Six Shrines Of Muruga (Malayalam and English)
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The word “Aru” in Tamil means pathway. The noun “padai” is derived from the verb form “padu,” which denotes directing or guiding. When ‘Aru’ and ‘Padai’ are joined together to form “Atruppadai,” it gives the meaning of providing guidance or directing towards the ultimate goal.
A devotee of Muruga who has already benefited from His grace may wish to provide guidance to another eligible devotee in the path of spirituality so that he may also reach the abode of Muruga. It is this process that is the central theme of “Thirumurugatruppdai.”
Thirumurugatrupadai is divided into six chapters. In due course of time, these have been taken to identify the six holy shrines of Muruga, namely Thirupparangundram, Thiruchendur, Thiruaavinangudi, Thiruveragam, Kundruthoradal, and Pazhamudhircholai. And the word Atruppadai Veedu was changed to “Arupadai Veedu” in due course. Also, the word Padai veedu also denotes “capital region,” so it may also be taken to mean the capital regions of Lord Muruga, who reigns supreme.
Six Shrines(Arupadai Veedu): A Sacred Guide to Murugan’s Six Abodes in Tamil Nadu
The phrase “Arupadai Veedu” holds deep spiritual significance in Tamil culture. Derived from the Tamil words “Aru” meaning path and “Padai” meaning to guide or lead, Arupadai translates to “guiding towards the right path.” This concept is central to the worship of Lord Murugan, the beloved deity of Tamil Nadu known for his divine wisdom, infinite grace, and youthful valor.
The Spiritual Essence of Arupadai Veedu
Arupadai Veedu represents the six sacred shrines of Lord Murugan, which are spread across the southern state of Tamil Nadu. These six temples—Tirupparankundram, Thiruchendur, Thiruvaavinangudi (Palani), Thiruveragam (Swamimalai), Kundruthoradal (Thiruthani), and Pazhamudhircholai—symbolize the six divine faces of Arumuga, another name for Murugan. Each of these abodes embodies a unique spiritual quality and plays a vital role in the journey of Murugan worship in Tamil Nadu.
These shrines are not merely architectural marvels or religious sites—they are pathways for spiritual evolution and inner awakening. Worship at each of these temples is believed to purify the devotee’s soul and bring them closer to Murugan’s divine presence.
The Six Sacred Abodes of Lord Murugan
Here’s a brief Arupadai Veedu guide to explore each of these powerful shrines:
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Tirupparankundram: Represents Ullasam (joy and exuberance). This is where Lord Murugan married Devasena, daughter of Indra, after vanquishing the demon Surapadman.
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Thiruchendur: Denotes Shanthi (calmness and mental steadiness). Located by the sea, it is where Murugan waged a victorious battle against evil.
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Thiruvaavinangudi (Palani): Symbolizes Yoga and renunciation. Lord Murugan is worshipped here as a mendicant, having renounced his divine family after a dispute over a sacred fruit.
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Thiruveragam (Swamimalai): Stands for Jnana (knowledge and teaching). Murugan, as the divine teacher, imparts the meaning of the sacred “Om” to his father Lord Shiva.
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Kundruthoradal (Thiruthani): Reflects Sukham (pleasure and well-being). This is where Murugan rests after his triumph, representing peace and recovery.
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Pazhamudhircholai: Signifies the Sublime State, a perfect union of knowledge, joy, and grace. Nestled in a lush forest, this shrine represents the highest spiritual realization.
Arupadai Veedu in Tamil Devotional Literature
The sacredness of these temples has been immortalized in classic Tamil spiritual texts like Thirumurugatrupadai, written by Nakkeerar. In this ancient text, a devotee who has received Lord Murugan’s grace guides others to these six holy temples, directing them toward enlightenment.
Saints like Arunagirinathar and Kumaragurupara Swamigal have echoed similar sentiments in their works. In Kandar Anubhuthi, Arunagirinathar praises Murugan as the blissful Lord who communicates with his devotees. In Kandar Kalivenba, Kumaragurupara Swamigal writes of attaining divine presence by worshipping the six abodes and chanting the six-syllable Shadakshara mantra.
The Inner and Outer Journey to Muruga
The beauty of Murugan worship in Tamil Nadu lies in its duality. These six shrines are not just physical destinations but also metaphors for the six chakras within the human body. Murugan is believed to reside in these spiritual centers, and visiting the Tamil Nadu Murugan temples symbolically aligns the outer pilgrimage with the inner spiritual journey.
When a devotee visits all six of Muruga’s abodes, it is believed they receive his complete grace and blessings—physically, mentally, and spiritually. This spiritual journey to Muruga shrines is considered a path to liberation, guided by love, faith, and devotion.
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