This is an ancient temple that dates back to the Pallava period.
Legend: After vanquishing Soorapadman, Skanda destroyed the rest of the demons here. Skanda enunciated the principle of pranava or reality to the gods here. The very concept of Pranavam worshipped Skanda here, and the hill behind the temple is called Pranava Malai.
History: There are inscriptions here from the 10th century. Chidambara Swamigal rebuilt this temple in the 17th century. He is said to have discovered the image of Skanda in an anthill, and rebuilt the temple and reinstalled the image.
This temple enshrines Skanda in different forms relating to the Skanda purana. The foremost is of Skanda as a warrior, Samhara Subramanyar. He is also enshrined in the form of a child. Skanda is seen here with his consorts Valli and Devasena in a sanctum that faces east. No abhishek is offered to these images. The 24-pillared hall and the 30-pillared circular hall are other structures in this temple. There is a shrine to Vembadi Vinayakar under a neem tree.
Festivals: Skanda Sashti is celebrated in the month of Aippasi. Other festivals celebrated here include Margazhi Tiruvadirai and Navaratri.
