Arulmigu Subramania Swamy Temple, Tiruttani stands in Tiruttani, Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to Lord Murugan as Subramania Swamy, worshipped here in a calm aspect after the battle with Surapadman, with consort Valli. It is also known as Thiruthani Murugan Temple, Thanigai.
The fifth of Murugan's six abodes and among the most visited temples in northern Tamil Nadu, particularly at the turn of the new year, when devotees climb the 365 steps. Tiruttani, in Tiruvallur district about 85 km from Chennai, is the fifth of the Arupadai Veedu.
Tamil Nadu carries a distinct temple identity of its own: Land of towering gopurams and living Dravidian temple traditions, from the Chola masterpieces to the great Pancha Bhoota Sthalas.
Darshan hours and daily worship
| Session | Timing (as published) |
|---|---|
| Morning | 6:00 AM - 8:45 PM |
Generally reported as open continuously from 6:00 AM to 8:45 PM with no midday closure, though some listings give 5:30 AM to 8:30 PM. Viswaroopa darshan runs roughly 5:45 AM to 6:00 AM before the day's darshan begins. Hours extend on Krittika days and during festivals.
Poojas and daily rituals
Six poojas daily, each with abhishekam, arathi, deeparadhanai and offerings. Viswaroopa pooja around 5:45 AM opens the day.
Festivals and special-day timings
Regular darshan hours are usually extended, or set aside entirely, on these dates.
| Festival | Period | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Thai Poosam | January/February | Major Murugan festival; kavadi processions and very large crowds. |
| Vaikasi Visakam | May/June | Murugan's birth star, the principal annual celebration. |
| Skanda Sashti | October/November | Six-day observance culminating in Soorasamharam. |
| New Year step climb | 31 December to 1 January | Devotees climb the 365 steps through the night, one of the temple's busiest occasions. |
History and architecture
Architecture
Hill temple on Thanigai hill approached by 365 steps, one for each day of the year, with a motorable road for those who cannot climb; modest gopuram and a sanctum on the summit
History
Tiruttani, in Tiruvallur district about 85 km from Chennai, is the fifth of the Arupadai Veedu. Tradition holds that Murugan came here to rest after defeating Surapadman, and that he married Valli at this hill, which is why he is worshipped here in a peaceful rather than martial aspect.
Planning your visit
How to reach
Thanigai hill, Tiruttani, Tiruvallur district, about 85 km north-west of Chennai. Tiruttani has its own railway station on the Chennai-Arakkonam line; Chennai International Airport is roughly 90 km. The summit is reached by 365 steps or by road.
Arulmigu Subramania Swamy Temple, Tiruttani in photographs
4 freely-licensed photographs of this temple, from Wikimedia Commons. Each is credited to its photographer.
Where this information comes from
Confidence: Medium. The HR&CE page for this temple publishes no timetable. Sources agree the temple stays open through the middle of the day rather than closing, but differ on the exact opening and closing, giving either 6:00 AM to 8:45 PM or 5:30 AM to 8:30 PM.