Palani Murugan Temple – Padayathra
There are many margas (paths) to worship Lord Muruga.
Bhakti is one of the sure and easiest ways of realization. Pada Yatra is one of
the forms of bhakti called Nadaippayanam in Tamil. The ultimate aim of
Pada Yatra is to receive the blessings of the Lord. But the devotees have many
problems in their day to day life. They believe that Lord Muruga will solve
their problems by bestowing his grace and boon as he is rightly called Kali Yuga Varadan.
There are many associations (Muruga Bhaktar Pada Yatra
Kuzhu - Association of Muruga devotees for Pada Yatra) all over Tamil Nadu
and other States both in rural urban areas. The People of Chettinad i.e.,
Karaikkudi, Devakottai region participate in large number, every year.
They start their Pada Yatra mostly in the month of Thai
and Panguni (January and April) as Thaipoosam and Panguni Uttiram festivals are
celebrated during these months. They assemble in a particular place and pray
Lord Muruga by singing songs from Muruga literature or saying “Haro-Hara" or "Vetrivel
Muruganukku Arohara" or "Gnanadandayudhapanikku
Arohara". The chief priest (guruji) decorates the holy poet
containing holy water which is brought from the river of that area. This is
called 'Theerthakkavadi'. The Pada Yatra Kuzhu (group) starts its divine
journey by singing songs mostly folk songs of Tamil tradition. They walk 25 to
30 kilometres per day.
They reach Palani in a particular day (preferably on the
day prior to Thaipusam or Panguni Uttiram festival) and stay at the foot of
Palani Hillock. Bathing in the Shanmuga Nadi is considered as sacred. Then
they reach the hill temple and offer the holy water and other offerings and
worship Lord Dhandayuthapani, who is the bestower of grace and dispeller of
ignorance.
Pada Yatra devotees are really preserving our tradition.
There are social stigmas everywhere in the country. Wherever you go you feel
insecurity. Unity is the need of the hour. The Pada Yatra provides unity of
among people belonging to different villages. The villages are really our
cultural centres. They appreciate and preserve our cultural integrity.
