Thiruthani - Sri Subramanya Swami Temple
Karu Jeyakumar <sambaviSPAMFILTER@srividya.org>
Friday October 29 2004
Thiruthani or Tiruttani, a holy place near Chennai ( Madras) on the Chennai- Tirupati route, in South India, houses one of the sacred temples of Lord Muruga and is the fifth Aarupadai Veedu . Saint poet Nakkerar, in his songs in praise of Lord Subrahmanya, or Thanigesa Peruman, places Tiruthani in the fifth place amongst the six battle places ( Aarupadai Veedu ) that Lord Muruga has fought to win over evil.
- Legends / Puranas and Mythology The temple is a very old
one and scriptures can be used to trace the temple's existence to as early as
two thousand years ago. The temple is known be several names some of which are
Kunruthor Adal, Thanigachalam, Santhipuri and Skandagiri. This temple is
considered as one of the most important abodes of Muruga. Lord Subramanya, it is
believed, took to Tiruthani as his abode, after vanquishing the demon called
Soorapadman at Tiruchendur. The battle called Soora samharam saw the death of
the arrogance of the demon who was transformed into a Seval or Cock that became
Muruga's Kodi ( or flag) and the also into a Peacock which became the vehicle of
the Lord. At Tiruthani, the swamy is known to be in a very tranquil state,
especially after marrying Valli. Mythology has it that Lord Subrahmanya swamy
came in various forms such as a hunter and a old man to test the perseverance of
Valli, a girl from the hunter community who undertook a penance to attain
oneness with Lord Thanigesan. Vinayaka, his big brother helped Skanda in his
efforts to marry Valli, by donning the form of a mad elephant, which scared
Valli who scurried for refuge to the old man, none other than Subramanyar
himself.
- Location and Temple Precincts Tiruthani is situated in
Tiruvallur district. It is 84 km away from north west chennai . The hill temple
can be reached either by a motorable road or through a flight of 365 steps.
Three Hundred and Sixty five Steps lead to the shrine, each step representing a
day of the year. At the foot of the hills is located the large temple tank,
called the Saravana Poigai, with water that symbolizes prosperity. Tiruthani
temple has a sannidhi for Ganesha who is known by the name of Abath Sahaya
Vinayagar. The Thanigesa peruman temple is located on the top of the Thanigai
Malai. There are four Praharams or "Thiru Sutru" in the temple. The Fourth
Praharam has the Senkazhuneer Pillayar Temple. The holy water pond created by
Lord Vishnu in the name of Vishnu Theertham, Vasuki's creation in the name of
Naga Theertham and Brahama Teertham are sources of water with a divine origin.
In the northern part of the temple precincts lies the Elephant house and the
Sandalwood stone. In the third Praharam of the temple, one can see the
Dwajasthamba Vinayagar and in the south, is located the Uma Maheshwarar
Sannithi. The Ucchu Pillayar sannithi is located in the western side. The second
Praharam has Sannithis that include those of Prasannakatheswarar, Kamakshi Amman
with Ekambareswarar, Arumuga Swamy and Kumareswarar Lingam worshipped by Lord
Skanda himself. The Rudraksha Mandapam is an unique mandapam with roof top made
of Rudraksha beads. Sannithis for Shanmugamoorthy, Abathsahaya Vinayagar,
Arunagirinathar, Veerabhadrar, Nava veerargal and Sooryan or Sun God are also
located in the temple Praharam.
- A flight of five steps from the second Praharam, called the Panchakshara
Padigal, leads to the first Praharaam. Crossing the Sthapana Mandapamd and Artha
Mandapam, one reaches the main Garba graham of the Thanigesa Peruman. The
sannithi of Chandeshwarar and Bairavar are also located in this area of the
temple. Lord Thanigesa Peruman, is seen in a tranquil posture, with one hand on
his lap and the other holding the Gnana Vel. Garlands made up of green stones
and golden Vilva leaves adorn the deity, adding grandeur to the serene
environment.. There are five Theerthams or divine water sources, in and around
the temple. They are : 1)Vishnu Theertham ;2) Naga Theertham ; 3) Brahma
Teertham ; 4) Saravana Poigai.
- History of the Temple The Subramanya Swamy temple has been
patronized by many kings of the ancient tamil empires.
- Temple timings & Festivals
Every day, there are four special poojas or sevai. The float festival is celebrated in the month of Aadi while the annual Bhramotsavam is celebrated during the tamil month of Maasi. In this festival, special darshan that should not be missed out is the Valli Kalyanam or the marriage of Lord Thanikesan with Valli. Aypasi month brings with it the celebration of Skanda Sashti.
Thai pusam or Thai Poosam and Panguni Uthiram are celebrated with grandeur. The English new year day is celebrated with specials poojas. Falling on the day of Poosam star, during the month of Thai - sometime during the end of January, Thai Pusam, is a Murugan festival celebrated all over the world.
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