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Tirupparamkundram
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Tiruchendur
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Palani
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Swami Malai
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Tiruttani
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Pazhamuthircholai
Thiruparamkundram
Murugan was married to Devayanai 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. The importance of this temple is that here was celebrated the marriage of Lord Subrahmanya with the daughter of Indra, Devayanai. The shrine to Shiva here has been revered by the Tevaram hymns of the Nayanmars.
Festival: Pankuni Uttiram festival of marriage between Lord Murugan and Devayanai.
Thiruchendur
The first temple of this six part series on Lord Muruga's abodes is Tiruchendur. Here, the Lord is known as "Senthil andavar". It is one of the most visited shrines in Tamil Nadu, and, unlike the other abodes which are atop hills, this one is located on the seashore in the southern part of the state. According to the legend, Lord Muruga vanquished the demon Soorapadman and his army, in his fortress Veeramahendram situated in the middle of the ocean near here.
Festivals Twice a year, once in Maasi and once in Aavani, the temple brahmmothsavams are held and they go on for 12 days. On the seventh and eighth days of the festivals, Lord Shanmukha is housed in the Shanmukha Vilaasa mandapam before and after the processions. The ratha festival is conducted on the 10th day and the theppam (float) festival on the following day. In the month of Vaikasi, the Vishaakam festival is celebrated for 12 days.
Palani
The sage Agastya wanted to take two hills Sivagiri and Skathigiri to his abode and a commissioned his disciple Idumban to carry them. Idumban bopre the hills slung to his shoulders in the form of kavadi and when he was exhausted, he placed the kavadi near Palani to take rest.
Same time Lord Muruga had been outwitted in acontest for going around the world. Lord Ganapathi had won the prised fruit by simply going round his parents. Long after this Murugan came sweating on his peacock to find that the prize has already been given to his brother. In anger the child left the dive parents and cane to Tiru Avinankudi Adivaram (it means foot of the Sivagiri Hill). Siva pacified him by saying that he himself was the fruit (pazham) of all wisdom and knowledge nee-you. Henc the place was called Pazham Nee or Palani. When idumban resumed his journey he could not lift the hill. Murgan had made it impossible for Idumban to make it. In the fierce battler that ensed Idumban was killed but was later on restored to life. Idumban prayed that:
- whosoever carried on his shoulders the Kavadi, signifying the two hills and visited the temple on a vow, should be blessed and
- he should be given the privilege of standing sentinel at the entrance to the hill.
There is aIso a dumban shrine halfway up the hill and since then, pilgrims to Palani bring their offerings on their shoulders in a
kavadi.