Arupadai Veedu – Six Abodes of Murugan

The six abodes (Arupadai Veedu) are: 1) Thiruparankundram, 2) Thiruchendur, 3) Palani, 4) Swamimalai, 5) Thiruttani, and 6) Pazhamudircholai. Each has a distinct story—Thiruchendur by the sea, Palani on the hill, and others in different landscapes—making the yatra diverse and spiritually rich.

There is no mandatory order. Many devotees follow the sequence Thiruparankundram → Thiruchendur → Palani → Swamimalai → Thiruttani → Pazhamudircholai. Some start with Palani as it is the most famous. Choose an order that suits your travel and time.

Thaipusam and Kandar Shashti are the most auspicious times; temples are vibrant but crowded. For a calmer trip, visit between October and March. Avoid peak summer (April–June) for comfort, especially for hill temples like Palani.

Common offerings include vibhuti (sacred ash), red and yellow flowers, and fruits. At Palani, the panchamritam (honey, jaggery, etc.) abhishekam is famous. Devotees also offer kavadi during Thaipusam. A simple darshan with devotion is always enough.

Yes. Most temples are accessible by road; Palani has a winch/gator vehicle to the hill. Plan rest days and comfortable travel. Thiruchendur and others are on flat terrain. Many families complete the yatra with a mix of devotion and sensible planning.