Hidden in the hills of Swamimalai, south India, lies one of the six abodes of Lord Murugan, The Swamimalai Swaminathaswamy.As Hindu legend says, Muruga, The son of Lord Shiva, expounded the true meaning of the religious mantra (om) at this place and hence received the name Swaminathaswamy. The existence of the temple is believed to be millennia old dating back to 2nd century BC, which was later on rebuilt by a Chola King. As per the legend, Brahma, the Hindu god of creation, caught Muruga on the wrong side when he disrespected him at the time of his visit to Mount Kailash, where Shiva and Parvati receded. Brahma decided to confront Muruga as he was highly skeptical of the ways used by Muruga to craft living beings said that he was creating living creatures. This angered Muruga, to which he asked Brahma about the ways he used. As Brahma replied, “Veda”, He was asked by Murga to recite it. Brahma began doing that with the help of a holy word called Pranav Mantra, “Om”. To Brahma’s Utter surprise, Muruga asked him what did Om mean. Such a question left Brahma bewildered as he clearly didn’t expect such a show of intellect from a child, and he couldn’t reply. With his clenched fists, Muruga knocked out and punished him with imprisonment. Muruga stood up to the role of the creator himself. This caused chaos and panic among the celestial deities as they could feel the absence of Brahma and approached Shiva for their concern.

The devotees make their way climbing three hundred sixty-five steps to reach the shrine, the number 365 has a deep meaning hidden within itself as it represents the 365 days of the year. The stories associated with the temple are as bewildering as the temple itself, amongst them, one says that Muruga chose to rest atop the hill to calm himself down in the aftermath of the battle with the demon king Surapadman which had resulted in latters demise. Thiruthani set an example of true love, which would be witnessed by generations to come. Even a millennia later, it keeps us reminding again and again that true love knows no bounds. Such is the story of Lord Muruga and his consort Valli. Valli was a mere human but the love she possessed for her creator knew no limits and was too strong, even for Lord Muruga himself. A baby girl was found amidst the plants by Nambirajan, the head of the Gypsy-Kuravas community, who took her in and brought her up. He named Her Valli after the plants. Valli was a watch woman in the field of grains who was tasked with driving the birds away. Once an aged hunter (who was a disguised Lord Muruga) caught her attention and moments later, saved her life from a storming elephant. She thanked him but in return was asked by the hunter to marry him. She refused, stating that her love was only for the almighty for she could never love anyone other than him. She successfully passed the ultimate testament. Muruga embraced her and his touch cleared all her illusions. This event is celebrated as Valli Kalyanam.

The temples history is rooted in the story of Lord Murugan's ultimate battle, which is widely believed by many as the purpose of his birth. It is one of the only few temples in India which houses various avatars of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva within the same boundary.The shrine at Thiruchendur was built as a symbol to mark the victory of Lord Murugan over the demon king Surapadman after a long vicious battle. As the legend says, after Lord Murugan finished Surapadman, he wanted to thank his father Shiva, for which he summoned the divine architect Mayan and the shrine was laid.. The beauty of The Thiruchendur Murugan Temple is mesmerizing. Avast mandapam adorns the entrance of the main temple, which has 124 pillars. The principal gate of the temple faces the south and opens into the first temple prakaram. It is SiviliMandapam. The foremost western Gopuram stands on the outer side of this doorway. A humongous entrance tower, measuring up to 140 feet! Clearly justifies the temple being among the largest temple complexes in South India, There are nine Kalasams (sacred copper pots) atop the Gopuram to indicate that the Gopuram consists of 9 storeys. Welcoming the devotees stands a giant idol of Lord Ganesha. The shrine of Venkatesh depicts the twelve Alwars, Gajalakshmi, Pallikonda Ranganathar, Sridevi, Bhudevi, and Neeladevi.

The temples history is rooted in the story of Lord Murugan's ultimate battle, which is widely believed by many as the purpose of his birth. It is one of the only few temples in India which houses various avatars of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva within the same boundary.The shrine at Thiruchendur was built as a symbol to mark the victory of Lord Murugan over the demon king Surapadman after a long vicious battle. As the legend says, after Lord Murugan finished Surapadman, he wanted to thank his father Shiva, for which he summoned the divine architect Mayan and the shrine was laid.It is said that the Azhagar Kovil was the original home to the main deity of this temple, and the deity was later relocated to Pazhamudircholai during Thirumalai Nayak's rule in Madurai.For ages, the Vel, which is the weapon of Lord Muruga’s primary weapon Vel(an ancient spear), which was crafted and handed over to Lord Muruga by goddess Parvati is worshipped as the presiding deity in the shrine. As per the Hindu mythology, Lord Murugan split the demon king Surapadman in half with the Vel during their vicious battle. Being the only temple amongst the six holy abodes where Lord Murugan blesses his devotees along with both his consorts, he stands along with Goddess Valli and Devayani..