Temple Functions :
Panguni Brahmotsavam – The grand festival celebrated in the Tamil month of Panguni (March–April).
Kanda Sashti – A six-day fasting and celebration period dedicated to Lord Murugan, usually occurring in October–November.
Vaikasi Visakam – Celebrated in the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May–June), it marks the birthday (Visakam star) of Lord Murugan.
Maasi Magam – A sacred day in the Tamil month of Maasi (February–March), celebrated with temple rituals and sea/ocean baths for deities.
Temple Special :
At the place where Lord Murugan appeared before Sage Agathiyar, there is a ‘Pada Mandapam’ (Sacred Foot Shrine). There, one can see the footprints of Lord Murugan and, nearby, a Shiva Lingam as well.
Navagrahas on Murugan’s Feet:
In this temple, Lord Murugan appears in a unique form where his matted hair is coiled and worn like a crown. At his feet, a metal plate engraved with the symbols of the Navagrahas (nine planets) is installed. This is because he is believed to remove the negative effects of planetary influences (graha doshas). It is rare to see Murugan represented in such a form.
Devotees with doshas are encouraged to worship Murugan on the specific day ruled by the planet causing their affliction, believing that such worship helps remove those planetary effects. Here, the pooja and rituals are conducted in the Thiruchendur tradition.
Kanda Sashti Festival:
While the Kanda Sashti festival is generally celebrated over 6 days and sometimes extended to 7 days in some temples to include Thirukalyanam (divine marriage), in this temple it is celebrated for 11 days.
- On the 6th day, the highlight is Murugan’s procession on a horse vahanam (vehicle), where he performs the Soorasamharam (the slaying of the demon Surapadman).
- The next day, the divine marriage (Thirukalyanam) is celebrated.
- On the 11th day, Murugan is adorned with a golden crown, given a scepter (Sengol) in hand, and the ‘Makutabhishekam’ (royal coronation) is performed.
- Following this, in royal attire, he goes on a ‘Pattina Pravesam’ — a ceremonial procession through the streets.
This grand festival is a renowned and cherished celebration at this temple.
Sambandar in the Form of Murugan:
Thirugnana Sambandar, who as a child received the divine milk of wisdom (Gnana Paal) from Goddess Parvati and gained her blessings, is considered a manifestation of Murugan and is sometimes referred to as Ilaya Pillaiyar (the younger child).
At this temple, on the 6th day of the Panguni Brahmotsavam, a re-enactment of the event where Ambal gives divine milk to Sambandar is performed, with Murugan portrayed as Sambandar during the ceremony.
- On the 7th day night, during the first pooja, Murugan appears in red garments, symbolizing Lord Shiva (red being his color).
- In the second pooja, he wears white, representing Lord Brahma.
- In the third early morning pooja, he appears in green, signifying Lord Vishnu.
This symbolic representation across poojas reflects the trinity (Shiva, Brahma, Vishnu) through Murugan.
On Panguni Uthiram, Murugan goes for a holy dip in the sacred waters (Theertham).
Somaskanda Temple:
This temple is located in a beautiful setting surrounded by water and hills. The hill where the temple stands is known as Shakti Malai, and to its left lies Shivan Malai. Symbolically, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati flank Lord Murugan, who resides in this temple in the Somaskanda form (Murugan seated between Shiva and Parvati).
To the right of Murugan’s shrine is Sundareswarar (Shiva), and to the left is Meenakshi Amman.
The Utsava Murti (festival deity) Shanmugar comes out of the sanctum only on three days:
- The 7th day of the Panguni Brahmotsavam
- During the Thirukalyanam on Kanda Sashti
- And on the 11th day of the same festival
On all other days, darshan is available only inside the sanctum.
Temple opening time :
The temple is open from 6:30 AM to 11:30 AM in the morning, and from 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM in the evening.