Lord Muruga, also known as kanda, kadamba, kathirvela, senthilandava and karthikeya, and also by various names, is the second son of Lord Shiva and Ma Parvathi. He was born from the third eye spark of Lord Shiva. He was a great warrior in the battle field, and he fought with several demons and defeated them. He was married with Ma Valli and Ma Deivanai, and both of them are the two activating forces of the entire universe.
Many temples are dedicated to Lord Muruga, the main among them are Arupadaiveedus, six houses (temples) of Lord Muruga in six locations. They are Tirutani, Tiruparankundram, Palamudhircholai, Tiruchendur, Palani and Swami Malai. All the six temples are located in Tamil Nadu. Apart from ArupadaiVeedus, MarudaMalai Murugan is a famous temple, which is situated nearby Coimbatore city. In Chennai, Vadapalani Andavar temple, KundrathurMurugan temple, Skandakottam temple in Rasappa Chetty Street, park town and Thiruporurmurugan temple are considered as famous temples. In most of the Tamil Nadu temples, free food is offered to the devotees in the afternoon.
Lot of Murugan devotees are there since ancient times, and some of the staunch devotees of Lord Muruga are as follows:-
1. Musukundar
Musukundar was one of the divine attendants of Lord Shiva in Mount Kailasa, and he was also a friend of Lord Muruga. Once, playfully he has thrown Bilva leaves on Lord Shiva and Ma Parvati. Due to his funny act, the divine couple Shiva and Parvati become angry with him and asked him to be born in the earth as a king, Musukunta had realised his mistake and born in the clan of King Harishchandra, performed fasting, worshipped Lord Muruga, and finally he attained the abode of Lord Muruga, the Skanda Loka.
2. NalliyaKodar
NalliyaKodar was an ancient king who ruled over the present day Thindivanam town in a prosperous manner. Once he was defeated by an enemy king in the battle, and after praying to Lord Muruga, as per Muruga’s advice, he has thrown some flowers on the army of the enemy king, and those flowers were become divine spears and destroyed the army of the enemy kings, and hence, NalliyaKodar had attained victory in that battle. After living a pious life for many years, at the end of his life, he attained the lotus feet of Lord Muruga.
3. Murugammai
Murugammai was a noble woman and she was a staunch devotee of Lord Muruga. Once, her husband had doubted about her character and chopped off her both hands. The innocent Murugammai cried and asked Muruga to show mercy on her. Lord Muruga restored both of her arms, and also granted salvation to her.
4. Margasagaya Devar
MargasagayaDevar was a staunch devotee of Lord Mururga, and he wrote many divine songs in praise of Lord Muruga. Once while he was singing a beautiful song about Muruga, Lord Muruga himself appeared before him in the form of a small child, and fully listened to his mesmerising song. After getting the divine vision of Lord Muruga, Margasagaya Devar had dedicated his remaining life towards spreading the “MURUGA BHAKTI” amongst the masses. Totally Devar has written more than 1000 songs, but at present, only a few hundred songs are available in the form of palm leaf manuscripts.
5. Kavirajar
Kavirajar was a sincere devotee of Lord Muruga, and during his life time, he has visited almost all of the temples of Lord Muruga, which are situated in every nook and corner of India, and he has also written and sung lot of songs in praise of Lord Muruga. Similar to the great Nayanmar, Poosalar, he has also built a wonderful temple for Lord Muruga on his mind, and also done consecration ceremony to the mind temple. Praised by his pure bhakti, Lord Muruga had sent his divine vehicle peacock, and brought him to his “SKANDA LOKA”.
6. Chidambara Munivar
Chidambara Munivar, though was a staunch devotee of Lord Muruga, but he suffered from some unknown disease during his middle age due to his past birth bad karmas. But, after he worshipped Lord Muruga by visiting his six famous temples in Tamil Nadu, he had got relieved from his disease, and at the end of his life, he has attained salvation, through the blessings of Lord Muruga.
“OM MURUGA VADIVEL MURUGA”
WRITTEN BY
R.HARISHANKAR