Thiruthani

Thiruthani is located in the Tiruvallur District and is at a distance of 84 km from north-west Chennai. Thiruthani lies on the Chennai-Tirupati route in South India. This holy town houses a very sacred Murugan Temple and is considered to be an ‘Aarupadai Veedu’ which means one of the holy abodes of Lord Muruga.

The other five holy abodes of this Lord are Palani (100 km west of Madurai), Swamimalai (150 km east of Madurai), Tirupparangunram (5 km from Madurai), Pazhamudircholai (10 km north of Madurai) and Thiruchendur (100 km south of Madurai).

Thiruthani Murugan Temple is located on a hill and can be either reached by road or by a flight of 365 steps leading to the shrine. These steps represent the days of the year. Scriptures in this temple have traced this temple’s existence to over 2000 years old. The temple is also known as Kunruthor Adal, Thanigachalam, Santhipuri and Skandagiri.

It is believed that Lord Murugan also known as Subramanya came to Tiruthani after a fierce battle with a demon called Soorapadman at Tiruchendur. Called Soorasamharam, this battle saw Lord Murugan defeating the demon. Legend has it that the demon then transformed into a peacock and became the lord’s vehicle.

Lord Subramany, the presiding deity at the Thiruthani Temple, is found in a tranquil state. His consort Valli is also worshipped here. This temple also has a shrine for Lord Ganesha who is known here as ‘Abath Sahaya Vinayagar’. The temple also has five teerthams or divine water sources situated around, namely, Vishnu Teertham, Naga Teertham, Brahma Teertham and Saravana Poigai.

A large number of devotees flock to Thiruthani every year especially during the Aadi Krittikai festival and on the eve of New Year’s Day. Other popular festivals at this temple are the Float Festival, Bhramotsavam, Valli Kalyanam, Skanda Sashti and Thai Pusam.

Other tourist locations close to Thiruthani are Chennai, Thirupathi and Thiruvalangadu. Thiruthani can be accessed by road from Chennai. The closest railway station is at Arokkanam, 13 km away and the nearest airport is the Chennai International Airport at a distance of 75 km. The best time to visit Thiruthani is between September and March.