5 Hidden Murugan Temples For A Divine Experience

Murugan is the beloved deity of the people of South India and is worshipped in many temples. While there are many renowned temples, there are many hidden ones dedicated to Him that offer an equally enriching and peaceful spiritual experience. These temples are situated in ancient sites with lush greenery, offering a great escape for those seeking divine blessings, as well as a tranquil place to visit. Wondering what those hidden gems are? Read below to find out. 

1. Nadu Palani Murugan Temple

The Nadu Palani Murugan Temple, situated between Chennai’s Vadapalani and the Main Palani Temple, is a shrine dedicated to Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy, but it is not the same as the main Palani Temple.  Surrounded by Banyan trees, the temple was built by Sri Muthuswamy Pillai about four decades ago when Murugan came in his dream and asked him to create it. He began with a spear (Vel) and, over time, evolved into a beautiful temple. 

Devotees must climb 120 steps to reach the temple, which features a mandapam for rest along the way. It has several shrines of Idumban, Sri Anjaney, and others. The main deity closely resembles the idol of Palani Dhandayuthapani Temple. 

Major festivals celebrated are the Aippasi, Thai Poosam and Panguni Uthiram, which draw many devotees. The Rudraksha Kavadi is a spiritual offering to this temple. Devotees believe that going to this temple fulfils their prayers, especially resolving marriage obstacles.

2. Viralimalai Murugan Temple

This hidden Murugan temple is located in Viralimalai town, 28 km from Trichy, and has great spiritual significance. According to legend, Saint Arunagirinathar was guided here by Murugan, who appeared as a hunter when the saint lost his way. The Lord blessed him with Ashta Siddhis and inscribed Om Pranava on his tongue with his Vel. 

The temple has 207 steps from the Vinayagar shrine, with the Kadamban and Idumban shrines along the way. The Santhan Kottai, where Arunagirinathar meditated, is close to the temple, making the entire site a revered place for spiritual peace and divine blessings.

A unique tradition of the temple is offering a rolled betel leaf (suruttu). As legend goes, a devotee once gave a suruttu to a shivering old man, who vanished—only to later discover it before Murugan’s idol, realising it was the Lord Himself who had received it. Since then, devotees offer suruttu as a symbol of surrender and devotion. 

3. Anuvavi Murugan Temple

Also known as Anuvavi Subramaniar Temple, it is situated in Coimbatore on the Marudamalai Hills. The name comes from the words Anu for Hanuman and Vavi for water source. According to legend, when Sri Anjaneya was carrying the Sanjeevani mountain, he felt thirsty and prayed to Lord Murugan for water. In response to that request, Muruga, using his Vel, struck the ground, and water came out and flowed like a river.

The temple was initially constructed by Karikala Chola and was later expanded by various kings, including the Cholas and the Nayakas and was rebuilt in 1969 after being destroyed by floods. Devotees climb 550 steps to get to the temple.  Nearby caves are believed to have been meditation sites for Pampatti Siddhar and other sages.

Major festivals, such as Vaikasi Visakam, Panguni Uthiram, Karthigai, and Aippasi Surasamharam, are celebrated here. Many visit this temple looking for solutions to marriage obstacles or blessings for children, with a strong belief in the temple’s divine powers. 

4. Thamtakodi Subramanyam Swami temple

This temple is located in Arani Taluk, Kattukanallu, atop a hill which can be reached by a flight of stairs. Shaped like a star, it has a large hall for religious events and weddings with a 45-foot-tall Murugan statue facing east. Shrines of Devasena and Valli surround the main sanctum, along with idols of Sri Sumeethreshwarar, Durgai, and Dakshinamoorthy.

The Maha Mandapam houses Ammai Appar, Mahalakshmi, Vinayagar, Urchavamoorthis, and Kanni Moola Ganapathy in a glass panel. A unique Navagraha sits on a tortoise shell, with each deity depicted from their Raasi stone. Festivals like Vaigasi Visakam and Thai Poosam are celebrated with great grandeur.

5. Vallimalai Murugan Temple

Located in Ranipet district, 25 km from Vellore, this hilltop Murugan temple dates back to the 9th century. It is believed to be where Valli and Lord Murugan married, and where Saint Arunagirinathar composed hymns. The temple is reached by climbing 450 steps and is surrounded by lush greenery. Festivals like Vaikasi Visakam and Thai Poosam attract thousands. Devotees visit seeking blessings for marriage and progeny, believing their prayers will be fulfilled. 

The above 5 Murugan temples may not be part of the Aarupadai Veedu (famous six abodes), but nonetheless offer a divine connection with Lord Murugan. Visit them for a peaceful visit and a rewarding spiritual experience.

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