Page Content
Thiruchendur is a small coastal village located in the Tuticorin district. Earlier Thiruchedur was known as Kapadapuram. In 1649, Dutch attempted to takeover Thiruchendur from Portuguese.
But Portuguese defeated them with the help of Madurai Nayaks. Thiruchendur was also ruled by Cheras and Pandyas.
This is the place where Lord Murugan killed demon Surapandman. And this event is popularly celebrated as Soorasamharam till date. During the Soorasamharam, the act is played on the beaches of Tiruchendur. Thousands of people will be present during the event to get the blessings of Lord Murugan.
Best Time to Visit Thiruchendur
Winter (November to January) is the perfect time to visit Thiruchendur. At this time, it has pleasant temperature around 21 to 25°C.
This is the time when the famous Soorasamharam will be enacted in Thiruchendur. It is a must event to get blessings of Lord Murugan and to see Thiruchendur in its complete glory.
Places to Visit in Thiruchendur
Thiruchendur Murugan Temple & Beach
Thiruchendur Murugan Temple is the second “aaru padai veedu” of Lord Muruga. This is the only murugan temple, which is located on the seashore. Thiruchendur is the place where the Lord Muruga fought and defeated the asura Surapadma and worshiped Lord shiva after the victory.
In most of the ancient temples the rajagopuram will be on the eastern side, but Thiruchendur Murugan temple is the only temple that has its rajagopuram on the western side. The rajagopuram is 137 feet high and has nine storeys. And to depict the 9 storeys, there are 9 kalasams at the top of the gopuram.
Some of the famous festivals grandly celebrated in this temple are
Vaikasi Visagam in the month of May and June
Skanda Sasti Festival – This festival is grandly celebrated for 7 days during the month of October and November
Masi Festival – This festival is celebrated for 12 days during the month of Febraury and March. It is believed that around 3 lac people visit the temple during the Masi festival.
Thiruchendur Murugan Temple is open on all days from 5.10 AM to 9.00 PM
Read more about the Thiruchendur Murugan Temple history and pooja timings
Nazhi Kinaru Thiruchendur
Nazhi Kinaru is one of the must visit places in Thiruchendur. It is a tradition that after taking bath in sea and in Nazhi Kinaru the devotees should go into the temple to have a dharsan of Lord Murugan.
This well is 14 feet wide and very near to the sea, but surprisingly this well has fresh water and not salty sea water. It is actually a natural wonder
Valli’s Cave or Dattatreya’s Cave
This is situated on the seashore, which is on the northern side of the Thiruchendur murgan temple. Valli’s Cave has stone mandapam with 16 pillars. Recently, it was renovated with granite flooring and new paintings.
Panchalamkurichi Fort
Pancahalamkurichi Fort was built by the famous tamil warrior king Veerapandiya Kattabomman. It is believed that the fort was built during the 18th century. During the war in 1799, king Kattabomman was defeated and was hanged in a tree near Kayathar. There is a memorial for him in Kayathar. After the defeat of Kattabomman, the fort was taken over by British and destroyed.
It is also believed that Kattabomman’s brother tried to recapture the fort again and in the process British completely destroyed the Fort. And the nearby lands are destroyed using castor oil, so that the lands are sutable for cultivation.
Navathirupathi
There are 9 srivaishnava temples near Thiruchedur, which is known as Navathirupathi. They are srivaikundam, thenthirupathi, thiru puliankudi, thiru kurugoor, thiru kulanthai, thiru koloor, twin thirupathi, thiru varagunamangai. People who visit Thiruchendur visit Navathirupathi to seek blessings.
Ayyanar Sunai
It is located around 10 kms from Thiruchendur in Melaputhukidi. There is natural spring of fresh water, where the water flows throughout the year. It is surrounded by many plants and cashew nut trees. There is an ayyanar temple situated on the bank of ayyanar sunnai.
Timings: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm (all days in week)
Entry fee: free
Kulasekarapattinam Beach
Kulasekarapattinam is an ancient port which has featured in many sangam literatures. Even this port was mentioned by Marco Polo in his journals. The famous Mutharamman temple is located here; it is 300 years old temple. This temple is very famous for its dhasara celebrations. During the dhasara festival, it is estimated that nearly a million people come here dressed as various goddesses and perform the rituals.
In other parts of India, Dhasara or Navaratri is celebrated for 9 days. But in this temple it is celebrated for 12 days.
How to Reach Thiruchendur
By Air
Tuticorin airport is the nearest to Thiruchendur, which is located at the distance of 27km. Currently there are two flights(SpiceJet Airlines) are available from Chennai International Airport per day.
By Train
Thiruchendur railway station is nearby junction. Chendur Express is the direct train from Chennai. There are passenger trains available from Tuticoirn and Thirunelveli Junction.
By Road
Thiruchendur is well connected by road to all the major cities. Frequent bus facilities available from Chennai, Tuticorin and Thirunelveli.
We have tried our best to provide you with authentic information. If you have more information to add, kindly use the comment box below. Like our blog? kindly care to share.
Sign-up to our Newsletter and explore beaches from your inbox
Leave a reply