Arupadai Veedu Murugan Temple, Besant Nagar, Chennai

Temple Overview

Arupadai Veedu Murugan Temple is a prominent Murugan temple located in Besant Nagar, Chennai, near the seashore. The temple is unique because devotees can worship the six sacred forms of Lord Murugan associated with the Arupadai Veedu at a single location.

The six shrines represent Tiruttani, Swamimalai, Tirupparankundram, Palani, Pazhamudircholai and Tiruchendur.

Temple History

The idea of constructing a temple where all six Arupadai Veedu shrines could be worshipped in one place was proposed by Thiru Alagappa Alagappan. Kanchi Mahaperiyava supported the idea and helped facilitate land for the temple in Besant Nagar.

The temple was constructed mainly using granite. Following the guidance of Kanchi Jagadguru Sri Jayendra Saraswati Swamigal, the Mahavallabha Ganapathi shrine was established at the centre, with separate shrines for the six forms of Lord Murugan arranged around it.

The temple was constructed between 1995 and 2002.

Festivals Celebrated

Several important Murugan festivals are celebrated at the temple with special poojas and traditional rituals. The major festivals include:

Thai Poosam – Special poojas, Kavadi and Paal Kudam offerings are observed.

Panguni Uthiram – Special worship and rituals are conducted with devotion.

Aadi Krithigai – Special abhishekam and poojas are performed for Lord Murugan.

Skanda Sashti – A six-day festival dedicated to Lord Murugan, marked by special prayers and rituals.

These festivals attract devotees who come to participate in the special worship and traditional celebrations.

Special Features

The main highlight of the temple is the presence of all six Arupadai Veedu shrines in one location. The granite architecture and the arrangement of the individual Murugan shrines around the central Mahavallabha Ganapathi shrine make it a notable Murugan temple in Chennai.