About Subramaniya Swamy Temple, Tiruttani
The Subramaniya Swamy Temple crowns the Thanigai hill at Tiruttani in Tiruvallur district, about 85 km west of Chennai and close to the Andhra Pradesh border. It is one of the Arupadaiveedu, the six sacred abodes of Lord Murugan in Tamil tradition, and one of the most visited Murugan temples in the country. The temple is administered by the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department.
According to the Kanda Puranam, after destroying the demon Surapadman at Tiruchendur, Murugan came to Tiruttani to calm his anger, which is said to give the place its name, from words meaning the cooling of anger. Devotees therefore believe that worship here brings peace of mind. Tradition also says that Murugan wooed Valli, the daughter of a tribal chief, in the guise of a hunter and married her here. The hill shrine is praised in the ancient Tamil poem Tirumurugarruppadai and in the Tiruppugazh hymns of the poet-saint Arunagirinathar.
The temple has a tall gopuram and several enclosures. In the sanctum, Murugan stands with his left hand on his hip, holding a thunderbolt-like weapon (vajra vel) instead of his usual lance, and an elephant, Airavata, serves as his mount in place of the peacock. There are separate shrines for Valli and Deivanai, and a holy tank called Kalhara Theertham on the hill. Devotees climb 365 steps, one for each day of the year, though a motorable ghat road also reaches the top. The New Year step festival, when devotees pray at each step, is especially associated with Tiruttani.
Subramaniya Swamy Temple, Tiruttani timings & aarti
Usually open from about 5:45 AM to 9:00 PM. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Vishwaroopa darshan | Around 6:00 AM (approx.) |
| Uchikala puja | Around noon (approx.) |
| Sayaraksha puja | Around 6:00 PM (approx.) |
| Ardhajama puja | Around 8:30 PM (approx.) |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Subramaniya Swamy Temple, Tiruttani
By air
Chennai International Airport is about 85 km away; Tirupati airport (Renigunta) is about 65 km away.
By train
Tiruttani railway station on the Chennai–Arakkonam–Renigunta line is about 2 km away, with frequent suburban trains from Chennai.
By road
Buses run frequently from Chennai, Kanchipuram, Arakkonam and Tirupati. Vehicles can drive up the ghat road to the hilltop.
Festivals at Subramaniya Swamy Temple, Tiruttani
- Aadi KrithigaiJul/Aug
- New Year Padi (step) festivalDec/Jan
- Masi BrahmotsavamFeb/Mar
- Skanda ShashtiOct/Nov
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest traditional clothing is recommended. Remove footwear before climbing the steps or entering.
- Entry
- Free general darshan; paid special darshan tickets are available.
- Climbing the 365 steps is a common vow; start early to avoid the heat.
- Aadi Krithigai brings huge crowds with kavadis; plan travel well ahead.
- Elderly visitors can take the ghat road by bus or car to the top.
- Carry water and wear a cap in summer.
- Photography is not allowed inside the sanctum.
Places to visit near Subramaniya Swamy Temple, Tiruttani
- Saravana PoigaiSacred tank at the foot of the hill, about 1 km away
- ArakkonamRailway junction town, about 15 km away
- KanchipuramTemple city with Kamakshi and Ekambareswarar temples, about 45 km away
- TirupatiGateway to Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, about 70 km away
Frequently asked questions
Is Tiruttani one of the six abodes of Murugan?
Yes, Tiruttani is one of the Arupadaiveedu, the six sacred abodes of Lord Murugan.
How many steps are there at Tiruttani temple?
There are 365 steps, one for each day of the year; a ghat road also leads to the top.
What are the Tiruttani temple timings?
The temple is usually open from early morning (about 5:45 AM) to about 9:00 PM. Check locally before visiting.
How to reach Tiruttani from Chennai?
Tiruttani is about 85 km from Chennai, with frequent suburban trains and buses.
What is the aarti time at Subramaniya Swamy Temple, Tiruttani?
Vishwaroopa darshan: Around 6:00 AM (approx.); Uchikala puja: Around noon (approx.); Sayaraksha puja: Around 6:00 PM (approx.); Ardhajama puja: Around 8:30 PM (approx.). Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
Is there a dress code at Subramaniya Swamy Temple, Tiruttani?
Modest traditional clothing is recommended. Remove footwear before climbing the steps or entering.
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