The Tiruchendur temple is the celebrated sea-shore temple of Lord Subrahmanya. It is situated in the Tiruchendur taluk of the Tirunelvedi District. The temple is on the shore of the Gulf of Mannar. The surging cool tides of the sea wash the foot of the temple. There is no other shrine in Chennai State, with such a beautiful natural setting. The origin of the temple dates back to the Puranic past. The main deity that is worshipped in the temple is Lord Muruga.
The deity of the temple is known to have been worshipped by a number of Saivaite saints. Legend has it that Adi Sankara was cured of his illness after worshipping Lord Muruga.
With the temple an important legend is associated. It is believed that Lord Shanmukha was stolen away. But later on the lord appeared in the dream of Vadamalayappa Pillayan and the stolen idol was easily recovered and was re-installed in the temple. Among the six chosen spots of worship in Tamil Nadu, Tiruchendur occupies the second position. But unlike the other five spots of worship which are located at elevated positions, Tiruchendur is located by the sea side.
As per as the architecture of the temple is considered it is wonderful. It has a modest construction but along the years a number of alterations were made by kings belonging to the Pandya and Chera dynasties.
A number of festivals are celebrated almost throughout the year and, therefore, Tiruchendur has become a great pilgrim centre. To satisfy the needs and requirements of the numerous pilgrims a small town has developed near the shrine and there are innumerable rest-houses available both free and on payment. There are District Board Rest Houses as well.
Recently the Devasthanam constructed a Rest House with a number of rooms for being hired by pilgrims. Modern amenities like electricity and running water are provided in it.
The temple owns enough properties to maintain itself, and pilgrims make large cash offerings. The temple jewels are worth many lakhs.
The daily puja in the temple is carried according to the Kumara Tantra. All the pujas are performed both for Lord Shiva and Subramanya. In the months of December and January the daily puja begins at 3 am instead of 5:30 am and continues till 8:30 pm.
