Tiruchendur

Tiruchendur is about 45 kms from Tuticorin. Tiruchendur is one of the six abodes of Lord Muruga and an important pilgrim centre for Hindus. Of the six abodes, this is the only one in sea shore while all the others are hills. The other five spots are Thiruthani, Thiruparamkundram, Pazhamudhir Cholai, Swamimalai and Pazhani.

This isthalam is sung by Arunagirinadhar and also referred in Thirumurugatrupadai. The festivals Thai Poosam and Kanda Shasti draw a massive throng in Tiruchendur every year. No other temple in India spends as much money for Sandalwood and Vibhuthi as the temple in Tiruchendur.

Legends say that Lord Subramanya has appeared in Tirichendur as “Senthilandavar” to demolish the demon Soorapadman. Veeramahendram, the fortress of Lord Senthilandavar is believed to be in the middle of the sea.

The temple is on the sea shore touching the waves of the Bay of Bengal and has got an impressive gopuram of height 137 feet with 9 layers which can be seen even from miles away. The temple is facing south while the God in the inner shrine faces East. The Shanmuga Vilasa Mandapam is famous for its carved pillars. The temple has got 2 prakarams.

The Moolavar(Subramanyar) Sannidhi is essentially carved out of a cave. There are separate shrines for Goddesses Valli and Deivanai. Right near the shrine of Lord Subramanya is the Panchalingam shrine which is also the extension of the cave. Pilgrims can enter this shrine through a narrow tunnel. Inside this, there are five Siva Lingams believed to be worshipped by Lord Subramanya. Next to this is the shrine for Uthsavar where Senthilandavar lies with Valli and Deivanai.

There is a shrine for Lord Shanmughar with six faces and twelve arms in the pose of a warrior. In the outer prakaram, there is a opening through which one can hear the Pravana Mantram Om from the sound of the waves.

This is a small cave near the temple where Goddess Valli hides out of fear of an elephant which follows her. Only 4 persons can be inside this cave at a time.