lord muruga
Let’s cheerfully visit the six earthly abodes of Lord Muruga, which are situated in Tamil Nadu during Murugan Festival days such as Skanda Shasti, Panguni Uthiram and Karthigai Deepam: –
1.Thiruthani
2.Palani
3.Pazhamudhircholai
4.Thiruparankundram
5.Thiruchendur
6.Swamimalai
Since Lord Muruga wilfully resides in these six abodes, and since he has six faces, he is also called as “ARUMUGA KADAVAL”.
1.Tiruthani Murugan Temple
Arulmigu Subramaniya Swamy Temple is a wonderful temple located on the hill of Tiruttani, Tiruvallur district, Tamil Nadu, which is dedicated to handsome Tamil god Lord Murugan. The hill contains 365 steps which resembles the 365 days of the year. It is believed that those who visit this temple at least once in year could peacefully pass each and every day (for all 365 days in a year) without any difficulties!
It is one of the six abodes of Lord Murugan (Arupadai Veedu) and from here we could easily travel to Temples in Tiruvallur such as Veeera Raghava Perumal Temple, Sri Aadi Nageswar Temple, Kakkalur Anjaneyar Temple, and few other ancient Shiva Temples. After killing the demon Tarakasura in Tiruchendur, he came here to PACIFY his mind.
This temple has been mentioned in the ancient Sangam literate work Tirumurugatruppadai which was composed by the great poet and staunch Murugan devotee Sri Nakkeerar. This temple was sanctified by the Vijayanagara rulers and by few Tamil Saints. It is believed that Lord Mururgan married Ma Valli at the present place of this temple.
At this present place, Lord Murugan is said to have imparted Tamil knowledge to sage Agastya and in token of showing his gratitude, Rishi Agastya has offered a golden mango to Lord Muruga through his spiritual powers. This was done by him, since, once Lord Muruga was unable to get the Mango offered by Rishi Narada, since his brother Lord Vinayaka had obtained it cleverly! Here after meditating on Lord Muruga, the sacred snake Vasuki had recovered from his pains, which was caused during the time of churning of the divine ocean (Samudra Manthana) in order to get the divine nectar.
Saint Arunagirinathar has praised this hill and this is one of the favourite abodes of saints, sages and Vedic scholars to perform peaceful meditation. This Tirutani is as sacred as the Holy Mountain Kailash. Sri Muthuswami Dikshitar, has composed few songs on Lord Arumugan. The temple is kept open for public view from 5:45 a.m. to 21:00. Aadi Krittikai, Murugan Shashti and Karthigai Deepam are the most important festivals celebrated at this temple.
SONGS IN PRAISE OF LORD TIRUTTANI MURUGAN
The god’s words flown from his mouth are like the Holy Parijatha flowers showering from the heaven. The god’s twelve shoulders are very strong enough to hold the entire universe. O Mayilvagana, you are the one who makes the impossible into possible, you are the one who makes the ugly into beautiful you are the one who has removed the sins and sufferings of your devotees.
O Lord Muruga, if you stay even in the heart of the wicked ones, then there is no need to say about your stay in the heart of the holy ones! You never find any fault with your devotees, but sometimes only we used to scold on you due to our own sufferings.
Our every step must lead to the temple of Murugan, our voice must chant only the glories of Murugan, and in overall, we should be mad with Lord Muruga.
2.Palani Murugan Temple
Arulmigu Palani Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple is one of the six earthly Abodes of Lord Murugan (Aarupadai Veedugal). It is situated in Palani, which was known in ancient times as Sri Thiruaavinankudi, since lot of cows were once lived at the present place of this temple. Similar to Tirupati Laddu, Palani temple is famous for the delicious Holy Prasadam Palani Panchamritam, a sweet mixture made up of jaggery and mixed fruits.
Due to the divine mango play incident, Lord Muruga left Kailasha and he went to Palani by wearing only the Koupeenam(Loin cloth) on his waist. The main idol of the Palani Muruga was formed and installed by Siddhar Bogar, who is one among the eighteen great Siddhars, out of a rare herb which is popularly known as Navapashanam.
Those who are unable to climb the steps can utilise the services of winch and rope car. Six pujas are being performed to Lord Palani Muruga, and those who witness it would achieve the very purpose of their birth. This temple was one of the richest among the temples in Tamil Nadu.
As per the legend, one of the hills which were once carried by Idumba was supposed to be the Palani hill. It is a practice which is followed in modern times, where people used to carry milk on both of their shoulders as a part of their devotion in order to please the Lord. A shrine to Bhogar was there in the Palani Temple, since it is believed that Bhogar still meditate Lord Muruga in this sacred temple.
This temple was further expanded and renovated by a Chera king, as per the instructions given by Lord Muruga on his dream. There are also shrines for Lord Shiva, Parvati and Vinayaka. Performing Abhishekam (Holy Bath) by using various items like milk, ghee, mixed fruits and honey is famously done in this temple. Similar to doing the act of tonsuring at Tirumala-Tirupati, at Palani temple also tonsuring is being done by the devotees, with the belief that their head-weight and ego would vanish! Devotees used to carry kavadi, like Vel Kavadi, milk Kavadi, flower Kavadi and paneer Kavadi.
Festivals like Thai-Poosam, Panguni-Uthiram, Vaikhashi-Vishakham and Shasti are most popularly celebrated festivals at this temple, and Temple Golden chariot would be pulled by the devotees with great bhakti by reciting the praise, “KANDANUKKU AROHARA”. Sri Arunagirinathar visited Palani and sung praises on Lord Palani Murugan.
There is a famous Palani Andavar Ashtakam written in praise of Lord Murugan and the contents present are as follows: –
1.Oh Palani Andava. Please come, come by riding on your favourite peacock. Come with your Long spear and with the beautiful cock flag, give me all sorts of prosperity and help me to reach the eternal world after my death.
2.There are lot of devotees for you at Palani Temple, Please free them from the repeated chain of birth cycles, Oh Veda Purusha, Tatva Masi, Gnana Pandita Oh Sri Asura Samhara Moorthy, please shower your grace on us and show your excellent divine form.
3.Oh, Palani Andava come, Oh Muruga Bhagavane come, come, Oh Skanda come, Oh Arumuga come, Oh Vetrivela come Oh Veeravelava come, come soon, in order to put up an end for the sufferings of your devotees.
4.Oh Lord of Lords, Shower your grace on us, I surrender, surrender and surrender. Oh Subrahmanya, I surrender at your holy lotus feet, please drive away all the ills, I, surrender for ever. Palani Andava, Kumara, Shanmuga, Alagesa, please come soon to my home. I would adorn you with flowers, flower garlands, wonderful ornaments and with excellent garments. I have kept lot of Pori Urundai, Appam and Adirasam for you, please eat a lot of that by sitting comfortably at my home.
5.Oh the Divine Guru, Oh son of Lord Shiva-Shakti, Oh Muruga, Let your beautiful face give happiness to the entire world, let your marvellous peacock kill our bad habits, let your divine spear protect us from our enemies, let your powerful mantra, “OM SARAVANA BHAVA”, act as a protective shield for us. Oh commander of Devas, I surrender, I surrender and I surrender at your holy lotus feet.
6.Oh Palani Andava, if I try to commit suicide will you safeguard me, if I starve in hunger and thirst, don’t you provide food and water, if I suffer from illness, don’t you cure it, if I involve myself in bad activities, don’t you stop it, if I sing songs on you, don’t you hear it? Oh Palani Andava, I worship you on all times, on all directions, on all days, I worship you by calling your names, Saravana, Shanmuga, Senthil Andava. I worship you by lighting lamps, I worship you by chanting your marvellous mantras, I, worship you along with my family. I worship you even if I become sick, and I worship you even from my death bed, I worship you by putting flowers on your idol and I keep worshipping you for ever!
3.Pazhamudhir Cholai Murugan Temple
Arulmigu Solaimalai Murugan Temple, also called as Pazhamudircholai Temple is a Murugan temple, situated nearby Madurai, Tamilnadu on a beautiful hill surrounded with thick forests. This temple is one of the six famous abodes of Lord Muruga, and it is also close to the famous Azhagar Kovil.
Pazhamudircholai is a sacred hill, which contains plenty of fruits, vegetables and natural herbs. It is believed that at this present place, once Ma Valli lived. The temple seems to be a smaller one when compared with other earthly abodes of Lord Muruga. Shrines of Valli and Deivayanai are also there. At the Temple Tower, monkeys used to play, and due to that, the devotees have to keep their belongings safely by tightly holding it on their hands. There is another small temple above this temple, and it is called as Rakkayi(Rakkama) Amman Kovil, and nearby this temple, some tribal community people lives. Lord Muruga at Pazhamudircholai is praised in ancient Tamil works such as the Silappathikaram, Sundaralankaram and in Pavalapattu. Murugan devotees used to come here to fulfil their dreams such as marriage, education, child birth, health and wealth. The natural beauty and good climatic condition of the place attracts many tourists.
As per legend, the famous “SUTTA PALAM”, incident happened only at this place between Saint-Poet Ma Avvaiyar, and Lord Muruga. There is an ancient sacred tree, which still exists and it is being worshipped by the devotees who come to visit the temple.
The Temple timings are from 6 AM to 6 PM. Some of the famous festivals celebrated at this temple are Panguni Uthiram, Kandha Shasti, Aadi Krithigai and Vaikasi Visakam. There is an ancient popular song, “Pazhamudir Cholaiyile Yen Muruganai Naanum Ninaithene, Andha Cholaiyaga Aagivida Naanum Asaipattene”.
I think Lord Muruga at the Pazhamudir Cholai Temple, and I want to become the place Pazhamudir Cholai itself.
SONGS IN PRAISE OF LORD PAZHAMUDIR CHOLAI MURUGAN
“Oh Lord Pazhamudircholai Muruga Andava, Even though I took birth due to my Karma, Please help me to be born in the sacred place Pazhamudir Cholai, Oh Lord Muruga, consort of Valli and Devayani, those who resides in Pazhamudircholai, would get the full grace of Lord Muruga.
Oh Muruga, I feel that I am not a staunch devotee of yours, I don’t know how to praise on you. I don’t know how to please you through my devotion. I don’t know how to express my true love and faith on you.
Oh, the Great Mighty One! The protector of everyone, let your lotus hands touch on my head and bless me, let me clean your holy feet and offer fragrant flowers, let me worship you on all times, let me act honestly, let me offer the delicious Prasad items prepared from my own hands, let me neglect even if I have been offered the position of Lord Indra in the Swarka Loka, since I always want to be only under the lotus feet of Lord Muruga, at least in the form of an ant.
4.Thiruparankundram Murugan Temple
Arulmigu Murugan Temple, Thiruparankundram is a temple dedicated to Lord Murugan (also known as Kartikeya, Subramanaya, Shanmuga and by more than hundreds and hundreds of names) at Thiruparankundram, Tamilnadu. It is one of the “Six earthly Abodes of Lord Murugan”.
The temple contains good architecture, and it is believed to have been constructed by the Pandya Kings during the 6th century AD. As per legend, once at this wonderful place, Lord Murugan had defeated and destroyed the demon Surapadman and married Ma Devasena who was the noble daughter of Lord Indra Bhagavan. Lord Murugan had also worshipped his father Lord Shiva here, who is in the name of Sri Parangirinathar. The temple is located few km from Madurai. Apart from the chief deity, Lord Murugan, there are also shrines for Lord Shiva, Vishnu, Vinayaka and Durga.
The temple follows six daily pujas and three annual festivals are being celebrated at the temple, out of which the annual Skantha Sashti festival, being the most popular one. In the sacred Skanda Puranam, the place Thiruparamkundram was mentioned. There are three Mandaps (Halls), which adds more beauty to this temple. Here Lord Shiva is worshipped as Parangirinathar and Ma Shakti Devi is worshipped as Ma Aavudai Nayaki. We can also see few structures in this temple, which depicts Lord Shiva’s blissful dance, ANANDA THANDAVAM.
There is a temple water tank, wherein which, the fishes are being served with corns and flattened rice by the devotees. In front of the Dwajasthambam(Flagstaff), we can find the vision of the divine vehicles such as Nandi (bull), Mayil (peacock) and mouse. The great Nayanmar Saint Sri Sambandar visited Thiruparamkundram Temple, and praised Lord Murugan and Shiva in his songs. It is classified as one among the glorified temples, since Nayanmars and Shaivite Saints have sanctified the Lord through their marvellous songs. Nakeerar composed several poems in praise of Lord Thiruparankundram Muruga, which would speak about the glory of this shrine.
SONGS IN PRAISE OF LORD SRI THIRUPARANKUNDRAM MURUGAN
The sufferings would immediately vanish for those who utter the word, “THIRUPARANKUNDRAM MURUGA. Wealth would increase for those who recite the holy names of Muruga, and the fate for the less fortunate ones written by Lord Brahma would be miraculously changed by Lord “THIRUPARANKUNDRAM ARUMURUGA”.
Mind, oh mind, please only meditate Lord Muruga, and be prepared to fall on the holy feet of that Young God who waged war with the demons and brought victory to the Devas.
Welcome the Lord, who rides on the beautiful peacock, who contains beautiful broad chest decorated with precious ornaments and fragrant flowers, who comes to rescue his devotees from their troubles, who is being worshipped by his devotees by singing sweet songs, who is the god of the “OM” Mantra.
Come soon, Oh the son in law of Lord Indra, come my sweet boy of beautiful hills, come my master who contains six faces, who holds the Vel who applies the sacred ash, who is the god of knowledge, wisdom, courage and kindness (ANBU MURUGAN).
Oh Lord Saravana Bhava, salutations to the great hero, please come to protect me, come with your VEL weapon, come to destroy my bad nature, come to prosper my life, and stay on my soul forever.
Oh Lord Muruga, if I tell your name just for one time, I immediately feel as if I have tasted the sweet honey. If I worship you just for one time, I feel as if I have worshipped all the 33 crores of Devas. If I take bath on your temple tank, I feel as if I have taken bath in the holy River Ganges, If I lift the Kavadi, I feel as if I have lifted the entire world, if I taste your holy Prasad item, I feel as if I have tasted the divine nectar (AMIRTHA) itself.
5.Thiruchendur Murugan Temple
Senthil Andavar Temple, Tiruchendur is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Murugan, and it is one among the six famous earthly abodes of Lord Murugan, located in the town Tiruchendur, Thoothukudi District, Tamil Nadu. The temple complex is on the sea shores, and hence chill weather always prevails here. The puja timings of the temple are between 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM and again between 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
Soorasamharam, the celebration of the victory over the Demon Soorapadman, and the auspicious, Skanda Shasti festival are the main festivals celebrated at this temple. We can hear the wonderful divine song sung by the legendry singer T.M.Soundarajan in praise of this temple. “Thiruchendurin Kadalorathil Senthil Nathan Arasangam”. Lord Senthil Andava rules the famous Tiruchendur which is situated in a marvellous sea shore.
We can see the Devotees who used to bath in the ocean, before marching towards the temple. During 17th century AD, for a few years, this temple was controlled by the foreigners, though the people who reside at Tiruchendur tried their level best to free the temple, but it ends with a failure. Finally, a Nayak King fought bravely and he had driven away the foreign forces from this place. We can also see some beautiful paintings inside the temple. Daily thousands of devotees visit this temple in order to witness our Lord “SRI TIRUCHENDURAR”.
As per the famous Tamil praise, “VELUNDU VINAIYILLAI MAYILUNDU BAYAMILLAI”, those who worship VEL, the divine spear would relieve us from our sins, and Lord Muruga’s Divine Vehicle, peacock would relieve us from our fear.
The excellent temple authorities also do social services activities like running an orphanage, education services to the poor and needy, performance of marriages for the poor at cheaper cost. At this present place of Tiruchendur, Lord defeated Surapadma, killed him, and after that, he worshipped his father Lord Shiva and sought his blessings. Since he defeated Surapadma in the war, Lord Muruga is called as “DEVASENATIPATI”, the commander for the army of the gods.
Though the original construction details about the Thiruchendur Murugan Temple was unavailable, but this temple was renovated, repaired and consecrated by the Pallavas, Pandyas and Cheras. It is believed that those who visit Tiruchendur, would get a turning point in their life, and all of their reasonable wishes would be fulfilled, like marriage, job/business, health and wealth etc.
SONGS IN PRAISE OF OUR LORD TIRUCHENDURAR
Oh Lord of Tiruchendur, who showed me the proper way and helped me to get rid from worldly illusion, who is also ready to give salvation to me.
Oh the merciful Lord Muruga who is very near and dear to Lord Shiva.
Oh the worldly people, why do you waste your time without offering prayers to Lord Tiruchendur Murugan, Since at the time of your death when the angry Yama with his reddish eyes, puts the noose on your neck to take out your life, then at that time, what you would do?
When the sharp Vel from the hands of Lord Tiruchendur Murugan destroyed the evil demon Surapandma, then why can’t the holy spear destroy your sins, fear and diseases?
After drinking the divine milk of his mother Ma Uma, Lord Muruga looks very sweet, After Ma Uma tightly hugged Lord Saravana, he becomes very handsome, after Ma Uma kissed Lord Muruga, the holy Divine nectar flows from the mouth of Lord Muruga.
Oh Lord with six faces, who is there to tell about your excellent qualities, Who gives us the extreme happiness by removing our sorrows, who gives wisdom, knowledge, courage and many more, who is our wonderful Lord Tiruchendurar.
6.Swamimalai Murugan Temple
Swaminatha Swamy Temple is an excellent temple dedicated to Lord Murugan. It is located in Swamimalai, a few km far away from Kumbakonam. The temple is one of the six earthly abodes of Lord Murugan. To reach the top of the temple, one must climb some 60 steps. The temple follows six daily rituals at various intervals from 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and celebrates three yearly festivals such as Skanda Shasti, Vaikasi Visagam festival and Karthigai Deepam.
As per legend, Lord Muruga, taught the meaning of the Pranava Mantra (AUM) or simply OM to his father Lord Shiva at this place and hence he has attained the name Swaminathaswamy, Balamurugan and as Sri Shivaguru. Om is the important Mantra and is a sacred sound and a spiritual symbol in Hinduism. It signifies the essence of the ultimate reality, consciousness or Atman. By regularly chanting the “OM” Mantra we would get good prosperity in our life.
The temple is believed to be in existence even during the ancient Vedic period, and it was believed to have been renovated, extended and repaired by Chola Kings. The temple was badly destroyed during the British rule. But however, this temple has regained its true glory after subsequent renovation works.
As per legend, once the creator Lord Brahma, was unable to recite the meaning for the Pranav Mantra, “Om” to Lord Muruga, and hence our child god Muruga arrested Lord Brahma and put him in a prison. And from then onwards, Lord Muruga took charge of the creation work. But after some time, Lord Shiva rescued Brahma from the prison after conversing with Lord Muruga, and Shiva also became the disciple to his son Lord Muruga for some time, in order to know about the meaning of the Pranav Mantra from the mouth of his son Muruga.
Hence Lord Muruga came to be known as “SRI SIVA GURUNATHAN”, guru to Lord Shiva! I have visited this marvellous temple during last year, and got wonderful spiritual experience.
SONGS IN PRAISE OF LORD SWAMINATHA
Oh, My Lord Swaminatha, the great Almighty, who exists in the entire Universe. Who transcends our Mind, World and Body, who is the Divine Guru to his sincere devotees; who is very pure and perfect, who is praised by all.
Oh, My Lord Swaminatha, who is the Source of everything, who is very dear to Lord Shiva and Ma Parvati, who dwells in Holy Mount Kailash as well as in his Skanda Loka, and protects our body and soul, through his abundant powers, which we cannot imagine!
Oh My Lord Swaminatha, we consider you as Eashwara, as Ma Shakti Devi and as Lord Vishnu. Oh Lord I worship you on all times, on all sides and I offer you the delicious sweets made out of ghee, which would surely satisfy your belly. Oh Lord, You are the Parama Purusha, among the gods, you are the handsome Lord Vishnu, among the trees you are the sacred Bilva Tree, among the Rivers you are the holy Ganges, among the birds you are the pretty peacock, among the demons, you are the worshipful Prahalada, among the stars, you are the great Bhagavata Dhruva, among the mountains you are the holy Kailash, among the food items, you are the delicious sweet, among the drinks, you are the holy Thulsi water, among the Kings, you are Lord Rama, among the animals, you are the brave lion, among the Gurus, you are the great Swaminatha.
Oh Lord, give peace and prosperity to all of your devotees, including me. Please don’t leave me alone, be with me on all times, and protect me like a guardian god.
“OM SRI SUBRAMANYA SARANAM, SARANAM”
WRITTEN BY
R. HARISHANKAR