Set in Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Sri Vetrimalai Murugan Temple is dedicated to Murugan. It is also known as Vetrimalai Murugan Kovil.
The largest and most important Hindu pilgrimage site in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, serving the islands' Tamil community and drawing large crowds during major Tamil Hindu festivals. Originally built on Ross Island starting in 1926 by British colonial administrators to maintain the loyalty of Tamil administrative staff posted in the Andamans, with the original structure completed by 1932.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands carries a distinct temple identity of its own: A remote island union territory whose largest Hindu pilgrimage site, the Sri Vetrimalai Murugan Temple, serves its Tamil community.
Darshan hours and daily worship
| Session | Timing (as published) |
|---|---|
| Morning | 6:00 AM - 12:00 PM |
| Evening | 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM |
Festivals and special-day timings
Regular darshan hours are usually extended, or set aside entirely, on these dates.
| Festival | Period | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Thai Poosam | Major Tamil festival honoring Murugan, drawing large crowds to the temple | |
| Panguni Uthiram | Major festival at the temple, with large community feeding events | |
| Kanda Sashti | Festival honoring Murugan's victory over the demon Soorapadman |
History and architecture
Architecture
Dravidian style, modeled after the Kandakottam temple in Chennai
History
Originally built on Ross Island starting in 1926 by British colonial administrators to maintain the loyalty of Tamil administrative staff posted in the Andamans, with the original structure completed by 1932. The temple was relocated to Port Blair after Indian independence, managed with the support of a prominent local Tamil businessman.
Planning your visit
How to reach
Located at RGT Road, Shadipur, Port Blair (Sri Vijaya Puram), Andaman and Nicobar Islands, 744101
Where this information comes from
Confidence: High. Has a dedicated Wikipedia article corroborated by multiple independent tourism sources with consistent history, location, and festival details