Arupadai Veedu: The Six Abodes of Lord Murugan in Order
Arupadai Veedu means the six abodes or battle camps of Lord Murugan. Pilgrims visit them for Skanda Sashti, for Vaikasi Visakam and at other times of the year. This page lists the six in the usual order and links to a guide for each.
The Arupadai Veedu are the six abodes of Lord Murugan in Tamil Nadu: Thiruparankundram, Thiruchendur, Palani, Swamimalai, Thiruthani and Pazhamudircholai, in the order most sources give. Thiruchendur is the only one on the seashore and the site of Soorasamharam, the Kanda Sashti victory over Surapadman.
By Dr. Mekhala V Jois · Last updated: 27 October 2026
The Six Arupadai Veedu at a Glance
| # | Temple | District | Deity form | Known for | Distinctive feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Thiruparankundram | Madurai district (outskirts of Madurai) | Lord Subramanya (Subrahmanyar), with Devasena | Where Murugan married Devasena (Deivayanai) | A hillside, rock-cut shrine |
| 2 | Thiruchendur (Tiruchendur) | Thoothukudi district | Lord Subramanya (Subrahmanyar) | The seashore temple of the Soorasamharam | The only one of the six abodes on the seashore |
| 3 | Palani | Dindigul district | Dhandayuthapani | The hill shrine of the divine fruit legend | A hill temple with a ropeway and a climb of several hundred steps |
| 4 | Swamimalai | Thanjavur district (near Kumbakonam) | Swaminathar | Where Murugan explained the meaning of Om to Shiva | A hillock reached by 60 steps, one for each year of the Tamil cycle |
| 5 | Thiruthani | Tiruvallur district (about 75 km from Chennai) | Lord Subramanya (Subrahmanyar), with Valli | Where Murugan married Valli | A hilltop temple reached by 365 steps |
| 6 | Pazhamudircholai | Madurai district (about 25 km north of Madurai) | Murugan with both consorts, Valli and Devasena | Linked to Avvaiyar’s wisdom legend | The abode where both Valli and Devasena are worshipped |
The order above is the usual listing. Some sources arrange the six differently, so treat the order as a convention and not a rule.
Why Murugan Has Six Abodes
The Arupadai Veedu and the story of Skanda Sashti
The six abodes are tied to the life of Murugan. Thiruchendur is where he fought Surapadman. Thiruparankundram and Thiruthani are the places of his two marriages. Palani is where he stands as an ascetic after the fruit contest, Swamimalai is where he taught Shiva the meaning of Om, and Pazhamudircholai is linked with Avvaiyar. Together they trace the whole of his legend.
Some devotees also name additional shrines. One source calls the Singaravelar shrine at Sikkal an unofficial seventh abode, and others mention Marudhamalai near Coimbatore. These are extras and not part of the standard six.
Which Arupadai Veedu for Skanda Sashti?
Thiruchendur is the heart of Kanda Sashti, because Soorasamharam is enacted there on Sunday 15 November 2026. If you cannot go, you may still take part in the festival: the Maha Skanda Sashti Pooja is offered on that date, and the Milk Abhisheka is offered at Tiruchendur.
For a full visit, use our Arupadai Veedu pilgrimage planner. To understand the festival first, read the Skanda Sashti 2026 guide.
Arupadai Veedu: Frequently Asked Questions
What are the six Arupadai Veedu temples?
The six Arupadai Veedu are Thiruparankundram, Thiruchendur, Palani, Swamimalai, Thiruthani and Pazhamudircholai, in the order most sources give. They are the six abodes of Lord Murugan in Tamil Nadu, and pilgrims visit them for Skanda Sashti and other festivals.
Which Arupadai Veedu temple is on the seashore?
Thiruchendur, also written Tiruchendur, in Thoothukudi district. It is the only one of the six on the seashore and the best-known site of the Soorasamharam, the sixth-day ceremony of Kanda Sashti.
In what order should I visit the six Murugan temples?
The usual listing starts at Thiruparankundram and ends at Pazhamudircholai. In practice many pilgrims visit in a geographic order that suits their route. Orders vary between sources, so choose the one that fits your travel plan.
How many days does it take to visit all six?
Tour operators typically offer packages of about four to six days, depending on the vehicle and the route. Three days for all six is rarely practical. See the pilgrimage planner for sample routes.
Is there a seventh Arupadai Veedu?
No. The standard list has six. Some sources describe the Singaravelar shrine at Sikkal as an unofficial seventh, and others mention Marudhamalai near Coimbatore, but neither is counted among the six.
Can I take part in Skanda Sashti if I cannot visit the Arupadai Veedu?
Yes. You can keep the vratam at home and have a pooja offered in your name and star. See the Maha Skanda Sashti Pooja on 15 November 2026 or the Milk Abhisheka at Tiruchendur.
Offer a Pooja This Skanda Sashti
Maha Skanda Sashti Pooja on Sunday 15 November 2026. ₹2,350 per head. Share your name and nakshatra when booking.