Tiruchendur Murugan Temple is a famous South India pilgrimage, dedicated to Lord Muruga. This is the second chosen abode of Lord Muruga. It is situated 40kms south of Tuticorin on the beautiful Sea Shore. It is also called as the second Arupadi Veedu of Lord Muruga. It is said that Lord Senthilandavar won the battle against Asura Surapadma and worshiped Lord Shiva in this holy place.

Lord Arumaga Miracles explains the actual history of the Dutch pirates who had stolen the idols of Lord Senthilandavar. Virutal Puja's in Tiruchendur are performed daily as per Kumara Thandiram Murai, Nine Kalams of Pooja (Nine Kala Pooja).

There are 10 sub temples annexed to this temple. Among them the following temples are very famous. Arulmigu Kanchi Vijaya Kachi Konda Pandeeswarar Temple, Arulmigu Venkatachalapathi Temple, Arulmigu Veiyulu Kandambal Temple.

The History of Dutch pirates:

It is said that the Dutch pirates who looted this temple during the 17th century had broken the granite statues and carried the Panchaloka idol of Arumuga Peruman to their ship. Suddenly, there was heavy storm and rain. Filled with fear of this sudden change in the climate, they tied a rope to the idol and dropped it in the sea. The storm was said to have stopped immediately.

On finding the idol of Arumugha Nayanar missing from the temple, the devotees grew worried. Lord Muruga appeared in the dream of Vadamalaiyappa Pillai, who was an ardent devotee of the Lord and showed the place in the sea where he was lying.

Immediately, Vadamalaiyappa Pillai rushed to the spot with some people and saw a lemon was floating on the waters. Garuda, the holy eagle was flying over the spot. They dived into the waters and recovered the idol.

This incident took place on Friday, the 29th day of the Thai month in Kollam year 829, that is, in 1653 A.D. This fact is taken from the inscriptions.

Sacred Ash in Leaf (Ilai Viboothi)

Sandal paste and sacred ash in paneer leaf is offered to the devotees in the Moolavar shrine. This sacred ash is said to cure diseases. It is said that Adi Sankarar took this viboothi and got his disease cured and sang Sri Subramanya Bujangam.

Pagazhi Koothar's Disease Cured

Pagazhikoothar who lived Thiruppullani had sever stomach pain. His pain was cured by the blessings of Senthilandavar and after which he wrote 'Murugan Pillai Tamil'.

Kumara Guruparar Swami Got Speaking Talent

Kumara Guruparar was dumb for the first five years of his life. His parents begged Lord Muruga at the Tiruchendur Murugan Temple. The Lord granted them their wish, and gave him the power of speech. He then later sang 'Kandar Kali venbaa'

Freedom to Nakkirar

Once a demon imprisoned Nakkirar. He invoked Senthilandavar and sang, ''I trust nobody except you''. He became a free man by the blessings of Lord Senthilandavar.

Sacred Ash Becomes the Salary

About 300 years back, Desikamoorthy Swami of Thiruvaduthurai Aadeenam was engaged in constructing the temple's Mela Gopuram. He did not have sufficient funds to pay the wages to the workers. So he gave a packet of sacred ash as salary to the workers every day. It is said that these packets contained exactly the salary that each worker deserved when they opened in their hands after crossing Thoondu Kai Vinayakar shrine as instructed by the Swami.

There are many wonderful happening occasions at Tiruchendur Murugan Temple. The main festivals includes Vaikasi Visagam, Avani festival, Skanda Sasti festival, and Masi festival. If you ever plan a trip to South India Temple Tour don't miss this Famous Temples in India.