Kundrathur Murugan Temple, Chennai

Kundrathur Murugan Temple is a temple located in Kundrathur, a suburb of Chennai. It is a hindu temple dedicated to lord Murugan or Subramanya. This place is also known as South Thanigai as Lord Subramanya idol is displayed facing the north, towards Thanigai. 

This is the only temple in Tamil Nadu with idol standing in north facing direction. It was constructed by the king Kulothunga Chola II. The speciality of the temple is the idol is along with the two consort(wives) idols but can be seen only with one Goddess at a time. If we see from one side lord can be seen with goddess Valli and from other side lord can be seen with other consort goddess Devasena.

History:

Lord Subramanya or Murugan after killing the demons in Thiruporur, went to Thiruthani and placed a Sivaling to perform pooja and deep meditation. The temple to this Linga was constructed by the Chola King Kulothunga Chola. Lord Shiva worshiped by lord Murugan, blesses devotees as Kandaleeswarar in this shirne.

There are 84 steps to reach this hill temple. According to hindu mythology, lord Murugan stayed on this hill during this travels from Tiruporur to Tiruttanigai. Murugan is often worshiped as a child God. This Shiva is known as Kandhazheswarar, and the linga can be found at the foothills of Kundrathur. He is called kandhazheswarar because Kandan(Skanda or Murugan) worshipped him.

How To Reach:

Kundrathur-Natham-Murugan temple bus stop is the nearest bus stop located at a distance of around 2.8 KM from the temple. Madha Engineering college bus stop is at a distance of around 1.5 KM from the temple. You can reach the temple from either of the stops by taking a local auto or taxi.