Permanent Pictorial Cancellation inaugural day covers

Description: The Arulmigu Subramanya Swamy Temple at Tiruchendur, located on the shores of the Bay of Bengal in Thoothukudi district of Tamil Nadu, is one of the most sacred temples dedicated to Lord Murugan. It is revered as one of the six holy abodes of Murugan, known as the Arupadai Veedu. Unlike the other Murugan temples situated on hills, Tiruchendur Temple is uniquely located beside the sea. The temple is also recognised as a Vaippu Sthalam praised by the Tamil Shaivite saint Appar. The temple is famous for its magnificent nine-tiered rajagopuram, rising about 48 meters high, representing the grandeur of Dravidian architecture. The sanctum sanctorum is built in a cave-like structure where Lord Murugan appears as a youthful ascetic after defeating the demon Surapadman. 

Near the temple is the sacred Nali Kinaru, a freshwater spring close to the seashore. Devotees traditionally bathe in the sea and then cleanse themselves in the holy spring water. One of the temple’s most celebrated festivals is Skanda Sashti, during which the Surasamharam festival reenacts Lord Murugan’s victory over evil. Thousands of devotees gather to witness this grand spiritual event every year. The temple also has historical importance. During the 17th century, the Dutch occupied the temple and carried away the utsava idols of Murugan. The idols were later recovered from the sea and restored to the temple. In 2016, the temple became the fourth Hindu temple in Tamil Nadu to receive ISO certification. On the auspicious occasion of “Vaikasi Visakam, " India Post Tamil Nadu Circle commemorates Lord Murugan's birth anniversary and issues a series of five PPCs.