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.

MURUGAN TEMPLES - AARUPADAI VEEDU - SWAMIMALAI

Swamimalai in the Chola Kingdom enshrines Swaminathan in a temple built on an artificial mound accessed through a flight of 60 steps symbolizing the 60 years that constitute the cycle of years in the Indian calendar.

Swamimalai is a sylvan village, situated about five kilometers west of Kumbakonam on the banks of a tributary of river Cauvery. The temple is situated very close to the bus stand and the railway station is about two kilometers away. It is well connected to and surrounded by important places like Kumbakonam, Tiruvidaimarutur, Mayiladuthurai, Papanasam, Tanjavur etc.

Mythology and History Swamimalai is fourth among the six padai veedu or sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Muruga. The presiding deity here expounded the meaning of the Pranava mantra OM to his own Father Lord Siva Himself.

Mythology says that saint Bhrugu before commencing an arduous tavam or penance, got the boon that anybody disturbing his mediation will forget all his knowledge. Such was the power of the penance that the sacred fire emanating from the head of the saint reached up to the heavens, and the frightened devas surrendered to Lord Siva praying for his grace. The Lord extinguished the sacred fire by covering the saint's head by hand. With the saint's penance thus disturbed the Lord became oblivious of all his knowledge and is said to have regained them by learning the Pranava mantra from Lord Muruga at this shrine.

Once when Brahma, the lord of all creations was proceeding to Kailasa, the ever-playful child Lord Muruga asked him for the meaning of the Pranava OM. When Brahma admitted his ignorance, the Lord imprisoned him. With Brahma imprisoned, all creations came to a standstill and the devas prayed to Lord Siva to get Brahma released. When Muruga insisted that the imprisonment was a just punishment for the ignorance of Brahma, Lord Siva asked him whether he himself knew the meaning of the primordial Pranava OM. Lord Muruga said that he knew the meaning of OM and can expound it to the latter only if he can accept him as guru and listen to the exposition as a devoted disciple. As Lord Siva acceded to the request of Lord Muruga and heard the exposition of OM as a disciple, the place came to be known as Swamimalai and the presiding deity as Swaminathan.

The temple is built on an artificial hillock of about sixty feet height with sixty beautifully laid stone steps representing the Hindu cycle of sixty years - leading to the Lord . In the ground floor there are temples dedicated to Lord Sundareswarer and Goddesss Meenakshi. Hymns in praise of the presiding deity have been sung by saint Nakkeerar in Tirumurukatrupadaiand by Saint Arunagirnathar in Tiruppukazh.

Daily Poojas and festivals

Daily pujas to the deities are performed six times a day (six kalams). Usha Kalam, Kalasandhi and Uchikala poojas are performed in the forenoon and the afternoon poojas commencing from Sayaratchai and Rendam kalam are concluded with Arthajama pooja in the night. The important festivals conducted in the temple are: Monthly Kirutikai festival Temple Car festival in April Visakam festival in May Navaratri festival in May Skanda Shashti festival in October Tiru Karthikai festival in Nov/December Taippūcam festival in January and Pankuni Uttiram festival in March.

Golden Chariot The temple has an imposing golden chariot made of seven kilos of gold, 85 kilos of silver and other metals like copper, beautifully illuminated with electric bulbs. Devotees on payment of Rs. 1001 can take the deity in a procession in the golden charriot around the outer corridor. Devotees are offered a shawl, eversilver pot and a small box with the Lord's prasadam. Facilities For the convenience of the pilgrims and devotees, 11 rooms, four cottages, two VIP cottages, one donor cottages, three marriage halls and one dining hall have been constructed and are let out at nominal rent ranging from Rs. 20/- to Rs. 100/- per day only. Sub-temples Among the sub-temples under the administration of the Swamimalai temple, the Sveta Vinayagar temple at Tiruvalanchuli is an important one. The presiding deity Lord Sadaimudinathar and Goddess Perianayaki have been sung by Tirugnanasambandar and Tirunavukkarasar in Tevaram. A unique feature of this temple is the Sveta Vinayagar or White Pillaiyar made of the sea foam formed at the time of churning of the Milky Ocean by the devas and asuras to get the nectar. The sacred Cauvery River flowing nearby herself has turned around in a right semicircle around this shrine and hence the name Valanchuli or right twist. Renovation of this temple at a cost of Rs. 50 Lakhs is progressing.

Another architecturally beautiful temple at Kilpazhayarai dedicated to Lord Somanathaswami is also under renovtion at an estimated cost of Rs. 50 Lakhs. It is worth mentioning that this shring is the birthplace of Saint Managaiyarkarasi, one among the 63 Nayanmars. Hymns in praise of the presiding deity have been sung by Tirunavukkarasar. Other sub-temples mentioned below under the administrative control of Swamimalai temple are also to be renovated at a modest cost of about Rs. 5 lakhs each. Dharmapureeswarar Temple, Vallalarkoil; Chakravageeswarar Temple, Chakkrapalli; Ezhutharinathar Temple, Innambur; Skandanathar Temple, Tiruerakaram; and Thirupandeeswarar Temple, Adanur. All the above temples along with the Swamimalai temple are administered by an Asst. Commissioner / Executive Officer appointed by the Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Dept, Chennai. All contributions in cash and kind for the renovation of the above temples may kindly be sent to: Assistant Commissioner / Executive OfficerArulmigu Swaminatha Swami TempleSwamimalai - 612 302Thanjavur district Tamil Nadu, IndiaPh: (0435) 254421

******************** Travel Base: Thanjavur

MURUGAN TEMPLES - AARUPADAI VEEDU - PALANI

Palani near Madurai enshrines Dhandayutapani in a hill temple. At the foot of the hill is Tiru Aavinankudi. Both these temples are visited by thousands throughout the year.

Lord Murugan is the deity of the Tamil Land. Palani (Tiru Avinankudi) is the third Padai Veedu. The temple at Palani is an ancient one. It is on an elevation of 1500 feet above sea level. The deity is called Dandayudhapani Swami, the Lord having the staff in his hand. The deity at the sanctum sanctorum is made out of an amalgam of nine minerals popularly called Navabashana. The deity is in a standing position with a baton in his hand. He has the look of a person who has renounced all worldly pomp. He has just a loincloth besides the baton. He is a mute messenger of the great precept 'Renounce all to reach Me'. The icon is unique in the whole world. It was made by Siddha Bhogar by combining nine poisonous substances (navabashana). Murugan signifies beauty and Lord Murugan of Kurinji land is the god of Beauty and Youth.

The Legendary, Historical and Spiritual Significance of the Hill Temple

There is a legend how Lord Murugan came to this sacred spot. Narada Muni, a sage, brought a golden mango to the divine court of Lord Siva when Lord Siva was seated with his consort Parvati and His children Lord Vinayakar and Lord Subrahmanya. Narada gave the fruit to Lord Siva and implored Him to eat since it was a rare, miraculous Jñanapalam, the fruit of wisdom. As a loving husband, Lord Siva gave it to Parvati and requested her to eat. As a loving mother, she wanted to give the fruit to her children. As there was only one fruit and it should not be cut, they announced a contest and said that the winner would be given the fruit. Whoever completes one round of the globe first will be given the fruit.

Lord Subrahmanya mounted His peacock to go around the world. Lord Vinayakar circumambulated around His parents, symbolising the world, and got the fruit. On return, Lord Subrahmanya found that He was cheated. In anger, He renounced His family and came to this spot to settle forever. Lord Siva and Parvati came to pacify Him. They said, "Pazham Nee" ('You are the Fruit'). Hence the name Palani is a popular syncopation of the two words mentioned.

The presiding deity, Lord Dandayudhapani Swami, is the son of Lord Siva and son-in-law of Vishnu. He has other names such as Kulandaivelan, Balasubrahmanyan, Shanmukhan, Devasenapati, Swaminathan, Vallimanalan, Devayanaimanalan, Palaniandavar, Kuriñjiandavar, Arumugan, Jñana Pandita, Saravanan, Sevar Kodiyon, etc. Tamils, Keralites, Bengalis, Sri Lankans, Malaysians, Fijians, Africans, Australians and Americans to name a few come here to worship Lord Muruga. Thus Murugan worship cuts across provincial boundaries and national frontiers.

Cheaman Perumal, a ruler of Kerala, built the main temple perhaps in the 7th Century AD. The Nayaks built the Navaranga Mandapam which is a fascinating stone structure incorporated by four pillars and endowed with nine bays. The other portions of the temple have been built by the Pandiya kings, besides a number of local heads, religious groups and individual devotees.

This temple is refered to in the Tamil work Thirumurugatruppadai of Nakeerar of the Sangam age (pre Christian era). Arunagirinaathar, the saint poet has composed 95 verses on Palani in his Thirupugazh. The Palani malai hill temple and the Thiruvavinankudi temple at the foot hills form a composite unit. The Thiruvavinankudi temple is refered to as Kuzhandhaivelayudar temple and the Saravanpoigai tank is located near it.

FESTIVALS: Daily Worship: Seven worship services are carried out each day here. The day commences with the Viswaroopa darisanam in the morning. The concluding worhsip service involves a procession of the deity in a golden palanquin in the temple and the palliyarai sevai.

Panguni Uttram is celebrated for 10 days as the annual Bhramotsavam. This festival is celebrated only at Tiruvavinankudi in the foothills to Muthukumarar the festival deity here.The Ther Thiruvizha is held on the last day of this festival. Offerings of Kaveri water brought from Kodumudi by thousands of devotees in kaavadis are made to the deity.

Agni Nakshathram is celebrated in the month of Chittirai and Vaikaasi. During this time, thousands of pilgrims circumambulate the hill. Vaikaasi Visaakam is celebrated for 10 days. Skanda sashti is celebrated for 7 days. Soorasamharam is enacted on the last day of this festival in which both Chinna Kumarar the festival image of the hill temple and Muthukumaraswami of Thiruvavinankudu participate.

Kaartikai Deepam is celebrated for 10 days. In addition Kaartikai asterism in each month is celebrated with a procession of a golden chariot in the hill temple. Thai poosam is also celebrated for 10 days here.

Travel Base: Madurai.

MURUGAN TEMPLES - AARUPADAI VEEDU - TIRUPARANKUNDRAM

Legends: Subramanyar is said to have married Devasena (Devanai) here, and is said to have worshipped Shiva - Parangirinatheswarar.

Tirupparankundram, a hill five miles southwest of Madurai, is the fourth pilgrimage site of Muruga. A cave temple dedicated to the element of earth and mentioned in various classical Tamil texts as the 'Southern Himalaya' where the gods assemble, Tirupparankunram is also mentioned in legend as 'the place where the sun and moon abide'. Murugan was married to Devasena upon the hill and for many centuries the Tamil people have considered it the most auspicious place for their own marriages, especially during the time of the Pankuni Uttiram, the festival of marriage held in late March. Besides the fantastic temple to Murugan on the hill, there is also a Muslim shrine dedicated to 'Sekunder' (al-Sikandar or Alexander the Great) who is associated with Murukan by the Muslim pilgrims. "Sikandar was a friend of Murugan at the time when Murugan was King here," they say.

Tirupparankundram is situated three miles southeast of Madurai on the main railway line. It is one of the Aru Padai Veedugal or six sacred places selected by Lord Subrahmanya for his abode. The importance of this temple is that here was celebrated the marriage of Lord Subrahmanya with the daughter of Indra, Devayanai.

Long, long ago, when Lord Subrahmanya was staying at Kanda Verpu, the two daughters of Lord Maha Vishnu, Amrita Valli and Sundara Valli, cherished the desire of becoming the consorts of Subrahmanya. With this aim in mind they both went to Saravana Poigai and commenced austere penance to fulfil their desires. Pleased with their prayer and worship, Lord Subrahmanya appeared before them and told Amrita Valli, "You will be brought up by Indra as his daughter and I shall marry you in due course." Her younger sister Sundara Valli was also graced with a similar blessing. She was born to sage Sivamuni and brought up by Nambi, the headman of Veddas. Amrita Valli took the form of a female child and went to Mount Meru, the abode of Indra, and told him, "I am the daughter of Maha Vishnu and the responsibility of looking after me has been entrusted to you." On hearing this, Indra became very happy and directed Airavatam, his white elephant, to take care of the child. The elephant with all love brought her up and affection and she attained the age of marriage in course of time. Hence she came to be known as Devayanai, one who was brought up by the heavenly elephant of Indra (yānai in Tamil means elephant). The six sons of sage Parasara were cursed to become fishes in the Saravana Poigai. On request for redemption, these six boys were ordered to pray to Lord Subrahmanya. When they got his darshan, they could get redemption. It was also made known to them that Lord Subrahmanya would come to Tirupparankunram after vanquishing the demon Surapadma. Anxiously they waited for the arrival of Subrahmanya. When the mission of Subrahmanva to vanquish Surapadma was over at Tiruchendur, on his way, he came to this spot followed by all the devas and heavenly beings whom he had released from the untold miseries caused by Surapadma.

On his arrival at Tirupparankunram, the sons of Parasara received Subrahmanya and, at their request, he consented to stay there. He at once ordered Viswakarma to construct a beautiful abode for himself, for the devas and for others. He also suggested to the heavenly architect to build roads and erect a city around them. Indra, the king of the angels, desired to get his daughter Devayanai married to Subrahmanya, as a mark of his gratitude for relieving him and the devas from the depredations of the demon Surapadma.

He expressed his desire to Brahma and Vishnu who were present there. They were only too glad to hear the proposal. When they communicated the desire of Indra to Lord Subrahmanya he readily agreed to it and said: "Devayanai has been praying at Saravana Poigai in the Himalayas for this happy marriage. Now the time has come for its being solemnised." As Subrahmanya agreed to this marriage, Indra sent a messenger to bring his wife Indrani and daughter Devayanai from Mout Meru. The marriage took place at Tirupparankunram, after the victory of Subrahmanya over Surapadma. All arrangements for marriage were made and the marriage was performed at the Tirupparankunram Temple. All the devas, Siva and Parvati attended the marriage and blessed Subrahmanya and Devayanai. Since then, the temple has become a very famous abode of Subrahmanya

Architecture Entrance to the hill temple is through a mandapam called the Aasthana Mandapam built by Tirumalai Nayakkar of Madurai lined with several artistic pillars. 48 pillars, each 20 feet in height bearing Yaalis, elephant, warrior bearing horses hunting tigers etc. are seen in this mandapam. A 7 tiered Gopuram towering to a height of 150 feet forms the entrance to the temple.

There is yet another mandapam refered to as the Kalyana Mandapam to the left of which is the sacred tank Lakshmi Theertham. A series of steps lead to the Kambattadi mandapam, the Ardha mandapam and the Mahamandapam. There are few more mandapams within the temple complex. Much of the structure of the temples was developed by the Nayaks of Madurai. The sculptural work in this temple is of great beauty. Two panels depict the cosmic dance of Nataraja on one of the cave temple walls. The cosmic dance portrayal shows several celestial beings in the orchestra and in the audience admiring the dance of Shiva.Several inscriptions from the Pandya Vijayanagar and the Nayak periods are seen in this temple. There is also a tank called Saravanapoigai( as in Palani) to the east of the temple lined with beautiful steps against the imposing hill. In addition, there are caves with interesting sculptural work.

The most important of the 6 Padai Veedu temples of Murugan where he dwelled before vanquishing the demon Soorapadman is Tirupparankunram - a grand hill temple, visited by thousands throughout the year. Nakkeerar of the Sangam Period is associated with Tirumurugatruppadai and this shrine. Tiruppugazh, Kandapuranam & other works speak of the glory of this shrine. This shrine is regarded as the 3rd of the Tevara Stalams in the Pandya region of Tamilnadu.

The Temple: There are several architectural features of interest, especially the rock cut portions of this hill temple and the life sized sculptures in the mandapams dating back to the Nayak period. The main shrine is an early rock cut temple while the other structures date to the Nayak period. An Aasthaana Mandapam with several artistically carved pillars lead one to the towering 150 feet high Rajagopuram. at the entrance. The Kambathadi Mandapam, Ardha Mandapam and Mahamandapam are situated at different levels. Cells in the main wall house the sanctums of Subramanya, Durga, Vinayakar, Shiva and Vishnu. Panels depicting Shiva's dance of bliss are seen outside the sanctum. These magnificient works of art date back to the Pandya period.

Festivals: Bhrammotsavam here falls in the month of Panguni. Vishnu is taken in procession to Madurai to celebrate Meenakshi's wedding (Chittirai) when all of Madurai wears a festive look. Nakkirar's association with this temple is also celebrated as a festival. Skanda Sashti, the 10 day Kartikai festival, Vaikasi Visakam, & the float festival in Thai are other celebrations here.

THE LEGEND OF MURUGA /SKANDHA

Muruga and Tamil

Of the various forms of the Supreme Godhead, that of Sri Muruga, the Lord Subrahmanya of the puranas (epics), is the most popular in Tamil Nadu. Like the Ayyappa legend of Kerala or the Srinivasa legend of Tirupati, Tamil Nadu has its own legend: Muruga, The Lord Subrahmanya, son of Shiva, who was born to kill Taraka Asura is worshipped as Muruga (the boy form of Subrahmanya), in all splendour and great romance found perhaps nowhere else. Hundreds or perhaps thousands, of temples all over the world offer worship to the Great God Muruga, but nowhere else he is worshipped with more fervour than in Tamil Nadu, whose natives consider Him as one among them. The love and respect that they bestow on Him is so great that they even gave a daughter of theirs, Valli in marriage to Him! To them He is almost human. His divine attributes do not frighten them. Muruga is called Tamil Kadavul, Tamil God. It is said that the word Murugan is synonymous with Tamil. I should mention that the knowledge of Tamil itself was imparted to the sage Agasthyar by none other than Muruga!

The six battle camps

Though most of Tamil Nadu's temples are devoted to Muruga, of special significance are the famous Aru Padai Veedu temples; These are said to be the temples erected at the six sites where Muruga had battle camps during His celestial fights with demons and evil powers. Though not traditionally counted among them, Marudhamalai temple is also considered equivalent. The legends attached to these six temples are partly from Puranas, partly local legends; The saint Nakkeerar who lived more than 2000 years ago composed the celebrated Murugaa Truppadai. It seems that some Muruga legends find their authenticity in the verses of Truppadai. Another notable classic is the Tiruppugazh sung by the sage Arunagirinathar who lived in the 14th century.

Kaumaaram: Sri Sankara's Sampradayas

Though Muruga worship was popular in Tamil Nadu (Kerala was also a part of the Tamil kingdoms then), since thousands of years ago, it was Sri Sankara who introduced authentic code of worship (sampradayas) for Muruga.. Out of the 6 sampradayas the great saint propagated, one is Kaumaaram, (of Kumara, Subrahmanya). Muruga is worshipped in Kerala as Subrahmanya and in some parts of Northern India as Karthikeya. The famous Muruga temples in Kerala are: Payyannur (Northern Kerala), Harippad (Alappuzha Dist.), Udayanapuram, Kidangoor, Kodumbu (Palakkad Dist.), Ulloor (near Thiruvananthapuram), Thampanoor (Thiruvananthapuram), Perunnai (near Changanassery, Kottayam Dist.) and Cheriyanadu near Chengannoor (Alappuzha Dist.).

My next post will start with the Murugan Temples/Sthalams known as "ARUPADAI VEEDU" and also some of the popular Murugan temples elsewhere.

MURUGAN TEMPLES - AARUPADAI VEEDU - TIRUCHENDUR

Tiruchendur is one of the six Aarupadai veedu shrines of Murugan, enshrining Senthilandavar. It has been venerated by the Tamil Sangam Period work Tirumurugatruppadai and by 83 Tiruppugazh hymns of Arunagirinathar. It is one of the most visited shrines in Tamilnadu, and is located on the seashore in the southern part of the state near Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari.

Situated on the route between Tirunelveli and Tiruchendur are 9 of the 108 Divya Desam Temples of Vishnu, collectively known as Aalwar Nava Tiruppatikal, the first of which is Sree Vaikuntham and the 9th, Aalwar Tirunagari.

There are several literary works singing the glory of Tiruchendur. The Sangam works Puranaanooru and Akanaanooru speak of Tiruchendur as Senthil and Alaivaai respectively. Illango Adigal refers to Tiruchendur, Tiruchengode and Swamimalai as abodes of Skanda in his work Silappadikaaram. While the other five padaiveedu shrines are situated on hills or mounds, this is situated on the seashore, bounded on the north and the east by the sea.

Legend has it that Skanda vanquished the demon Soorapadman and his army, in his fortress Veeramahendram situated in the middle of the ocean here.

History: Several accounts of the temple's history are gleaned from various sources. The Dutch (in the 17th century) are said to have stolen the image of Skanda and are said to have thrown it into the sea upon discovering that it was not made of gold as they had thought earlier. A worried local chieftain had a substitute image made; however just prior to the installation of this image, he was directed by a dream to a spot on the ocean where he discovered the original mandapam. He is said to have built the Pillaiyaan mandapam commemorating this discovery.

It is also believed that this original image was recovered from a capsized Dutch vessel in the 17th century at the confluence of the Kaveri with the ocean in the historic Chola capital Kavirippoompattinam or Poompuhaar. This image with a shiny golden appearance is enshrined in the Pallavaneeswaram temple at Poompuhaar. A similar image of Senthil Aandaver is also enshrined at Tiruchaaikkadu near Pallavaneeswaram. Both these images are believed to have been discovered on the seashore, and both depict Skanda in a warriorlike posture.

Although the shrine is of ancient origin, much of the structure here is from the 19th through the 20th centuries. Inscriptions from the 9th century Pandya rulers are seen in the temple.

It is believed that this shrine was originally rock cut structure, cut out of a local hill, and later renovated with granite. The temple is an imposing structure with a nine tiered gopuram (137 feet in heicht)adorning its entrance, visible for miles around. In front of the temple is the Shanmukha Vilaasa mandapam with several carved pillars.

The main entrance to the temple faces south although the sanctum faces the east. The temple has two prakarams. The sanctum to Subramanyar (moolavar) is located within the innermost mandapam. Adjacent to the sanctum is the Panchalingam shrine in a cave like structure, where it is believed that Subramanyar worships Shiva.

Adjacent to Subramanyar's sanctum is the Senthilaandavar sanctum housing the processional images of Subramanyar with his consorts. Also in the innermost prakaram facing south is the Aarumugaswamy shrine facing south.

Also in the inner prakaram are images of the 63 nayanmars, and shrines to Natarajar, Karaikkal Ammaiyaar and others.

Outside of the enclosure described above, in the inner prakaram are shrines to Valli and Devasena also facing east. The outermost prakaram is lined with pillared corridors, and it houses shrines to Dakshinamurthi, Mukkunni Vinayakar and Arunagirinathar.

On the northern side of the outermost prakaram is a shrine to Venkatachalapati (also known as Nellai Govindan), along with sub shrines to Gajalakshmi, Pallikonda Ranganathar with his consorts.

The Skanda Pushkarini or the Naazhi Kinaru is a step well is believed to have sprung up when Skanda's spear pierced the ground. It has an outer and a smaller inner well. The water in the outer well is brackish while the water in the inner one is fresh and clear.

Kumara Tantram is the worship protocol observed here, in a manner similar to Keralite temples. Eight worship services are offered each day to Subramanyar. Special worship services are offered to Shanmukhar on the Vishakam asterism each month, and on Chittirai Vishu and Aippasi Vishu.

The last friday of each month witnesses a procession of Senthilandavar and his consorts in the outer prakaram, whils processions within the inner sanctum in a manner similar to the Sri Bali ceremony in Kerala are carried out on a daily basis, in addition to special processions on Kartikai, Vishakam asterisms and the Sashti phase of the moon.

There are 2 annual Bhrammotsavams here celebrated for 12 days each in the months of Maasi and Aavani. On the seventh and eighth days of both of these festivals, Shanmukhar is housed in the Shanmukha Vilaasa mandapam before and after the processions. The chariot festival happens on the 10th day and the float festival on the 11th.

Also celebrated here is the annual Skanda Sashti festival in the tamil month of Aippasi where Soora Samhaaram is enacted in all its splendour on the seashore, following which Skanda's marriage with Devasena is enacted.. The Vishaakam festival is celebrated for 12 days in the month of Vaikaasi.