Kunnakudi

Kundrakudi Murugan (Sri Subramanya)

Kundrakudi or Kunnakudi as colloquially called, is located near Karaikkudi, Sivagangai District of Tamil Nadu. This is one of the important temples of Lord Subramanya. The temple is situated in asmall hill with a few hundreds steps. As per the legend, the peacock of Lord Muruga was arrogant and he swallowed Garuda and Swan. Lord Vishnu and Brahma appealed to Muruga to get back their vahanas. Muruga cursed the peacock to become a hillock. Repenting for the mistake, he performed a severe penance and got back his form.

It is interesting to note that the appearance of the Kunnakudi hill resembles that of a peacock at certain angles

Temple steps

The history of the temple dates back to more than 1200 years. It could have been constructed and maintained by the Pandya kings. At the foothills is a cave temple dedicated to Shiva with a 5 tiered gopuram. There are three caves here. The first houses a Shivalingam. One of the walls bears a sculptured image of Vishnu, while the other bears an image of Lingapurnadeva, being worshipped by Bhrama,with a swan above him and a four armed Vishnu bearing a Sangu (conch) and Chakra.

It is said that Pandavas, sage Agasthya have worshipped in this temple.

As you climb the steps ( which are not very tiring) you come across the sannidhi of Idumban. At the top of the steps you can see the sannidhi of Vallabha Ganapathy.

Four Nayanmars

Dwajastambam

As you enter the main sanctum you are mesmerised by the beauty of Lord Shanmuga with his six faces and twele arms sitting in a beautifully carved peacock. The peacock and the Lord are of monolithic ( carved out of a single stone). His consorts Valli and Deivanai have their own peacocks as their vahanas. ( you can request the priest to explain and show these features. In a crowded day it may not be possible to leisurely look at these beautiful sculptures).

As you come out of the sanctum, you can see the beautifully carved pillars. ( when the author visited the temple most of the pillars were covered with white cloth for maintenance). There are sannidhis for Kasi Viswanatha, Somaskandar, Sandeeswarar.

Temple Rituals Carrying Kavadi, paal Kudams( Pots with milk), observing Sashti fasting, anga pradakshinam (rolling around the prakaram ), Adi pradakshina (step by step walking around the prakara) by women are some of the prayer rituals followed by devotees. Devotees offer pepper and salt in Saravana Poigai and in the Idumban sannidhi for cure from skin diseases.

Farmers contribute grains as their thanks giving. They also spill rice on the steps. Some villagers donate cocks and cattle.

Temple Festivals

10 day Panguni Uthiram during March-April and 10 day Thaipoosam in January-February, are the two big festivals of the temple. Paal (milk) Perukku vizha in Chithirai (April-May), Vaikasi Visakam in May-June, Aani Mahabishekam in June-July, Aadi Tirupadi Puja in July-August, Aavani Moolam Pittu Thiruvizha in August-September, Skanda Sashti and Arrow festival in October-November are some of the the festivals celebrated in the temple in a very grand manner.

 This temple has been revered by the Thirupugazh hymns of Arunagirinathar.

Temple location It is located 12 kms from Karaikkudi

Temple Timings The temple is open from 6:00 AM till 12 noon and from 5:00 pm till 9:00 pm

How to reach?

The nearest airport is Trichy. Rail head Karaikkudi is a major station with trains from Chennai, Trichy, Madurai. From Karaikkudi , buses, taxis are available to reach this place.

Where to Stay?There are no great lodging facility available in Kunnakudi. But there are many budget and semi deluxe hotels in Karaikkudi where you can stay

Contact 04577 - 264227
Useful data
State: Tamil Nadu
District: Sivaganga
Famous for: Pilgrimage
Languages: Tamil
Best Season: Throughout the year. Summer( from May to July) could be very sultry when the mercury shoots to 40 degree celsius.
Weather: Summer 33-42°C, Winter 22-28°C
Altitude: Sea level