Thirupparamkunram Murugan Temple

Tirupparankunram Murugan Temple
Tirupparankunram Murugan Temple Location in Tamil Nadu
Name
Proper name	Tirupparankunram Murugan Kovil
Geography
Coordinates	9°52′47″N 78°04′16″E / 9.8798°N 78.0711°E / 9.8798; 78.0711Coordinates: 9°52′47″N 78°04′16″E / 9.8798°N 78.0711°E / 9.8798; 78.0711
Country	India
State/province	Tamil Nadu
Locale	Tirupparankunram
Culture
Primary deity	Murugan
Architecture
Architectural styles	Rock-cut
History and governance
Date built	unknown
Creator	unknown

Tirupparankunram Murugan Temple is a Hindu temple and one of the Six Abodes of Murugan, located at Tirupparankunram. The temple is built in rock-cut architecture and believed to have been built by the Pandyas during the 6th century. According to the legend it is where Murugan slayed the demon Surapadman and married Deivayanai, the divine daughter of the king of heaven, Indra, and he is said to have worshipped Shiva here as Parangirinathar.

The temple is located 8 kilometres (5.0 mi) from Madurai in India. In the main shrine, apart from Muruga, deities of Shiva, Vishnu, Vinayaka and Durga are housed. The temple follows Shaivite tradition of worship. Six daily rituals and three yearly festivals are held at the temple, of which the Kantha Sashti festival during the Tamil month of Aippasi (October - November) being the most prominent. The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu.

Thiruparamkundram finds mention in Kanda Puranam detailing the slaying of Surapadman by Muruga. As per Hindu legend, Surapadma, a demon king, once obtained boons from Shiva on account of severe penance. He started ruling the 1008 worlds on account of the power attained. He married Padumakomalai and had several sons. Viramkendiram became his capital, a city created in the seas and he started troubling the Devas. He imprisoned Indra's (the king of celestial deities) and also desired his wife Indrani. Indra sought the help of Muruga. Muruga sent his messenger Viravakutevar to the demon, but he was unmoved. A severe battle was fought in Thiruparamkundram where Muruga killed all the sond of the demon except Iraniyan. Surapadman hid under the sea and Muruga split him into two pieces, which went on the become the divine vehicles, peacock and rooster. The day when Muruga slayed Surapadma is celebrated as Skanda Sashti festival in all the Murugan temples.