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Source: Tamil Nadu Tourism Info

Context

Thousands of devotees attended the great consecration of the Subramanya Swamy temple in Tiruchendur, which took place after a 16-year break.

About Tiruchendur Subramanya Swamy Temple

• Tiruchendur Subramanya Swamy Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Murugan (the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati).
• It is situated in Tiruchendur, Thoothukudi District, Tamil Nadu.
• It is one of Lord Murugan's six sacred abodes and the only one located on the coast.  The remaining five temples are located atop mountains.

Architectural Significance

• The temple, which has endured for more than two millennia, is an excellent example of Tamil architecture.
• The temple was built with red sandstone and offers a panoramic view of the sea.
• The RajaGopuram (temple tower) is built on the temple's western side, as opposed to other temples where the RajaGopuram is built on the eastern side, due to the proximity of the sea to the east.
• The Gopuram is nine-tiered and 138 feet high.  In the temple's sanctum sanctorum, Lord Subramanyam is standing.
• The nine Kalasams (holy copper pots) atop the Gopuram signify that it has nine stories.
• The temple also has many other impressive architectural characteristics, such as massive mandapams (halls), lengthy streets, beautifully carved pillars, and a multitude of minor shrines.

Source: The Hindu