Thiruporur Kandaswamy Temple is an ancient temple dates back to the Pallava period.

     The idol of Lord Muruga is "Swayambhu Murti", which lay covered up by an anthill. It is said that the image of 'Skanda' was discovered by Chidambara Swamigal in the anthill. He then built the temple again and reinstalled the image. Later the temple was looked after by the decedents of Chidambara Swamigal and reached its present glory.

     Lord Vishnu and his consort Lakshmi were subjected to the curse of Kanva rishi. Lord Shiva came to this place to liberate and relieve them from the effect of the curse. Therefore at Tirupporur temple both Lord Shiva and his son Muruga are worshiped.

     According to the Sthalapurana, Lord Muruga with his consorts Valli and Devayanai granted protection to devas and explained the meaning of Pranava to Agastya Muni at this place. The hill behind the temple is known as "Pranava Malai'. Legends also say that Lord Vishnu worshiped Shiva as "Vanmeekeswara" on the Pranava Hill. He did this to get rid of the sin of having killed Soorapadman.

     The eastern side of the temple is sanctum sanctorum where there's a 'Palmyra' tree. The anthill under it, has "Kanda Perumal" with "Valli" and "Devayanai" on a small Peetha. Chidambara Swamigal used to perform Abhishekam to these images. There is an image of the lord present in the anthill which is covered with Kavacha and other jewels without the ritual of Abhishekam performed for this deity. The temple has a hall having 24-pillars and another circular hall having 30-pillars. There is a shrine to "Vembadi Vinayaka" under a Neem tree. On the southern side of the temple, there are two sacred Teerthams, "Saravana Poigai" and "Valliyar Odai". Mandapam on the eastern side of the Teerthams has four pillars. There is also another Teertham by name "Pranavamritam".

     There are inscriptions from as early as the 10th century as well as those from the period of Vikrama Chola of the 12th century CE. This temple was rebuilt in the 17th century by Chidambara Swamigal, said to be a descendant of one of the poets of the tamil sangam of madurai.He is said to have discovered the image of Skanda in an anthill, and then rebuilt the temple and reinstalled the image. Previously this place was a forest covered totally by Palmyra trees.

     Legend has it that Lord Muruga fought with Thaaraga in this place and slayed him. Hence the name Porur. 'Por' in Tamil means war. Stone inscriptions state the names as 'Samarapuri' and 'Yudhapuri', which are synonymous. When Lord Muruga's spear pierced the earth, water came gushing out and that is the 'Vallaiyaar odai', the holy tank.

     Lord Muruga is seen astride Irawath, the divine elephant gifted by Indra while He was fighting with Thaaragan. A number beautiful bronze idols can be seen in this temple. Abishekams are not done for the tall deity and for the idol founded by Chidambaram Swamigal. All the offerings are made to the smaller idol. The daily pooja routine involves strict practices and only a few priests are permitted. This shrine is indeed very special for Lord Shiva as He lives along with His family in this shrine. Lord Shiva is called as Vanmeega Nathar and the Goddess is Punniyakaarani. The holy tree of this place is the Vanni tree. Pictures depicting the life of Chidambaram Swamigal can be seen in the temple.


Festivals
     Festival celebrated here is the Skanda Sashti, celebrated in the month of Aippasi (October-November), "Margazhi Tiruvadirai" and "Navaratri".

Address
The Executive Officer,
Sri Kandaswamy Devasthanam, Tiruporur - 603 110.
Phone: +91-44-27446226

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