Tiruttani Murugan Temple Darshan Timings & 365 Steps

Key Information at a Glance

About the Tiruttani Murugan Temple

The Arulmigu Subramania Swamy Temple at Tiruttani is one of the six revered abodes of Lord Murugan, known collectively as the Arupadai Veedu. The other five are Thiruparankundram, Tiruchendur, Palani, Swamimalai and Pazhamudircholai. Tiruttani sits on the gentle Thanigai Hill in Tiruvallur district of Tamil Nadu, close to the Andhra Pradesh border, and it draws steady streams of pilgrims travelling between Chennai and Tirupati.

According to temple tradition, this is the hill where Murugan is said to have stayed in a calmer, settled state after his battles, which is why many devotees come here seeking peace of mind, the fulfilment of vows and blessings for family life. The shrine is also closely associated with the saint-poet Arunagirinathar, whose Tiruppugazh hymns are sung on the hill to this day. If you would like a full picture of the worship offered here, see our guide to the pooja list and procedure at Tiruttani temple.

Daily Darshan Timings

The temple generally opens early in the morning and stays open into the night, with a series of poojas through the day. The widely reported daily schedule is set out below. Please treat these as indicative; the temple adjusts its hours on Krittika days and during festivals, when it often stays open longer to manage larger crowds.

Please note: darshan and pooja timings can change without prior notice, especially on Krittika days, weekends and festival dates. We recommend confirming the current schedule at the temple or with the temple administration before planning your visit. For paid sevas such as abhishekam, you can review options and ticket details on our page about Tiruttani temple abhishekam tickets and online booking.

The 365 Steps, Special Days and Dress Code

Climbing the 365 steps

The hilltop sanctum is reached by a flight of 365 steps, said to represent the 365 days of the year. Many devotees climb them on foot, often barefoot, while chanting Murugan’s name as an act of devotion. The climb is gradual rather than steep, but it can still be tiring, so carry water and allow time to rest. If you are travelling with elderly family members or are unable to climb, a motorable road also leads up the hill, and vehicles can reach the upper area.

Special days and festivals

Krittika days each month are the most auspicious time to visit, along with Tuesdays and Fridays. The temple’s biggest annual festival is Aadi Krittikai, celebrated over a few days in the Tamil month of Aadi (July–August) when the Krittika star falls in that month; large numbers of devotees arrive carrying decorated kavadis. The Tamil month of Karthigai (Nov–Dec) and Skanda Sashti in Aippasi (Oct–Nov) are also important. On 31 December, a much-loved “step festival” takes place, when devotees light camphor on the steps and sing Tiruppugazh hymns to welcome the new year. Expect very heavy crowds and extended hours on all these occasions.

Dress code

As with most South Indian temples, modest and traditional attire is appreciated. Men commonly wear a dhoti or shirt and trousers, while women usually wear a saree or salwar kameez. Footwear is removed before entering the temple precincts. There is no need for anything elaborate, but dressing respectfully helps you blend in with the atmosphere of devotion.

How to Reach Tiruttani

Tiruttani lies on the main route between Chennai and Tirupati, which makes it easy to combine with a Tirupati trip. By road it is roughly 85 km from Chennai (around two hours, depending on traffic) and about 65 km from Tirupati. Tiruttani has its own railway station on the Chennai–Tirupati line, and many trains halt here; from the station the temple is a short auto-rickshaw or local transport ride away. Regular state and private buses also connect Tiruttani with Chennai, Tirupati, Tiruvallur and nearby towns. The nearest major airport is Chennai International Airport. Distances and travel times are approximate, so check current train and bus schedules before you set out.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the darshan timings at Tiruttani Murugan temple?

The temple is generally open daily from around 5:45 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., with poojas held through the day. These timings are indicative and can change on Krittika days and during festivals, so it is best to confirm the current schedule at the temple before you visit.

How many steps are there to reach the Tiruttani temple?

There are 365 steps leading up Thanigai Hill to the temple, said to represent the 365 days of the year. A motorable road is also available for those who prefer not to climb or are travelling with elderly devotees.

Which is the best day to visit Tiruttani temple?

Krittika days each month are considered the most auspicious, along with Tuesdays and Fridays. The Aadi Krittikai festival in the Tamil month of Aadi (July–August) is the temple’s biggest celebration, and these days are also the most crowded.

How far is Tiruttani from Chennai and Tirupati?

Tiruttani is roughly 85 km from Chennai (about two hours by road) and about 65 km from Tirupati. It lies on the Chennai–Tirupati route and has its own railway station, making it convenient to reach by train, bus or car. These distances are approximate.