This is believed to be the spot where Murugan rested after defeating the demon Surapadman. In gratitude for saving the heavens, Indra, the King of Gods, offered his daughter Deivanai in marriage to Murugan. Historically, it is one of the most mentioned temples in Sangam literature, highlighting its ancient significance to the Tamil people.

The Living Rock of the Pandyas

The temple is a masterpiece of **Cave Architecture**. The main sanctum is carved into the hill, meaning the deities cannot be moved for Abhishekam (instead, rituals are performed for their smaller representative idols). The Maha Mandapam features exquisite pillars with life-sized sculptures of Pandyan kings and mythological scenes. The Saravana Poigai, a sacred pond at the foot of the hill, is carved out of rock and is said to have been created by Murugan's spear (Vel).

The primary legend is the Celestial Wedding. After the war at Tiruchendur, Murugan arrived here. The marriage took place in the presence of the Sun and the Moon. A unique feature of this temple is that Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu are positioned facing each other, symbolizing a rare and harmonious union of Shaivism and Vaishnavism during the wedding ceremony.

Worship is focused on marital bliss and victory. It is a very popular site for weddings in Tamil Nadu. A unique tradition is the Abhishekam to the Vel (Spear) rather than the main stone idol, as the idol is part of the mountain. Devotees often circumambulate the entire hill (Giri Valam) as a sign of devotion.

Panguni Uthiram (March/April) is the grandest festival, reenacting the divine marriage. The **Skanda Shashti** festival is also celebrated with great fervor, though the focus here is more on the post-war celebration than the battle itself.

Modern folklore says that **the hill itself is a form of Shiva**. It is believed that the bees in the temple area never sting pilgrims because they are the 'musical guardians' of the wedding. There is also a popular belief that the **fish in the Saravana Poigai** have human-like faces and that feeding them brings good luck and fertility. Locals claim that on the night of the divine wedding, a celestial fragrance wafts down from the hilltop, signaling the Goddess's presence.