- Deity
- Murugan with Valli and Deivanai
- Steps
- 365
- Distance from Chennai
- About 98 km
- Nearest airport
- Chennai
- Dress code
- Shoulders and knees covered
Legends
After the war against the asuras, Murugan is said to have come to this hill to find peace, which is why the temple is associated with calm of mind. Another story tells how he disguised himself as a village youth to win Valli, a hunter's daughter. When she paid him no attention, his brother Ganesha appeared as a wild elephant to frighten her into Murugan's arms, and the two were married on these hills.
What makes it different
In front of the sanctum stands an elephant instead of the usual peacock. It is said to be Indra's gift to his daughter Deivanai at her wedding to Murugan. Murugan here holds no vel, his spear, showing him in a peaceful form. The complex also has shrines to Durga, Vishnu and Ganesha.
Offerings and prasadam
Flowers and ghee lamps are the usual offerings, and many come to pray for help with marriage and children. Sandal paste from the shrine is taken home as prasadam. Stalls inside the temple sell laddu, tamarind rice and panchamirtham.
Festivals
The hill is at its liveliest during Aadi Krithigai, when crowds carry kavadis and bathe in the temple tank. Kanda Sashti, Thaipusam and Panguni Uthiram are also celebrated. On New Year's Eve, many devotees climb the steps as a special pilgrimage.
Timings, dress and how to reach
The temple opens early in the morning, closes for a few hours after midday and reopens in the late afternoon until about 9 pm; check timings on festival days. Wear modest clothes that cover shoulders and knees.
By road the drive from Chennai takes about two and a half hours, and buses run regularly. Tiruttani also has a railway station on the line from Chennai, and Chennai airport is the nearest. We can pair Tiruttani with Tirupati or Kanchipuram.
Also nearby
Plan it with us
Tell us your dates and who is travelling. We will build the route, book the car, driver and hotels, and send you a clear quote.
