Holy Pilgrimage – Temples in Tamilnadu State (Murugan temples) - 4 at 3:59 AM

Holy Pilgrimage – Temples in  Tamilnadu State

 Six Abodes of Murugan, Tamilnadu

 

The six most sacred abodes of Hindu god Lord Murugan called as "Aarupadaiveedu" in Tamil literature, are situated in the state of Tamil Nadu in south India.  The god is also known as Karthikeya, Skanda, Vadivela and Guha. ^] The six most sacred abodes of Lord Muruga were mentioned in the Tamil literature Thirumurugatrupadai, written by Nakeerar,  and in Thirupugal, written by Arunagirinathar.  In Hinduism the gods Shiva, Shakthi, Vishnu, Ganesh, Muruga, Surya are the six main gods and the supreme gods for the six sub-religions of Hinduism.  According to Kaumaram Lord Skanda is the supreme god, as told in Skandapuranam. The six abodes are Tirupparamkunram, Thiruchendur, Palani, Swamimalai, Thiruthani, Pazhamudircholai. The six abodes of Lord Muruga has separate sthalapuranam

Arupadaiveedu

The Arupadaiveedu (six abodes) are the most important shrines for the devotees of Muruga in Tamil Nadu, India.
They are:

• Palani Murugan Temple (100 km south east of Coimbatore)
• Swamimalai (Near Kumbakonam)
• Thiruthani (84 km from Chennai)
• Pazhamudircholai (10 km north of Madurai)
• Thiruchendur (40 km south of Thoothukudi or Tuticorin)
• Thiruparamkunram (10 km south of Madurai)^[6][7]
• Marudamalai (a suburb of Coimbatore) (மருதமலை, மருந்து மலை ) is considered to be the seventh shrine.

Lord of mountains

In Tamil literature five types of lands are seen. They are Kurinji (mountainous region), Mullai (forest region), Marutham (agricultural region), Neithal (coastal region) and Palai (desert region).  Separate gods for these land types are clearly told in Sangam literature. According to the literature Lord Muruga is the god of mountainous region,  Lord Vishnu is the god of forest region, Lord Indra was the god of agricultural land, Lord Varuna is the god of coastal region and Lord Kali is the god of desert region.

Six sacred abodes

According to the Tamil tradition, it is believed that Lord Muruga is living in all the mountains.  Among them the six mountains are considered to be very sacred. But the second abode is now nearer to the sea. We can see the remains of a mountain in the second abode. The six mountains are described in sangam literature Thirumurukatrupadai (Tamil: திருமுருகாற்றுப்படை) written by Tamil sage Nakkeerar (Tamil: நக்கீரர்) and in Thirupugal. Tamil saint Avvaiyar, Rishi Agastya also sung many songs on the different form of Muruga seen in the six abodes. The six abodes are situated in the areas of Madurai district, Thoothukudi district, Dindigul district, Tiruvallur district and Thanjavur district.

Short story of Lord Muruga

The story of Lord Muruga is described in Skanda Purana. According to legend in the olden days a demon called Soorapadman lived on an island situated south of Tamil Nadu. He tortured Deva. They complained about this torture to lord Shiva. Lord Shiva gave birth to Muruga from his Third eye. Lord Muruga killed Soorabadman and saved all the devas. Lord Muruga married Valli and Deivayanai.

Lord Muruga - The god of war and love

Tamil literature is classified into two divisions, they are agam (dealing with love) and puram (dealing with war). Lord Muruga the Tamil god is depicted as the god of love and war. Lord Muruga married Valli by love  and married Deivayanai by winning the war held at Tiruchendur.

Kaumaram

Kaumaram is the sub-set of Hinduism in which Lord Muruga is worshipped as the supreme deity.

Significance of the abodes

1.Tirupparamkunram

• Located on the outskirts of Madurai on a hillock
• As per the legends, Skanda married Indra's daughter Devasena (also called Deivayanai) here
• Sage-poet Nakkeerar worshipped Muruga in this shrine.

2.Tiruchendur

• Located on the sea-shore, near Tuticorin.
• Remains of Gandhamadana Parvatam or Santhanamalai (Sandal Mountain)
• As per the legends, Lord muruga worshiped Shiva for victory in the war & waged the fierce battle against demon Soorapadman here.
• A well situated nearer to sea has pure water. The well is called Naazhi kinaru.
• A very powerful god in India Satru Samhara Moorthy is seen here, special pooja is conduted here for this god to weaken our enemies.

3. Palani:

• Located on the Palani hills, near Kodaikanal in Dindigul district
• Lord Muruga in the form of a yogi, clad in loin cloth and holding a shaft (Dandam) in hand. Hence called Dandapani or Dandayudha pani.
• Idumban God.
• Statue of Muruga made from exotic medicinal herbs having divine healing powers as per Ayurveda & Siddha systems of medicine.
• Shrine very famous for Kavadi festivals and head-tonsuring as a way of offering by devotees.

4. Swamimalai

• Located near Kumbakonam on a small hillock
• Lord Muruga in the form of a Guru. He is called Swaminatha. He expounds divine knowledge about the sacred Om to his father Shiva himself. Shiva agrees to be Muruga's disciple in a gesture of supreme fatherly love.

5. Thiruthani

• Located near Kanchipuram
• As per the legends, Lord Muruga remained calm and peaceful here after waging the war with Asuras. He also married Valli here.

6. Pazhamudircholai

• Located on the outskirts of Madurai, inside a forest range
• On the top of the mountain there is a holy pond called Nubra Gangai.

Tirumurugarruppadai or 'Guide to Lord Murugan'

by Nakkira Deva Nayanar

Tirupparangkunram
The Auspicious Hill Supreme

  The World¹delights
as he rises on its right
and goes wandering

  So many people
praise the Sun
as if seen
in the sea

  Ceaselessly
their eyelids flutter
from his immaculate light
shining
from so far off.

  Those who approach
have his sustaining strength
as they strive
to reach his feet.

  His hand,
broad as a cloud,
wipes out
all enemies.

  Husband of her
of radiant brow
and stainless chastity.

  A cloud,
pregnant and immaculate,
has scooped up
the sea.

  The Shining Ones
pierce the sky
that is sprinkling
innumerable droplets.

  The first rain of the season
pours down
upon the forest,
fragrant and cool.

  And the stout-trunked
Sengadambu tree
flourishes
in the gathering dark.

  While the Stout-chested Ones
cool garland
sways
with blossoms
shaped like [chariot] wheels.

  The frightful bamboo
towers,
grown high as
mountains unassailable.

  Tinkling anklets
grasp their
bright and rosy feet,
so delicate.

  Their sumptuous legs,
curving hips,
and shoulders
like bamboo.

  Their un-dyed satins,
a red-backed beetles
similitude.

  They have many coins
aligned in rows
about their waists.

  The beauty
which they have received
is a loveliness
not fashioned
by any hand.

  Dazzling ornaments
crafted of the gold
named [for
its refinement].

  Devoid of stain,
their bodies'
brilliance
extends beyond
distant places.

  Their attendants have
trussed up their hair,
still moist,

  Placing tiny petals
of the red-stemmed Vedchi
between.

  And have plucked
the pure petals
of the green-stemmed Kuvalai

  [They then] wind them
to the right,
with their head ornaments
[intertwined].

  The Kum-kum set
on their beautiful brows
exudes sweetness,

  Accentuated below by
[hairpins shaped-like]
wide-mouthed sharks.

  Their coiled hair
now immaculate
and complete.

  They've placed the Sanpakam blossom,
cool and rare,
in their hair
like black sheets of metal
[two dark leaves]

  Surrounding
an Ulai flower.
Set there,
a bright bunch of
blossoms from the
Marutu tree.

  And they have bound
branches of beautiful red-buds,
wet with dew,

  Into a garland,
arranged to encircle
their two [twisted locks].

  Their sumptuous ears
filled with bright
sprouting leaves
of Ashoka.

  Their breasts,
adorned to extreme,
with delicate jewels
firm and fair,

  Odoriferous sandal
ground to a paste,
fragrant and bright
as a blossom.

  Their Marutu flowers
oozing honey,
like the tight-petaled buds
of Kongki.

  Young breasts,
smeared in abundance,
with full blown

  Blossoms of Vaengai,
and fine pollen
spread round,
so lovely.

  They pluck
small sprouts
of the Vila tree
and sprinkle them
[on each other].

  They hoist high
the flag
of the valorous cock
who conquers [its enemies]
and destroys [its foes].

  They greet
all the others
saying,
'Long life to you!'

  And there abides
an unmatched
mountain
resounding,
with the echo
of their songs.

  The frightful demoness
plays in the garden,

  A mountain range,
with trees so dense,
the she-monkey
can't find her way.

  The bees [hover] in silence
about
the luminescent
Kantal in bloom

  On the large cool garland
adorning his head.

  He enters
the ancient earth,
the icy sea
and they tremble.

  He severed the root
of the demon Sur
with his leaf-shaped spear,
long and flaming.

  [That demoness]
Her dry locks of hair,
and mouth like a chest,
with pandemonious fangs

  She rolls her
green eyes,
and is
terrifying to see.

  As an eye-popping owl
and venomous snake
hang in her ears.

  Swaying along
with her gargantuan breasts
and her jagged gut.

  Her strut
is so very frightening;
dreadful is her coming.
This she-vampire

  Blood stains
the sharp nails
of her twisted fingers

  That dig out the eyes
to eat
from a rancid black head,
overwhelmingly foul.

  She holds it
in her broad hand
wearing bangles so bright.

  And she frightfully sings
mighty battlefield songs
of conquest
and destruction.

  And she, with that mouth,
wiggles her shoulders
and munches on corpses,
performing her Tunngai dance

  Two large beings
in one massive body,

  Terrified six different units
when [the demon Sur] approached.

  But he spoiled
these demons' great conquest.

  He hacked at the root
of their mango tree
where blossoms are hung
in profusion.
His victory was flawless.

  And his fine glory
is boundless,
the Son
with the spear
that is red.

  By approaching
his ruddy feet
with magnanimous mind

  One rightly animates
the wise sayings of old
Leave your homeland.
Stay somewhere else.

  If you have the desire
to go on pilgrimage,
so many virtues,

And your own heart's
dearest desire
will be achieved.

  You'll get it instantly!
The noblest virtues are yours!

  Hungering for war,
he hoists his tall flag
way up high.

  And hangs from it
dolls
and a ball of coiled twine.

  He destroys the war-makers.
For few battles are waged
at the gates
[of fair Madurai].

  In its mischiefless markets
Lakshmiís enthroned in majesty,

  Along its wide boulevards
there are balconies a plenty,
near Madurai's western gate.

  In broad fields
of black mud
it opens and unfolds

  The prickly-stemmed lotus
that sleeps until dawn.

  Buzzing about
honey-scented
Neytal blossoms.

  Where the mountain spring flowers
rouse one's desire
as they blossom like eyes
in the morning.

  That glorious swarm
of comely-winged bees
drone on.

  It's at Kunram's hill,
There's where
he abides;
and not only there

 

Tirucchiiralaivaay
The Sacred Ocean of Import
(Tiruchendur)

 

  [His elephant],
Its forehead
scarred deep
by the attack
of his sharp-tipped [goad].

  With a garland
that never wilts
and headpiece
swaying.

  Bells hang
from its side,
intermittently chiming,
as it quickly saunters on.

  Its might,
rarely overcome,
like the Lord of Death.

  And he climbs
upon that elephant
like the voracious wind.

  Of five different parts
crafted by the smith,
refined and complete:

  The brilliance
of this crown
offsets
the great beauty
of its gems.

  Adorning his head,
as it flickers
like lightening.

  Effulgence
hangs there,
swaying
as earrings
wrought of gold.

  With that
kind of distant radiance
like the moon
shining bright

  Or with the luster
of the relentless stars
shimmering [in the night].

  For the accomplished ones
who perform
their vows
free of suffering,

  His brightly colored faces
appear directly
in their minds.

  As a brilliance
without blemish
upon this world
of utter darkness

  Generating
many rays of light
is One Face.
And One Face

  Poised
as sweet demeanor
and praised
by those with longing

  Is pleased
by their love
and confers to them,
their boons.
One face

  regards
the mantric code
of the unfailing tradition

  With its priestly
sacrifices
which it remembers.
One Face

  Comes
to draw out
meanings
that were overlooked,
illuminating
the [four] directions
just like the moon.
One face

  Destroys the enemy,
sours all equanimity,

  Longs to enter the field
with a wrathful heart.
One Face

  With an innocent
hill-tribe girl
whose got curves
like a vine

  With that damsel
With Valli
is laughing
and smiling.

  Just like that,
those faces,
3 X 2,
tend to be.

  He's got a garland
that hangs low
on his chest
strong and lovely

  With reddish lines defined
and bending,
his might,
emits a sparkling.

  His fame,
found in plenty.
His shoulders,
they are curving.

  Held high
[in blessing]
for those who move
across the sky

  Is One Hand.
And One Hand
is set upon his hip.

  And One Hand
is resting on his thigh,
adorned so fine.

  One Hand
operates the goad.
And Two Hands

  Hold his fine black shield
and spins his spear
to the right.
One Hand

  Is placed above
his chest
just so.
And One Hand

  Is beautiful
as it touches his garland.
One Hand,

  It's bracelets fall below,
while raised up high
its whirling round.
One Hand

  Rings a bell
that's singing sweetly.
One Hand

  Makes the sky of blue
shower drops of plenty.
And One Hand

  Adorns
the divine bride
of the heavens
with her wedding garland.

  Just like that...
those twelve hands
tend to act.

  On high
many instruments
resounding.
Strong and seasoned
horns are playing
with its pitch that's swelling.
And white conch
shells are sounding

  As his mighty war-drum
thunders
inspiring fear.

  His densely
feathered peacock
and flag of conquest
sing out,

  And he figures
that the sky
will be
the quickest route
to take.

World renowned
and towering high
is its sublime glory.

  Thus,
his going to Alaivay
with its changeless
quality.
And not only there

 

Tiru Avinankudi
The Fine and Auspicious Settlement of Avi

 

  They
whose dress
is of stitched bark
And grand are

  They
whose pure white hair...
spirals to the right,
like conch shells.

  They
who are devoid of blemish
and have a form that shimmers,
with a deer's

  hide that covers
a breast
that's cast aside
it's food.

  They
whose bodies
are like skeletons
that have leapt up
to wander.
At auspicious times...

  They
won't eat
for many days.
Rancor

  and wrath
purged from
their minds.
The erudite,

  learned in all lore,
can't conceive of what
these Knowers know.
These learned ones,

  [reaching]
the limits [of knowledge],
have become the guides.
Passion

  and arrant anger,
these Seers
set to sever.
Sorrow

  in any measure
is unknown to
their character.
Having apt

  disdain
as insight,
These sages,
are the first to enter.

  [The Gandharvas],
They with clothing...
pure and immaculate,
seems like smoke
gathered about them.

  Their bodies,
they are mantled,
with buds poised
to bloom wide-open.

  Its strings are set
to suit the ear.

  Noble lutes,
that recite
the mercy
of the heart.

  As they approach
with tender words,
and strum
its sweetened strings.

  They with bodies
composed without affliction.
A mango trees'

  sparkling shoot
resembles their corporeal form.
The abiding shimmer

  of the gold-streaked touchstone
resembles their beauty marks.
With sweet gems

  aplenty
held up by
thighs
that slope and rise.

  Without fault
or without blemish
these Gandharavas,
they do shine.

  With poison
hidden in the holes
of its whitened fangs,

  its breath like fire,
it terrifies,
such is its mighty strength.

  The snake
is killed by the ruthless beating
of his richly stripped
and bending wings...

  The bird
borne by
the long banner,
of the Wealthy One.
With a white bull

  [upon his banner]
where his victory [was won],
many praise
his hearty shoulder,

  [where] Uma,
joined with him,
appears.
While his three eyes,
unblinking,

  who destroyed the triple fort:
This great and indignant
other Wealthy Lord.

  A thousand times ten multiplied,
[the number] of his eyes.
A hundred, the many

  Yagnas,
he completed victoriously,
[causing] the devastating conquest
[of all his enemies].

  Two and two multiplied:
its tusks that are held high,
beautifully it roams [wide],

  with its large broad hand
hanging low...
his elephant so tall.

  He climbs upon its neck,
and Tiru is jubilant,
[the great lord Indra],
the other Wealthy One.

  Four great gods
[watch over]
the fine hamlets,
of this well formed

  world.
Unified in the doctrine
of acting as its guard.

  Many people
praised the three,
so they'd become
the leaders [once again].

  Appearing
in the world,
to [resume]
its defense.

  Born of the lotus
in an era without pain,

  the Four-faced One
is thus presented,
to have a glimpse
[of him].

  Appearing in the daylight
with no difference in vision,

  of four different natures,
the thirty-three [gods],

  and the 9 X 2
[are there]
for those who acquire
the higher state.

  They appear
as though
the stars
were in bloom.
Or as a gathering of fishes,

  like wind,
moves across
the stormy [seas].
As a gust of wind

  upon a flame which is stoked up,
is just like these
Mighty Ones.
Or as a fire-kindling...

  bolt of lightening,
thunders like their voice.
Sublime

  are these Keepers of Justice,
who heed [our] lamenting
and stand
at his side.

  They who hover
[up] in the sky
gather together
to see...

  the woman
free of suffering,
whose doctrine
[is chastity.]
Some days,

  with her at Avinankudi
moving about
he tends to be.

  And not only there...

 

Tiru Erakam
Tiru's Place of Beauty

 

  They are unfailing
in character,
having adopted the 2 X 3

  Their two parents
are deigned
to hail from
the many
various ancient clans.

  6 X 4 when doubled
are the treasured years
of their youth,

  passing time
upon the path,
with the doctrine
that speaks of truth.

  Where three types
are outlined,
the bounty
of fires three,

  of which the Twice Born
know the [proper] time
[and know] just what to say.

  With nine threads strung
as three minute strands,

  Their cloth,
still wet,
dries
as they dress,

  and they salute
with their [folded] hands
raised to the peak..
They praise him

  with the six letters
containing
the rare scriptures' word. 

  Their broad tongues
utter [the name],
from all sides
[of their mouth.]

  And they hold in their hands
fragrant blossoms
[imbued] with its own
perfume.
They are so very joyous...

  as he has his abode
at Erakam.

  And not only there...

 

Kunru Thoru Aadal
The Dance of Each and Every Hill

  Fresh vines,
with fragrant greens
placed between,
[adorn] the Wielder of the Spear...

  There's
a lovely bunch
of Puttil seeds
mixed in...
With Wild Jasmine and

  White Kuthalam blossoms
strung as a wreath
[and set atop his head];

  They have
scented sandal
smeared bright
upon their
distinguished chests:

  Rough working
hill tribe men,
who hunt with skillful bow.

  With their
sweet honey-brew,
fermented
in long bamboo,

  He is happy
with his rustic
mountain kin.

  With their little drum,
the Tondakam,
they rejoice
and dance in circles
holding hands. 

  Fingered to unfold
[so they exude]
a matchless
fragrant air

  Are the blossoms
where the bee is resting,
from the deep mountain spring,
in the wreath [that adorns his head].

  They have woven garlands,
and have trussed up their hair

  Tied it with cannabis leaves
and its aromatic flowers,

  They've placed
in between
white bunches of blossoms
of the red-trunked Katambu tree.

  And the beetle nibbles at
their large leaf skirts,
strung beautiful and cool

  Dressing
their swaying hips
in a girdle that refines

  Like peacocks,
these maids of
innocent design.

  The Red One;
He with Red Robes;
The One
with the red-trunked

  Ashoka's
cool budding leaves
hanging from his ears;

  The One
with the warrior's girdle;
The One
with war-anklets on;
and the One
with a wreath of Vetchi blossoms;

  He with the flute;
He with the horn;
He with many small instruments [to play on];

  The One who [rides] the ram;
The one [astride] the peacock;
The One with the rooster,
lovely and perfect,

  upon his flag;
The tall One;
The One wearing an
armlet upon his shoulder...

  With a gathering
of sweet voiced [maids]
[sounding] as if
lutes were played.

  A vision,
fragrant and cool,
is his bespeckled

  garment,
tied about the waist,
so as to touch the ground.

  His arms,
broad as mridangam drums,
are typically raised high...

  to embrace
the many
soft-shouldered fawns,
and to lead [them]

  in the dance,
as he always does,
atop each and every hill.

And not only there...

Om Tat Sat

                                                        

(Continued...)                                                                                                                              

(My humble  salutations to the great devotees ,  wikisources  and Pilgrimage tourist guide for the collection )