The Aarupadai Veedu of Lord Murugan
Lord Murugan, the cherished younger son of Shiva and Parvathi, is venerated in six sacred temples known as the Aarupadai Veedu. Though literally meaning “six battle camps,” these sites are profoundly significant to devotees. They are not only repositories of ancient Tamil culture and tradition but also the central focus of Murugan worship, making them his most holy abodes. There are numerous benefits of worshipping Lord Murugan in his six abodes like seeking divine blessings, pilgrimage, fulfilment of desires and protection from obstacles, cultural heritage, and spiritual unity.
1. Thiruparankundram
History: Dating back to the 8th century AD, Thiruparankundram stands as the foremost and most significant
temple dedicated to Lord Murugan. Revered as the “Southern Himalayas,” the hill behind the temple witnessed Lord Murugan’s victory over the demon Surapadman and his marriage to Devasena, Lord Indra’s daughter.
Notably, this temple also houses shrines for numerous other deities alongside its principal deity, Lord Subramanian.
Location: Thiruparankundram, Madurai district, TamilNadu Significances:
- Religiousfunctions, historical and cultural importance
- Architecturaland artistic monuments
- Dominatingrock hill
- LordMurugan in his sitting pose
- Shrinesof Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu face each other
- Beautifulpond within temple premises to feed fishes
- PlanetSun and Moon seen together inside temple
- Venueof Lord Murugan’s marriage with Devasena
- ShadasharaPadigal – six steps with carvings of Gods
- MachumuniSiddha’s Jeeva Samadhi
Benefits of visiting: Because Lord Murugan’s wedding was celebrated here, Thiruparankundram is a highly favoured location for marriage ceremonies, a tradition upheld by countless couples for generations.
2. Thiruchendur
History: Situated on the Bay of Bengal’s shore, Thiruchendur (town of victory) stands as Lord Murugan’s second sacred abode. Here, as Devasenapathy, the youthful Murugan vanquished the evil demon king. In addition to the primary deity, the temple complex features shrines dedicated to various other gods.
Location: Thiruchendur, Tirunelveli district, TamilNadu Significances:
- Theonly seashore temple of Lord Murugan so purification by bathing in the ocean.
- Nazhikinaru,a well in temple premises said to have healing properties due to its 9-teerthams(holy water)
- Vallicaves
- SkandaShasti festival
- Thaipoosamfestival
- PanguniUthiram festival
- Deivanai,the temple elephant
Benefits of visiting: Devotees attest to the miraculous power of the Thiruchendur Murugan Temple, citing numerous instances of answered prayers for health, prosperity, and well-being. The temple’s spiritual energy, combined with the serene environment and the strength of their faith, creates a profound sense of peace.
3. Palani
History: Situated at the highest point of Sivagiri (a hill), this temple is His third sacred abode. Legend
says that Narada, a wise sage, offered a “fruit of wisdom”(golden mango) to Shiva, who proposed a contest of circling the globe to both His children. Lord Murugan set off, while Lord Ganesh (His brother) circled his parents,
symbolizing the world, and won. Angered of cheating, Lord Murugan renounced his family and settled on this hill top, Palani. His parents pacified him, saying “Pazham Nee” (“You are the fruit”), hence the name Palani. Hence, the motto of the temple is “Renounce all to reach Him”
Location: Palani, Dindugul district, TamilNadu Significances:
- Worshippedas Lord Dhandayuthapani
- Navapashana(9-poisonous minerals)
- 6forms of His representation on daily
- Trailof 697
- Ahaulage Winch system to reach the
- SageBhogar
- Panchamirtham– a sweet made of 5 items that is given as an
- Rakkalasandalwood
- Tonsuring
- Highestincome through cash collection
- Kavadiand foot
- Celebratingall important annual functions of Lord
Benefits of visiting: Devotees can achieve fulfilment of wishes, spiritual cleansing, and inner peace through their visit.
4. Swami Malai
History: On the Cauvery River’s edge stands this 2nd-century temple,
the fourth abode of Lord Murugan. Here, the story of Murugan’s intellectual victory over Brahma unfolds. Challenging Brahma’s knowledge of the “OM” mantra and then teaching it to Shiva, Murugan is revered as Swaminathaswamy, the divine teacher.
Location: Swamimalai, Thanjavur district, TamilNadu Significances:
- Temple’s architecture of 60 steps to reach shrine represents 60 years of Tamil calendar cycle.
- Spiritualknowledge achieved through OM
- Historicaland architectural value
- Airavadham– an Elephant as His mount instead of a peacock
- Sacredtanks of water in and around
Benefits of visiting: Because of the story where Murugan teaches Shiva, this site is especially revered by devotees praying for knowledge and wisdom.
5. Thiruthani
History: As the location of Lord Murugan’s marriage to Valli, this fifth abode offers a profound connection to the divine. Representing Dravidian culture and history, the Thiruthani temple’s scenic hilltop setting provides a uniquely serene experience.
Location: Thiruthani, Thiruvallur district, TamilNadu Significances
- Placeof peace and solace to As Lord Murugan retired to Thiruthani after victory in the battle over the demon king.
- Has365 steps representing 365 days of a
- Spiritualambience and tranquil environment
- Culturaland historical value
- Marriagewith Goddess Valli
- Hashistory of Lord Vishnu, Lord Rama connected to this place
- Hostsseveral annual functions making it an spiritual attraction
Benefits of visiting: Devotees find peace and solace in Thiruthani, where Lord Murugan sought rest after battle, reminding them that tranquillity follows hardship. His marriage to Valli here also makes it a sacred place for couples seeking marital blessings.
5. Pazhamudhircholai
History: As the last abode of Lord Murugan, this temple has an
interesting backstory. Legend says Lord Murugan, disguised as a boy, tested the poet Avvaiyar under a fruit tree. He cleverly questioned her about “roasted” and “unroasted” fruits, revealing her
arrogance. Upon realizing his divine identity, Avvaiyar was blessed by Lord Murugan. The tree remains a site of veneration.
Location: Near Dindigul, Madurai district, TamilNadu Significances:
- Connectionwith Divine as well as nature
- Alsoknown as Solaimalai Murugan temple
- Vel, the spear of Lord Murugan was the presiding deity for manyyears
- Lord Murugan seen with both consort, Goddess Valli and Goddess
- NoopuraGanga – sacred spring on the top of the hill with medicinal benefits
- Naaval(Jamun)tree that yields fruits during festival seasons
Benefits of visiting: Devotees believe the almighty answers their prayers, alleviating suffering and fulfilling desires. They journey to this sacred place to seek Lord Murugan’s blessings for various needs, including weddings, children, and academic success.
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