outline of thiruthani Temple
The Murugan Temple is a Hindu temple, on the hill of Tiruttani, Tiruvallur district, Tamil Nadu, India, dedicated to Murugan. The hill has 365 steps indicating 365 days of the year. It is fifth among the six abodes of Murugan (Arupadai Vidu) The other five are Palani Murugan Temple, Swamimalai Murugan Temple, Thiruchendur Murugan Temple, Thiruparankundram and Pazhamudircholai Murugan Temple. Tiruttani is 87 kilometres (54 mi) from Chennai. It is the only adobe located within the Greater Chennai Metropolitan Area limit. During the Sangam era, Tiruttani was known as Kundruthoradal. After killing the asura Tarakasura in Tiruchendur, he came here to subside his anger, so Surasamharam is not conducted here.[
History
The origins of this temple, are buried in antiquity. This temple has been mentioned in the Sangam period work Tirumurugatruppadai composed by Nakkeerar. It has been patronized by the Vijayanagara rulers and local chieftains and zamindars. The original animal mount of Murugan is believed to have been an elephant, compared to the peacock which is considered to be the most common mount. The white elephant, is considered a powerful, terror striking animal. The iconography is maintained only in two places, namely, this temple and Tiruttani Murugan Temple
Legend
According to the regional legend of the temple, Indra, the king of the devas gave his daughter Devasena in marriage to Murugan, and along with her presented his elephant Airavata as part of his offering. Upon Airavata's departure, Indra found his wealth waning. Murugan is said to have offered to return the white elephant, however Indra bound by protocol refused to accept a gift that he had made, and insisted that the elephant face his direction, hence the image of the elephant in this temple also faces the east. [citation needed] Another legend has it that Indra presented a sandal stone as a part of his daughter's gift. The sandal paste made on this stone is applied to the image of Murugan and the applied paste is said to acquire medicinal value. Murugan is also believed to have imparted knowledge of Tamil to the sage Agastya and he is heralded with the epithets Veeramurti, Jnanamurti, and acharyamurti in this shrine. [citation needed] On worshipping at Thanikai, the king of the snakes, Vasuki got his bodily wounds healed, which had been caused during the Samudra Manthana to secure the amrita (nectar of immortality) by the devas and asuras when the Mandara mountain was used as the churning base and the snake king Vasuki as the rope. Sage Agastya worshipped Murugan at Tanikai when he was blessed with the divine gift of the Tamil language.
Religious significance
Apart from its puranic greatness, Saint Arunagirinathar has praised this hill as the chosen place for worship by devas and the favorite abode of saints performing prolonged tapas. He also compared this hill to Shivaloka (Kailasha) and as the very soul of the world. Sri Muthuswami Dikshitar, who lived 200 years ago (one of the trinity of Carnatic music) had his inspiration in Tiruttani when Murugan (in the guise of an old man) met him on the steps and sweetened his tongue with the prasadam of this temple, which impelled him to compose and render his first kriti "Sri Nathadhi Guruguho Jayati Jayati" (song) Murugan of Tanikai. The temple vimanam was covered by gold
Specialities of Tiruttani
Saravana Poikai The sacred tanks of the shrines of our Lord are all known as Saravanapoikai (‘sacred pond of the reedy marsh’ where Lord Karttikeya was born). The tank at Tiruttani, which (unlike in other places) is at the very foot of the hill, is particularly renowned for its sacred water (teertham) having curative effect for ailments both bodily and mental, as it is rich in minerals such as sulfur, iron, etc. A bath in this holy tank refreshes the devotee and makes him hale and healthy to propitiate our Lord with faith and devotion. Sapta Rishi Teertham At the lovely garden on the south side of this sacred hill amidst a thick cluster of shady trees and seven cool sprints, the Seven Rishis (who today form the Great Bear stellar constellation) are said to have worshipped Lord Muruga and the Sapta Kannikas (Seven Virgins) enshrined at this place in a tiny temple. On the outskirts of the Tiruttani town, on both sides of the Nandi River, are the ancient temples of Lord Vijayaragama Swami, Arumuga Swami and Veerateeswarar, the latter two of which are more than a thousand years old. In the temple of Arumuga Swami, there is sun worship every year for three days in March when the rising sun is said to worship our Lord by casting its rays upon the holy Feet of the deity on the first day, Breast on the second day and Head on the third day through a hold in the wall, which reveals the marvellous intellect of the architects of ancient days. Festivals Besides the monthly Krittikais which attract a large number of devotees to this shrine, the two outstanding annual festivals are the Aadi Krittikai and the 31st of December New Year Step Festival.
The temple architecture reflects the traditional Dravidian style, with intricate carvings and inscriptions that narrate the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of Tamil Nadu.