The Six Holy Abodes of Lord Muruga - Arupadai Veedu - Swamimalai !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

 

Vetrivel Muruganukk Ara Aro Ara !!

 

Thiruverakam / Swami Malai is one of the famous Six Holy Abodes of Lord Muruga. Swaminatha Swamy Temple is situated in the town Swamimalai which is 5km away from the west of Kumbakonam on the river banks of Cauvery.  This temple is situated at a height of 60 ft from the ground level with stairs of sixty stone steps leads to hillock.  This is one of the oldest temples built by Pandya Kings.

 

The majestic Rajagopuram at the main entrance of the temple is facing on the East. The temple has three praharams with exquisite murals includes Lord Muruga’s Pranavopadesham to Lord Shiva.  The shrine of Goddess Meenakshi Sundareshwarar known as Kizh Kovil, here Goddess Meenakshi can be seen in her Thirukalyana kolam in the presence of Lord Vishnu giving away his sister’s hand to Lord Shiva. 

 

Presiding deity: Swaminatha Swamy / Bala Murugan.  The idol of Lord Swaminatha Swamy is 6ft height.  In this temple,  Lord Swaminatha gives dharshan to his devotees as ‘Acharya’, holding a ‘Dhandam’ (wooden stick) on his right hand, a shunt on the back of the head, flower garlands on the chest and the left hand rests on his thigh. 

 

Significance of this temple: Lord Muruga performed ‘Pranavopadesham’ (The meaning of the Pranava Mantra ‘AUM’ to his father – Lord Shiva) and Saint Arunagirinathar had dharshan of Lord Muruga in this temple.

 

Mangalasasanam: Tamil Poet Nakeerar sung many songs praising the glories of Lord Muruga in his work ‘Thirumurugatrupadai’ and Saint Arunagirinathar also sang nearly 95 sacred verses praising the glory Lord Swaminatha in this temple.

Sannidhis: Meenakshi Sundareshwarar Kovil, Netra Vinayakar, Karthaveeryarjuna, Idumban, Subramanya Swami, Lord Natarajar, Saint Arunagirinathar

Sthala Vruksham – Amla Tree

Pushkarani – Vajra Theertham, Saravana Theertham, Netra Pushkarani and Kumara Theertham

 

Festivals : Krithikai, Car Festival in the month of April, Vaikasi Visakham, Navaratri, Skandha Shashti, Thiru Karthikai, Thaipoosam, Panguni Uthram and Thirupadi Poojai

 

The legend has that Sage Brighu underwent severe penance and got a boon that whoever disturbs him while meditation would forget all their knowledge.  Once Sage Brighu was engrossed in meditation, a sacred fire started to radiate due to its vital force as a reflection.  It ingested the entire universe.  The deities were worriedly approached Lord Shiva and prayed to resolve the severe issue.  In order to save the deities from the hazardous situation Lord Shiva created an obstacle to Sage Brighu’s meditation and it caused Lord to repudiate all his wisdom and knowledge.  Later the lost wisdom and knowledge was regained through the ‘Pranavopadesham’ from his son Lord Muruga in this temple.

 

Another legend has that Lord Brahma was imprisoned by Lord Muruga for unaware the meaning of ‘Pranava Mantra’ ‘AUM’.  Therefore, the ‘Creation’ has stopped in the Universe; all the deities approached Lord Shiva to resolve this serious issue.  Lord Shiva pronounces Lord Muruga to release Lord Brahma.  At this moment, Lord Shiva courteously asks his son to reveal the meaning of ‘Pranava Mantra’.  Lord Muruga declares his willingness to reveal the meaning of ‘Pranava Mantra’ with certain specific condition.  The prerequisite were Lord Shiva should pay all respect to Lord Muruga and accept him as Acharya.  Swami Malai is the divine abode of Lord Muruga where Lord as an Acharya performed the ‘Pranavopadesham’ to his father - Lord Shiva.

Vetrivel Muruganukk Ara Aro Ara !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

The Six Holy Abodes of Lord Muruga - Arupadai Veedu - Palani !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

 

 

 

Vetrivel Muruganukk Ara Aro Ara !!

 

Thiruvavinankudi / Avinankudi – Lord Dandayudhapani temple is situated on the hilltop known as Sivagiri in a height of  1500ft from the sea level .  Palani is at a distance of about 60km from Dindigul, Tamilnadu.   This is one of the oldest temples of Dravidian architectural style built in 7^th century by Pandya kings.   Nayakas also made abundance of contributions to this temple in form of Navaranga Mandapam one of the fascinating structures of this temple.   There are several stairs to climb up to have the dharshan of the Lord and there is an Elephant Path also there to ease the hardships of devotees.

 

The presiding deity: Kuzhanthai Velayudha Swami / Dandayudhapani Swami.  The idol of the presiding deity is made of Navapashanam (made of 9 nine herbs) by Siddha Bhogar.  In this temple, Lord Dhandayudhapani giving dharshan to his devotees in renunciation form with a spear on his hand.

 

Sannidhis: Lord Annamalayar with his consort Unnamulai Nayaki, Lord Ganesha,

 

Siddha Bhogar Sannidhi can be seen on the south –west corridor. Moreover, the images of Goddess Nava Durga/ Bhuvaneshwari and Marakatha Siva Lingam (made of Emerald) also can be seen in the Shrine of Bhogar.

 

Mangalasasanam: Saint Arunagirinathar sung many songs praising the glories of Lord Muruga in this temple.

 

Pushkarani – Saravana Poikai – Holy dip in this pond washes off all the sins committed in life.

 

Sthala Vruksham – Amla Tree

 

Festivals: Thai Poosam, Panguni Uthram, Vaikasi Visakham, Shoora Samharam – Skandha Shashti, Thiru Krithikai – golden chariot drawn through the praharam on all Karthikai days, Thai Amavasya, Marghazhi Ustavam

 

avanithani lEpi Randhu madhalaiena vEtha vazhndhu
     azhagupeRa vEna dandhu ...... iLainyOnAy

arumazhalai yEmi gundhu kudhalaimozhi yEpu gandru
     athividhama dhAyva Larndhu ...... padhinARAy

sivakalaigaL Aga mangaL migavumaRai Odhum anbar
     thiruvadiga LEni naindhu ...... thudhiyAmal

therivaiyarkaL Asai minji vegukavalai yAyu zhandru
     thiriyumadi yEnai undRan ...... adisErAy

mavunaupa dhEsa sambu madhiyaRugu vENi thumbai
     maNimudiyin meedha Nindha ...... magadhEvar

manamagizha vEya Naindhu orupuRama dhAga vandha
     malaimagaLku mAra thunga ...... vadivElA

bavanivara vEyu gandhu mayilinmisai yEthi gazhndhu
     padiyadhira vEna dandha ...... kazhalveerA

paramapadha mEse Rindha muruganena vEyu gandhu
     pazhanimalai mEla marndha ...... perumALE

 

The legend has that, Sage Agastya assisgned the work of reallocating the two hills Sivagiri and Sakthigiri as his dwelling place in South to one of his disciple Idumban.   Idumban effortlessly plucked the two hills, carried it on his shoulders and walked away casually.  As soon as he arrived in Palani, he felt exhausted and put down the hills he was carrying all the way.

In the mean time, Sage Narada arrived at Mount Kailash and provided a mango fruit – a fruit of elixir of wisdom to the divine couple Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.  Sage instructed to present their children with the rare fruit of ultimate wisdom without cutting it into two pieces.  The divine couple was in utter dilemma.  Lord Shiva called out for their beloved children and given a test, the test was whoever circumambulate the Universe for three times and arrive first would be benefitted with the rare mango fruit of wisdom.  Soon, Lord Muruga started in his celestial vehicle peacock to circumabulate the Universe.  Lord Ganesha helplessly looked at his figure and   started to walk around his divine parents.  Seeing the devotion of the child, the most pleased Lord offered the mango fruit to Lord Ganesha. After sometimes, Lord Subramnya arrived on the spot all sweat and anxious.  He met Lord Ganesha with the mango fruit; Lord Muruga was fuming with anger and started to leave Mount Kailash.  Mother Parvati interviened and tried her all means to console the child.  In a sudden rage Lord Muruga left Mount Kailash and all the the luxuries behind, he left his royal attaire and walked away clad in loincloth with a spear in hand.  He arrived at the foot Hills of Palani and settled.  Lord Shiva pacified Lord Muruga; enlighten him with the very fact that Subramanya himself is the fruit of Wisdom and Knowledge.  Hence, this place has got the name ‘Pazham Nee’ to Palani.  Later, Lord Muruga withdrawn into the Hills of Palani, Lord Muruga can be seen in renunciation form in this temple.

At this point of time, Idumban tried to lift the two hills Sivagiri and Sakthi Giri to resume his journey.  It was impossible to lift the hills due to its enormous weight.  He came to know that it has become one of the divine Abode of Lord Subramanya.  Idumban engaged in a fierce battle with Lord Muruga.  Finally, the most compassionate Lord provided him with Salvation.  Whoever visits the temple of Lord Subramanya / Dandayudhapani should make a visit to the Shrine of Idumban before worshipping Lord Dandayudhapani at hill.   The usual practice is that the devotees pay obeisance to Idumban at the shrine located on the way to the Hill and resume their journey to Hill temple. The tradition of ‘Kavadi’ began in the later years to commemorate the above incident.

 

Vetrivel Muruganukk Ara Aro Ara !!

 

Jai Sriman Narayana !!



The Six Holy Abodes of Lord Muruga - Arupadai Veedu - Thirupparam Kundram !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Vetrivel Muruganukk Ara Aro Ara !!

 

Thirupparamkundram  is dne of the Six Holy Abodes of Lord Muruga stands First in order.  This temple is also known as one among the prominent 275 Thevara Sthalams of Lord Shiva. Thirupparamkundram is one of the Six Holy Abodes of Lord Muruga located about 8km from Madurai City, Tamilnadu. This temple stands First among the Six Holy Abodes of Lord Muruga and it is one of the oldest temples built by Pandava King Maravarman Sundara Pandyan existing from the date back to Sangam Period. The Nayakas also have made contributions to the temple. This rock temple is situated at a height 1050ft from the ground level. The majestic Rajagopuram and at the entrance situated elegant 48 pillar mandapam with the beautiful carvings on it are part of the sculptural brilliancy. The dazzling murals of Lord Brahma, Lord Indra, Lord Surya, Lord Chandra, Goddess Boodevi and Goddess Sridevi, Lord Nataraja in dancing posture in the presence of His celestial attendents and Goddes Parvati visualizing the cosmic dance in a reclining posture on a bull , Lord Nandi with sages, the celestial vehicles of deities such as Garuda, Peacock, Nandi, Mouse etc.. reveals the extra-ordinary architectural skills and the workmanship of the temple which was widely spoken in the past several years.

 

Presiding deity: Lord Subramanya with his consort Sri Devayanai
 

Sannidhis: Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha, Lord Vishnu, Goddess Durga, Shaneeshwara,
 

Theertham – Saravana Poigai
 

Mangalasasanam – Saint Arunagirinathar

Worshipped by – Thiru Gnana Sambandhar, Thiru Sundaramurthy Nayanar
 

 

The famous Saiva saints Sri Sundaramurthy Nainar; Thiru Gnana Sambandhar also visited this temple and sung priaising the Lord in the sacred scriptures of ‘Thevaram’. The famous Tamil Poet Nakkirar composed his legendary work Thirumurugatrupadai – sung praising the glories of Lord Muruga in this temple.  Saint Arunagirinathar sung many songs praising the glories of Lord Subramanya in his divine composition ‘Thirupukazh’.

 

Unaiththi nanthozhu dhilanuna dhiyalbinai
     uraiththi lanpala malarkodun adiyiNai
          uRappa Nindhilan oruthava milanuna ...... dharuLmARA

thenaththe nanthana enavari aLinaRai
     thevitta anbodu paruguyar pozhilthigazh
          thiruppa rangiri thaniluRai saravaNa ...... perumALE.
 

The legened has that King Harishchandra worshipped Lord Shiva in this hillock known as Sathya Giri and attained eternal wisdom.  He constructed a temple in this place came to known as Thirupparamkundram. After killing the demon Surapadman, Lord Muruga arrived with his mighty warriors to Thirupparamkundram.  All the deities and Sages praised Lord Muruga’s victory over the demon Surapadman.  Lord Indra revealed his desire to marry off his daughter to Lord Muruga, as per Lord Indra’s wish Lord Muruga married to Sri Devayanai in this divine temple.  Another importance is that Lord Muruga worshipped his parents as Lord Parangirinathar and Goddess Avudainayaki in this temple.
 

This temple remains open from morning 5.30 AM to 1.00 PM and 4.00PM to 9.30PM in the evening.

Vetrivel Muruganukk Ara Aro Ara !!

 

 

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Chaitra Pournami / Sri Chitragupta Puja on 28th October, 2011 !!

Jai Sriman Narayana!!

Chitragupta was born to Lord Surya and Neela Devi.  He is younger brother of Lord Yama.  It is believed that Lord Chitragupta was born on Chaitra Punima day.  According to Puranas, Chitragupta assists Lord Yama to judge the destiny of dead souls according to the sins committed in their life on earth. He stands loyally to the right of Lord Yama and pronounces the remaining fate of the dead souls.   Chitragupta have precise history of the sins and virtues of an individual while their life on Earth.  The dead souls are fling to Hell for their sins committed and the good deeds are always rewarded with merits in the form of journey to Heaven or Salvation.   

Chitragupta had tweleve sons from his two wives; they were Shobhavati (Iravati) and Nandini (Dakshina).  Shobhavati had 8 sons, they were: Charu, Sucharu, Chitrakash, Matiman, Himavan, Chitracharu, Aruna Charu and Jitendra.  Nandini had four sons namely Shribhanu, Vibhanu, Vishwabhanu and Viryabhanu.

There is a famous temple of Lord Chitragupta located in Kanchi.  This is one of the oldest temples built during the Chola dynasty. The Presiding deity of the temple, Ustavar - Sri Chitragupta with His consort Karnikambal, Moolavar – Lord Chitragupta with an Ezhuthani and Palm leaf – These were the materials used for writing purpose in olden era. In this temple special poojas are carried out on all Pournami days, especially Chaitra Pournami day is celebrated in a grand manner.

This is one and only temple dedicated to Lord Chitragupta in the South.  This temple enshrines several deities includes Lord Vinayaka, Navagrahas, Goddess Durga etc.

 Jai Sriman Narayana !!

The Six Holy Abodes of Lord Muruga - Arupadai Veedu - Thiruchendur !!

 

 

 

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

 

 

 

Vetrivel Muruganukk Ara Aro Ara !!

 

 

 

Thiruchendhur is located 40km away from Tuticorin; this temple is situated on the seashore of Bay of Bengal.The famous Tamil poet Nakkirar described this temple as second in the six holy abodes of Lord Muruga. The temple has been praised by Nakkirar in his poetic work, Saint Arunagirinathar praised the glory of Thiruchendur Murugan in his sacred work Thirumurugatrupadai and it is widely spoken in Silapathikaram and Thevaram too.

 

Presiding deity – Lord Subramanya worshipped as Sri Senthil Andavan/ Sri Senthil Kumaran / Arumughan /Balasubramanyan

 

Thiruchendhur – One of the six holy Abodes of Lord Muruga stands second in Aru Padai Veedu.

 

Pushkarani – 24 sacred Theerthams capable to remove all the sins. Vadanaramba Theertham, Skandha Pushkarani and Saravana Poikai are available for holy dip.

Vadanaramba Theertham and Skanda Pushkarani (Nazhikinar) is treated as highly auspicious.  Vadanaramba Theertham is situated opposite to Moolavar.  Lord Brahma took holy dip in this pushkarani and got back his lost head. 

 

Skanda Pushkarani is situated very close to the main sea shore in the Shanmugha Vilasa Mandapam.   It is a 7ft depth well contains crystal clear water oozes from a narrow outlet.  It is believed that Lord Muruga flings his spear on the sandbed to quench the thirst of his warriors after the fierce battle.  Moovar Samadhi – Kasi Swami, Mauna Swami and Desika Murthy Swamigal Samadhi also can be seen here.

 

Saravana Poikai is the place where Lord Muruga appeared in the form of six babies in six loutses and the children were nursed by Karthikai Pengal affectionately.

 

Important festivals in this temple are Vaikasi Visagam, Avani Festival, Skandha Shashti Vizha – 6^th Day Shoora Samharam and & 7^th day Thirukalyanam as a concluding part, Masi, Panguni Uthiram, Thaipoosam, Markazhi utsavam, Vishu, Diwali and Pongal

 

The tall Rajagopuram with a height of 137 ft stands majestically facing on the western side.  The main entrance to the temple ‘Shanmugha Vilasa Mandapam is 120ft long with the supporting pillars made of granite. A magnificent copper plated Dwajasthamba stands on the eastern side in the middle of first Praharam.  Opposite to the dwajasthamba there is a small manhole, through this one can see the gigantic sea waves and also able to listen the Pranava Manthra ‘OM’.

 

The first Praharam enshrines Kumara Vidanga Peruman – Ucchava Murthy,    63 Nayanmar, Thogai Adiyar and Lord Dakshinamurthy on the right.  The next three pillars are bedecked with the sculptures of Kasi Swami, Mauna Swami, Desika Murthy Swamigal who were selflessly devoted their life in the service of Lord Muruga.  There are Shrines of Valliamman made of marble, Sankara Narayanar, Visalakshmy Amman, Vedapurishwarar, Vatha Purishwarar and Eakambaranathar.  In the northern side situated the shrine of Lord Chandrasekharar and Lord Natarajar with Sivakami in the presence of Karaikkal Ammayar who was musing at the Ananda Thandavam of the Lord, Lord Saneeshwarar and Kala Bhairavar. A splendid golden Dwajasthamba also positioned here.   

 

In the second praharam situated the Idol of Lord Dakshinamurthy, 108 Lingas, Shoora Samhara Murthy, Saint Arunagirinathar, Mel Vasa Vinayagar, Perumal, Sri Raganathar & Goddess Gajalakshmi along with Thayars – Sridevi, Boodevi, Neeladevi Nachiyar and 12 Alwars.  Yaga sala also can be seen on this praharam, during Skandha Shashti Vizha Yagas are performed to gratify the Lord.

 

In the sanctum sanctorum the presiding deity of the temple Lord Balasubramanyan and Lord Arumugha with His celestial vehicle peacock in front can be seen.  On the wall behind the Moolavar, there is Jagannatha Lingam and Lord Nandikeshwara also can be seen with the Peacock.  Pancha Lingam also can be seen in the Maha Mandapam with a manhole on the wall behind the lingas. It is believed that the deities worship Lord through this hole. The idol of Goddess Parvati, Manicka Vinayagar, Lord Virabahu and Lord Viramahendrar also can be seen here.   On the outer wall of the praharam the image of Lord Arumugha is beautifully carved with 6 faces and tweleve arms holding the lethal weapons, elegantly posing with Sri Devayanai on his left and Sri Valli on right.  Processional deity – Jayanthi Nathar with his Nachiyars and Chandralingam also can be seen here.

Skandha Puranam describes the Birth of Lord Muruga.  The demon Surapadman underwent severe penance praying to Lord Shiva.  The most pleased Lord offered several boons to Surapadman.  Immediately after receiving the extra – ordinary powers he started to harass the sages and deities.  He conquered the three worlds and the deities lost their power and glories.  They approached Lord Brahma and sought for help.  It was clear that the son of Lord Shiva only possibly will kill the demon Surapadman.  On the other hand Lord Shiva was under deep meditation.   Lord Kamadeva played his tricks and thus Lord Shiva got out of his meditation.  The most infuriated Lord turned Lord Kamadeva into ashes instantly.

 

Lord Shiva opened his third eye and let out the powerful spark of fire and it was carried by Lord Vayu and Lord Agni and deposited into river Ganges. River Ganges safely dropped them into Saravana Poigai.    The powerful spark of fire turned into six babies in six Lotuses in Saravana Poigai.  The Karthikai Pengal got attracted towards the babies and they rushed to nurse them with much compassion.  Goddess Parvati arrived at Saravana Poigai and saw the six divine babies, in a moment she affectionately hugged all the six babies together and the 6 babies turned into one with 6 faces, 12 eyes and 12 hands.  Thus, Lord Muruga got the sacred name ‘Arumughan’.

 

Lord Veerabhahu and lakhs of warriors were originated from the anklets of Goddess Parvati. Lord Shiva produced eleven Rudras and they turned to 11 powerful arms.  Lord Muruga got the divine spear blessed by Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva.

 

Lord Muruga arrived at Thiruchendhur with his mighty warriors in order to initiate the war with the demon Surapadman.  The fierce battle with the demon Surapadman continued for several days.  Finally, Lord beheaded the demon and provided salvation to Surapadman, transformed into Peacock and cock.  The peacock was used as his celestial vehicle and cock was positioned in his flag.  All the deities worshipped Lord Muruga at the victory over the evil Surapadman.  In turn Lord Muruga worshipped Lord Shiva in the form of Linga in this temple.

This temple  remains open from morning 5.00 AM to 12.PM and 3.00 PM to 9.00PM in the evening.

Vetrivel Muruganukk Ara Aro Ara !!

 

 

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Bhrathru Dwithiya/Bhai Dooj on fifth day of Diwali !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

In northern parts of India, Bhathru Dwithiya/ Bhai Pooja celebrated with lot of excitement on the fifth day of Diwali.  This is the festival of brothers and sisters celebrate together for their long life.  On this day, sisters pray for the long life and welfare of their brothers, they also offer Tilak and sweets to their brothers.  According to legend, it was the day the legendary brother Lord Yama reunited with his sister River Yamuna after several years of separation.  Lord Yama and River Yumuna are children of Lord Surya.  As a part of the austerities, worship of River Yamuna and Lord Yama on this day takes place, brothers and sisters join together to have holy dip in the sacred river Yamuna.

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Sri Govardhana Pooja / Annakkoottu Utsavam on 27th October, 2011 !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Jai Shri Krishna !!

Please visit the following link to read the glories of Sri Govardhana Pooja:

http://indiatempletour.blogspot.com/2010/11/sri-govardhana-pooja-annakoottu-utsavam.html

Jai Shri Krishna !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Skandha Shashti Vizha !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

 

 

 

Vetrivel Muruganukk Ara Aro Ara !!

 

Skandha Shasti begins on the 6^th day of bright fornight in the Tamil Month Aippasi.  The six day long festival commemorates the fierce battle of Lord Muruga with the demon Tharakasura and  the death of the demon. 

 

The celebration continues for six days in all the Murugan temples especially in the famous Six Abodes of Lord Muruga.  The Six Abodes of Lord Muruga are  Thirupparamkundram, Thiruchendur, Palani, Swami Malai, Thiruthani and Pazhamuthir Cholai.  Fasting, following austerities on these auspicious days and reciting the scared hymns of Lord Muruga such as Thirupukazh and Skandha Puranam are highly meritorious.   

 

Please follow the link below to read Skandha Puranam:

 

http://indiatempletour.blogspot.com/2010/11/skandha-shashti-vizha-begins-6th.html

 

http://indiatempletour.blogspot.com/2010/11/skanda-puranam-maheshwara-kandam-ist.html
 

http://indiatempletour.blogspot.com/2010/11/skanda-puranam-vaishnava-kandam-2nd-day.html

 

http://indiatempletour.blogspot.com/2010/11/skandha-puranam-brahma-kandam-3rd-day.html

 

http://indiatempletour.blogspot.com/2010/11/skanda-puranam-kashi-kandam-4th-day-of.html

http://indiatempletour.blogspot.com/2010/11/skanda-puranam-avanthi-kshetra-kandam.html

 

http://indiatempletour.blogspot.com/2010/11/skanda-puranam-naagar-kandam-6th-day-of.html

Vetrivel Muruganukk Ara Aro Ara !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Manisha Puja / Kali Puja on the Second Day of Diwali !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Jai Ambey Ma !!

On the second day of Diwali, The Mother Universe – Goddess is worshipped in three forms Sri Mahakali, Sri Maha Lakshmi and Sri Maha Saraswathy.  In Bengal Manisha Puja or Kali Puja is celebrated in a grand manner.

In the previous day of Manisha Puja, the whole house keeps decorated with colourful Rangoli.  Manisha Puja starts with the worship of Lord Ganesha to remove obstacle and Guru to shower unconditional blessings.  Guru is Acharya, without His blessings no individual could avail the grace of Lord. Offerings are made in the form of flowers, ghee lamp, incense stick and Bhog as a part of the ceremony.

‘Kala’ means Darkness – It is beleved that Goddess Kali takes away the darkness which are innate in the form of Illusion, Ego, Pride, Jealous, Ignorance, Anger, Lust, etc.. from the individual and provide self - realisation and God - realization to her worshipper.  Following austerities, fasting, keeping awake in the night and worship of Goddess in her three manifestation as Sri Mahakali, Sri Maha Lakshmi and Sri Mahalakshmi on this day brings abundance of piousness.  The presence of Goddess in her all three forms provide Courage, Willpower, Strength, Presence of Mind, Clarity in Speech and Action, Devotion, Wealth, Prosperity, Fame, Beauty,
Wisdom, Good Knowledge, Memory, Happiness, Righteousness etc… to the worshipper.

Siddhi Buddhi Pradhey Devi Bhukthi Mukthi Pradhayini

Manthra Murthey sadhadevi Mahalakshmi Namosthuthey

Jai Ambey Ma !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

51 Shakthi Sthalam !! Mangad Sri Tapas Kamakshi Temple – Thiruverkkadu - Chennai !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

 

 

Jai Ambey Ma !!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was First Friday in the Tamil Month Avani; we made a visit to Mangad Kamakshi Temple in the early morning and we reached the temple around 5.30AM. Mangad Sri Tapas Kamakshi Temple is located between porur and poonammallee on the Suburbs of Chennai.  The very name ‘Mangad’ derived from Mangrove.   Previously, this place was bursting with gigantic forest.  Goddess Sri Kamakshi underwent severe penance standing in the middle of ‘Panchagni’ in this temple, hence the presiding deity has came to known as Tapas Kamakshi. 

 

The surroundings of the temple were lively with the street vendors of pooja materials.  It was nice to see cheerful faces around selling colorful flower garlands, lemon garlands and many more.  I have already got a silk Pavadai and a lemon garland to offer to Sri Kamakshi.  The whole atmosphere inside the temple was incredible and did not find much crowd in the early hours.  We proceeded through the vast praharam to the sanctum sanctorum of the temple.  We could see nearly 100 people were waiting on the queue.  While standing on the queue for some time, we just turned our heads to see the crowd…Good Lord…The queue was so long in the sense  further 800 people were added on the queue.  As the queue started to move gradually, the much awaited time has come for us to have dharshan of Goddess Kamakashi.  I offered Silk Pavadai and Lemon Garland to the priest.  Initially he asked me to get ticket for offering Pavadai.  I explained my helpless situation once again move through the huge crowd to get ticket from the counter.  I earnestly prayed to consider the matter seriously.  Finally he agreed and offered the Pavadai and garland to Sri Kamakshi; it was one of the brilliant moments to watch Her amazing beauty standing very close to Her.  Later, the temple priest handed us with Prasadam and the Pavadai that was adorned on the Sri Ardhameru Chakram for few minutes; He instructed us to deposit the Pavadai to the Temple Administrative office.  We holded the Pavadai in our hands with greatest admiration and afterwards deposited to the office. 

 

Azhagukku Oruvarum Ovvatha Valli

Arumaraikal Pazhaki Chivantha Padhambuyathal

Panima Mathiyin Kuzhavi Thirumudi Komalai Yamalai Kombirukka

Izhavuttru Nindra Nenjey Irangel Unakku Yen Kuraye?

 

The legend has that Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva was having their pastime in Mount Kailash.  In a playful mood Goddess Parvati closed the eyes of Lord Shiva for a moment.  Immediately, the entire universe fell into darkness.  Goddess Parvati felt ashamed of her playful act and requested for forgiveness.  Lord Shiva instructed Goddess Parvati to undertake severe penance on Earth in the midst of fire called ‘Panchagni’ in Mangad.  Goddess Parvati underwent severe penance in Mangad, folding her right leg and standing on the right leg in the middle of Panchagni and holding a Japamala - Beads just above her head as instructed by Lord Shiva.  In this temple, Goddess Parvati – Kamakshi can be seen on the above posture.  Lord Shiva pleased at the devotion of Sri Kamakshi and married her in Kanchi.  When Sri Kamakshi left Mangad, the fire remained open.  Due to the unbearable heat, the people of this place started to suffer.  Later, Sri Adi Sankaracharya visited this place and installed a ‘Sri Ardhameru Chakram’in order to save this place from scorching heat.  In the sanctum sanctorum Sri Ardhameru Chakram also can be seen just in front of the presiding deity Goddess Kamakshi.  Kumkum Archana is performed on the Sri Chakram.

 

Nindrum Irunthum Kidanthum Nadanthum Ninaippathu Unnai

Yendrum Vanaguvathu Un Malar Thal, Ezhuthamarayin

Ondrum Arumporuley Aruley Umaye Imayathandrum Piranthavale

Azhiya Mukthi Anandhame

 

The important festivals of this temple are Chitra Pournami, Vaikasi Visakham, Ani Thirumanjanam, Thiruvadi Puram, Navaratri, Annabhishekam, Karthikai Deepam, Arudra Darisanam, Thaipoosam, Masi Makam, Sivaratri, and Panguni Uthram.  Another significance of this temple is that the ‘Golden Chariot’ with the idol of Goddess Durga, Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Saraswathy are drawn through the wide praharam of this temple on all evenings from 6.30 PM to 7.30 PM.  ‘Annadhanam’ also provided to the devotees on daily basis.

 

On Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday the temple remains open from morning 6.00AM to 1.30 PM and 3.00 PM to 9.30 PM in the evening.  As this temple attracts huge crowd of devotees on the auspicious days known as Sundays, Tuesdays and Fridays the temple remains open from morning 5.00 AM to 10.00PM without any break. 

 

This temple enshrines the sannidhis of Lord Ganesha – Sri Varasiddhi Vinayakar, Lord Surya and Navakanyakaigal.

 

Poothavale Bhuvanam Pathinangayum Poothavannam Kathavale

Pin Karanthavale Karai Kandanukku Moothavale

Endrum Moova Mukundarkku Ilayavale Mathavale

Unnai Andri Matror Deivam Vandhipathe

 

Jai Ambey Ma !!

 

 

Jai Sriman Narayana !!