s primary weapon—was found, and work on it accelerated.
7. Thiruporur Kanaswamy Temple
This temple is dedicated to the Hindu God Murugan, and legend has it that Murugan fought and defeated demons at three different locations: the sea, land, and air. When a sage came here, Murugan was as impressed with him as he was with Murugan, and his name Porur was added to the place name. Together, they ruled the city, but it was soon engulfed by the sea. Sage Adigail, who has a separate shrine in the temple, then saved it.
8. Siva Subramanya Swami Temple
Siva Subramanya Swami Temple is dedicated to Sri Murugan and his consorts Vallinayaki and Deivanayaki. West Saidapet is the nearest railway station. It was founded after Lord Murugan won Deivanayaki through war and Vallinayaki through love. The murals and intricate designs on the walls are beautiful.
9. Vallakottai Subramaniyaswami Temple
Legend has it that the celestial deities were being troubled by a demon by the name of Vallan. Lord Murugan sympathized with the people who had been destroyed by the demon and eventually slew the demon to bring peace back to the region. The temple has a five-tiered rajagopuram, a gateway tower, and a granite pillar hall. The sanctum faces east, which is considered auspicious, and the presiding deity stands tall.