FestivalsSkanda Sashti (Soorasamharam), Masi festival, Aavani festival
Sthala Mahātmyam
The only seaside abode, on the shore of the Bay of Bengal, Thiruchendur is where Murugan led the celestial army and destroyed the demon Surapadman — the Soorasamharam. Here he is worshipped as Senthil Andavar. The vast shore temple, its gopuram rising against the sea, is the pre-eminent kshetram of the six-day Skanda Sashti, culminating in the dramatic re-enactment of Soorasamharam. It is glorified across Shaiva and Kaumara devotional literature.