Arrive Chennai – Thiruthani

We collect you at Chennai airport, railway station or hotel and drive north-west to Thiruthani, the fifth abode and the place where Murugan is said to have married Valli, the hunter’s daughter.

The temple sits on a low hill reached by 365 steps, one for each day of the year. There is also a road to the top for travellers who prefer not to use the steps.

Return to Chennai for the night. If you arrive late and the temple has already closed, the Thiruthani visit can be moved to the morning of Day 2 and the journey adjusted accordingly.

Chennai to Swamimalai

We leave Chennai early and travel south towards Swamimalai, the fourth of the Arupadai Veedu temples.

According to tradition, Murugan taught the meaning of the syllable Om to Shiva here and is worshipped as Swaminathan, the teacher of his own father.

The temple stands on an artificial mound reached by sixty steps, representing the Tamil sixty-year cycle.

Swamimalai is also well known for its bronze-casting tradition. Depending on the available time and temple opening hours, visitors may also see local bronze foundries using the traditional lost-wax method.

Swamimalai to Palani

Travel west across Tamil Nadu to Palani, the third abode of Lord Murugan.

The temple stands on a hill approximately 450 feet above the town. Murugan is worshipped here as Dandayudhapani, the renunciate holding only a staff.

There are three main ways to reach the hilltop temple: approximately 693 steps, a winch train or a rope car. Operating arrangements can change due to maintenance, so availability should be checked for the travel dates.

Palani is also famous for its panchamirtham, traditionally prepared using ingredients including banana, jaggery, ghee, honey, cardamom and dates.

Palani to Madurai – Thiruparankundram

After the longer journeys of the previous two days, today has a shorter drive towards Madurai.

Visit Thiruparankundram, approximately six kilometres outside Madurai. It is regarded as the first abode and is associated with Murugan’s marriage to Deivanai following his victory over Surapadman.

Much of the historic temple is cut directly into the rock face, including its sanctum, pillared halls and carved reliefs.

The afternoon is free in Madurai. Travellers who wish can also visit Meenakshi Amman Temple, allowing around two hours for the experience.

Pazhamudircholai – Thiruchendur

Begin early with a visit to Pazhamudircholai, the sixth abode of Murugan, located around twenty kilometres north of Madurai in the Alagar Hills.

This is the smallest and most wooded of the six temples, surrounded by groves with a spring nearby.

Afterwards, continue south towards Thiruchendur, the second abode and the only Arupadai Veedu temple located at sea level.

The temple stands directly beside the Bay of Bengal and commemorates Murugan’s victory over Surapadman. Pilgrims traditionally bathe in the sea before entering the temple.

Accommodation at Thiruchendur is limited. When suitable accommodation is unavailable, the overnight stay may be arranged at Thoothukudi, approximately forty kilometres north.

Thiruchendur to Madurai

Visit Thiruchendur in the morning, ideally before the main crowds build. This visit completes all six sacred Arupadai Veedu temples.

Afterwards, drive north to Madurai for the final overnight stay.

The evening is free. Travellers who did not visit Meenakshi Amman Temple earlier in the itinerary may consider visiting the temple and its evening ceremonies.

Madurai – Departure

Enjoy a relaxed morning before your transfer to Madurai airport or railway station for your onward journey.

For domestic flights, allow sufficient time before departure. Travellers who would like to continue their journey can also extend towards the southern Tamil Nadu temple circuit, Kodaikanal or Kerala.