Kundrakudi Murugan Temple | Arulmigu Shanmuganathar Temple | Kundrakudi Kudavarai Kovil | Famous Temples of Karaikudi

Arulmigu Shanmuganathar Temple:

The Kundrakudi Murugan temple is 1000 - 2000 years old.It is a small hill temple in the region of Karaikudi.The presiding deity is Arulmigu Shanmuganathar with his beautiful consorts Valli and Deivanai gracing individually on the peacock. Sri Thenattru Nathar graces here as 'Swayambumoorthy' in the east.The temple was sung by 'Arunagirinathar' in Thirupugazh.The historical name of the place is "Arasavanam".

Kundrakudi temple is a hill temple.The hill appears as peacock shaped structure.As peacock is the vehicle of Lord Muruga,got relieved of its curse here called Mayil Malai(peacock hill).The presiding deity Lord Shanmuganathar graces here majestically with six heads and twelve hands with his beautiful consorts Valli and Deivanani. Sri Thenatrunathar graces on the banks of Thenaru river as Swayambumoorthy in the east side of the temple.Lord Muruga who graces here is also known in many names like Kundrai Murugan,Thenattrunathar,Mayilkalai Kandhan,Kundrayur Udayaan,Chetty Murugan,Mayuragirinathar.Sage Agasthyar Worshipped here.Not only Sage Agasthiyar, but also Lord Kannapiran,Lord Brahma,Naradha,Grauda,Sages Vashishtar and Viswamithirar,Devaloga Indiran,Sun God and Manmatha had worshipped in this temple.The Sthala Vruksha is Bodhi tree(Arasamaram).Other than Thenaru, Saravana Poigai and Mayil Theertham are said to be the springs of the temple.From Kalinga, Idumba carried kavadi to this temple and got his stomach pain cured.The temple is so powerful and believed wishes of devotees are blessed.Wishes like free from illness,long life,child birth,education,high yields in farms are blessed.Carrying Kavadi is very famous in this temple to get rid of from the evil things.There is a popular saying that a 'devotee carrying kavadi will not be let down in any circumstances'.

Kundrakudi Murugan

History:

Once Demons wants to take revenge on Devas,told Peacock,the vehicle of Lord Muruga that Garuda the vehicle of Lord Vishnu and Swan (Annam) were egoistic that they could fly faster than Peacock.Believing this was true,peacock got angry on them and swallowed .Lord Vishnu and Indira appealed about this problem to Lord Muruga.At that time peacock was cursed to become a hill.The peacock realised its mistake and penaced Lord Muruga.Peacock got relieved from Lord Muruga in this hill.

Festivals:

The two great festivals celebrated here are Panguni Uthiram for 10 days in the month of March-April and Thaipoosam in January-February.The other festivals celebrated here are Paal peruku vizha,Vaigasi visagam,Aani mahabishegam,Aadi tirupadi and Aavani moola pittu.Arrow festival and Skandha shashti and Thirukarthigai are celebrated grandly.

Offerings:

Kavadi is the main offering during festives.Milk pots,Angapradhakshana,adipradhakshana and shashti fasting are done.It is believed that offering Pepper&salt in Saravana poigai and in Idumba shrine gives remedy for skin diseases.Grains are also contributed by the farmers to get high yields in farms.Devotees even offers Cocks and Cattles.Ear piercing and head shaving are also done here for devotees who wish.

Address:

Arulmigu Shanmuganathar temple,

Kundrakudi Adheenam, Kundrakudi,

Sivagangai district.

Nearest landmark: Pillayarpatti and karaikudi.

Ph.no:04577 - 264227.

How to reach:

Plenty of buses are available from Karaikudi,Thiruppatur,sivagangai,madurai and Trichy.

Nearest Railway station is Karaikudi.

Nearest airport is Trichy and Madurai.