Muruga Temple located at
Tiruttani in
Tiruvallur District is one of the six major abodes of
Lord Muruga. The temple is situated on a single rock 700 feet above sea level. It is situated on a hilltop, 13 km away from Arkonam and 84 km from
Chennai, and is approached by a flight of 365 steps. These steps represent the 365 days of a year. It is said that the language Tamil had its origin here when Lord Muruga revealed it to the seer Agasthyar.
The legend is that Lord Muruga, after the fight between the asuras, came to this place and married Valli at the nearby Vallimalai. The temple is also historically important as it is mentioned in the works of the Sangam period. The temple has 4 prakarams and a series of towers. There is a shrine to Aabat Sahaaya Vinayakar who is said to have come to the aid of Skanda (Muruga) in winning Valli's hand in marriage. Skanda is housed in a Rudraksha vimana with his consorts who are decorated with a hexagonal medallion. There is also a golden vilva garland.
Down the hills is the Kumara Teertha, also known as Saravana poigai. The important festivals are Adi Kirthigai theppa thiruvilla, Shivratri, Shashti thiruvilla. Adi Kirthigai theppa thiruvilla is celebrated in mid of July and August. The gold and silver peacock vaahanams here are of great beauty.
