Located near Chennai, the Siruvapuri Murugan Temple (also known as the Sri Balasubramanyar Temple) is a powerful spiritual destination for devotees seeking blessings for home ownership, professional success, and personal well-being. Thousands flock here every week, drawn by the temple’s serene atmosphere and historical significance.
However, visiting without checking the schedule first can lead to long waits. Like many traditional temples in Tamil Nadu, Siruvapuri follows a strict timeline for Darshan and Poojas, including a significant mid-day break where the temple remains closed. Additionally, the opening hours fluctuate depending on the day of the week, with Tuesdays holding special significance.
This guide details the exact timings for daily rituals, the specific opening hours for each day of the week, and essential travel information to help you plan a hassle-free visit.
Daily Schedule and Rituals
On a standard day, the temple operates in two main sessions: a morning session and an evening session. It is crucial to note that the temple is closed for four and a half hours in the afternoon.
Here is the typical breakdown of events for regular days:
- 7:00 AM: The temple opens with the Kalasanthi Pooja.
- 7:30 AM – 10:00 AM: General Darshan is available for devotees.
- 10:00 AM: The Ucchikalam Pooja is performed.
- 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM: Final morning Darshan session.
- 12:00 PM: Temple Closing. The sanctum closes for the afternoon break.
- 12:00 PM – 4:30 PM: The temple remains closed.
- 4:30 PM: The temple reopens for the evening session.
- 4:30 PM – 5:00 PM: Evening Darshan begins.
- 5:00 PM: The Sayarakchai ritual takes place.
- 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM: Final Darshan hours of the day.
- 8:00 PM: Temple Closing.
Weekly Temple Opening Hours
While the schedule above highlights the daily rituals, the actual opening and closing times vary significantly based on the day of the week. Tuesday is considered highly auspicious for Lord Murugan, leading to extended hours to accommodate the larger crowd. Sunday also follows a slightly modified schedule.
Weekday Schedule (Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat)
For most weekdays and Saturday, the standard hours apply:
- Morning: 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Evening: 4:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday Special Schedule
Devotees visiting on Tuesday can take advantage of much longer visiting hours, starting very early in the morning.
- Morning Session: 4:30 AM – 12:00 PM
- Afternoon/Evening Session: 12:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Sunday Schedule
Sunday timings are adjusted to handle the weekend rush, opening an hour earlier than weekdays and closing slightly earlier for the morning session.
- Morning: 6:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Evening: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Pooja Costs and Ticket Prices
If you plan to perform specific rituals or want a quicker view of the deity during peak hours, there are several ticketed options available.
- Archanai: Rs. 5
- Special Darshan: Rs. 50
- Sheegra Darshan (Quick View): Rs. 100
- Abhishekam: Rs. 1000
- Santhana Kapu: Rs. 2000
How to Reach Siruvapuri Murugan Temple
The temple is situated roughly 33 km north of Chennai. Depending on your starting point, here are the best ways to reach the location:
By Road (Bus)
If you are traveling by bus, you have a few options. Direct buses are available from the CMBT (Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus). Alternatively, you can travel to the Chinnambedu bus station, which is located very close to the temple. From Chinnambedu, the temple is only 1.6 km away, a distance easily covered by a short auto-rickshaw ride or a walk.
By Train
For those preferring rail transport, the nearest railway station is at Ponneri. It is located approximately 14 km from the temple. From the station, you will need to hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach the temple grounds.
By Air
For devotees traveling from other states or countries, the nearest airport is Chennai International Airport (MAA). The airport is approximately 52 km away from Siruvapuri. You can hire a pre-paid taxi or use a ride-sharing service from the airport to reach the temple directly.
Planning Your Spiritual Visit
A visit to Siruvapuri offers a chance for peace and reflection, but timing is everything. If you visit on a Tuesday, be prepared for larger crowds but enjoy the flexibility of extended hours. For a quieter experience, consider visiting during the weekday morning slots between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM.
Always remember the mid-day break from 12:00 PM to 4:30 PM on standard days to avoid waiting outside the complex in the heat. With the right timing, your darshan will be a smooth and fulfilling experience.