Arupadai Veedu tour begins with your arrival at Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu.
We pick you from the airport/railway station and escort you to Thiruthani, where one of the 6 holy abodes is located. Thiruthani (or Tiruttani) Murugan Temple is located on a hillock and is accessible by climbing 365 steps (representing days of a year) or via a motorable road. It was here that Lord Kartikeya rested and attained peace after war with the demon king Surapadman and married one of his two consorts named Valli.
Several other legends state that the divine place was visited by Lord Rama and Arjuna, one of the 5 Pandavas. Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma too worshipped Subramaniya here.
On arrival, pray at the temple and admire its excellent construction and art. Drive back to Chennai where you would stay overnight.
Day 2: Chennai – Swamimalai (308 km.)Start an early morning drive to Swamimalai. The town has Swamimalai Murugan Temple located over a hillock and accessible via 60 steps (each named after a Tamil year).
It was here that Kartikeya imprisoned Lord Brahma who could not explain the meaning of the Pranav Mantra ‘Om’. When Lord Shiva (Kartikeya’s father) tried to convince him and asked him the meaning of the mantra, he explained it like a guru (teacher). Lord Shiva was impressed and praised him as Swaminatha Swami (Teacher of Shiva).
This is the reason that Murugan’s shrine is atop the hill while Shiva’s shrine is at the foot.
On arrival, pray at the temple and admire the mesmerizing gopurams (gateway towers) and precincts. Overnight stay at the nearby town of Kumbakonam.
Day 3: Swamimalai – Palani (252 km.) – Madurai (118 km.)Leave Kumbakonam to visit the third Murugan temple at Palani. Located over a hill is the Palani Dhandayutapani Temple where Lord Murugan is worshipped as the one carrying dhanda (staff) yuta (weapon) in pani (hands).
It was here that Kartikeya resided as a hermit and meditated after he was tricked by his brother Lord Ganesha to win a divine fruit of wisdom.
On arrival, pray at the temple and explore the magnetic pillar sculptures, Tamil inscriptions and brilliant architecture. Later, drive to Madurai where you will stay overnight.
Day 4: Tirupparankunram and PazhamudircholaiToday, you will visit the two of the six Murugan temples. First, visit Tirupparankunram Murugan Temple (about 8 km. from Madurai), known for its inimitably beautiful architecture. It was here that Murugan married his second consort named Deivayanai, the daughter of God Indra.
On arrival, pray at the temple and then you would love to discover the hypnotic rock-cut architecture and other impressive arts at every inch of the temple.
Later, drive to Pazhamudircholai (about 24 km. from Madurai) where the 5th Murugan Temple is located on a hill amidst dense jungles and fruit orchards. It was here that Murugan tested his ardent follower Avvaiyar.
On arrival, pray at the temple and explore its architecture. Overnight stay at Madurai.
Day 5: Madurai – Thiruchendur – MaduraiDrive from Madurai to Thiruchendur early morning.
Located on the sandal mountain remains near the coast, Thiruchendur Murugan Temple is the place lord Murugan fought with and defeated the demon king Surapadman and also worshipped Lord Shiva.
On arrival, pray at the temple and explore various construction features and the coast. Later, begin the drive back to Madurai. Reach back Madurai airport on time in evening.
The tour ends as we drop you at Madurai Airport for your onward flight to Chennai.