Each one depicts an incident in the story of Lord Subramhanya. They are Thiruparankundram, Thiruchendur, Swami Malai, Palam Udirchole,Palani and Thiruthani. There are six abodes known as Padais of Lord Subramhanya in Tamil Nadu. I came to know that buses takes more time and hence I decided to take the train that was comfortable. I took the train at 1:10 pm and reached Chennai central railway station around 3:30 pm. Local trains are available every one hour from Thiruthani to Chennai. I started walking down the steps by around 11:45 am and reached railways station by 12:30 pm. From the prakaram, the view is panoramic at North and Eastern sides. Lots of vendors are selling samosas and buttermilk at prakaram. At the prakaram you could see the prasadam stall. Lord Durga, Lord Kumaresar and Lord Bhairavar are other deities inside this temple. Breaking of the coconut taken as part of the Archana is done outside the main sanctum. There is Lord Shanmughar and Lord Aapath Sahaya Vinayagar on the Northern side of the temple. Lord Valli and Lord Deivanai have separate sanctums by the sides of Lord Muruga. Not much crowded on this day and had a very satisfactory and divine darshan multiple times. Below the steps leading to Dhwajasthambham is Lord Muruga's Vel in a separate sanctum. But the advantage with the Rs.100/- ticket entrance is that I was able to go by the Dhwajasthambham, pray and also had Darshan of "Airavatham" standing very next and facing east (History about Airavatham gifted by Lord Indra to Lord Muruga can be read on various websites). (General or paid entrance everyone will get darshan very close by). Even though it was not much crowded I decided to take the Rs.100/- ticket which some one told me that this entrance will take me very close to the Moolavar.
LORD MURUGA PIC FREE
Once I reached the temple prakaram, I went around and saw entrances - free entrance and another one with Rs.100/. I walked up the steps and reached in about half an hour. There are shops/ places to keep your footwear. Washed my hands and feet and started walking up the steps. From the bus stand it is a straight road to the Saravana Poikai Tirukulam. I wanted to walk the entire 365 steps to LORD Muruga's Abode.
LORD MURUGA PIC PLUS
Autos charge about Rs.120/- plus for one way trip. Vehicles can go up to temple via ghat road. He suggested to walk to Thiruthani bus stand - 1 km away and take bus to Thiruthani temple (Rs.10/- fare for up and down trip by bus operated by Thiruthani Devaswam). Being first time here enquired with the vendor. Home made Idli and Vada with Chutney and sambar was very good. 5 Idlis and one vada just costs only Rs.20/. Came out of Thiruthani station, had breakfast at "thattukada" (just outside the railway station). It was scheduled to reach Thiruthani station by 7:50 but was late by 20 minutes. Paid the extra Rs.15/- above the normal ticket that I had purchased from counter. Being week day train had plenty of seats vacant. Took the Sapthagiri Express starting at 6:25 am. Started early morning and reached Chennai central railway station. Thiruthani temple is on top of a hill 700ft above MSL. I thank LORD Muruga to make me visit his Abode at Thiruthani Temple on 20th Jan 2015.