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Tirupparamkunram is considered as one of the most sacred
temples in Tamil Nadu, which is dedicated to
Subramanyar and Paramgirinathar. It has been held in reverence for over
2,000 years by the Tamil world. It has been revered by the Tevaram hymns
of the Nayanmars and by the Tiruppugazh hymns of Arunagirinathar.
About The Temple
There are 3 main caves within the temple premises. The main shrine is a
cave temple featuring Lord Subramanya, Deivayanai and Naarada (also spelt
as Narad), which resemble the early cave temples of the Pallavas. The 2nd
cave enshrines Durga and the 3rd enshrines Vinayaka. There are 2 other
cells in the cave temple enshrining Somaskandha and Satyagireeswara in one
and Vishnu with Sridevi, Bhudevi and Mathangamuniva in the other.
Temple Architecture
Tiruppamkunram features rock cut shrines as well as Mandapams lined with
elaborately carved pillars. The sculptural work in this temple is of great
beauty. Several inscriptions from the Pandya Vijayanagar and the Nayak
periods are seen in this temple.
The main entrance is through a Mandapam called the "Aasthana
Mandapam", which was built by Tirumalai Nayakkar of Madurai. 48
pillars line up the entrance of temple, each 20 feet in height, bearing
Yaalis, elephant, warrior bearing horses hunting tigers etc. A
seven-storied Gopuram towering to a height of 150 feet forms the entrance
to the temple.
There is another Mandapam referred to, as the Kalyana Mandapam to the
left of which is the sacred tank Lakshmi Theertham (also spelt as
Teertha). There is also a tank called "Saravanapoigai" (as in
Palani) to the east of the temple lined with beautiful steps against the
imposing hill.
"Kambattadi Mandapam", the "Ardha Mandapam" and the "Maha
Mandapam" can be reached using a series of steps. There are few more
Mandapams within the temple complex. There are two panels on one of the
cave temple walls that depict the cosmic dance of Nataraja. The Cosmic
Dance portrayal shows several celestial beings in the orchestra and in the
audience admiring the dance of Shiva. In addition, there are caves with
interesting sculptural work.
The Deities
Tirupparamkunram enshrines Subramanyar (laos spelt as Subramanya), the
leader of the armies of the Gods. He is seen in a seated posture (facing
north) with his consort Deivayanai, the daughter of Indra, the King of the
Gods on his left. This image holds silver 'Vel' (spear) and 'Abhishegam'
(holy bath) is offered only to the Silver Vel.
One can also see the images of Vinayaka, Brahma, Saraswati, Devendra,
Surya and Chrandra in this sanctum. There is also a Shrine to Govardana
and Padmavati as well as shrines to Shanmuga, Saneeswara, the 63 Nayanma
and Panchalinga (also spelt as Panchlinga)
Adhikaranandi faces the Panchalingam shrine. Inside the Panchalingam
shrine there is small shrine dedicated to Thiruchendur Murugan, which
resembles the famous shrine at Thiruchendur.
Air: The nearest airport is at
Madurai.
Rail: The nearest railway station is at
Madurai, which is an important
railway junction on southern railways.
Road: Tourists can access Thiruparankunram from
Madurai, which is well served by
Tamil Nadu government and private bus operators.
Accommodation is available at the star and economy class hotels, lodges, hostels, devasthanam cottages and choultries in Madurai.
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