Kumaran Kundram Temple

Introduction

Kumaran Kundram is a small temple dedicated to Murugan and lies atop a hillock, facing the north, in Chrompet, en-route to Hastinapuram. The temple is located between the hill temples of Trisioolam and Tiruneermalai.

The Kumaran Kundram temple is over 40 years old, and the presiding deity is Murugan called Sri Swaminathaswamy. Murugan is one of the most loved and popular Hindu God in South India, and Kumaran Kundram, like many other temples dedicated to Murugan, is on top of a hill. The deity of Sri Swaminathaswamy is believed to be the equivalent of the one in Swamimalai. There are eighty steps leading to the temple.

Origin of the Kumaran Kundram Temple

Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswati Swamigal, a saint, and seer of the Kanchi Mutt, had visited Chrompet in 1956 and observing the hillock, he proposed that a temple be built for Murugan. The people built the temple for Siddhi Vinayagar that year. Nearly twenty years later, when the people were clearing the hillside for making a path, they came across a Vel (spear), the primary weapon of Murugan. The discovery propelled the people to hasten the building of the temple.

The people performed the consecration of the Sri Swaminathaswamy temple in 1979. Gradually, more shrines were added. A new hall and Dwaja Sthambam (flag mast) were added. The temple was expanded and consecrated at regular intervals. The construction of the temple’s five-tier Rajagopuram (main tower) took place in 2011-2012 and was completed at the beginning of 2014. The consecration of the temple took place in February 2014, and thousands of devotees thronged to the temple and participated in the activities.

Architecture of Kumaran Kundram Temple

The temple is a replica of the original in Thanjavur. The main deity is in a standing posture and is etched in granite. Murugan is in the child form and holding a staff in his hand. Opposite his sanctum is the elephant carrier. There is a Dhyana Mantapam beneath the shrine. There are famous Murugan hymns that are engraved on the walls in the Prakaram (compound around sanctum). There is a niche for Goddess Durga. The temple houses Sannidhis for each God. This temple has shrines for Shiva, Sabareshwarar, Vishnu , Anjaneya, Ambal, and the Navagrahas.

A peepal tree is the Thala Vriksham for the temple. Kumaran Kundram has a peaceful atmosphere and a panoramic view of the surroundings from the hillock all around.

Shrines, Temples Close to the Kumaran Kundram Temple

There is a Shiva-Parvati Sarabeshwarar temple en- route to the hilltop. Here, the deity of Shiva (Sundareswarar) appears under the Ghajabrushta Vimaanam in the north-facing sanctum. The image of Shiva is chiseled on the Lingam. Goddess Meenakshi has a sanctum too. Nataraja is seen in a dancing pose with his left foot firmly on the ground, and his right foot lifted. He is installed in such a manner because he is in the Meenakshi Sundareswarar sanctum. The positioning of the right foot of Shiva is believed to denote the Shiva-Shakti unity aspect. Nataraja here is called the Than Paadam Thookiya Natarajar, meaning lifting his own leg. Special Abishekam is done for him six days a week. There is a separate sanctum for Sabareshwarar and Chandikeshwara.

At the bottom of the hill are the sanctums of Siddhi Vinayagar, Idumban, and Navagraha. There is a deity of Kaali here and is called Jeyamangalathanma Kaali. In this form, she denotes peace and calm, and bestows well-being and victory. Special Pooja is offered to her on full moon day.

Opposite to the entrance of the Sri Swaminathaswamy Temple (Kumaran Kundram) is a small Vaishnavite temple dedicated to Sri Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal and Goddess Alarmel Mangai Thayar. Sri Yoga Narasimha Swamy sits to the left of the presiding deity. There are separate shrines built for Prasanna Yoga Anjaneyar and Ramanujar. Circumambulation is performed in the month of Karthigai (November-December), and devotees throng to the temple.

Atop the hill, there is a perennial spring that has sacred water flowing called the Kumara Theertham and meets the water requirements of the temple.

Events and Festivals Celebrated at Kumaran Kundram

On the night of the full moon, there is a monthly circumambulation of the small hill temple that draws huge crowds of devotees every month. The procession deity appears with his consorts- Valli and Deivanai. On auspicious and festival days of Aadi, Thai Krithigai, Thirukkarthigai, Thai Poosam, and Panguni Uthiram, the deity goes in a procession around the hill. The temple celebrates the annual Soora Samharam festival in the month of October-November and Karthigai Deepam in November-December.

Soora Samharam is the killing of demon Soorapadman by Murugan. This is the prime festival of the temple, which falls on the sixth day of the waxing moon after Deepawali and is an elaborate celebration replete with fireworks. On Kanda Shashti festival day, Murugan goes in a procession on the elephant carrier after performing Soora Samharam.

Maha Skanda Shashti is celebrated in this temple in a similar manner as in the Thiruchendur temple.

Administration of Kumaran Kundram Temple

A group of devotees called Sri Padam devote themselves to voluntary service at the temple. A group of trustees takes care of the daily activities of the temple.

Benefits of Kumaran Kundram Temple

Devotees pray to the deity here to overcome obstacles to getting married and being childless. Murugan faces the northern side, and devotees make sacred offerings to attain wealth in the family. So, he is called Aishwarya Murugan.

Murugan is considered a great protector of the body and soul. This exceptionally popular God and son of Shiva-Parvati is an amazing healer and can cure the mental, physical, and psychological maladies of his devotees. He tests the devotion of his devotees, and they surrender to him.

In the Kumaran Kundram temple, devotees offer Abishekam to Murugan, Shiva, and Ambal in new clothes as part of their contribution.

Temple Timings

The temple opens at 06.30 AM and closes at 11.00 AM

In the evening, the temple is open from 04.30 PM until 08.30 PM