Thiruchendur

Thiruchendur is a panchayat town in Thoothukudi district, Tamil Nadu. It is famous for the Murugan temple by the seashore. Thiruchendur is famous for dry Theri forests located in various suburb villages surrounding the town. These Theri forests with red soil are densely planted with Palm trees, cashew plantation and various other varieties of plants typical to this region.

Folk Tales

The popular belief for the red soil of Theri lands is that one powerful local god Karkkuuvel Ayyanar (in the village “Therikudiyiruppu”) requested his agent Vanniaraja to end the life of any one who intended to steal other’s property. Vanniaraja killed one of the thieves (Kallan), it is believed that the bloodshed had caused the entire land to become red soiled. People from this Theri land do not involve in thefts, crimes etc as they have deep belief in this folk tale.

Murugan Temple

The famous second Arupadai Vedu (six abodes) of Lord Muruga temple is situated in Thiruchendur. A demon Surapadman was killed by lord muruga in this place. So Soorasamharam, an enactment of the deed, is performed here and Skanda Sashti is also celebrated in a grand manner every year.  This temple is situated in beautiful seashore.

Valli Cave Temple

Near the north prakaram there is a cave called valli kugai. It is believed that Goddess Valli has hidden here when Lord Muruga chased her. There is a dhyana Mandapam (Meditation Hall) near this cave.

Naazhi Kinaru

A sacred well situate outside the temple at a distance of 100 m south of the temple. Devotees are allowed to take bath by scooping out the water with a vessel and the water in the well never dries up. Despite the temple being on the seashore, the water is not salty.

Festivals

• Brahmothsavam. (February – March)
• Vasanthothsavam. (10 days April – May).
• Viagasi Visakam.  (12 days May – June)
• Skandha Sashti (October – November)
• Aavanipperunthirunaal (August-September)
• Maasipperunthirunaal. (January-February)

Place Around

Kulasekaranpatinam village situated around 13 km away from Thiruchendur. Lord Mutharamman temple is situated in this village; Dasara Festival is very famous temple.

About 10 km away from Thiruchendur, there is a village “Melaputhukudi” which is considered a holy place for ancestral Ayyanar temple, with a beautiful thalamboo grove attracting several other people as a nice picnic spot. There is a natural spring called “sunai” where a famous temple for “Arunchunai kattha Ayyanar Swami” is located.

Specialty in Tiruchendur

ChilluKarupatti prepared from original PalmNeera along with Dry Ginger is one of the best traditional health candy products available in Thiruchendur.

Photos