Temple entrance. Thirupparamkunram Murugan Temple is 8 kms away from Madurai. It is one of the Arupadaiveedu (6 abodes or holy shrines of Lord Murugan). Temple is on a hillock. "It is
carved in rock and is monstrous in size for such an architecture. According to tradition it is where Lord Muruga married Deivayanai, the divine daughter of the king of heaven, Indra, and he is said to have worshipped Shiva here as Parangirinathar."
Close up of Rajagopuram. "An Aasthaana Mandapam with several artistically carved pillars lead one to the towering 150 feet (46 m) high Rajagopuram at the entrance."
Stall does block a bit of temple view. Ceilings nicely painted. External pillar have horses.
Flower seller. "The hill is considered to be the "Southern Himalaya" where the gods assemble." All through yatra found Tamil people to be very helpful. For 19 days enjoyed dosa, idli and meals.
Pillars inside temple. Think it is Sri Krishna with flute. "8th century AD is when Pandya rulers built rock-cut temple. during the reign of Nayaks of Madurai (1559 - 1736 AD) the temple was supplemented with beautiful gopurams and beautified.
There was built extensive and beautiful front part (mugha mandapam) with 48 ornate pillars carved during the rule of Pandya and Nayaks."
Left image looks like Brahma. Right not sure. All through the January 2016 Tamil Nadu Yatra related spiritually speaking to all the Murugan temples that I visited.
Pillars on both side, ends at gate which goes to temple entrance. Since temple on hillock we had to climb lots of stairs to get darshan. Well organised-better to go when there is no rush.
"A curious feature of this temple is that the Gods Shiva and Vishnu face each other in the main shrine, and this is a rare thing in ancient Hindu temples."
Entrance to temple, not vgood pic but wanted u to get a view. "The main shrine is an early rock cut temple which has cells that house the sanctums of Subramanya, Durga, Vinayakar, Shiva and Vishnu. All the statues are carved on the wall of the parankundram rock.
The presiding deity lord shiva is known Parangirinathar and the female deity his consort mother Parvathy is known as Aavudai Nayaki. "
Since in hand is trishul, must be Shiva. "The Moolavar deity is also sculptured from a rock. Abhishekams for the presiding deity is done to the Murugan''s Vel only." To read about temple
traditon Click here
Image of Subramaniar - another name for Murugan. To read more about temple structure Click here
Beloved Ganesha. "There are five Theerthams, or divine water sources, in and around the temple, Saravana Poigai, Lakshmi Theertham, Saniyasi Kinaru (well), Kasi Sunai, and Sathiya Koopam."
To see pics of Murugan Temple Thiruchendur Click here