Key Information at a Glance
| Temple | Arulmigu Subramaniya Swamy Temple, Thiruchendur |
| Location | Thiruchendur, Thoothukudi (Tuticorin) district, Tamil Nadu |
| Deity | Lord Murugan (Subramaniya Swamy); one of the six Arupadai Veedu abodes |
| Darshan timings | Around 4:00 AM to 9:00 PM (with a midday break on many days) |
| Official booking | Tamil Nadu HR&CE portal & temple counter |
| Nearest railway / airport | Tiruchendur station (in town); Tuticorin Airport approx. 28 km |
About the Thiruchendur Temple
The Arulmigu Subramaniya Swamy Temple at Thiruchendur is one of the six sacred abodes of Lord Murugan, together known as the Arupadai Veedu. It stands on the shore of the Bay of Bengal in Thoothukudi district, Tamil Nadu, and is one of the few major Murugan temples located by the sea. Devotees associate the site with Murugan’s victory over the demon Surapadman, and the temple has drawn pilgrims for centuries. It is administered by the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department, which also manages its sevas and ticketing.
Abhishekam Timings and Types
Abhishekam is the ritual bathing of the deity with offerings such as milk, sandalwood, holy ash and other sacred substances, followed by decoration and worship. At Thiruchendur, abhishekam is generally performed at three points in the day as part of the temple’s daily pooja cycle. The table below shows indicative timings and seva types. Slots, names and charges vary on festival days and can change without notice.
| Seva | Indicative time | Indicative cost |
| Morning abhishekam (Udayamarthandam) | Around 6:15 AM | Confirm with temple |
| Late-morning abhishekam (Uchikkala) | Around 10:30 AM | Confirm with temple |
| Evening abhishekam (Ardhajama / night) | Around 7:15 PM | Confirm with temple |
| Reserved palabhishekam (where offered) | As per booking slot | Approx. ₹1,500 (confirm) |
Please treat all timings and figures as indicative only and confirm the current schedule, seva names and charges directly with the temple or on the official HR&CE portal before you travel.
How to Book or Participate Officially
The temple is government-administered, so all reserved sevas, special darshan and abhishekam tickets are handled through official HR&CE channels only. There are two reliable ways to take part:
- Online (advance): Use the official temple portal at tiruchendurmurugan.hrce.tn.gov.in, run by the Tamil Nadu HR&CE Department. Register your details, choose the date, seva and slot, and download the confirmation slip. The state portal at hrce.tn.gov.in also lists temple booking services.
- At the temple counter: Reserved abhishekam and special darshan tickets are also sold at the temple ticket counter on the day, subject to availability. On weekends, Krithikai days and festivals, morning slots can sell out early, so arrive well ahead.
Sri Vyasa Pooja does not sell tickets, take payments or act on behalf of the temple. We only point you to the official sources so you can book directly and avoid unofficial agents.
Darshan Timings
On regular days the temple is generally open from around 4:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with a midday closure on many days. During festival periods such as the Tamil month of Margazhi, Vaikhasi Visakham, Kanda Sashti and Thaipusam, the temple often opens earlier and follows a special schedule. Because festival hours change each year, check the latest darshan timings on the official portal before planning your visit.
How to Reach Thiruchendur
- By train: Tiruchendur railway station (TCN) is within the town and connects to nearby cities in southern Tamil Nadu.
- By air: Tuticorin (Thoothukudi) Airport is roughly 28 km away. Madurai and Trivandrum airports are larger options within a few hours’ drive.
- By road: Thiruchendur is well connected by bus and road from Tirunelveli, Tuticorin and other towns in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the abhishekam timings at Thiruchendur temple?
Abhishekam is generally performed three times a day, at approximately 6:15 AM, 10:30 AM and 7:15 PM. These timings are indicative and can change on festival days, so confirm the current schedule with the temple.
How do I book an abhishekam or seva officially?
Book through the official Tamil Nadu HR&CE portal at tiruchendurmurugan.hrce.tn.gov.in, or buy a ticket at the temple counter on the day, subject to availability. Sri Vyasa Pooja does not book sevas or take payments.
How much does abhishekam cost at Thiruchendur?
Charges vary by seva. A reserved palabhishekam is indicatively around Rs. 1,500, but fees change and many sevas are not separately ticketed. Always confirm the current cost on the official portal or at the temple.
What are the temple darshan timings?
On regular days the temple is generally open from around 4:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with a midday break on many days. Festival days follow special extended timings, so check the official portal before you travel.
