Thai Pusam Festival

Thaipusam is an important festival dedicated to Lord Muruga or Kartikeya. Thaipusam 2011 falls on thursday, the 20th January 2011.  Let us learn more about this important Hindu festival and its significance. 

Lord Murugan

Thaipusam [தைப்பூசம்] is a Hindu festival celebrated mostly by the Tamil community on the full moon in the Tamil month of Thai [January/February]. It is celebrated not only in countries where the Tamil community constitutes a majority, but also in countries where the Tamil community is a minority, such as Singapore and Malaysia. 

The festival is also referred to as Thaipooyam or Thaippooyam[Malayalam: തൈപ്പൂയം, Taippūyaṁ]

The word Thaipusam is derived from the month name Thai and Pusam, which refers to a star that is at its highest point during the festival. The festival commemorates the occasion when Parvati gave Murugan a vel [spear] so he could vanquish the evil demon Soorapadman. There is a misconception among people that Thaipusam marks Murugan's birthday; however, it is believed that Vaikhasi Vishakam, which falls in the Vaikhasi month [May/June], is Murugan's birthday.


The Legends associated with Thaipusam:

Kartikeya.:

Vel Myth:

Kanda [or Murugan] was created during one of the battles between the Asuras. or to be more specific Surapadman) and the Devas.  At one point, the latter were defeated several times by the former. The Devas were unable to resist the onslaught of the Asura forces. In despair, they approached Shiva and entreated to give them an able leader under whose heroic leadership they might obtain victory over the Asuras. They surrendered themselves completely and prayed to Shiva. Shiva granted their request by creating the mighty warrior, Skanda, out of his own power or Achintya Shakti. He at once assumed leadership of the celestial forces, inspired them and it is belived that Lord Murugan killed the Tarakasuran during the Pusam star of the month Thai. Hence it led to the celebration of Thai Pusam.

This festival is celebrated with much fervor everywhere in Tamilnadu.

People walk in groups the land to Palani with Kavadis to get the darshan of Lord Murugan during Thai pusam.

The curse imparted on Lord Murugan:

Lord Shiva-Parvathi with Murugan

Lord Shiva was providing an important mantra to Parvathi. Lord Murugan eavesdropped this. When mother Parvathi became aware of this, she cursed Lord Murugan. Lord Murugan, realizing his guilt prayed for apology. Parvathi, pleased by this, appeared with Shiva before Lord Murugan and forgave him. The day that Parvathi appeared before Murugan is celebrated as Thai Pusam.


The Cosmic dance:

Cosmic Dance of Lord Shiva

Another legend is that Shiva and Parvathi were involved on a cosmic dance during this period, which led to the celebration of Thai Pusam.

The Kaveri legend:

The Kaveri Legend

River Kaveri fed up with the entire attention river Ganga was receiving, prayed to Lord Vishnu. So Lord Vishnu appeared and blessed her on Thai pusam.

Kavadi

Kavadi Attam is a dance performed by the devotees during the ceremonial worship of Murugan, the Tamil God of War.  It is often performed during the festival of Thaipusam and emphasizes debt bondage. The Kavadi itself is a physical burden through which the devotees implore for help from the God Murugan.

Kavadi

Generally, Hindus take a vow to offer a kavadi to idol for the purpose of tiding over or averting a great calamity. For instance, if the devotee's son is laid up with a fatal disease, he would pray to Shanmuga to grant the boy a lease of life in return for which the devotee would take a vow to dedicate a kavadi to Him

Preparations

Devotees prepare for the celebration by cleansing themselves through prayer and fasting approx-48 days before Thaipusam. Kavadi-bearers have to perform elaborate ceremonies at the time of assuming the kavadi and at the time of offering it to Murugan. The kavadi-bearer observes celibacy and take only pure, Satvik food, once a day, while continuously thinking of God.

Kavadi Rituals

On the day of the festival, devotees will shave their heads and undertake a pilgrimage along a set route while engaging in various acts of devotion, notably carrying various types of kavadi. At its simplest this may entail carrying a pot of milk, but mortification of the flesh by piercing the skin, tongue or cheeks with vel skewers is also common.

Kavadi Attam

The simplest kavadi is a semicircular decorated canopy supported by a wooden rod that is carried on the shoulders, to the temple. In addition, some have a small spear through their tongue, or a spear through the cheeks. The spear pierced through his tongue or cheeks reminds him constantly of Lord Murugan. It also prevents him from speaking and gives great power of endurance. 

Kavadi

Kavadi

Other types of kavadi involve hooks stuck into the back and either pulled by another walking behind or being hung from a decorated bullock cart or more recently a tractor, with the point of incisions of the hooks varying the level of pain. The greater the pain the more god-earned merit.

Theppam or the Float Festival

Theppam or the Float Festival is celebrated with much zeal and enthusiasm in all the Murugan Temples all over the world.  

Theppam or Float Festival in Kapaleeshwarar Temple,Mylapore

This annual Float Festival called Theppam during Thai Poosam,  in the Kapaleeshwarar tank is held normally for three days starting from Thai PoosamThe East Mada Street throngs with devotees on the three days beginning from Thai poosam. 

Even youngsters gather in large numbers to take a look at the moving theppam. One can find mothers telling stories to their kids and old people in search of serenity etc.  Such is the prevailing atmosphere during this festival. 

The First Day of Theppam Festival

Theppam Festival 

On the first day, Kapaleeswarar and Karpagambal are taken on the float. On the second day, Murugan with Valli Devyanai are taken. The float is constructed on several barrels. Vedic scholars and musicians travel along with the float which goes for three rounds starting after dusk and ending around 9-30 p.m. Here are some images of the second day of 2010. 

The Decorated Float

A Closer View of the Float Festival

The Float  illuminated during Theppam Festival

After a long gap,he temple authorities have taken steps to get the float festival going and the said temple tank is having plenty of water only for the last two years. 

It is said that during the theppam , the lord showers his grace on the aquatic beings through his presence in the water. The presiding deity, Kapaleeshwara is decorated and placed in the float which sails thrice around the tank.  The float is illuminated with bright lamps, and the entire tank sparkle for all the three evenings. It is indeed a wonderful sight for one and all to witness this joyous festival.  

Celebrations

ThaiPusamFestival Crowd in Palani Temple

Devotees in Palani Temple

Pada-Yatra to Palalni Temple for ThaiPusam

In Palani, Tamil Nadu, India, Thousands of devotees flock to Palani and attend kavadi. According to the info,  "The number of kavadis reaching Palani for Thai Pusam is about 10,000. For Pankuni Uttiram, 50,000 kavadis arrive. It is kavadi to your right, kavadi to your left, kavadi in front of you, kavadi behind you, kavadi above you and kavadi below you.

Haripad Subramanyaswamy Temple- ThaiPusam

In Haripad Subramayaswami Temple, Alapuzha, Kerala, is famous for Kavadiyattom. Almost 5000 kavadis coming to the temple from many temples in the locality.

ThaiPusam in Vaikom,Kerala

In Vaikom, Kerala, India,  Thai Pusam festival is conducted with Kaavadis at Udayanapuram Subramanya temple. Devotees take panchamritha kaavadi, paal kaavadi, bhasma kaavadi, etc.

In Karamamana, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India, Thai Pusam festival is conducted at Satyavageeswara temple. The utsava moorthy is taken in procession on a vahanam [mount]. There is nel [Paddy] parai alappu or Nel alavu, as a ritual performed for good luck and prosperity.


Please click on the link to whatch the Video of the Karamana ThaiPusam Festival, Kerala:

In Nallur, Jaffna, Sri Lanka, Thai Pusam festival is conducted at Nallur Kandhasamy Temple. Many Tamil devotees irrespective of religion take part in celebrations. Even Tamils from Roman Catholic faith and Muslims take part in Thai Pusam celebrations and take Kavadis

Outside India

The largest Thai Pusam celebrations take place in Singapore Mauritius, and Malaysia. It is a public holiday throughout the whole Malaysia.

Thai Pusam Festival - Batu Caves, Malaysia

The temple at Batu Caves,  near Kuala Lumpur,  often attracts over one million devotees and tens of thousands of tourists. The procession to the caves starts at the Sri Mahamariamman Temple, Kuala Lumpur in the heart of the city and proceeds for 15 kilometers to the caves, an 8-hour journey culminating in a flight of 272 steps to the top. 

Thaipusam in Gunong,Ipoh

Lime-Kavadi-Another form of Worship

Thaipusam is also celebrated at another cave site, the Sri Subramaniar Temple in Gunong Cheroh,Ipoh, Perak  and at the Nattukottai Chettiar Temple along Jalan Waterfall in Penang.  Temple secretary P. Palaiya Sri Subramaniar Temple in Gunong Cheroh reports that about 250,000 devotees participate every year  in this festival, which  includs 300 kavadi bearers, while 15,000 come with milk offerings.

Although rare, scenes of people from different ethnic groups and faiths bearing "kavadi" can also be seen in Malaysia. Thaipusam is also increasingly being celebrated by the ethnic Chinese in Singapore and Malaysia. 

Thai Pusam in Singapore

In Singapore, Hindu devotees start their procession at the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple  in the early morning, carrying milk pots as offerings or attaching "Kavadis" to their bodies.  The procession travels for 4 kilometres before finishing at the Tank Road Temple. The devotees are usually accompanied by supporters who cheer to keep their morale high.

Devotees at ThaiPusam,Singapore

Kavadi-PaalKodam in Singapore

This temple is the starting point for devotees during the annual Thaipusam festival. Devotees, their tongues and cheeks pierced by great metal skewers supporting Kavadi [cage-like constructions decorated with wire and peacock feathers], make their way to the Chettiar Hindu Temple on Tank Road in this colourful procession. This is done in gratitude or supplication to Lord Murugan. 

Kavadi- in Singapore 

" Vel Vel Vetri Vel "

For more info on this year Thai Pusam, you may click on the link below:

http://www.hindu.com/2011/01/04/stories/2011010457720600.htm

MURUGAN TEMPLES IN THE OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD -BATUMALAI SRI SUBRAMANIASWAMY TEMPLE, MALAYSIA

Batu Caves is a limestone hill, which has a series of caves and cave temples, located in Gombak district, 13 km north of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It takes its name from the Sungai Batu or Batu River, which flows past the hill. Batu Caves is also the name of the nearby village. The cave is one of the most popular Hindu shrines outside India, dedicated to God Murugan. It is the focal point of the annual Thaipusam festival in Malaysia and attracts over more than 1.5 million pilgrims, making it one of the largest gatherings in history.

HISTORY Batu Caves is said to be around 400 million years old. When the caves were in a pristine state before 1860, several of the 18 cave mouths were used by the indigenous Besisi people (also referred to as Orang Asli) as transit shelters when they went out hunting from their jungle hamlets. As early as 1860, Chinese settlers began excavating guano for fertilising their vegetable patches. However, they became famous only after the limestone hills were found by American Naturalist, William Hornaday in 1878. Batu Caves is said to have been discovered by K. Thamboosamy Pillai, an Indian trader, in the 1800s. He was inspired by the 'vel'-shaped entrance of the main cave and was inspired to dedicate a temple to Lord Muruga located within the caves.

Religious Site In 1891, Pillai, who also founded the Sri Mahamariamman Temple, Kuala Lumpur, installed the murti (consecrated statue) of Sri Subramania Swamy in what is today known as the Temple Cave. Since 1892, the Thaipusam festival in the Tamil month of Thai (which falls in late January/early February) has been celebrated there.

Wooden steps up to the Temple Cave were built in 1920. Of the various cave temples that comprise the site, the largest and best known is the Temple or Cathedral Cave, so named because it houses several Hindu shrines beneath its 100 m vaulted ceiling.

Rising almost 100 m above the ground, Batu Caves actually consists of three main caves and a few smaller ones. The biggest, referred to as Cathedral Cave or Temple Cave, has a 100 m-high ceiling, and features ornate Hindu shrines. To reach it, visitors have to climb a steep flight of 272 steps. At the base of the hill are two more cave temples, Art Gallery Cave and Museum Cave, both of which are full of Hindu statues and paintings. Many of the shrines relate the story of Lord Murugan's victory over demon Soorapadam. An audio tour is available to visitors. The walk to the entrance is itself quite a pleasant experience through a lake and ponds filled with hundreds of colourful fish. The Ramayana Cave occurs to the extreme left as one faces the sheer wall of the hill. On the way to the Ramayana Cave, 50-foot (15 m) tall murti of Hanuman and a temple dedicated to Hanuman, the noble monkey devotee and aide of Lord Rama. The consecration ceremony of the temple was held on November 2001.

The Ramayana Cave depicts the story of Rama in a chronicle manner quite effectively. The cave is well lit and allows the visitor to stroll leisurely viewing the depictions along the irregular walls of the cave. One might experience the feeling that one is strolling through the giant intestines of the mighty demon, Kumbhakarann, brother of King Ravana of Lanka. A 42.7m (130 feet high) high statue of Lord Muruga was unveiled in January 2006, having taken 3 years to construct. It is the tallest Lord Muruga statue in the world.

FESTIVALS

Batu Caves serves as the focus of the Hindu community's yearly Thaipusam festival. It has become a pligrimage site for not only Malaysian Hindus, but Hindus worldwide from countries such as India, Australia and Singapore. A procession begins in the wee hours of the morning on Thaipusam from the Sri Mahamariamman Temple, Kuala Lumpur leading up to Batu Caves as a religious undertaking to Lord Muruga lasting eight hours. Devotees carry containers containing milk as offering to Lord Muruga either by hand or in huge decorated carriers on their shoulders called 'kavadi'. The kavadi may be simple wooden arched semi-circular supports holding a carrier foisted with brass or clay pots of milk or huge, heavy ones which may rise up to two metres, built of bowed metal frames which hold long skewers, the sharpened end of which pierce the skin of the bearers torso. The kavadi is decorated with flowers and peacock feathers imported from India. Some kavadi may weigh as much as a hundred kilograms. After a bath in the nearby Sungei Batu (Rocky River), the devotees wend their way to the Temple Cave and with remarkable endurance they climb the flights of stairs to the temple in the cave. Devotees use the wider centre staircase while worshippers and onlookers throng up and down those balustrades off on either side. When the kavadi bearer arrives at the foot of the 272 step stairway leading up to the Temple Cave, the devotee has to make the arduous climb against gravity- against the press of the bustling masses. Priests attend to the kavadi bearers. Consecrated ash is sprinkled over the hooks and skewers piercing the devotees flesh before they are removed. No blood is shed during the piercing and removal. In 2007, the festival attracted more than 1.5 million pilgrims, making it one of the largest gatherings in history.

Administration

Batu Malai Sri Subramaniar Temple is managed by the Board of Management of Sri Maha Mariamman Temple Devasthanam, which also manages the Sri Mahamariamman Temple, Kuala Lumpur and the Kortumalai Pillaiyar Temple. It also performs the role of Hindu Religious Consultant to the Government of Malaysia in determining the Hindu yearly calendar

With this, my Chapters on Murugan Temples/Sthalams comes to an end. My next postings will be on Shakthi Sthalams/Temples.

MURUGAN TEMPLE IN KERALA - SREE SUBRAMANYA SWAMI TEMPLE

The Sree Subramanya Swami Temple, Thazhakkara and the diety “Shadadhara Parathishta” of Lord Murugan has a historical presence of over 1000 years. Lord Murugan, assuming a human form representing a diety, holding a spig of paddy and Fire (Torch) showers blessings on his devotees. The Lord carrying spig of paddy is interpreted as the custodian of wealth. The Lord is a great protector of his devotees and healer of physical and mental ailments. He protects each and every part of the body of his devotees and even the powerful Navagrahas would be passive because of his grace. He Himself is said to have told Naradan, "Those who have sought refuge in Me have no fear, they won't be left with any needs; those who are devoted to Me have no enemies, they have no diseases...". The temple stands as a symbol of cultural heritage, communal harmony and prosperity of the region. It is surrounded by rich greenery. Very recently, the temple has undergone several physical and spiritual renovations. It has attained the aura of a great temple. There is massive increase in number of pilgrims. The tide of devotees on shashti days is an evidence for this. Those who visit this website (given below) are requested to conduct a pilgrimage to the temple and experience the grace of Lord Subrahmanya Swamy. The permanent assets of land, pond and 'sarpa kavu' of this temple is spread over an area of over 1.75 acres. The temple is under the administrative control of ‘Haindava Seva Samithi , a body registered under the 12th Travancore-Cochin Literary Science Charitable Act of 1955. History According to the Astrological Enquiry/search [Devaprasnam], this temple was built by a Yogeeswaran over thousand years ago. In the early rears, the temple was under Edapally Elangur Swarupam. Later the title of the temple was found handed over to the Waryath family. The temple had under its possession lots of moveable and immovable assets. Though the administration of the temple was under the Waryath family, major festivals were planned and managed by the Thazakkara No:71. N.S.S. Karayogam. In 1979, the temple was taken over by Sree Subrahmanya Haindava Seva Samithi.

• Milestones
• 20-06-1979 - Formation of Haindava Seva Samithi
• 23-06-1982 - Ayyappa Temple
• 22-04-1999 - Puna Prathishta & upa devadas
• 04-05-2001 - Dhwaja Prathishta & Jeevatha
• 18-01-2003 - Nalambalam
• 19-01-2003 - Devi Temple
• 04-02-2004 - Ganapathi Temple & Pradakshina track
• During 2005-06 -Total of 42 cents of land, adjacent to the temple, has been acquired in 4 phases
• Feb 2006 - Laying of granite slabs(Krishna shila) around Sreekovil

TEMPLE ADDRESS

Sree Subrahmanya Swami Temple, Thazhakara.P.O, MavelikaraAlappuzha Dist. Kerala India - 690102. Phone: 91 479 2305321

Email: mail@thazhakara.org

Web : www.thazhakara.org

OTHER MURUGAN TEMPLES IN TAMILNADU - TIRUPPORUR MURUGAN TEMPLE

The Tirupporur Murugan Temple is considered as the place of the sacred war. It is one of the 33 major temples of Tamil Nadu and is dedicated to Lord Muruga. This temple is situated 25-km away from Chingleput and 45-km from Chennai. This ancient temple dates back to the Pallava period.The Tirupporur Murugan Temple is called by names like Poriyur or Yuddhapuri or Samarapuri. According to the legends, after defeating Soorapadman at Tiruchendur, Skanda destroyed the rest of the demons at Tirupporur. History of The Temple In the temple there are inscriptions that belong to the early 10th century. There are inscriptions also belonging to the period of Vikrama Chola of the 12th century in the temple. After the glory of Tirupporur reached its peak, it faded into oblivion for some time. But Chidambara Swamigal rediscovered and renovated its glory in the middle of the seventeenth century. It is said that Tirupporur was a descendant of one of the poets of the "Tamil Sangam" of Madurai. Previously this place was a forest covered totally by Palmyra trees. It is believed that the idol of Lord Muruga (also spelt as Murugan) is "Swayambhu Murti", which lay covered up by an anthill. It is said that the image of 'Skanda' was discovered by Chidambara Swamigal in the anthill. He then built the temple again and reinstalled the image. Later the temple was looked after by the decedents of Chidambara Swamigal and reached its present glory. The Legend Related to the Temple The Tirupporur Murugan Temple has many legends related to it. According to one of the legends, Lord Vishnu and his consort Lakshmi were subjected to the curse of Kanva rishi. Lord Shiva came to this place to liberate and relieve them from the effect of the curse. Therefore at Tirupporur temple both Lord Shiva and his son Muruga are worshiped. According to the Sthalapurana, Lord Muruga with his consorts Valli and Devayanai granted protection to devas and explained the meaning of Pranava to Agastya Muni at this place. Other legend says, Skanda described the principle of pranava or reality to the devas here. The very concept of Pranavam is said to have worshiped Skanda here, and the hill behind the temple is known as "Pranava Malai'. Legends also say that Lord Vishnu worshiped Shiva as "Vanmeekeswara" on the Pranava Hill. He did this to get rid of the sin of having killed Soorapadman. Skanda is enshrined in several forms in this temple, all of them related to legends from the Skanda Puranam. The best of these is the depiction of Skanda as a warrior, "Samhara Subramanya". Skanda is also enshrined in the form of a child, explaining the meaning of the oneness of creation Om to his father Lord Shiva. Architecture of The Temple The eastern side of the temple is sanctum sanctorum where there's a 'Palmyra' tree. The anthill under it, has "Kanda Perumal" with "Valli" and "Devayanai" on a small Peetha. Chidambara Swamigal used to perform Abhishekam to these images. There's an image of the lord present in the anthill which is covered with Kavacha and other jewels without the ritual of Abhishekam (also spelt as Abhisheka) performed for this deity. The temple has a hall having 24-pillars and another circular hall having 30-pillars. There is a shrine to "Vembadi Vinayaka" under a Neem tree. On the southern side of the temple, there are two sacred Teerthams (also spelt as Teerthas or Theertahs), "Saravana Poigai" and "Valliyar Odai". Mandapam on the eastern side of the Teerthams has four pillars. There is also another Teertham by name "Pranavamritam". Worship The presiding deity here is offered four worship services each day. Festivities The temple festival celebrated here is the Skanda Sashti, celebrated in the month of Aippasi (October-November). Other festivals that are celebrated over here include "Margazhi Tiruvadirai" and "Navaratri". How to Reach the Tirupporur Murugan Temple

• Air: Nearest airport is Chennai, which operates both national and international flights
• Rail: Chennai is the nearest railway station, which is a major junction and is well connected with different parts of Tamilnadu and India.
• Road: Tirupporur is accessible by road from Chennai and Chengalpattu. Private taxis and buses ply from Chennai and Chengalpattu to Tirupporur.

OTHER MURUGAN TEMPLES IN TAMILNADU - VALLI MALAI MURUGAN TEMPLE

VALLI MALAI MURUGAN TEMPLE

Virali Malai Location: It is located at 40kms from Pudukottai and 30kms from Trichy in the Trichy-Madurai main road.

Siddas, Saints and Other Devotees: This is the place where Arunagirinathar attained Astama siddhi. When Arunagirinathar stayed in Vayalur, Muruga came in his dream and asked him to come to Virali malai saying, "Yemmai pugazhndu paada yamuraiyum Viralimalaikku varuga". Anrunagirinathar sung 16 Tirupugazh songs on Virali malai Murugan. Also Vasishtar and his wife Arundathi got Sapa Vimochana by worshipping Viralimalai Murugan. (There is a story behind this.. Arundathi is one of the Karthigai matha who took care of Muruga in his childhood. All the other five fed milk to kulandai murugan but only she didnt give milk. On seeing this Vasishtar got angry and punished her(Saapam). On seeing this Muruga got angry and he inturn gave saapam to Vasishtar). Also Kachiappa Munivar(Father of Soorapadman) and Naradar also got Saapa Vimochanam from this Murugan. As a proving factor for these facts, ther are carvings for Vasishtar, Arundathi and Naradar on pillars. During the Uchi kala Pooja Suruttu(Large size Cigarette) is kept with the padayal for this Murugan. For this, there is a story: A devotee had the habbit of smoking Suruttu. During a rainy season he thought Muruga would felt cold and he kept Suruttu for Muruga. On seeing his bakthi Muruga got happy and from that day Suruttu is kept with padayal during the Uchi Kala Pooja Sannidis in Virali malai:

On the way to the mountain, there is an Arumugan sannidi in a mandapa called Sandana kottam. And there is a Sannidi for Idumban and also for Meenakshi Sundaresar which is carved inside a single rock . There are 207 steps to reach the temple. In the prakara, Vinayagar, Dakshina murthy, Agasthiar, Arunagirinathar, Sandigeswarar and Bairavar are there. The Moolavar Viralimalai Murugan is with 6 faces and 12 hands, sitting on Peacock. On the two sides Valli and Deivayanai are there.

Festivals and Poojas:

Chitra Pournami, Sangabishekam, Vaikasi Visakam, Adi Karthigai, Kanda Sasti, Tai Poosam, Masio Karthigai, Magabishekam and Panguni Uthiram are celebrated grantly here. Taip pusam, Pankuni Uttiram, Kanda Sasthi and Adikrittikai are the main festivals as in other Murugan temples.

MURUGAN TEMPLES - AARUPADAI VEEDU - PAZHAMUTHIRCHOLAI

Pazhamuthircholai is situated 19 kilometres from the temple town of Madurai. The place is full of natural beauty and sylvan surroundings. This hill is also known as Vrishabhadri or Idabagiri. At the foot of the hill is situated Azhakar Kovil, which is one among the 108 divyadesams sanctified by the hymns of Azhwars sung in praise of the Vishnu enshrined in this temple. Atop the hill Lord Muruga stands majestically in the temple as the Lord of the Hills popularly known as Kurinji Nilakkizhavan in Tamil. The temple of Pazhamuthircholai can be reached by a motorable road leading to the hill.

Pazhamuthircholai is mentioned as the sixth of Lord Murugan's Aaru Patai Vidukal, the six holiest Murugan shrines described by Cankam poet Nakkirar in his poem Tirumurukarruppatai. Regarding the identity of the sixth major site, there is no consensus among scholars and many local temples are ascribed the distinction. Most scholars, priests and devotees identify Pazhamutircholai with the shrine of Palamutircolai, twelve miles north of Madurai in the Alagar Hills, above the Alagarcoil Vishnu temple. While this temple is not as large or bustling as the other five recognized shrines, it is just as incredible to visit.

This shrine is located on the northern outskirts of Madurai in a pleasant wooded hill not far from Alagar Visnu Kovil, a fortified temple complex revered as one of the 108 abodes of Vishnu glorified by the hymns of the Alwars. At the top of the hill, is Noopura Ganga, a perennial waterfall with a temple dedicated to Rakkayi Amman. The Nûpura Ganga atop the hill is said to originated from the anklet of Tirumal or Visnu and hence the name of the spring. It is said that sitting in the madavi mandapa near the spring Ilangovadigal wrote one of the five mahakavyas in Tamil, viz., Silappathikaram. Even today the place is very fertile with many trees and different flora and fauna, a standing testimony to the vivid description of the place's natural beauty as found in Tirumurugattruppadai of Nakkeerar.

Though the sthala is of ancient origin, the temple as in existence today was constructed only recently. From days of yore Vel has been worshipped as the moolavar or main deity. The idol of Lord Muruga in a standing posture has a single face and four hands with Valli and Deyvayanai on both sides. The Vel made up of stone is of special significance and is worshipped with a great veneration by devotees.

The sthala vriksha is a rose apple tree. The fruits of this tree ripen during Skanda Sashti festival. The temple that was in existence during Sangam period no longer existed in Arunagirinatha's time. The recently constructed temple is considered as Pazhamuthircholai and worshipped by the devotees. It is needless to say that it is one of the six abodes of Lord Muruga very extensively praised and described by Nakkeerar in Tirumurugatruppadai. Arunagirinathar also reveres this shrine in his Tiruppugazh. Arunagirinatha sang 16 Tiruppugazh psalms to Pazhamuthircholai Muruga. Though one might be in possession of all types of wealth, if he wants to lead a healthy life bereft of any disease he should necessarily visit Pazhamuthircholai. Arunagirinatha very emphatically says in the most unequivocal terms that Lord Muruga should come before him running to bless each and everyone with health and wealth as has been very clearly described in the Tiruppugazh psalm. Not far from Pazhamuthircholai south of Madurai is the Aaru Padai Veedu, Tirupparankunram.

MURUGAN TEMPLES - AARUPADAI VEEDU - THIRUTHANI

The beautiful temple of Lord Muruga at Tiruttani crowns a single rock 700 feet above sea level. It is situated amidst a range of hills with a dramatic panoramic view. This sacred place is on the Madras-Bombay route, 13 kilomters from Arkonam and 84 kilometers from Madras. Around this town are famous religious places such as Kancheepuram (Banares of the South) on the South, Sholingar and Vallimalai on the West, the popular and renowned pilgrimage centre, Tirupati (otherwise called Balaji) and Kalahasti (with its Vayu Lingam) on the North and Tiruvalangadu (of puranic fame) with Lord Nataraja on the East.

Greatness of Tirutanikai Puranic Importance Of Lord Murugan's six Padaiveedus, Tirutanikai ranks prominent as the crown jewel of our Lord. As its very name indicates, when we propitiate our Lord in this holy shrine, He blesses us with mental peace and bodily happiness. His righteous indignation towards the asuras for their cruelty is said to have been quelled and cooled at this place which is, therefore, known as Shantipuri (Abode of Peace). As the prayers and desires of the devotees who worship our Lord Tanikesan on this hill with unserving faith and intense devotion are fulfilled in no time, this hill is also called Chanikasalam. When our Lord came to this hill after wedding Goddess Valli at Vallimalai, She implored Him to enlighten Her on the importance and greatness of this hill. In reply, our Lord said that if one worshipped Him with heart and soul for five consecutive days in this hill temple, that person would be blessed with all that is best in this life and hereafter. In Treta Yuga, Lord Rama, after putting an end to Ravana, worshipped Lord Siva at Rameswaram, at whose request Rama came to Tiruttani and found perfect peace of mind by worshipping our Lord Subrahmanya here. In Dwapara Yuga, Arjuna got the blessings of our Lord here by offering prayers to Him on his way to the South for Teertha Yatra (pilgrimage to take sacred immersion). Lord Vishnu prayed to our Lord at this place and got back His powerful Cakra (sacred wheel), Shanku (sacred conch), which were forcibly seized from Him by Tarakasura, brother of Soorapadma. Lord Brahma propitiated our Lord here at the holy spring (by the sides of the steps to the shrine) known as Brahmasonai after his imprisonment by our Lord for his failure to explain the Pranava ('Om' mantra) and got back his creative function of which he was deprived by our Lord due to his egotistic impudence in neglecting to worship Lord Subrahmanya on his way to Mount Kailasa to worship Lord Siva. Lord Indra planted and reared in the pool known as Indrasonai adjoining this hill temple the rare plant known as Karunkuvalai, which gave three flowers a day and worshipped our Lord thrice daily with these flowers and , thus, got back the precious wealth of Deva Loka such as Sanghaneeti, Padmaneeti, Chintamani, etc seized by the asura titan. Nanda Devi worshipped our Lord here on the bank of the Nandi River and got His peerless initiation to realize the unique relationship between the soul (jeevatma) and God (Paramatma), which is the quintessence of Saiva Siddhanta philosophy.

On worshipping our Lord at Thanikai, the king of snakes Vasuki got his bodily wounds healed, which had been caused during the churning process in the Milky Ocean to secure the Amrita (nectar of immortality) by the devas and asuras when the Mantotra Mountain was used as the churning base and the snake king Vasuki as the rope. Sage Agasthyar Muni (of Potikai Hill) worshipped our Lord at Tanikai when he was blessed with the rare divine gift of the ever-sweet peerless Tamil language, the beauty of which has been extolled by all the great saints and poets of Tamil Nadu.

Literary Importance

Apart from the puranic greatness of Tirutanikai, Saint Arunagirinathar, the illustrious devotee of Lord Muruga who lived 600 years ago, praised this hill as the chosen place for worship by devas and the favorite abode of saints performing prolonged tapas (austerities). He also compared this hill to Sivaloka (Bhuloka) and as the very soul of the world. Saint Ramalinga Swamigal (Arutprakasa Vallalar), who lived 150 years ago, was invited to come here by our Lord of Tanikai (seated on this hill) Who appeared before our saint in the mirror of his puja room at Madras after which the sour-stirring arutpa songs flowed from his lips in chaste Tamil like a torrential stream.

Sri Muttuswami Deekshitar, who lived 200 years ago (one of the trinity of carnatic music) had his inspiration in Tiruttani when our Lord (in the guise of an old man) met him on the steps and sweetened his tongue with the prasadam of this temple, which impelled him to sing his first song -- of course -- on Lord Murugan of Tanikai. Many a miraculous event takes place at this shrine from time to time by the grace of our Lord. Oh, how grand and glorious is our Lord Tanigesan on this sacred hill of ancient fame and name!

Specialities of Tiruttani Saravana Poikai The sacred tanks of the shrines of our Lord are all known as Saravanapoikai ('sacred pond of the reedy marsh' where Lord Karttikeya was born). The tank at Tiruttani, which (unlike in other places) is at the very foot of the hill, is particularly renowned for its sacred water (teertham) having curative effect for ailments both bodily and mental, as it is rich in minerals such as sulfur, iron, etc. A bath in this holy tank refreshes the devotee and makes him hale and healthy to propitiate our Lord with faith and devotion.

Sapta Rishi Teertham

At the lovely garden on the south side of this sacred hill amidst a thick cluster of shady trees and seven cool sprints, the Seven Rishis (who today form the Great Bear stellar constellation) are said to have worshipped Lord Muruga and the Sapta Kannikas (Seven Virgins) enshrined at this place in a tiny temple. On the outskirts of the Tiruttani town, on both sides of the Nandi River, are the ancient temples of Lord Vijayaragama Swami, Arumuga Swami and Veerateeswarar, the latter two of which are more than a thousand years old. In the temple of Arumuga Swami, there is soorya puja every year for three days in March when the rising sun is said to worship our Lord by casting its rays upon the holy Feet of the deity on the first day, Breast on the second day and Head on the third day through a hold in the wall, which reveals the marvellous intellect of the architects of ancient days.

Festivals

Besides the monthly Krittikais which attract a large number of devotees to this shrine, the two outstanding annual festivals are the Aadi Krittikai and the 31st of December New Year Step Festival.

Aadi Krittikai festival (in July-August) lasts for three days with Float Festival when lakhs and lakhs of devotees come to this holy place from far and near. The streets are thronged to the full. About one lakh and fifty thousand flower kavadis (which increase with each year) are offered to the deity. The sight of the devotees who carry them, uttering the sacred and inspiring "Haro Hara!" as they march and dance in long rows touches the very core of our hearts and makes us spellbound. One should see it to believe it.

December 31st Step Festival When the old (Gregorian) year is rung out and the New Year sets in (ie at the stroke of midnight on December 31st each year), lakhs of devotees are present on the sacred Tanikai hill to have the darshan of their Lord. They come to Tiruttani to offer their heart-felt prayers to our Lord on that day and night to be blessed with peace and plenty during the New Year. This festival came into vogue during the British Raj when the famous Vallimalai Swamigal persuaded his followers to offer their homage first to Lord Tanigesan, the giver of all good, and only then to their official bosses. On this day, numerous bhajana parties gather and ascend the hill, singing the melodious Tiruppugazh songs and burning camphor on each of the hill's 365 steps, one for each day of the New Year. The entire atmosphere is filled with the music of these devotional songs, which is a feast to the eyes and ears. The sight of the Vel Kavadi taken to the shrine by some devotees on this day with the thin, sharp ends pricked and pierced all over the body above the hip (in spite of which they carry it with ease and grace) inspires and elevates our thoughts to adore our Lord for His mighty, marvellous and miraculous powers.

• Devasthanam Amenities The following amenities have been provided by Tiruttani Devasthanam for the benefit and convenience of the public: Ghat Road for easy and speedy access to the temple with Devasthanam buses and vans plying the route; Self-contained, well-furnished Devasthanam cottages and rooms within easy reach of the temple; Kalyana Mandapams for performance of marriages;
• Kalyana Utsavam (wedding ceremony) may be performed for a nominal fee; A Golden Car (Thanga Ther) 18 feet in height guilded with nine kilos of gold and crafted with exquisite craftmanship may be taken out and pulled in procession around the temple upon payment;
• Pure cow's milk (for abhishekam) and other puja articles are sold at the Fair Price Shop;
• Publications, calendars, rosaries and souvenir momentos are availble for sale;
• Palliyarai Puja (to obtain His Grace in divine slumber) may be performed. On payment of a lump sum, the puja will be performed in perpetuity for one day each year from the accrued interest.
• Orphanage and Karunai Illam for poor, parentless boys who are given free meals, lodging, clothing, public education and other facilities;
• Sri Subramanya Swami Government Arts College at Tiruttani supported by Devasthanam donations;
• Siddha Vaidya Dispensary; and Dr. S. Radhakrishnan Library on the site of his birth in Tiruttani town. Muruga bhaktars who wish to stay in a traditional chattiram (pilgrim's rest) may stay at Nattukotta Chetty Chattiram (just above the Tiru Kulam). Accommodations are basic however; bring your own bedding. Ask for Mr. Muniyappa -- and consider making a modest donation when you leave. Nattukotta Chetty Chattiram is closely associated with Valli Malai Tiruppukazh Asramam and the Vallimalai Satchidananda Swamigal Tiruppukazh Sabha.