AARUPADAI VEEDU
SIX ABODES OF LORD MURUGA

Begin a holy pilgrimage to unveil the grandeur of Lord Muruga's six abodes in Tamil Nadu, referred to as Aarupadai Veedu. Engage deeply with the mythological narratives and celebrate his glory while paying obeisance at the revered temples

CHENNAI – THIRUTHANI – SWAMIMALAI – PALANI – MADURAI – TRICHENDUR – MADURAI

5 NIGHTS / 6 DAYS

DAY 1 : CHENNAI – THIRUTHANI (90 KM)

On arrival in Chennai, you will be received and transferred to Thiruthani. Check in to your hotel. Later visit Subramania Swamy Temple (365 steps to reach the temple). Overnight stay at the hotel.

After Lord Murugan wed Goddess Valli at Vallimalai, she requested him to enlighten her on the significance and grandeur of the hill they stood upon. In response, Lord Murugan revealed that worshipping him wholeheartedly for five consecutive days at this hill temple would bestow upon devotees the blessings of prosperity in this life and the next. Legend has it that Indra, the ruler of heaven, bestowed his daughter Deivayanai to Murugan in marriage, presenting his revered elephant Airavatam as part of the dowry. Upon Airavatam's departure, Indra noticed a decline in his prosperity. Despite Murugan's offer to return the elephant, Indra, prioritizing honor above all else, declined, insisting that the elephant face his direction. Since then, every elephant in the temple has been observed to point towards the east.

[Darshan Timing : 5:30AM – 12:30PM, 4PM – 8:30PM]

DAY 2 : THIRUTHANI – SWAMIMALAI (300 KM)

After breakfast check out and proceed to Swamimalai. On arrival check in at your hotel. In the evening visit the Sri Swaminatha Swamy Temple. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Sri Swaminatha Swamy Temple, Swamimalai is the fourth Padaiveedu (army camp) of Lord Muruga. There are 60 steps to reach thehill temple representing the 60 Tamil years. Brahma the creator bypassed Lord Muruga when he came to meet Lord Shiva. Muruga intercepted Brahma and demanded the meaning of the Pranava Mantra Om. The creator could not answer. By then the whole process of creation went in disarray. Soon Lord Shiva requested Muruga to set Brahma free and asked his son to explain the meaning of Om. The young son explained the meaning in detail but secretly close to father’s ears as this is such a holy mantra which the righteous and wise alone should know. This event took place in this sacred soil.

[Darshan Timing : 5AM – 11PM, 4PM – 8PM]

DAY 3 : SWAMIMALAI – PALANI (250 KM)

After breakfast checkout and proceed to Palani. On arrival check in at your hotel. In the evening visit the Subramanaian Temple. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Once, Sage Narada visited the celestial court of Shiva atop Mount Kailash to present to him a fruit, the gyana-palam (literally, the fruit of knowledge), that held in it the elixir of wisdom. When Shiva expressed his desire to divide the fruit between his two sons, Ganesha and Murugan, Narada advised against it. Instead, he proposed a challenge: whoever circled the world thrice would claim the fruit. Accepting the challenge, Kartikeya embarked on his journey around the globe mounted on his peacock. Meanwhile, Ganesha, perceiving the world to be encapsulated by his divine parents Shiva and Shakti, encircled them thrice. Impressed by Ganesha's wisdom, Shiva bestowed the fruit upon him. Upon Kartikeya's return and learning of Ganesha's victory, he was overcome with fury. He departed from Mount Kailash and found solace in the Palani hills of South India. To pacify him, Shiva and Parvati approached Kartikeya and said, "Pazham Nee" ('You are the Fruit'). Thus, the name Palani originated from this amalgamation of words.

[Darshan Timing : 5:45AM – 9PM]

DAY 4 : PALANI – MADURAI (115 KM)

After breakfast checkout and proceed to Madurai. On arrival check in at your hotel. In the evening visit Thirupparankundram and Pazhamuthircholai Temple. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Tirupparankundram is a significant religious hub housing one of the six special abodes devoted to Lord Murugan, also known as Lord Subrahmanya. Legend has it that Lord Indra was pleased by the victory of Subramanian over the demon Surapadma and he offered his daughter Devayani to Lord Subrahmanya. Their wedding took place in this holy site. The cave shrine of Tirupparankundram was constructed by the Pandiyans during the 8th century. The innermost chamber of the temple is sculpted from a single rock, featuring captivating carvings embellishing the walls and pillars. Revered as the fourth pilgrimage site of Muruga, the temple is referenced in various classical Tamil scriptures as the southern Himalaya, where the gods assemble.

[Darshan Timing : 5AM – 1PM, 4PM – 9PM]

Pazhamudircholai Murugan Temple is one of the six of the holiest of Murugan shrines referred to as the Aarupadai Veedu. It is also known by the name Solamalai Murugan Temple. Legend has it that Avvaiyar, a renowned Tamil poet and devout follower of Murugan, visited this temple when her wisdom was tested by Murugan in the guise of a young boy. This event is believed to have occurred near a tree by the temple, which continues to be venerated today. At this sacred site, Murugan is worshipped alongside his consorts Valli and Devayani, representing Iccha Shakti and Kriya Shakti respectively, while he embodies Jnana Shakti. The idol of Murugan, depicted in a standing posture with four hands, is placed amidst his consorts' idols. The Vel (spear) of the lord made up of stone is of special significance and is worshipped with a great veneration by devotees. At the hill's summit lies a natural spring known as Noopura Ganga, accompanied by a temple dedicated to Raakkayi Amman. Pilgrims often take a dip in this sacred spring, believed to have originated from Lord Vishnu's anklet, for blessings of wealth and health. Nearby flows the Silambar River.

[Darshan Timing : 5AM – 1PM, 4PM – 9PM]

DAY 5 : MADURAI – THIRUCHENDUR – MADURAI (185 KM EACH SIDE)

After an early breakfast, drive to Thiruchendur. Visit Subramanaian Temple. Later drive back to Madurai.

The temple's origins trace back to the epic confrontation of Lord Murugan, which many believe to be the very purpose of his incarnation. Surapadman, the formidable demon king, ruled from the fortress island of Veera Mahendrapuri. Impressed by Surapadman's unwavering devotion, Lord Shiva granted him numerous boons, leading to the demon's ascent in power. However, Surapadman's arrogance grew unchecked, eventually leading him to rebel and conquer all three realms—Heaven, Earth, and Hell. He subjected the Devas, the celestial beings, to menial labor, prompting their plea for intervention to Lord Shiva. In response, Lord Murugan initiated a fierce battle against Surapadman, culminating in the demon's defeat and the birth of Murugan's iconic mount, the peacock. Following this victory, Lord Murugan yearned to honor his father, Lord Shiva. Thus, the divine architect Mayan was tasked with erecting the shrine at Tiruchendur.

[Darshan Timing : 5AM – 12PM, 5PM – 9PM]