Seers and sages worshipped Him,
Scriptures hailed Him
Devotees surrendered unto His Lotus Feet,
The whole universe came under his spell

He is magnificent, majestic, benevolent and captivating
His face appeared brilliant like a thousand rising sun,
the light of knowledge radiated from His Kadir Vel,
His peacock traveled beyond time and space
His banner of rooster announced the dawn of knowledge

The devout soul aspires to reach his Lotus Feet
His name spells success and prosperity
He is Muruga, the embodiment of beauty and knowledge,
the epitome of Grace who lives in our hearts.

 

The word Muruga is derived from the word “Murugu” which means honey, beauty, fragrance and eternal youth. True to His name, this God of love, beauty and power has been exerting His charm on millions of people in South India and beyond. Though there were caste, class and other differences between them, when it comes to Muruga worship they all become one. The charm that radiates from Muruga unites them all. During festivals like Thaipoosam, they come from all directions, meander their way, like rivers destined towards ocean, converge at Palani and worship the Lord of the Hills, Sri Dhandayudhapani with single minded devotion. One could easily spot a Muruga devotee. The mark of a Muruga devotee is the white ashes prominently applied in his forehead that carries an eternal message. The ash is the creation of the element of fire which dissolves everything. We fight battles, secure properties and sacrifice principles all for the sake of preservation of this body, never knowing that this body is ultimately going to perish and turn into ashes. May this truth remain as an eternal reminder in all conduct.

The word Muruga is derived from the word “Murugu” which means honey, beauty, fragrance and eternal youth. True to His name, this God of love, beauty and power has been exerting His charm on millions of people in South India and beyond. Though there were caste, class and other differences between them, when it comes to Muruga worship they all become one. The charm that radiates from Muruga unites them all. During festivals like Thaipoosam, they come from all directions, meander their way, like rivers destined towards ocean, converge at Palani and worship the Lord of the Hills, Sri Dhandayudhapani with single minded devotion. One could easily spot a Muruga devotee. The mark of a Muruga devotee is the white ashes prominently applied in his forehead that carries an eternal message. The ash is the creation of the element of fire which dissolves everything. We fight battles, secure properties and sacrifice principles all for the sake of preservation of this body, never knowing that this body is ultimately going to perish and turn into ashes. May this truth remain as an eternal reminder in all conduct.

Muruga is known by many other names; names that would draw a long list, like Arumuga, Guha, Kadamba, Karthikeya, Kumara, Kaliyuga Varadha, Subramanya, Swaminatha, Saravana Bhava, Skanda, Shanmuga and names associated with his consort, Valli (Valli Manala), associated with his transport, peacock, (Mayil Vahana), his banner, rooster (Seval Kodiyon), his weapon, Vel (Velayudha), His divine qualities (Karunakara), his abodes (Palani Andava, Chengottu Velava, Sikkal Singara, Senthil Andava) etc. It is impossible to comprehend, let alone describe, His magnificence truly and comprehensively. Only great sages who have attained enlightenment, who have undergone divine experience and received the grace, can guide us to the path of Muruga. .

Muruga as Gjnana Panditha: Muruga is the source of all knowledge. He enlightens the world. Having emerged from Jyothi, the divine flame of light (Jyothi Pizhambu Athu Or Meniyagi…) Muruga radiates the light of knowledge throughout the universe. He administered the saintly advice even to Shiva, his father and the Lord, the Supreme Power of the Universe, knelt down and received the advice in all humility. Vedas are considered the source and treasure-house of all knowledge and Muruga is known as the embodiment of Vedas (Vedha Mantra Swaroopa)

Muruga as All-powerful: Muruga symbolises valour and power. Armed with the boon that no power on earth, not even that of Brahma, Vishnu or Shiva could harm him, the demon Soorapadman was terrorising Devas and devotees. It therefore became necessary to create a power greater than the combined power of Trimurthis to destroy Sooran and protect Devas and devotees. Thus, Muruga, wielding an unparalleled power in universe came into being. His mother, Parvathi, blessed him and presented him with the all-powerful Sakthi-Vel. His supreme power was evident from the fact that he imprisoned even the creator, Brahma for his lack of knowledge on Pranava Mantra.

Muruga as Karunakara: Muruga represents the virtues of love and compassion. He is benevolent and generous. He is magnanimous and merciful and grants whatever His devotees aspire for. He has pardoned even Soorapadman who crossed sword with Him. The Omnipresence Muruga knows whenever His devotee is in distress, readily comes to extend His 'Abhaya Hastha', the Helping Hand and render blessings. Just as He sought Valli's hands, married her and provided fulfillment to her life, He goes after true devotees, rather than waiting for them to come to Him, uplift them and provide them the everlasting bliss of being with Him.

"Azhagellam Murugane": Sulamangalam sisters have beautifully sung: “Muruga is the epitome of beauty and all the beauties on earth are converged on Muruga". Muruga is marvelous and majestic. He is so elegant and enchanting that devotees’ eyes would wish to rest there for ever. Arunagirinathar says in Kandhar Alamgaram: "To see and admire the beauty of the Lord of Thiruchengodu, even four thousand eyes are not enough. (Malon Marugane”) One can go on marveling at His exquisite beauty at Tiruchendur.

There are number of temples of Lord Muruga and the Aru Padai Veedu, the six sacred abodes of Muruga which represent His six sacred faces, assumes prime importance. Saint Nakkeerar, the leader of the Sangam literature movement in Madurai, introduced the Six Sacred Abodes (Aru Padai Veedu) of Muruga and composed Thiru Murugratru Padai in which he elaborated the divine qualities of these temples. At Thiruchendhur Muruga destroyed the demon Soorapadman and all evil forces represented by him. After his victory at Tiruchendur, Muruga is believed to have come and stayed at Thirupparamkumdran. Pleased by the way Muruga restored the dignity of Devas, Devendra offered his daughter, Devayani to the Lord and the divine wedding took place here. Thiru Avinangudi is located at the foothill of the famous Palani temple. After the young Muruga came in full circle of the world in the contest set by Lord Shiva, Muruga took his abode here. Muruga appears here as a youth with four hands, mounted over the peacock. Palani, the abode of Dhandayudhapani is unique for its divine appeal among devotees. The idol of Palani Andavar is made of "Navapashanam" ( a combination of Veeram, Pooram, Rasam, Jathilingam, Kandagam, Gauri Pasanam, Vellai Pasanam, Mridharsingh, Silasat), by a siddhar called Bhogar. At Swami Malai, Muruga appears as the enlightened Master (Guru). When Muruga imprisoned Brahma for not being able to explain the meaning of Pranava Mantra, Lord Shiva came to request Muruga to set free the Lord of Creator. Then, the Lord Himself sought the meaning of Pranava Mantra and Muruga is believed to have acted as the Master for his own father, Shiva and conveyed Upadesa by explaining the meaning and importance of Pranava Mantra. According to legend, Valli, the tribal girl has been aspiring to marry Muruga even from her previous birth. Lord Muruga sought her, found her and married her at Thiruthani. Here, Valli represents the soul, the Supreme Self which yearns to reach the Lord and the Lord readily comes down to liberate it. Any aspiring individual eager to immerse himself in the Lord can adopt the path of Valli Sanmarga which signifies the unity of the soul with that of the Eternal Power. At Pazhamudir Solai, Muruga appears with both Valli and Deivayani. The word Pazha Mudhir is also interpreted as fully matured fruit which refers to Muruga as the ultimate embodiment of knowledge.

May Lord Muruga’s grace be bestowed on all devotees. May the Lord guide us to the path of perfection and lead us to the right destination of life. May the power of his Vel protect us from all negative forces.