Arulmigu Kandaswamy Temple, also known as Thiruporur Murugan Temple, is located in Thiruporur, a panchayat town in Chengalpattu district of Tamil Nadu. Dedicated to Lord Murugan, the temple was built in the Dravidian architectural style and is believed to have expanded in the 18th century. The temple's history is connected to the discovery of its deity’s image, which was excavated from the site. It stands as an important religious center in Tamil Nadu.
The temple features a five-tiered gateway tower, leading to pillared halls and the sanctum sanctorum. The temple timings are from 6:30 am to 12:30 pm and 3:30 pm to 8:00 pm. Four daily rituals and several annual festivals are celebrated here, with the most prominent being Vaikasi Visagam, Kanthasasti, and Navarathri. These festivals attract devotees from all over, creating a spiritually charged atmosphere during their observances.
According to Hindu mythology, Murugan waged war with demons in three places: Tiruchendur in the sea, Thirupparankundram on land, and Thiruporur in the air. The name "Porur" is derived from the Tamil word "por," meaning war, marking the site as the battleground where Murugan triumphed over the demon Tharuka. The place is also known as Tharukapuri and Samarapuri due to this legendary battle.
Sage Chidambara Adigal, who resided in Madurai, was divinely instructed to excavate Murugan’s idol from under a palm tree at Thiruporur. He subsequently built the temple around it. The sage holds a special place in the temple’s history, with a shrine dedicated to him within the temple premises. His significance is highlighted during the Vaikasi Visagam festival, where he is symbolically shown merging with the presiding deity in a grand celebration.