Where the warrior’s anger cooled. Three hundred and sixty-five steps, one for every day of the year.
- Deity
- Murugan with Valli and Deivanai
- Where
- Thiruthani திருத்தணி
- Known as
- The fifth of the Arupadai Veedu
- Oldest record
- Ancient
௧ The legend
The hill of calm
After his war against the demon Surapadman, Murugan came to this hill and his anger was quieted. The name is said to come from that: thani, to calm.
Here too he married Valli, the daughter of a hill tribe, whom he had courted in disguise in the millet fields.
As the story is told at the temple. Legends vary in the telling.
௨ Across the centuries
Built by many hands, tier upon tier
Ancient
The abodes
Sung in the Thirumurugatrupadai and later by Arunagirinathar.
௩ What to look for
When you stand inside
365 steps
On the last night of the year, pilgrims climb with a song on every step.
The hilltop view
The plains of the north spread out in every direction.
௪ The temple’s year
The festivals that fill it
- சித்திரைChithiraiApr–May
- வைகாசிVaikasiMay–Jun
- ஆனிAaniJun–Jul
- ஆடிAadiJul–Aug
- ஆவணிAavaniAug–Sep
- புரட்டாசிPurattasiSep–Oct
- ஐப்பசிAippasiOct–Nov
- கார்த்திகைKarthigaiNov–Dec
- மார்கழிMargazhiDec–Jan
- தைThaiJan–Feb
- மாசிMaasiFeb–Mar
- பங்குனிPanguniMar–Apr
Aadi Jul–Aug
Aadi Krithigai
Huge crowds climb with kavadi and flowers.
Margazhi Dec–Jan
Step festival
New Year’s night, when every step is worshipped.
Festival dates follow the temple’s own calendar and change each year. We confirm them before you travel.
௫ Going there
Journeys that bring you here
- Most Tamil Nadu temples close around midday and reopen in the late afternoon. Each day keeps temples for the morning and evening and puts the road in between.
- Dress traditionally and modestly. Footwear is left outside every temple.
- Darshan arrangements differ from temple to temple and can change on festival days. We confirm what is possible at each one before you travel.
To stand here yourself, with the car, the stay, the guide and the darshan arranged, ask us to plan your journey. We call you back and listen first.
Draft Legends and history are retold from widely published sources and await review. Timings, dress code and special-entry arrangements are published once each fact has a source and a review date.