Lord Murugan
Murugan is a Hindu deity worshipped primarily in South India and Sri Lanka. He is also known by other names such as Kartikeya, Skanda, Subramanya, and Shanmukha. Murugan is regarded as the god of war, victory, and wisdom, and is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
Murugan is usually depicted as a young, handsome warrior riding a peacock and holding a spear or Vel (a type of lance or javelin). He is often depicted with six faces and twelve arms, which symbolize his many powers and qualities.
There are many temples dedicated to Murugan across South India, the most famous of which is the Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple in Palani, Tamil Nadu. The temple is situated on a hill and is reached by climbing 659 steps. The festival of Thaipusam, celebrated in the Tamil month of Thai (January/February), is dedicated to Murugan and is marked by devotees carrying Kavadi, a type of portable altar, on their shoulders as a sign of devotion.
Murugan is also associated with the Tamil language and is regarded as the patron deity of Tamil Nadu. He is often depicted holding a stylus, which symbolizes his role in promoting knowledge and education.
Murugan, also known as Kartikeya or Subramanya, is a popular Hindu deity associated with war, victory, and wisdom. He is typically depicted as a handsome young man with six faces and twelve arms, riding on a peacock.
In addition to his traditional form, Murugan is also depicted in various avatars, or incarnations, in Hindu mythology. Some of the popular avatars of Murugan include:
Shanmukha: This avatar of Murugan is characterized by his six faces, representing the six attributes of wisdom, strength, wealth, peace, youthfulness, and fame.
Dandayudhapani: This avatar of Murugan is depicted holding a staff, or danda, which represents his authority and power.
Palaniandavar: This avatar of Murugan is worshipped at the Palani temple in Tamil Nadu, India. He is depicted as a young boy with a golden crown and a Vel, or spear, in his hand.
Kandha: This avatar of Murugan is also known as Skanda or Kumara, and is depicted as a young warrior riding on a peacock.
Velava: This avatar of Murugan is worshipped in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, India. He is depicted as a fierce warrior with a Vel, or spear, in his hand, riding on a white elephant.
These are just a few examples of the avatars of Murugan that are worshipped by his devotees around the world.
The six abodes of Lord Murugan, also known as the Arupadaiveedu, are six important temples located in Tamil Nadu, India that are dedicated to Lord Murugan, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The six temples are:
Thiruthani – located near Chennai, this temple is believed to be where Lord Murugan married Valli, a tribal girl who became one of his consorts.
Swamimalai – located near Kumbakonam, this temple is believed to be the place where Lord Murugan taught the meaning of the Pranava mantra (Om) to his father Lord Shiva.
Palani – located in Dindigul district, this temple is known for its unique architecture and the tradition of “tonsure”, where devotees shave their heads as an offering to Lord Murugan.
Pazhamudircholai – located near Madurai, this temple is believed to be the place where Lord Murugan resided with his consorts.
Thiruchendur – located near Tuticorin, this temple is believed to be the place where Lord Murugan defeated the demon Surapadman.
Thirupparamkunram – located near Madurai, this temple is believed to be the place where Lord Murugan married Devasena, the daughter of Indra, the king of gods.
Pilgrimage to these six temples, also known as the Arupadaiveedu, is considered an important aspect of the worship of Lord Murugan, and devotees from all over the world visit these temples to seek the blessings of the deity.
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