Parangirinathar Temple, Tirupparankundram
Location: Tirupparankundram
Deity known as: Parangirinathar
Female Deity: Aavudai Nayaki
Pathikam: Sambandar - 1, Sundarar - 1
Gallery - Tirupparankundram Temple
How to Reach
This temple is located 8 km from Madurai at Tirupparankundram. Frequent bus services are available from Madurai central bus stand.
Location Map
Temple Address
Tirupparankundram
Madurai - 625005
Madurai District
Temple Hours
Morning: 5:00 – 1:00 PM
Evening: 4:00 – 8:30 PM
Temple Significance
One of the Six Abodes
Although the temple at Tirupparankundram is a Paadal Petra Sthalam dedicated to Shiva, it has also gained prominence as one of the six Arupadai Veedus (sacred abodes) of Muruga, making it a highly revered pilgrimage site.
Significance of the Name
The name Tiruparankundram is derived from three words — “Tiru”, denoting holiness or reverence, “Param”, referring to the Supreme Being, and “Kundram”, meaning a hill.
This hill, which resembles a Shivalinga in form, is believed to be a manifestation of God Shiva Himself, hence the name Tiruparankundram. It rises majestically to an elevation of about 190 meters
In his Thevaram hymns, Thirugnana Sambandar highlights the spiritual merit of circumambulating and worshipping this sacred hill daily, affirming that such devotion can absolve devotees of their accumulated Karma.
Temple Architecture
Cave Temple
Situated at the foot of a hill, about 8 km west of Madurai, this Shiva Temple is a remarkable cave temple that holds special significance as one of the six sacred abodes (Arupadai Veedus) of Muruga, reflecting its profound spiritual importance.
Rajagopuram
The temple features a magnificent seven-tier Rajagopuram rising to a height of about 150 feet. Numerous captivating sculptures can be seen on the pillars of the mandapam located near the gateway.
Notable Sculptures
A notable sculpture depicts Devendran presenting his daughter Deivayanai in marriage to Muruga. The majestic Nandhi statue, along with the graceful idols of the peacock and moonjuru vahanas, further enhances the beauty of this mandapam.
Sanctum
The innermost chamber of the temple is reached through a series of steps leading into a cavern-like sanctum. Parankundranathar is enshrined facing east, while Karpaga Vinayaka, Goddess Durga, and Muruga face north. Pavalakanivai Perumal is positioned facing west.
Special Entry Required
To have a closer view of Parankundranathar and Pavalakanivai Perumal, visitors need to take a separate route by paying a special entry fee. Those opting for the regular free darshan can view only the shrines of Vinayaka, Durga, and Muruga from a distance.
The Divine Wedding of Muruga
Victory Over Soorapadman
Muruga incarnated to vanquish the demon Soorapadman and his mighty army, thereby rescuing the Devas from his oppression. After the victory, Muruga transformed Soorapadman into a peacock and a rooster — the peacock becoming his divine vehicle and the rooster his emblem — filling the celestial beings with immense joy.
Marriage with Deivayanai
In gratitude for the deliverance of the celestial realm, Indra offered his daughter Deivayanai in marriage to Muruga, and their divine wedding took place at this sacred site of Tirupparankundram.
The Grand Ceremony
According to the Tirupparankundra Purana, Brahma officiated the divine wedding, while the Sun and the Moon held the sacred lamps. Parvathi and Parameswara rejoiced with bliss as Indra presented his daughter Deivayanai to Muruga, who wedded her in this sacred abode.
Gallery - Tirupparankundram Temple
