It was sometime in 1871. The Cuddalore District Court was hearing a petition on who qualifies to perform Puja at Chidambaram Temple. The existing priests themselves were arguing their case. They said the practice was originally entrusted to the priest community (Dikshitars) whose only profession was to carry out Puja at temples by following certain […]
The journey of a devotee is always not smooth. It is almost similar to the experience of the devotee heading towards Palani during Thaipusam. When tired and exhausted after long hours of bare-foot walking, without food and shelter, he leans upon the shoulder of his companion who gives the strength to go forward. Similarly, the […]
There are many factors that contribute to Chennai’s greatness and the prime one is the culture, the tradtion and the spiritual values it upholds. Almost every day, one finds some cultural activity like dance, drama or music taking place somewhere in the city. It is the city, where Lord Kapaleeswarar flanked by Karpagambal resides. There […]
The advent of ‘Thai’, the auspicious Tamil month, heralds a new era of happiness and prosperity. This month is significant in many respects. On this day, also known as Makara Sankranti, the sun changes direction towards north (uttarayanam). It is on this day, the traditional Pongal festival is celebrated with immense enthusiasm. The word ‘pongal’ […]
Arunagirinathar was born in 16th century and Sri Ramana Maharshi appeared around three centuries later. While Arunagirinathar was born at Tiruvannamalai, graced by Muruga and went all over Tamil Nadu and beyond, Sri Ramana Maharshi born near Madurai reached Tiruvannamalai and never left from there. Blessed by Muruga, Arunagirinathar adopted the path of devotion […]
All our family members, trained in Thiruppugazh, were rendering the Bhajan at the temple nearby. A family bhajan in a temple? I will begin at the beginning. We are ardent devotees of Lord Muruga. Our devotion grows only stronger every time we feel that God is putting it to test. Once, my brother-in-law left my […]
The hill that wards of sins, karmas and Vasanas, the hill that represents the element of fire, the hill that liberates the soul at mere thought, It is Tiruvannamalai hill, the abode of Arunachala. Here, at this sacred place appeared, a brilliant star. He was Arunagiri, the embodiment of devotion. Muruga appeared before him with […]
The Saiva Sidhantam speaks of Siva as the ultimate Truth, Siva as the source of all beings and Siva as the ultimate end of liberation. Arunagirinathar did not see Muruga as separate from Siva. In many of his songs, Arunagirinathar refers to Muruga as symbolizing Siva and he does not distinguish between the two. In […]
‘Muruga’; the very word spells charm, splendour, beauty, knowledge and power. The people worship Him, admire Him, adore Him, respect him and love Him because they find that there is a divine and magnetic appeal in Him. Muruga, the Lord of love and compassion exercises an enormous influence on the people. In Palani, we find […]
