Vallakottai Murugan Temple

The Vallakottai Murugan Temple is an old shrine to Murugan in Kanchipuram district. According to local tradition it was founded by Vallaka Maharishi, a devotee who did penance on this spot; when Murugan appeared to him in a vision, the sage built the temple in thanks to house the deity and mark the event. Murugan is worshipped here as the god who clears obstacles and grants prosperity and victory.

The complex has tall gopurams covered in painted sculpture showing episodes from Hindu mythology, several separate shrines and a temple tank set among greenery. Daily worship includes arathi with chanted mantras, and processions are held on festival days. The most important annual event is Thaipusam, when devotees come with offerings, prayers and acts of penance. Ekambareswarar Temple, the Kanchi Kudil heritage house and Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary are all within driving distance.