Tiruttani Temple Guide

1. Tiruttani Temple History

The Tiruttani Temple, also known as Arulmigu Subramanya Swamy Temple, is a popular Hindu temple located in the town of Tiruttani in the Tiruvallur district of Tamil Nadu, India. It is dedicated to Lord Murugan, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The temple is one of the six abodes of Lord Murugan known as the Arupadaiveedu.

The history of the Tiruttani Temple can be traced back to ancient times and is associated with several legends. According to mythology, it is believed that after defeating the demon Surapadman, Lord Murugan married Valli, a tribal girl, in the hills of Tiruttani. The temple is said to be built at the spot where their divine marriage took place.

The temple’s architecture reflects a blend of Dravidian and Pallava styles. The main deity of the temple is Lord Murugan, also known as Subramanya Swamy or Lord Subramaniya. He is depicted with six faces and twelve arms, holding various weapons, symbolizing his valor and power. The idol of Lord Murugan is placed on a peacock, his vahana (divine vehicle), which symbolizes grace and beauty.

The temple complex consists of several mandapams (halls) and shrines dedicated to various deities. The most prominent feature of the temple is the 365-step staircase leading to the hilltop, where the main sanctum is located. Devotees climb these steps as an act of penance and to seek the blessings of Lord Murugan.

The temple attracts a large number of devotees, especially during the annual festival called “Brahmotsavam.” This festival is celebrated for ten days in the Tamil month of Thai (January-February) and includes various rituals and processions. The highlight of the festival is the “Kavadi Attam,” where devotees carry ornate structures called “Kavadis” on their shoulders as a form of penance and devotion to Lord Murugan.

The Tiruttani Temple holds great religious significance and is considered a sacred pilgrimage site for devotees of Lord Murugan. It serves as a place of spiritual solace and devotion, where devotees seek blessings, offer prayers, and participate in religious ceremonies. The temple’s rich history and cultural heritage continue to attract visitors from all over the world, making it an important religious and cultural landmark in Tamil Nadu.

2. How to Reach

The Tiruttani Temple is located in Tiruttani town itself, so it’s relatively easy to find once you arrive in the town. You can ask locals for directions to reach the temple.

Chennai International Airport

The nearest major airport to Tiruttani is Chennai International Airport (MAA), which is approximately 85 kilometers away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or use public transportation to reach Tiruttani.

Tiruttani Railway Station

Tiruttani has its own railway station, Tiruttani Railway Station, which is well-connected to various cities and towns in Tamil Nadu and other parts of India. Trains from major cities like Chennai, Bangalore, and Coimbatore have regular services to Tiruttani.

Tiruttani Bus Stand

Tiruttani is well-connected by road to nearby towns and cities. You can take buses or hire taxis from cities like Chennai, Tirupati, and Vellore to reach Tiruttani.

Once you reach Tiruttani, you can use local transportation options like auto-rickshaws, cycle rickshaws, or rented vehicles to reach the Tiruttani Temple.

3. Tiruttani Temple Timing

The temple is open for darshan (worship) throughout the day with specific timings for different rituals and activities. Here is a general schedule:

Morning Timings:

The temple opens early in the morning, usually around 5:0 AM.
The first puja (ritual) of the day, known as the “Palliarai Pooja,” takes place around 6:00 AM.
Devotees can have darshan and offer their prayers during this time.

Afternoon Timings:

After the morning rituals, the temple remains open for darshan until around noon or 12:30 PM.
Devotees can visit the temple during this time and seek the blessings of Lord Murugan.

Evening Timings:

The temple reopens for darshan in the evening, usually around 4:00 PM.
Various rituals and pujas are conducted during the evening hours, allowing devotees to participate and offer their prayers.

Night Timings:

The final puja of the day, known as the “Arthajama Pooja,” takes place in the late evening, around 9:00 PM.
After the Arthajama Pooja, the temple closes for the day.

Please note that these timings are approximate and can vary depending on specific days, festivals, and other factors. It is advisable to check with the temple official website for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the temple timings.

4. Near By Places

Sholinghur: Located approximately 30 kilometers from Tiruttani, Sholinghur is known for its Yoga Narasimha Swamy Temple. The temple is situated on a hill and offers beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.

Nagalapuram: Situated around 50 kilometers from Tiruttani, Nagalapuram is known for its scenic beauty and ancient temples. The Vedanarayana Swamy Temple and Nagalapuram Falls are popular attractions in this town.

Tirupati: Located approximately 70 kilometers from Tiruttani, Tirupati is a renowned pilgrimage destination famous for the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple. It attracts devotees from all over the world.

Kanchipuram: About 65 kilometers away from Tiruttani, Kanchipuram is known as the “Silk City” and is renowned for its temples, including the Kamakshi Amman Temple and Ekambareswarar Temple. It is also famous for its silk sarees.

Nallatur: Nallatur is a small village near Tiruttani, known for its ancient Jain temple dedicated to Lord Mahaveer. The temple has historical and religious significance and is visited by devotees seeking spiritual solace.

Madhur: Located around 15 kilometers from Tiruttani, Madhur is known for the temples and deities dedicated to Goddess Durga in various forms across different regions of India. Mahisasuramardini is an epithet of Goddess Durga, representing her role as the slayer of the buffalo demon Mahishasura.

Kailash Kona: Situated about 60 kilometers from Tiruttani, Kailash Kona is a picturesque waterfall nestled amidst scenic hills. It is a tranquil spot ideal for nature lovers and offers a serene and peaceful environment.

Tiruvallur: Tiruvallur is a town located approximately 35 kilometers from Tiruttani. It is known for the Sri Veeraraghava Perumal Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and the Tiruvallur Veeraraghava Swamy Temple, which is a significant religious site.

These nearby tourist places offer a mix of spiritual, historical, and natural attractions, providing visitors with a diverse range of experiences while exploring the region around Tiruttani.

5. Places to Eat around

Murugan Idli Shop: A popular chain known for its delicious and authentic South Indian breakfast items, including idlis, dosas, and vadas.
Sri Saravana Bhavan: This vegetarian restaurant offers a variety of South Indian dishes, thalis, and snacks.
Hotel Manickam Grand: Known for its traditional Tamil Nadu cuisine, this restaurant serves a mix of South Indian dishes and biryanis.
Hotel Tamil Nadu: Operated by the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation, this restaurant offers a range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.
Sangeetha Restaurant: A well-known chain of vegetarian restaurants offering a variety of South Indian delicacies.
Vandayar Hotel: This restaurant offers both South Indian and North Indian dishes, catering to a variety of tastes.
Anand Bhavan: Another vegetarian option serving South Indian dishes and snacks.
Sri Vijayam Restaurant: Known for its affordable and tasty meals, this restaurant offers a variety of options.
Raja Bhavan Restaurant: Serving vegetarian and non-vegetarian South Indian dishes, this restaurant is a favorite among locals.
Hotel Bhuvaneswari: This restaurant offers a mix of South Indian and North Indian dishes, including dosas, biryanis, and curries.

6. Travellers Tips/Best Time to Visit

Traveler’s Tips

Dress Modestly: When visiting the Tiruttani Temple, it’s advisable to dress modestly and respectfully. Traditional attire or clothing that covers your shoulders and knees is recommended.
Footwear: Like many Hindu temples, you will need to remove your footwear before entering the temple premises. Carrying a bag to keep your footwear is a good idea.
Temple Etiquette: Follow the temple customs and guidelines, and maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor while inside the temple.
Water and Snacks: Carry a water bottle to stay hydrated, especially if you’re visiting during hot weather. You might also want to carry some light snacks.
Early Visit: To avoid crowds and experience a more serene atmosphere, consider visiting the temple early in the morning or during weekdays.
Local Customs: Familiarize yourself with local customs and practices before visiting the temple, especially if you’re not familiar with Hindu traditions.
Photography: Check if photography is allowed within the temple premises, and be respectful of any rules and restrictions.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Tiruttani and its temple is during the cooler and more pleasant months, which are generally from November to February. The weather during this time is relatively mild, making it comfortable for outdoor activities and temple visits.

It’s advisable to avoid visiting during the summer months (March to June) when the weather can be quite hot and uncomfortable. Monsoon season (July to September) might also bring heavy rainfall, so it’s better to plan your visit outside of these months.

If you’re interested in experiencing the temple’s festivities, consider visiting during special occasions and festivals dedicated to Lord Murugan.

The temple conducts various rituals and poojas. If you’re interested in witnessing these rituals, it’s recommended to check with the temple authorities about their schedules.

7. Additional Information

The Tiruttani Temple celebrates various festivals throughout the year, attracting a large number of devotees who come to seek the blessings of Lord Murugan. Some of the prominent festivals celebrated at the Tiruttani Temple are:

aadi krithigai

aadi krithigai is a significant festival dedicated to Lord Murugan and is celebrated during the Tamil month of Aadi (July-August). It holds special importance at the Tiruttani Temple. Devotees gather in large numbers to participate in various rituals and seek the divine blessings of Lord Murugan. The festival involves special abhishekam (ritualistic bathing) of the deity, adorned with beautiful decorations and garments. Devotees engage in girivalam, the act of circumambulating the sacred Tiruttani hill, as a mark of devotion and reverence.

New Year Step Pooja :

The New Year Step Pooja, also known as the Padi Pooja or Padi Utsavam, is a unique festival celebrated at the Tiruttani Temple. It takes place during the Tamil month of Chittirai (April-May), which marks the Tamil New Year. The highlight of this festival is the worship and decoration of the 365 steps that lead to the hilltop shrine. Each step is adorned with flowers, lamps, and rangoli (decorative designs) as devotees offer their prayers and seek auspicious beginnings for the year ahead. The temple complex is filled with a festive atmosphere, and devotees express their gratitude and devotion to Lord Murugan.

Thai Poosam: Thai Poosam is one of the major festivals celebrated in the temple. It falls in the Tamil month of Thai (January-February). Devotees undertake a pilgrimage to the temple, carrying “Kavadis” (ornate structures) on their shoulders as a form of penance. The festival includes elaborate rituals, processions, and devotional music.

Skanda Sashti: Skanda Sashti is a six-day festival dedicated to Lord Murugan and is celebrated in the Tamil month of Aippasi (October-November). The festival commemorates the victory of Lord Murugan over the demon Surapadman. Devotees observe fasting and perform special prayers during this period. The sixth day of the festival, known as Soorasamharam, marks the climax when Lord Murugan vanquishes the demon.

Panguni Uthiram: Panguni Uthiram is celebrated in the Tamil month of Panguni (March-April) and is considered highly auspicious. It is believed to be the day when Lord Murugan married Devasena, the daughter of Indra. Devotees offer prayers, participate in processions, and perform rituals to seek the blessings of Lord Murugan and the divine couple.

Karthigai Deepam: Karthigai Deepam is a festival of lights celebrated in the Tamil month of Karthigai (November-December). The festival signifies the divine light of Lord Murugan. The temple is adorned with thousands of oil lamps, and a huge fire lamp (Mahadeepam) is lit on the hilltop. Devotees gather to witness the spectacle and seek the blessings of Lord Murugan.

Tiruttani Temple Guide

1. Tiruttani Temple History