Festivals at Tiruchendur Murugan Temple

Festival calendar

Festival dates follow the Tamil calendar and change from year to year. The table shows the usual Tamil month and its approximate Gregorian equivalent.

Kanda Sashti and Soorasamharam

Kanda Sashti commemorates the six-day war in which Murugan defeated Soorapadman. It begins on the first day after the new moon in the Tamil month of Aippasi and reaches its climax on the sixth day, Sashti. Tiruchendur, the very place of the battle in tradition, hosts the largest celebration anywhere.

During the six days, many devotees observe a strict fast (Sashti viratham), stay in the temple’s mandapams and sheds, and recite the Kanda Sashti Kavasam. Each day Murugan’s festival image is worshipped and taken in procession.

On the evening of the sixth day, before a crowd of lakhs on the beach, the festival image of Murugan “battles” effigies of Simhamukhan, Tharakasuran and finally Soorapadman, who changes form again and again before being subdued — the Soorasamharam. The next day is celebrated with the Thirukalyanam, the divine wedding of Murugan and Deivanai.

Read our detailed Kanda Sashti 2026 guide for day-by-day tips.

The Masi and Avani festivals

Tiruchendur holds two grand twelve-day festivals (brahmotsavams) each year, in the Tamil months of Masi (February–March) and Avani (August–September). Each begins with the hoisting of the festival flag and includes daily processions of the deities on different vahanams.

The highlight is the appearance of Shanmukhar on successive days in red, white and green — representing Shiva, Brahma and Vishnu — and the chariot festival (therottam), when thousands of devotees haul the temple chariot through the streets with thick ropes. The temple opens at 1:00 AM on the first and seventh days.

Vaikasi Visakam

The Visakam star in the month of Vaikasi (May–June) is celebrated as Murugan’s birthday. Tiruchendur marks it with special abishekams, processions and huge crowds; the temple opens at 1:00 AM. Many devotees arrive carrying kavadis and pots of milk in fulfilment of vows.

Thai Poosam

Thai Poosam falls on the Poosam star in the month of Thai (January–February) and is associated with Parvati presenting the Vel to Murugan. Many pilgrims walk to Tiruchendur on foot from surrounding districts in the preceding days (padayatra), and the temple opens at 1:00 AM.

Other important days

• Panguni Uthiram (March–April): the celestial weddings are celebrated; the temple opens at 4:00 AM with extended worship.
• Aadi Krithigai (July–August) and Karthigai Deepam (November–December): the Krithigai star honours the Karthigai maidens who raised Murugan.
• Margazhi (December–January): the whole month is devoted to early-morning worship; the temple opens at 3:00 AM and closes at 8:00 PM.
• Monthly: every Sashti, Krithigai and Visakam, and every Tuesday.

Temple hours on festival days