Kundrakudi Murugan Temple

Significance

Kundrakudi, meaning 'hill abode' (kundru meaning hill in Tamil), is a 6th-century Pandya-era Murugan temple on a scenic hillock near Sivaganga. The temple is renowned for its exquisite 1,000-pillar mandapam and ancient Tamil inscriptions. A notable sub-shrine houses Shanmukha, the six-faced form of Murugan, which is rare and highly revered. It is a protected monument of the Archaeological Survey of India.

Architecture

The temple is on a hill accessible by a flight of stone steps. The 5-tier gopuram features Pandya-era stucco figures. The 1,000-pillar mandapam is a masterpiece of Tamil architecture with intricately carved pillars depicting yalis (mythical beasts), deities, and floral motifs. The sanctum houses Kandaswamy with Valli and Deivanai in a standing posture. The vimana is copper-plated. A natural spring on the hilltop provides water for the temple.

Festivals Celebrated

Nearby Temples