In Tamil Nadu, there are six sacred abodes (temples) dedicated to Murugan, one of the most revered deities, particularly in South India. They are referred to as the Murugan’s Arupadai Veedu (Armory House). The God of War, Lord Muruga, is the son of Shiva and Parvati.
Tamil Sangam literature makes mention of Murugan’s six holiest abodes.
- Subramanya Swamy Temple at Thiruparankundram
The Subramanya Swamy Temple at Thiruparankundram is the first of Murugan’s Arupadai Veedu. The Pandyas constructed the temple in the sixth century.
On a hillside outside of Madurai, the temple is perched. It is carved out of the hill and includes rock-cut architecture. The temple also has the gods Shiva, Vishnu, Vinayaka, and Goddess Durga in addition to Murugan.
The only temple where priests abishekam (holy wash) the Vel (spear) rather than the deity is the Subramanya Swamy temple. In this location, Murugan wed Deivanai, the daughter of Indra. The temple is said to be the most lucky location for weddings.
Here, Shiva was worshipped by Murugan as Parangirinathar. Shiva and Vishnu are facing one another at this temple, which is rare. It is a distinctive feature of this temple. The most significant event in this area is the Skanda Shashti festival, which takes place in the temple in the Tamil month of Aippasi (October–November). This celebration commemorates Murugan’s victory against the demon Soorapadman. In the Tamil months of Panguni and Karthigai, the temple observes Brahmotsavam and Karthigai Deepam, respectively.
2. Temple of Subramanya Swamy at Thiruchendur
The Subramanya Swamy Temple is the only one of the Arupadai Veedu to be located on a waterfront along the Bay of Bengal. It is also the second temple in the Arupadai Veedu. The Tuticorin district’s easternmost part of Thiruchendur town is where this temple is located.
This historic Hindu temple honours Murugan and is situated where the conflict took place. A Padai Veedu is a combat where the commander-in-chief stays behind with his army. According to popular mythology, Murugan slew the demon Soorapadman while remaining at Thiruchendur with his army.
Every year, the temple commemorates the occasion with Soorasamharam, a reenactment of the conflict in which Murugan triumphed over Soorapadman.
Any temple’s Raja Gopuram is typically on the eastern side. However, because the eastern side of the temple at Thiruchendur is so near to the sea, the Raja Gopuram is on the western side of the structure. The holy sanctuary for the god was created by boring through a section of the rocky cliff. A natural spring known as Skanda Pushparani, the Nazhikkinaru, is located along the high-rolling sand dune on the seashore. It is a natural occurrence that is thought to have started when Subramanya inserted his Vel (spear) into the ground.
3. The Pazhani Dandayuthapani Swamy Temple
The temple is the third for Murugan among the Arupadai Veedu. The Malai Adivaram (bottom of the hill), which is situated in Dindigul district, is known as Thiru Avinankudi. Kuzhanthai Velayuthaswami is the name of the temple’s patron saint.
According to legend, Goddess Lakshmi (Thiru in Tamil), the holy cow Kamadhenu (Aa in Tamil), the Sun God Suryan (Inan in Tamil), the Earth Goddess (Ku in Tamil), and the Fire God Agni all offered their homage at this location (Di in Tamil). Thus, Thiru Avinankudi became the name of the location.
With his Danda (staff) serving as his Ayudham (weapon), Pani, the primary god Dandayuthapani is in a contemplative position (hands). Siddhar Bhogar constructed the main deity out of Navapashanam. Here, Murugan seems to be a hermit. The tonsuring of the head is one of the principal customs followed by followers here.
As a result of the great poetess Avvaiyar’s wise designation of Murugan as Pazham Nee, the area became known as Pazhani. After a dispute with his family over the fruit of knowledge, Murugan arrived here. The most significant celebration in Pazhani is Thai Poosam, which is observed on the full moon day of the Thai month.
4.Swamimalai’s Swaminatha Swamy Temple
This temple is the fourth Padai Veedu to be located on a man-made hill. Kumbakonam is about 5 kilometres from the temple. The hill temple is reached by 60 stairs, which stand for 60 Tamil years. On top of the hill stands the shrine to the ruling god, Swaminathaswamy (Teacher of Shiva).
The occurrence in which Murugan taught Shiva, his father, the meaning of the Pranava Mantram’s “Om,” is commemorated at the temple. According to legend, Murugan was upset with Brahma when he disrespected him in Kailasa. Brahma was unable to provide an explanation when asked about the Pranava Mantra, therefore Murugan imprisoned him.
Shiva approached Murugan and pleaded with him to free Brahma from his captivity. Murugan objected, claiming that Brahma didn’t understand the significance of the Pranava Mantra, Om. Shiva listened intently to Murugan as he explained everything to him. He gave Murugan the name Swaminatha Swamy on this particular occasion. In this case, Murugan served as his father’s Guru (teacher). As a result, the location is known as Gurumalai or Swamimalai.
The Vaikasi Visagam festival is annually observed at the temple.
5. Tiruttani’s Subramanya Swamy Temple
The temple, the fifth of Murugan’s Arupadai Veedu series, is situated in the Tiruttani neighbourhood of Tamil Nadu. The temple has 365 steps, which correspond to the 365 days of the year when Murugan met Valli and wed her in Vallimalai, and is situated 84 kilometres from Chennai.
The stunning temple is perched 700 feet above sea level on a rock, with surrounding hills providing a stunning panorama. It is said that Murugan chose to sit atop this hill after defeating the demonic Soorapadman in order to emotionally recharge. Here, his rage towards the asuras subsided, and he become tranquil. The location is known as Shantipuri (abode of peace).
Valli, Murugan’s consort, enquired of him about the significance of the hill. Murugan responded by promising the best in life to anyone who earnestly worshipped him here for five days in a row.
People get the god’s blessings of good health and mental tranquilly. After visiting Rameswaram to worship Shiva after leaving Lanka, Sri Rama is reported to have travelled here to worship Subramanya. Aadi Kritikkai and the New Year Step Festival are the two most significant holidays observed locally.
6. Pazhamudircholai’s Subramanya Swamy Temple
The Subramanya Swamy temple at Pazhamudircholai, the sixth temple of the Arupadai Veedu of Murugan, is situated on the Solaimalai Hill 20 kilometres from Madurai. Murugan and both of his consorts, Valli and Deivanai, are exclusively present at this temple. The temple is perched on a hill amid thick vegetation.
Vishnu presiding as a protector, guarding Murugan, in the sanctuary at the entry known as Azhagar Kovil. Here, the god is referred to as Gnana Shakti, while his consort Valli is referred to as Iccha Shakti. Kriya Shakti, who is Deivanai, is worshipped. The god has four hands and one face. Stone makes up the Vel (spear).
According to popular belief, Murugan played here by asking the renowned Tamil poetess Avvaiyar whether she wanted roasted or unroasted fruit. He assumed the guise of a little kid to test the great poetess’s wisdom and patience. The small country boy’s sophisticated talk astounded Avvaiyar, who knew that he was no ordinary youngster. After considerable pleading and a question about his identity, he revealed himself to be Murugan, who then blessed her.
Natural springs and plants abound in Pazhamudircholai. At this temple, anyone suffering from any ailment or condition offer prayers for long life and good health.