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Showing posts from November 16, 2015


Six Faces of Lord Muruga - Symbolism and Meaning of the Six Faces of Kartikeya

In his Virat form, or Vishwaroopam, Muruga is one with six faces and twelve arms. This form is also known as Arumugan. Here is the story, significance and symbolism of the six faces of Lord Muruga. Lord Muruga, also known as Kartikeya, Skanda, Subramaniya and Kartik, was born as six different babies to Lord Shiva. Six Krittika stars or natchathirams looked after the six babies. When Goddess Parvati found the six babies, she hugged them, and they became one. He then came to be known as Arumugam – the one with six faces and twelve arms. There are numerous symbolism regarding the six heads of Muruga. It is believed that the six faces of Muruga represents five elements – ether, fire, water, earth, air – and the sixth the spirit that infuses life into the beings formed by the elements. Some scholars especially those associated with yoga states that the six heads represents the six centers with the human body – six chakras. Nakkirar in his Thirumurugatrupadai (A classi

Six Abodes of Lord Muruga in Tamil Nadu – Arupadai Veedu

Arupadai Veedu (aaru-padai-veedu) or ‘six-army-houses’ are the six temples dedicated to Muruga in Tamil Nadu which depicts Muruga as a warrior-god. It is also known as Thirumurugatrupadai. The temples are located atop six sacred hills and dates back to the 2nd century. The six abodes of Lord Muruga are: Thiruparankundram Temple  - Located in Madurai. It is believed that Lord Muruga married Devasena here. Muruga stands in the form of groom - Kalyana Muruga. Thiruchendur Murugan Temple  - Only Arupadai Veedu not on a hill. It is located on the beach of Bay of Bengal. Muruga Vanquished Soorapadman here. Palani Murugan Temple  - Muruga is worshipped here as Dandayuthapani - an ascetic boy holding dandam or staff. Swamimalai Murugan Temple  -Located near Kumbakonam. Muruga is here worshipped as the teacher of Shiva. Muruga explained the meaning of Pranava mantra to Shiva here. Thiruttani Murugan Temple  - Muruga cooled himself down here after defeating Soorapadma

Makaram Pathu in Kerala

Makaram Pathu is the 10th day in Makara Masam (January – February) in a traditional solar calendar followed in Kerala. The day is of great importance in many temples across Kerala. Makaram Pathu 2024 date is January 23. Some temples in Kerala observe the annual temple festival on the day. Pooram is organized in many small temples in North Kerala. The day is of significance at Narayanakulangara temple and Palayur Kavadiyattu Bhagavathi temple.

Mannam Jayanthi

Mannam jayanthi is the birth anniversary of Mannathu Padmanabhan (January 2, 1878 - February 25, 1970). He was a freedom fighter, social reformer and founder of NSS (Nair Services Society). Mannam Jayanthi is annually observed on January 2. In 2024, it is the 145th birth anniversary of Mannathu Padmanabha Pillai. To uplift the status of the Nair community in Kerala, he established Nair Service Society in 1914. He revived the Karayogams, village societies, which led to more unity among the Nair community. He fought for social equality by opening his family temple to irrespective of caste. He fought against untouchability by participating in the famous Vaikom Satyagraha and Guruvayur Temple entry. He was one of the architects of the famous Vimochana Samaram, which led to the ouster of the first communist ministry in Kerala in 1959. He helped in founding numerous colleges and schools across the state.

Ghanteshwar Mahadev – About Ghanteshwar Form of Shiva - 57th Shiva Temple in Ujjain

Ghanteshwar Mahadev is worshiped in Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the 84 forms of Shiva worshiped in Ujjain. It is believed that worshipping Ghanteshwar Form of Shiva will make a person expert in music. The temple dedicated to Ghanteshwar Mahadev is located at Kartik Chowk. This form of Shiva is associated with a Shiva Gana named Ghanta. Ghanteshwar Mahadev is counted among the 84 Shiva Temples in Ujjain and it is the 57th temple visited during the parikarama of Shiavalayas here. Story of Ghanteshwar Mahadev Ghanta was one of the favorite Ganas of Shiva. This fact was disclosed by Shiva to Goddess Parvati. Ghanta was a good singer. Once Ghanta wanted to visit the court of Brahma. But he could not do it due to various reasons. Therefore, he waited outside the court for a year. Narada informed Shiva that Ghanta was waiting outside court of Brahma and was not attending to his duties. Shiva then cursed Ghanta that a person who attempts to serve two master

Thiruppunavasal Temple near Rameswaram – Natural Shivling Worshipped Here is Growing

Thiruppunavasal Temple at Rameswaram is dedicated to Lord Shiva. A unique aspect of the Shivling worshipped here is that it is growing. The Swayambhu Shivling is also one of the biggest naturally occurring Shivlings inside a Shiva Temple. Another unique aspect of the shrine is that Goddess Durga is viewed through a mirror as she is in a fierce form. Tiruppunavasal is mentioned in the Thevaram. The place was known as Indrapuram during Krita Yuga, Brahmapuram in Tretha Yuga and Vrithakasi in Dwapara Yuga. Ten holy tanks, named Indra, Ganga, Brahma, Lakshmi, Surya, Chandra, Chakra, Sarpa (serpent), Kalyana and Varuna, can be found in the temple complex. The Sthala Vriksha is Punnai.