Vayalur Murugan Temple
வயலூர் முருகன் கோயில்
A Murugan temple about 8 km west of the city, set among rice fields. Said to date from the Chola era, it is peaceful and popular with devotees.
Vayalur Murugan Temple is dedicated to Murugan, the god of war and son of Shiva. Said to have been founded in the Chola period, it lies between rice paddies and coconut groves west of the city. Its gateway towers are not tall, but the painted interiors and sacred tank are well preserved, and the atmosphere is calmer than at the large temples in town. In the 15th century, the poet Arunagirinathar composed hymns here, so the temple holds a high status among Tamil devotees. Entry is free, and shoes must be removed. Crowds gather during the Thaipusam festival. It is about 20 minutes by taxi from the city centre.
Opening hours
About 06:00-12:30, 16:00-21:00
Nearby sights
- Tropical Butterfly Conservatory
- Our Lady of Lourdes Church
- Chokkanatha Nayak Palace (Rani Mangammal Mahal)
- Mukkombu (Upper Anicut)
- Chinnakadai Street Bazaar
- Rockfort Ucchi Pillayar Temple
- Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam
- Jambukeswarar Temple, Thiruvanaikaval