Tiruchendur, Tamil Nadu – Renowned for the Tiruchendhur Murugan Temple

Just 62 km from Thirunaveli, Tiruchendur is a land of architectural excellence with golden granules of sand and rowed palm trees. Tiruchendur is the headquarters of the Thiruchendur Taluk. Tiruchendur is famous for the Murugan Temple on the beach. Tiruchendur temple is located on the shore of the Bay of Bengal. Tiruchendur temple is the second of the six abodes of Lord Murugan, enshrining Senthilandavar and is very popular with pilgrims.

The location of the temple is ideal and draws a perennial stream of devotees. The temple overlooking the sea is an inspiring sight. It has been venerated by the Tamil Sangam Period work Tirumurugatruppadai and by 83 Tiruppugazh hymns of Arunagirinathar. The other abodes are situated on top hills; this one is located on the seashore in the southern part of the state. It is situated on the Kanyamumari – Tuticorin – Rameswaram bus route. It is one of the most visited shrines in Tamilnadu.

Places to see in Tiruchendhur: The place is loaded with a number of sight seeing locations which include:

Tiruchendhur Murugan Temple

Tiruchendur Murugan temple is known as the second Arupadai Veedu of Lord Muruga. The Seashore temple of Muruga Perumal at Tiruchendur is one of the delightful spots sanctified and worshipped by every Hindu. As one of the first spiritual centres for the salvation of man, this shrine has been an attraction for Hindus for ages. It is the only one among the Six sacred temple complexes to be situated near the sea shore. Other five are situated in mountain region. The puranic name or historical name for this temple is jayanthipuram. It is one of the largest temple complexes (by area) of India and it is one of the most visited temple complex in India (devotees from countries like Singapore, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, England, Australia). This temple is not constructed by Kings, it is built by three holy saints. It is one of the richest temple (by wealth) of Tamil Nadu. The temple and its gopurams of nine floors are a landmark visible at sea for twelve miles.

Ayyanar Sunai

A natural water spring in the desert near AyyanarTemple attracts local tourists.

Manapad

It is on the sea-shore at the Bay of Bengal. An ancient Roman Catholic Church is here where the Cross is said to have been brought from Jerusalem, This Church is also associated with St. Xavier, the famous missionary from West. Since there are other small Churches here in this place, it is called as “Chinna Jerusalem” (Small Jerusalem).

Valli’s Cave

Valli’s Cave is an amazing tourist destination which is broadly famous as Dattatreya’s Cave. The Cave is located under the sandstone cliff, overlooking the sea. It is located on the sea shore in the northern part of Thiruchendur Murugan Kovil. A little removed from the main shrine and on the northern seashore under a cliff of over-hanging hardened sandstone there is a picturesque grotto carved out of it. Two images are installed there, one dedicated to Valli and another to Dattatreya. The frontal shrine has been embellished by a stone mantapa of 16 pillars, 24-1/4 ft. long 21-1/4 feet broad. Behind the frontal cave, there is a circumambular passage with another grotto carved from inside, with a figure of Valli in a niche. The cave overlooks the sea as its waves dash against its sides. The walls of the mantapa have recent paintings of Nambirajan. The cave and the expansive sea in front of it has a special charm; and the worshipper is reminded of the immanence of god Muruga.

Kudirai Mozhitheri

A lovely attraction of Thiruchendur, Kudirai Mozhitheri, is popular for its natural fresh water spring. It is a famous picnic spot in Thiruchendur.

Nearby attractions of Thiruchendur: From Thiruchendur excursions can be made to a number of places like:

Panchalamkurichi Fort

Panchalamkurichi Fort also known as Kattabomman Memorial Fort was built by the famous Panchalamkurichi King Veera Pandya Kattabomman in the 17th century. He is a brave man who raised his voice against the British regime in the 17th century AD. With the passage of time the fort was dilapidated. It was reconstructed in 1974, by the government of Tamilnadu. The Memorial hall, has beautiful paintings depicts the heroic deeds of the saga which give a good idea about the history of the period. Sri Devi Jakkammal Temple, the hereditary Goddess of Kattabomman, is located in the fort complex. Cemetery of British soldiers can also be seen near the fort. The rest of the old fort is protected by the Department of Archaeology.

Kanyakumari

It is located 85 Kms from Tiruchendur. It is a paradise for both the nature-lover and landscape-photographer. A unique feature of Kanyakumari district is that it has all kinds of natural eco-systems. Thus, one can see beaches, mountain valleys, evergreen forests in the deep interior, rubber and clove plantations on the highlands, etc.  –  all in a 50 km radius of Nagercoil.

Vattakottai

This small 18th century fort overlooking the sea is worn visiting. It is located at a distance of 90 kms from Tiruchendur. The sea is not rough and suitable for bath. Overlooking the sea, it is a circular serene tourist spot. It is a beautiful picnic spot and an ideal spot for relaxing with abundant coconut trees.

Kulasekara Patnam

The Mutharamman temple is located 20 Kms from Tiruchendur (Thoothukudi Dist) is known for the popular Dasara festival where folk dance artists from all over the state participate in the festival. More than 1500000 devotees gather together and celebrate Navarathiri in this village. This coastal village used to be a port in its earlier days. This place has other two famous temples including Katchiappar temple and Chidarambeswar temple.

Things to do in Thiruchendur: You can make sightseeing tours to different spots in Thiruchendur. Visiting Tiruchendhur Murugan Temple to pay homage to Lord Murugan deserves special mention. Apart from that you can also make excursions to the nearby places around Thiruchendur.

Best time to visit Thiruchendur: The best season to visit Thiruchendur is the winter season. The favorable months to visit the place are between October to March. The climate remains pleasant during these months offering tourists the best holiday experience.

How to go ?

By Air

Nearest airport to Thiruchendur is the domestic airport at Madurai. Madurai has regular flights to Chennai International airport. Trivandrum International airport is only about 150 km away. Taxi services are available from Madurai and Trivandrum to Thiruchendur.

By Train

Tiruchendur is connected with Tiruneveli Junction by rail at a distance of about 60 kms. Tirunelveli is well connected with Madurai, Trivandrum and Chennai by regular trains. Taxi services are available from Tirunelveli to Thiruchendur.

By Road

Bus services connect Thiruchendur with Chennai, Madurai, Tirunelveli, Trivandrum and Kanyakumari. Tamil Nadu Road Transport buses are frequently available at Thiruchendur.

Where to stay ?

Thiruchendur, offers a number of accommodation options, ranging from luxurious hotels, village resorts and home-stays to budget lodges. Some options are:

Hotel Tamilnadu-Tiruchendur:  +91-04639243471   Website: www.ttdconline.com
Hotel Chitra Park: +91 -04639- 243766, 243866  Website: www.hotelchitrapark.com
Hotel Udhayam International: +91-4639-242566, 77, 88  Website: www.hoteludhayaminternational.com

Note : Phone numbers given above are according to the information available with us. If you find any contact number/s given above is/are incorrect or not in use, please let us know.