Worship
of Muruga in Tamil Nadu has a special importance. In the
first place it is very ancient. It is holy. This custom
has been in existence from the Sangam period, and has been
handed over from generation to generation. Commencing from
Nakkirar, continued by Kachiappar, Arunagiri Nather, Pamban
Swamigal and Vallalar they have compared psalms and enriched
the devotional aspects of Muruga.
Muruga
has the unique distinction of being a Tamil God. Many have
adopted Muruga as their personal deity and are in the habit
of worshipping him daily. Innumerable are the devotees who
recite Thirumurugattrupadai, Kandar Kali Venba and Kavacha
Granthas daily. They have a firm faith that if they worship
Muruga, their desires will be fulfilled, Muruga, the god
of Kurunji is worshipped by all, as the god of Tamilians.
Though
Muruga resides everywhere the custom in Tamil Nadu is to
pay special attention to hill places as important for worship.
The God of six faces worshipped specially six places called
"Arupadai veedu". In this six places, every day
is a festival day. Of these Tiruchendur, Tiruparankundram
and Palani stand foremost in importance. The shrines of
Muruga eulogized by poets like Arunagiri Nathar are deemed
to be as sacred as places rendered holy by Thevaram.
It
was customary for Tamilians to establish temples atop the
hills and on the sea-shore and worship them. In that respect
Palani has assumed great importance. The very mention of
the name Palani brings to our mind Muruga, Kavadi, tonsure,
sacred ash and Panchamrita. The scent of the sacred ash
of Palani wafts throughout the universe. Devotees pay great
attention to fulfill their vows here. The cult of "vow"
is famous not only in our land but is spread far and wide
in the East Asian countries.
The
most special feature in Palani is the golden car. The sight
of Muruga coming in procession in the golden chariot will
be indeed soul stirring. The fragrance of the divine Palani
hill spreads as far as Kodaikanal. Folks from Pandya Nadu,
Kerala and Kongu flock to this place.
Tirupathi
by its charitable institutions improve Andhra Desa. Similarly
Palani temple by its revenue is instrumental for many reforms
in Tamil Nadu. Flanked by hills Palani affords an excellent
tourist attraction, and the enchanting scenery of the neighborhood
attracts many a traveller. One should have a Darshan of
Muruga during the ablutions. He presents as many charming
views as there are devotees. It is in temples that one's
mind gets merged with the divine. The temples have become
treasures for eternity. Every temple is a poem in stone
and they paint the fame of Muruga.]
