The temples of Arulmigu Subramanya Swami at Tiruchendur is one of the six temples of Lord Muruga situated in Tamil Nadu. The Muruga temple in Tiruchendur is also famous because of its location, which is by the seashore. All five temples of Lord Muruga are built on the elevation, somewhere on the hilltops or mountains. This is the only temple that is built at the ground level!
Lord Karthikey or Muruga always had their love for the mountains, and that is why all their temples are on elevation. This difference in Tiruchendur temple is possible due to the divine mission of Lord Muruga, who is also known as Skanda Sashti. Muruga was created to free the Devas and defeat the demons like Surapadma. Muruga defeats all those demon kings at Tiruchendurseashore, and hence this place was chosen to design their temple.
It is considered that Lord Muruga got settled in this place after finishing the demons. The foundation of the temple began with the red sandstone rock of this coast. A Gopuram was also built by the foundation, and later the holy sanctum of Subramaniam took place. To gain more space and set the temple like vibes, the rolling hills were moved away, broadening the place.
However, with time passing by, the quality of the sandstone used in the construction of the temple started deteriorating. A noble sannyasin, Mauna Swami, took the initiative with two more people Kasi Swami and Arumuga Swami. They started the renovation to keep the culture of Lord Muruga alive. The renovation went on for 72 years, and it took a toll on the sannyasins for financial issues. However, they poured all their funds into the creation of this temple that can withstand the time.
The temple was built, and Kumbh Abhisheka was performed in 1941. The temple was built with all necessary detailing, and the Gopuram was constructed having nine floors. The landmark is easily visible from 12 miles, and it receives thousands of devotees every year.
Lord Muruga’s temple in Tiruchendur depicts his victory over the evil power and liberation of heaven. It was about providing the Devas their position again by killing all the demons and their armies. InTamil classics, the town Tiruchendur is also known as Tirucen-Centilūr, where the majestic temple is crafted overlooking the sea.
Talking about the appearance of the temple, the mandap consists of 16 pillars that are in black granite. The Shanmukha Vilasam is the primary supporter of the main temple, which has a construction of intricate stone plinths and columns. The other mandapam of four pillars is the ornamented one that touches the ceiling and hence supports the entire Shanmukha Vilasam.
The main entrance goes to the first temple prahara, which is Sivili Mandapam. It contains four long corridors, which then leads to the inner second prahara. On the northern prahara, the Shrine of Lord Venkatesa is situated, which is also situated in temples in South India like Chidambaram and Rameswaram.
The main Shrine in this temple of Lord Muruga or Subramaniam is in the standing pose and complemented by all the mandapas built as part of the temple.
There is an interesting legend associated with the temple. The Dutch East India Company occupied the temple, which went on from 1646 to 1648. People put their efforts to free the temple, but everything went in vain. However, as per the Naik ruler’s orders, Dutch finally vacated the place, but it is said that they took the idol of Lord Muruga along.
During their sea journey, they faced a sea storm by which they realized their mistake, and they left the deity there. This made the storm stop, and that night, Lord Senthil Aandavan appeared in a dream to Vadamaliyappa Pillai. He revealed the place where the idol of Muruga was abandoned.
Vadamlaiyappa Pillai being a true devotee of Lord Muruga went to the spot with a fishing boat and found the idol. This was the year 1653, after which the idol was established in the temple again.
Read more : https://www.astroved.com/astropedia/en/festivals/skanda-sashti