After arriving at Tirunelveli from Bangalore by train, we got into another train coming from Egmore to Tiruchendur. Within forty five minutes we reached Tiruchendur, a town located in Tuticorin Dist, Tamilnadu. The Murugan temple is not far from the town. We can go by auto to the holy temple which is located just 200 meters from the sea shore. Before entering the temple devotees take holy bath in the sea and then proceed to bathe with water from a well called Nali Kinaru. Lord Murugan created this well by his spear to quench the thirst of his followers while fighting with Surapadman and other demons.

One has go down the steps to bathe with water from the well. The water of this well is said to have many curative properties and taste very sweet A very big welcome arch is seen at the front leading us towards a very long walkway . The Raja Gopuram is 133 feet high with nine tiers. Many shops and stalls are seen while we move towards the sanctum. This temple is unique as this is the only Murugan temple established near the sea shore while all other five shrines are set upon the hill. The temple is very much crowded and some devotees in wet clothes are seen doing Anga Pradakshan (rolling on the bare floor) to show their devotion to the Lord.

The ticket counters are arranged in the inner hall. We felt very much confused as there are no clear instructions about sale of tickets for various sevas. Some priests are approaching devotees and taking some amount illegally and taking them inside to provide special darshan. Such type of dubious practices will be stopped if ticket counters are kept outside the temple with a helpdesk to guide the devotees. The titles and instructions may be displayed in English and Hindi along with Tamil to help the devotees coming from other regions.

DETAILS

Timing: 5am to 8 pm daily.