Tirupporur (place of the sacred war) is one of the 33 major temples of Tamil
Nadu dedicated to Lord Muruga, situated 25-km away from Chingleput and
45-kmfrom Chennai. Tirrupporur is an ancient temple dating back to the
Pallava period.
Tirupporur is known by different names like Poriyur or Yuddhapuri or
Samarapuri. It is believed that after vanquishing Soorapadman at
Tiruchendur, Skanda destroyed the rest of the demons at Tirupporur.
History Of The Temple
Inscriptions dating back to the early 10th century as well as from the
period of Vikrama Chola of the 12th century can bee seen in the temple.
Tirupporur flourished but faded into oblivion for some time.
But Tirupporur was rediscovered and renovated by Chidambara Swamigal in the
middle of the seventeenth century. Tirupporur was who is said to be a
descendant of one of the poets of the "Tamil Sangam" of Madurai.
Previously this place was a forest covered totally by Palmyra trees.
The image of the Lord Muruga (also spelt as Murugan) is believed to be as "Swayambhu
Murti", which lay covered up by an anthill. Chidambara Swamigal is said
to have discovered the image of 'Skanda' in the anthill, and then rebuilt
the temple and reinstalled the image.
The temple was later on looked after by the decedents of Chidambara
Swamigal and brought it to the present day fame.
The Legend
There are many legends related to Tirupporur according to one, Lord Vishnu
and his consort Lakshmi were subjected to the curse of Kanva rishi. In order
to liberate them from its effects Lord Shiva came to this place and relieved
them from its effects.
Hence Tirupporur temple has a lot of significance where Lord Shiva and his
son Muruga (also spelt as Murugan) are worshipped. The Sthalapurana also
discloses that Lord Muruga with his consorts Valli and Devayanai granted
protection to devas and expounded the meaning of Pranava to Agastya Muni at
this place.
According to legend, Skanda enunciated the principle of pranava or reality
to the devas here. The very concept of Pranavam is said to have worshipped
Skanda here, and the hill behind the temple is known as "Pranava Malai".
Legend also has it that Vishnu worshipped Shiva on the Pranava Hill. Legend
also has it that Skanda worshipped Shiva as "Vanmeekeswara" to rid
himself of the sin of having killed Soorapadman. Another legend has it that
Skanda enunciated the principle of pranava or reality to the devas here. The
very concept of Pranavam is said to have worshipped Skanda here, and the
hill behind the temple is known as "Pranava Malai". Lord Vishnu
worshipped Shiva on the Pranava hill.
Legend also has it that Skanda worshipped Shiva as Vanmeekeswara to rid
himself of the sin of having killed Soorapadman.
How to Get There
- Air
Nearest airport is Meenambakkam in Chennai; it operates both national
and international flights.
- Rail
The nearest railway station is at Chennai, which is a major junction.
- Road
Tourists can access Tirupporurur by road either from Chennai or
Chengalpattu. Private taxis and regular buses ply from Chennai and
Chengalpattu to Tirupporurur.
About
The Temple
This temple enshrines Skanda in several forms relating to legends from the
Skanda Puranam. The foremost of these is the depiction of Skanda as a
warrior, "Samhara Subramanya". He is also enshrined in the form of
a child, expounding the meaning of the oneness of creation Om to his father
Lord Shiva.
On the eastern side of the temple is sanctum sanctorum wherein one can see
the 'Palmyra' tree and the anthill under it wherein is "Kanda Perumal"
with "Valli" and "Devayanai" on a small Peetha.
Chidambara Swamigal used to perform Abhishekam to these images. The image of
the lord in the anthill is covered with Kavacha and other jewels but no
Abhishekam (also spelt as Abhisheka) is performed for this deity.
There is a 24-pillared hall and a 30-pillared circular hall in this temple.
There is a shrine to "Vembadi Vinayaka" under a Neem tree. The two
sacred Teerthams (also spelt as Teerthas or Theertahs), "Saravana
Poigai" and "Valliyar Odai" are on the southern side of the
temple. On the eastern side of the Teerthams, there is a Mandapam of four
pillars. There is also another Teertham by name "Pranavamritam".
Services And Festivities
The deity is offered four worship services each day. Skanda Sashti is
celebrated in the month of Aippasi (October-November). Other festivals that
are celebrated over here include "Margazhi Tiruvadirai" and "Navaratri".
Places to stay in Tamilnadu
Accommodation is available at the hotels in Chennai or at the small hotels
in Chengalpattu. Being the capital city of the state, Chennai is well
equipped with various kinds of accommodation options, varying from economic
class to luxurious ones.
