Arupadai Veedu: the six abodes of Lord Murugan

What “Arupadai Veedu” means

Aru means six, padai means army or battle-camp, and veedu means home. The six abodes are praised in Nakkeerar’s Sangam-era poem Thirumurugatrupadai, a “guide poem” that directs devotees to the places where Murugan’s grace can be found, and in the Thiruppugazh of Arunagirinathar. Each abode reveals a different aspect of the Lord.

The six abodes

1. Thiruparankundram (near Madurai)

A rock-cut cave temple on a hill, where Murugan married Deivanai, daughter of Indra, after his victory over Soorapadman.

2. Tiruchendur (Thoothukudi district)

The seashore abode, where Murugan camped before the final battle against Soorapadman and worshipped Shiva after his victory. Home of the Kanda Sashti Soorasamharam. Learn more about Tiruchendur.

3. Palani (Thiru Avinankudi, Dindigul district)

Murugan as Dandayudhapani, the renunciate with a staff, on a hill reached by steps, a winch railway or a rope car. The idol is traditionally said to be made of navapashanam, a compound of nine minerals.

4. Swamimalai (near Kumbakonam)

Where the child Murugan explained the meaning of the Pranava mantra “Om” to his father Shiva, earning the name Swaminathan, “teacher of the Lord”.

5. Thiruthani (Tiruvallur district)

A hill temple where Murugan rested after the war, his anger calmed, and married Valli. It is the closest of the six to Chennai.

6. Pazhamudircholai (near Madurai)

A forest hill temple near Azhagar Kovil, associated with the story in which Murugan tested the poet Avvaiyar with the question of “hot and cold fruit”.

Planning the six-abode pilgrimage

The six temples span Tamil Nadu from Thiruthani in the north to Tiruchendur in the south. A comfortable circuit takes five to seven days by road. A common route is:

1. Thiruthani (from Chennai)
2. Swamimalai (via Kumbakonam)
3. Palani
4. Thiruparankundram and Pazhamudircholai (both near Madurai)
5. Tiruchendur (via Tirunelveli or Thoothukudi)

Travelling from the south, reverse the order. Plan to reach Tiruchendur the evening before you visit so you can take the sea bath at dawn. Our Tiruchendur visit planner and travel guide cover the Tiruchendur leg in detail.