Thiruthani Murugan Temple

Thiruthani Murugan Temple
Thiruthani Murugan Temple Location in Tamil Nadu
Name
Proper name	Thiruthani murugan Koil
Geography
Coordinates	13°10′18.6″N 79°36′13.57″E / 13.171833°N 79.6037694°E / 13.171833; 79.6037694Coordinates: 13°10′18.6″N 79°36′13.57″E / 13.171833°N 79.6037694°E / 13.171833; 79.6037694
Country	India
State	Tamil Nadu
Location	Tiruthani
Culture
Primary deity	Murugan
Architecture
Architectural styles	Dravidian architecture

Thiruthani Murugan temple is a Hindu temple, on the hill of Thiruttani, Tamil Nadu, India, dedicated to Lord Muruga. The hill has 365 steps indicating 365 days of the year. It is one of the Arupadaiveedu, the six holy abodes of Lord Muruga. The other five are Palani Murugan Temple, Swamimalai Murugan Temple, Tirupparangunram Murugan Temple, Pazhamudircholai and Thiruchendur Murugan Temple. Thiruthani is 87 kilometres (54 mi) from Chennai.

The origins of this temple, like most Hindu temples, are buried in antiquity. This temple has been mentioned in the Sangam period work Tirumurugaatruppadai composed by Nakkeerar. It has been patronized by the Vijayanagar rulers and local chieftains and zamindars. The original animal mount of Murugan is believed to have been an elephant, compared to the peacock which is considered to be the most common mount. The white elephant, is considered a powerful, terror striking animal. The iconography is maintained only in two places, namely, this temple and Tiruttani Murugan Temple.

Legend also has it that Indra the king of the Gods gave his daughter Deivayanai in marriage to Skanda, and along with her presented his elephant Airavatam as part of his dowry offering. Upon Airavatam's departure Indra found his wealth waning. Subramanyar is said to have offered to return the white elephant, however Indra bound by protocol refused to accept a gift that he had made, and insisted that the elephant face his direction, hence the image of the elephant in this temple also faces the east.

Another legend has it that Indra presented a sandal stone as a part of his daughters dowry. The sandal paste made on this stone is applied to the image of Subramanya and the applied paste is said to acquire medicinal value. Legend also has it that Skanda bore the discus thrown by the demon Tarakasuran on his chest, and hence there is a hollow in the chest region of the image of Subramanya in this temple. Legend also has it that Skanda gifted the discus to Vishnu (Please also see Tiruveezhimizhalai and Tirumalper). Skanda is also believed to have imparted knowledge of Tamil to the sage Agasthyar and he is regarded as Veeramurthy, Gnanamurthy and Acharyamurthy in this shrine.