Tiruchendur Temple

Tiruchendur is the second of the Arupadai Vedu(six abodes) of Lord Muruga. It is a holy place to the Ayyavazhi. The Avatharappathi here is one of the most important pilgrim centers of Ayyavazhi. See also Ayya vaikundar avataram. Senthil Aandavar with Valli and Deivayanai temple is popular here and managed by Government of Tamilnadu

History
Inscriptions of King Ukkira Pandian and other kings are available in this temple. Arunagirinathar's Tiruppugazh and Nakkeerar's Tirumurugatruppadai are both based on the Muruga here.

Mythology
Muruga killed Surapadman, a demon, in this place. Soorasamharam, an enactment of the deed, is performed here and Skanda Sashti is also celebrated in commemoration of the same. Using his spear Muruga created the Naazhi Kinaru.

Festivals
Brahmothsavam in the month of Magha (February – March), Vasanthothsavam for 10 days in Chaitra (April – May), Visaka Visakam for 12 days in Vaisakha (May – June) and Skandha Sashti in Asvini (October – November) are celebrated in this temple.Besides these, there are two Maha Utsavams called,in Tamil, as Aavanipperunthirunaal and Maasipperunthirunaal being conducted and celebrated in a grand fashion during Simharavi ie.,Tamil month of Aavani(August-September)and Kumbharavi ie., Tamil month of Maasi(January-February) respectively. These are 12 day festivals which happen twice every year,during the above said periods.

Naazhi Kinaru (sacred well), is outside the temple at a distance of 100 m south of the temple. Devotees are allowed to bathe by scooping out the water with a vessel and the water in the well never dries up. Despite the temple being on the seashore, the water is not salty..