The small town of Tirupparankundram sometimes known as Thenparankundram, located 8 Kms South of Madurai Railway Junction, is renowned for its 8th century rock cut cave temple dedicated to Lord Murugan (Subrahmanya), the second son of Shiva. Tirupparankundram Temple alias Murugan temple, one of the six abodes, is considered as the first and foremost temple of Lord Muruga. Several myths and legends are associated with this temple and one of them says that it is at this place that the Lord Muruga defeated the demon Surapadman and got married to Deivayani (daughter of Deivendran).

The Tirupparankundram shrine, having 48 artistic carved pillars, is a large rectangular chamber excavated into the huge main rock. One could reach the mandapam (hall) of the temple through a small flight of steps which has some ancient sculptures including that of Nataraja and his consort Sivakami and Lord Shiva in the form of 'Arthanareeswarar' (i.e half man, half women). On the outer wall, there are sculputers of Ganesha and the three Saiva saints.

The sanctum sanctorum is constructed by a combination of nine minerals called Navabashana and has the statue of lord Murugan carved in his standing position. Apart from the main sanctum, the temple also has the shrines dedicated to Durga with the figures of Ganesh and Subramanya on either side, Vinayaka, Shiva and Vishnu. Daily six poojas are performed here. The main temple festival Panguni Uttiram is celebrated in the month of March. Thai Poosam, Kanda Sasthi, Agni Nakshatram, Vaisakhi Visakham and Tirukkarttikai are the other festivals celebrated here. The shrine is being visited by thousands of devotees throughout the year and is considered as an ideal place for wedding especially during the time of the Panguni Uttiram.

Beside the Murugan temple, there is also a Muslim Shrine dedicated to Sikandar (al-Sikandar or Alexander the Great) who was a friend of Murugan.