Smart_Photography_-_December_2015_

R Srinivasan

Six shrines of

MURUGAN

A

kin to the Ashtavinayak temples

dedicated to Lord Ganesha in

Maharashtra, the six holiest

shrines or Aarupadai veedukal (battle

camps) of Lord Murugan - also known

as Karthikeya and Skanda - are

situated in Tamil Nadu. As per ancient

Sangam literature, the six abodes

are Tiruttani, Pazhamudircholai,

Thirupparankundram, Palani,

Thiruchendur and Swamimalai.

The six shrines

Tiruttani

As per the Skanda Purana, Lord

Murugan got married to Valli here and

days in March the rising sun’s rays,

through an aperture in the wall, seem to

worship the deity’s feet on one day, then

the chest and finally the face.

From Tiruttani, one can also visit

Kanchipuram (famous for silk sarees)

and Tirupati temple.

How to get there: It is around 85 km

from Chennai and about 13 km from

Arakkonam near Chennai

Pazhamudircholai

Situated in a beautiful dense forest

near the Alagarcoil Vishnu temple,

he considered it to be his favourite

abode. Perched about 700 feet above

sea level, it offers a spectacular view

of the entire surrounding area. It is

said that here Murugan is in a relaxed

mood with his two divine consorts, Valli

and Devayanai. The hill has 365 steps

symbolising the days of the year. The

sacred water tank at the foot of the hill,

is said to have a curative effect for bodily

and mental ailments since it is rich in

minerals such as sulphur, iron, etc.

Outside Tiruttani town, we can see for

ourselves an architectural marvel at

the Arumuga Swami temple. On certain

It is considered auspicious

to visit the six shrines or

Aarupadai veedukal of the

God of war and love in a

single trip.

TEMPLE TRIPS

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Smart PhotographyDecember 2015