South India · Tamil Nadu
Tiruchendur, Tamil Nadu
Sources: wikimedia
Before you go
One of the six Murugan abodes, right on the shore; Skanda Sashti (Oct-Nov) re-enacts the Surasamharam on the beach.
About Tiruchendur
- Coastal
Where it is
Tiruchendur is a seaside temple town in Thoothukudi district of southern Tamil Nadu, south of Thoothukudi, where the Murugan temple stands right on the shore.
History
The temple is one of the six abodes of Murugan, and the only one on the seashore, marking the place where he is said to have defeated the demon Surapadman. In the 1640s Dutch forces occupied the temple and carried off festival images, which were recovered some years later, and its tall gateway tower rises above the beach.
People
Tiruchendur speaks Tamil, and its people live from fishing, farming and the pilgrimage. At Skanda Sashti huge crowds gather on the sands to watch the Surasamharam, the re-enactment of Murugan's victory, and many pilgrims bathe in the sea before worship.
Known for
- The Arulmigu Subramaniya Swamy Temple
- Skanda Sashti and the Surasamharam on the beach
- The Nazhi Kinaru freshwater well
- Valli cave
Did you know?
About 100 m from the temple and close to the sea, the Nazhi Kinaru well is fed by a freshwater spring, and pilgrims bathe there before worship.
Shrines and sites
- Arulmigu Subramaniya Swamy Temple
- Nazhi Kinaru well
- Valli cave
Traditions
- Hindu
We haven't written a guide for this place yet — you can still plan a trip here.