INTRODUCTION:
Lord Muruga, also known as kanda,kadamba,kathirvela,senthilandava and karthikeya, and also by various names, is the second son of Lord Shiva and Parvathi. He was born from the third eye spark of Lord Shiva. He was a great warrior in the battle field. He fought with several asuras and defeated them. He was married with Valli and Deivanai, both of them are two activating forces of the entire world.
TEMPLES
Many temples are dedicated to Lord Muruga, the main among them are arupadai veedus, six houses(temples) of Lord Muruga in six locations. They are Tirutani, Tiruparankundram, Palamudhir cholai, Tiruchendur, Palani and Swami malai. All the six temples are located in tamil nadu. Apart from Arupadai Veedus, Maruda Malai Murugan is very famous which is situated nearby Coimbatore city. In Chennai,Vadapalani andavar temple,kundrathur murugan temple, kandakottam temple in rasappa chetty street,park town and Thiruporur murugan temple are considered as famous temples. In most of the tamil nadu temples, free annadanam is offered to devotees in the afternoon.
Several temples are there in foreign countries also like Malaysia,srilanka and singapore. One main temple is situated at Malaysia which is called as Pathu malai murugan temple(Batu caves). Every year, during thai poosam, several devotees will take various kavadi and vel piercing on face and body will be done by the devotees. This shows their strong faith on Lord Muruga.
He is regarded as a god for tamil.
Kanda Puranam is a famous work, which shows the importance of Lord Muruga.
FESTIVALS
The main important festivals for Lord Muruga is Skanda Shasti, Tamil New Year Day, Thai Poosam, Karthikai Deepam and Panguni Uthiram. During these festivals, special abhishekam will be done by the devotees to lord muruga in murugan temples, such as milk,honey,ghee,fruits,paneer and coconut water.
WORSHIP
Several saints were worshipped and praised the glory of Lord Muruga. The important among them are, Arunagiri nathar, Bogar, Kirupananda variyar and Avvaiyar. They have sung several songs praising the glory of Lord Muruga.
Murugan worship was prevailing from ancient history. Several kings worshipped Lord muruga and offered their land for constructing several murugan temples, and also they have donated several ornaments to Lord Muruga.
CONCLUSION
Lord Muruga who is an amsa and the son of Lord Shiva, is a great god, and answers the prayers of his devotees. He accepts our offerings and grant various boons to us. He gives us courage and boldness to face difficulties in our life. He removes all the evil effects of the planetary position of his devotees. Those who observe fasting on Shasti, will get immediate relief from their sufferings and problems in their life. Let us chant his holy name and be blessed in our life.
“OM MURUGA VADIVEL MURUGA”
R.HARISHANKAR
