sweating posture of muruga
During the time of Surasamharam event at Sikkal Singaravelan temple, when Lord Muruga receives his Vel, the Utsavar idol of Singara Velavar appears in the form of sweating posture. It is believed that this is because of the tension and the anger of the Lord who is ready to kill the Asura. The priests continuously wipe the idol’s face with silk cloth but the idol sweats profusely. This is known as the “Sweating Wonder!!” Then the sweat is sprinkled as Divine Theertha on the crowd gathered to witness this miracle. The sweating subsides only when the Lord returns to his sanctum. On the sixth day, the Soorasamhaaram takes place. But this event was not celebrated as grand and large as it is celebrated at Thiruchendur.
Apart from these many significances, there is yet another important legend associated with this temple. Have you ever wondered why the Lord Muruga of this temple called by the name “Singara Velavar” – Meaning Handsome Vel Bearer? And here is the answer to the same. After the Soorasamharam in Thiruchendur, Lord Muruga was stuck with Brahhmahathi Dosha, so, he returned back to Sikkal and again performed meditation. He was instructed by Lord Shiva to take bath in the Holy temple Pond, Ksheera Theertha (the milk pond). When He took bath, Lord Muruga emerged out without any war wounds and as shining as a star. Hence is known as Singara Velavan!!
Sikkal Singara Velar Temple is one of the most famous temples of Lord Muruga and it is also considered to be the seventh earthly abodes of Lord Muruga, due to its spiritual significance.
In this temple complex, we can see the presence of both Shiva and Vishnu deities. The temple is situated in the village of Sikkal, near Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu, India.
Sikkal Navaneetheswarar Temple is the main temple, and our Singaravelan temple can be seen in the premises of Sikkal Navaneetheswarar Temple. Sikkal Navaneetheswarar Temple is a Shiva Temple, and Lord Shiva is known as Navaneetheswarar and also as Vennailingeswarar (Thiruvennainathar). His consort, Mata Parvati, is known as Velvizhinadunkanni. It is one of the shrines of the glorified Shiva Sthalams which was sung and praised by the Nayanmar Saints.
As per ancient legend, once the present place of this temple was a jasmine forest and due to its pleasant smell, the Divine Cow Ma Kamadenu lives here. Once upon a time, Kamadenu was cursed by lord Shiva, and in order to rid from the curse, the divine cow, took bath in the holy pond of this temple and worshiped Lord Shiva. After getting rid of the sin, Kamadenu offered its milk which later became Parkulam (literal meaning the milk pond), which is located behind the temple. It is this holy water point (The Parkulam) of the temple where Vashistha Maharishi performed a pooja here, by making a lingam with the butter from the Parkulam. After completing the pooja he tried to move that lingam, but it stuck to that place, and never moved. As a result, Vasista Maharishi regarded this place as sikkal.
It is also said that Lord Murugan had got his Vel (weapon) from his divine mother at Sikkal, to kill the asura, Soorapadman in Sri Lanka. He performed Soora Samharam (killing of the dreaded demon Soorapadman) by setting up the base camp in Thiruchendur.
The most important festival is Soora Samharam related with Lord Muruga since he gets the divine weapon spear also called as Vel from his divine mother, Ma Parvathi in order to destroy the demon king, Soorapadman. During this time, it is believed by the devotees that the idol sweats like an ordinary human, and hence on account of this, a grand festival event is performed.
“OM SRI SIKKAL SINGARAVELA NAMO NAMAHA”
COMPILED BY
R. HARISHANKAR