Marungoor (also spelled Marungur) is a scenic village situated approximately 10 km from Suchindram in the Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu. It lies close to the holy hill Maruthuvazh Malai, believed to be a part of Sanjeevani Hill from the Ramayana. The temple is dedicated to Lord Subramanya (Murugan), who appears here as a young warrior god seated on a peacock. He is lovingly worshipped as Shiva Murugan, demonstrating his strong spiritual connection with Lord Shiva.
However, what makes this temple truly unique is that during temple processions, Lord Murugan is taken out riding a horse instead of the usual peacock. This rare tradition is rooted in the temple’s fascinating legend involving Indra’s celestial horse, Ucchaisravas. The presence of shrines for Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati also emphasizes the temple’s deep spiritual heritage.
The temple is built in traditional Tamil style with artistic charm. The main idol of Murugan and His peacock is carved out of a single stone, a rare sculptural beauty. The sanctum (garbhagriha) is simple yet divine, resonating with centuries of prayers and devotion.
The temple is believed to be several centuries old, with spiritual connections to many saints. One of the most revered saints to visit this temple was Sri Narayana Guru, a social reformer and philosopher. While meditating nearby at Maruthuvazh Malai, he often came to this temple. One day, when he was hungry and tired, an old man appeared and offered food, which later turned out to be Lord Murugan Himself in disguise. This divine event makes the temple even more sacred for seekers of truth and peace.
According to the temple’s sacred legend, Lord Indra, king of the Devas, once sinned and was cursed by Sage Gautama, resulting in his body being covered with a thousand eyes. Although Lord Shiva forgave him after he performed penance at Suchindram, his divine horse, Ucchaisravas, felt deep guilt for having carried him during that sinful act. Seeking salvation, the horse prayed to Lord Shiva, who directed him to this sacred spot to worship Lord Murugan.
Ucchaisravas couldn’t worship alone, so he brought Sunandan, a devotee, along. Both prayed sincerely to Murugan here. Lord Murugan was pleased and granted the horse moksha (liberation). Because of this, the place came to be known as Vasipuram, meaning “the place of the horse.” This is why, uniquely, Murugan’s utsava idol here is taken out on a horse during temple festivals, instead of the traditional peacock vahana.
This temple is especially famous for the Annaprashana ceremony (first rice-feeding ritual for babies). Devotees believe that offering special food items like Puliyodarai, Pongal, salt thogayal, and tamarind chillies to the deity and feeding it to children ensures good health, longevity, and divine blessings. Many families return each year to offer thanks after their wishes are fulfilled.
The temple celebrates Thaipusam and Skanda Sashti with immense devotion and grandeur. On these days, Lord Murugan is taken on a horse in procession, remembering the legendary salvation of Ucchaisravas. Devotees gather in large numbers, and the entire village comes alive with lights, music, and bhajans. The sight of Murugan on the horse, against the hilly backdrop, is said to be a divine and unforgettable experience.
