Subramanyaswamy Temple, Thiruparankundram – The Temple
Thiruparankundram
Murugan Temple is east facing with seven tiered Rajagopuram towering 150 feet
high at the entrance of the temple. This is a cave temple which is 1050 feet
above sea level made out of rock in a hillock. This cave temple dates back to
the sixth century. The antiquity of Thiruparankundram Temple can very well be
gauged from the fact that it finds mention even in the Sangam Literature. The
entrance of this magnificent cave temple leads to the shrines through a row of
square pillars ornamented with lotus shaped medallions.
The main
shrine is an early rock cut temple while the other structures date back to the
Nayak period. Though the presiding deity is Lod Shiva importance is given to
Lord Murugan only. At the entrance to the temple there are 48 pillars with
artistic carvings. These pillars are engraved with patterns of lotuses. The
walls have inscriptions, 41 in total, that narrate the history of the temple,
mentioning the many patrons it had through the ages. There are
several architectural features of interest, especially
the rock cut portions of this hill temple dating back to the Pandya
period and the life-sized sculptures in the mandapams of
the Nayakar period.
An
Asthana Mandapam with several artistically carved pillars lead one to
the towering 150 feet (46 m) high Rajagopuram at the entrance. The
Kambathadi Mandapam, Ardha Mandapam, and Mahamandapam are situated at different
levels. The main shrine is an early rock cut temple which has cells that house
the sanctums of Subramanya, Durga, Vinayakar, Shiva and Vishnu. All the
statues are carved on the wall of the Parankundram rock. Climbing a flight of
six steps called the Shadashara Padigal, one reaches the Ardha Mandapam. One
gets to see the rock carvings of Mahishasura Mardhini, Karpaga Vinayagar,
Andarabaranar and Uggirar.
This is
a rock-cut temple where the sanctum sanctorum has five rock cut cells in the
walls of the main rock, housing the sanctums of Shiva Sathyagiriswarar facing
East, Vishnu Pavala Kanivai Perumal facing West and Vinayakar, Subramanyar with
Deivanai in marriage posture and Durga facing West, next to each other, each of
magnificent size. In front of the Dhwajastambha or the Kodi Maram, one gets the
magnificently carved Nandi, Mayil and the Mouse (the vehicle of Lord Ganesha).
This is a specialty of this Murugan shrine. Golden Kodi Maram is seen on the
south.
Of the
six Army Camp Temples (Aaru Padai Veedu), this is the only temple where abishekam
is performed for Vel weapon of Lord Muruga. This is the only temple where Lord
Murugan is seen with his consort Goddess Devayani only, whereas in all other
temples, Lord Murugan is found with both of his consorts Goddess Deivayanai and
Goddess Valli. The shrines also contain many sculptures of other deities
like Ganesha, Indra, Surya (Sun god), Chandra (the moon), Naradha, Sri Devi and
Bhoodevi (earth goddess). Even an image of Brahma, the creator has been placed,
making this temple one among the few of its kind where the creator god is
actually worshipped.
Moreover,
two ceremonial carts made of wood and a 30m long tunnel to the south west of
the flagstaff have also been discovered. Generally, Vinayaka, Muruga, Mother
Durga and Lord Vishnu are in the prakaras in Shiva temples. The striking
feature of Tiruparankundram temple is that Lords Sathya Giriswarar, Panchamukha
Vinayaka, Pavala Kanivai Perumal, Karpaga Vinayaka and Mother Durga are close
to the sanctum sanctorum, a very rare structure.
The
exquisite sculptures of the marriage of Muruga and Devayani, King Thirumalai
Nayak and Rani Rangammal are a tribute to craftspeople from a bygone era. The
images of Brahma, Indra, Surya, Chandra, Sri Devi and Bhoodevi are frescos
carved on the walls of the Thiruparankundram Temple. The exquisite sculptures
of Sivathandavam, the cosmic dance, his celestial attendant beating a drum and
his wife reclining on a bull to witness it are amazing in detail. The important
characteristic of this temple of Thiruparankundram is that Siva is
holding the flag of Rishaba in his hand while dancing. The temple is
under the control of the Department of Archeological Survey of India.
Lord Murugan Shrine:
Of the
six army camp temples (Aaru Padai Veedu) of Lord Muruga, this is the first
temple. While Lord Muruga graces in a standing form in other five army camp
temples, he graces in a sitting, wedding form with his consort Deivanai.
Maharshi Narada, Indira the king of Devas, Brahmma the Creator are also around
him. Goddess of Wisdom Saraswathi without her Veena, and Savithri are by his
side while Sun, Moon, Gandharvas a community in the upper world skilled in the
art of music, are above him. The other vehicles of Lord Muruga, the sheep and
the elephant are below him. Only a scented paste called Punugu is applied on
the Lord as this is a cave temple. Lord Muruga graces as Somaskanda with Shiva
and Parvathi in the sanctum sanctorum behind the Shivalinga.
Abishekam
is performed only to the Vel weapon of Lord Muruga as this is a cave temple.
The Vel is taken to the Kasi Viswanatha shrine in the hill on the last Saturday
of Purattasi month (September-October). This is the only temple where abishekam
is performed to Vel. More importance is attached to Vel as the Lord came to
this place victoriously after defeating the demon Soorapadman with the power of
this weapon. Recently, a golden car has been made for the temple. As a prayer
commitment to take Muruga in procession on this golden car, devotees may register
in advance.
As it is
here that Lord Muruga married Deivanai, importance is more attached to Lord
Muruga and the temple became Muruga Temple in the days that followed. On the
full moon day – Poornima in Aani month (June-July) three fruits – mango, plantain
and jack – are offered to the Lord with special pujas. During the festivals,
flag hoisting is performed for Lord Shiva only while Lord Muruga is taken in
procession. As Muruga is not different from Shiva, this procedure is followed.
Muruga also bears the name Somasubramaniar representing both Shiva and Muruga.
Deivanai Shrine:
There is
a Shrine for Goddess Deivanai in the northwest corner of the Temple.
Sathyagirishwarar Shrine:
The
presiding deity is Lord Shiva in this temple. He graces from a Kundru - Mount,
and is praised as Parankundranathar and the place Parankundram. He is also
praised as Sathyagirishwarar. As it is here that Lord Muruga married Deivanai,
importance is more attached to Lord Muruga and the temple became Muruga Temple
in the days that followed. On the full moon day Poornima in Aani month
(June-July) three fruits mango, plantain and jack are offered to the Lord with
special pujas. Lord Shiva in the sanctum sanctorum is facing east.
Sage
Madanga Maharshi is by his side. Lord Vishnu is in the place of Nandhi the bull
vehicle of Lord Shiva. Hence, the temple is known as Mal Vidai (Mal-Vishnu,
Vidai-bull) temple and this is a very rare design. It is said that Lord Vishnu
is serving his Brother-in-law. Sathyagirishwarar: Panels depicting Shiva's
dance of bliss are seen outside the sanctum. These magnificent works of art
date back to the Pandya period. Sculpture of Kalyana Sundareswarar can be found
on the back of Lingam.
Avudai Nayaki Shrine:
Mother is
called as Avudai Nayaki. She graces from a separate shrine facing south.
Nandi:
The size
of Nandi in Gomukteeswarar temple in Tiruvavaduturai and Brihadeeswarar temple
in Thanjavur are big in size corresponding to the size of Lord. As Shiva is in
the form of a mount, the Nandi here too is big. He is gracing with his consort Kalakandi
in the Maha Mandapam near the flag post-Kodimaram of the temple. There are twin
Vinayakas by his side. As the mount itself is considered as Vimana, there is no
such a structure above the sanctum sanctorum.
While
there will be prakaras-corridors in the temples with other deities,
Tiruparankundram temple is different without these formalities. As the Mount
itself is in the form of a Linga, only Girivalam is possible. In Pillayarpatti,
though the temple is the cave type, there are prakaras within the temple.
Pavala Kanivai Perumal Shrine:
Lord
Vishnu as Pavala Kanivai Perumal with Mother Mahalakshmi is just opposite to
Lord Shiva Shrine i.e Lord Vishnu is in the place of Nandhi. This is a
very rare feature in this temple, hence the name Malvidai–Mal-Vishnu,
Vidai-Nandhi in Tamil. It is explained that Lord Vishnu is offering his services
to his brother-in-law Lord Shiva. He gave his sister Meenakshi to Lord
Chokkanatha with all Vedic ceremonies.
Mother Durga Shrine:
While
Durga is seen as a sub-deity in other temples, she has her own Kodimaram (Flag
Post) and a Main Tower (Rajagopuram) in this temple. After killing Mahishasura,
Mother Durga worshipped Shiva installing a Linga also here. Lord Shiva graced her
with his darshan and asked her to stay in Tiruparankundram itself. Hence, more
importance is attached to Mother Durga. Mother Durga is situated in north of
the Main Tower-Rajagopuram- demon Mahishasura under her feet.
Devi Lingam:
It is
also said that Lord Shiva graced Durga granting her relief from a curse. As
this Shivalinga was installed by Durga Devi, the Linga is known as Devi Lingam.
As the Linga is treated with a paste called Shantakaram, no abishekam is
performed to him except offering oil.
Lord Nataraja Shrine:
Lord
Nataraja Shrine is situated in the Mahamandapam. Lord Nataraja (dancing Shiva) is
found with sages around him representing the aspect of Mother Parvathi, and
Annapoorani, Shivasurya, and Moon.
Saneeswarar Shrine:
Of
special mention is the Sannidhi of Saneeswarar found facing south without the
other eight Grahams.
Aadhi Chokkanatha Shrine:
When
Lord Shiva was teaching Pranava Mantra to Mother Parvathi, Muruga being there,
also listened and learnt the Mantra. As it was against the rules, Muruga wished
to correct himself of the mistake, performed penance here seeking Lord’s
pardon. Lord Shiva graced his darshan to the Beloved Son on a Thaipoosam day.
He graces as Aadhi Chokkanatha from a shrine opposite to the Subramaniar
temple. According to tradition, those visiting Tiruparankundram should worship
here first before proceeding to the present main temple.
Dakshinamurthy Shrine:
Lord
Dakshinamurthy graces with his left hand on a snake under his feet. Those
afflicted with bad effects in their horoscopes, those suffering from prolonged
illness offer Rudrabisheka worship in the shrine. They personify Lord
Dakshinamurthy in a silver pot and engage Vedic scholars to chant the powerful
and effective Rudra, Chamaha mantras for relief. The worship yields huge
benefits to the devotee.
Karthikai Murugan Shrine:
Karthikai
Murugan Shrine is situated in Shanmuga mandapam. The vehicles of the Lords –
bull for Shiva, mouse for Vinayaka, peacock Muruga are in front of the
respective shrines in the temples. Here, these vehicles are by the side of the
flag post-Kodimaram, facing south. The eagle vehicle of Lord Vishnu, Garuda in
standing form, is in the Karthikai Murugan shrine in Shanmuga mandapam as Lord
Vishnu shrine is opposite of Lord Shiva. Garuda Baghwan is facing north.
Karpaga Vinayaka Shrine:
Lord
Vinayaka of the temple graces in the name of Karpaga Vinayaka. He is holding a
sugarcane sitting on a lotus with sages around him. Karpaga Vinayaka shrine is
situated to the left of Mother Durga Shrine.
9 Soldiers Shrine:
When
Lord Shiva created Muruga from the sparks of his eye, unable to bear the heat,
Mother Parvathi ran from the place, when her anklet broke. From the pearls,
came nine Shaktis called Nava Kalis. These women loved Lord Shiva and became
pregnant. Knowing this, Parvathi cursed them to live with their pregnancy. The
Nava Kalis appealed to Lord Shiva for a remedy. Lord Shiva made a compromise
with Parvathi saying that they should deliver for the welfare of the world and
to help Lord Muruga in his war to kill demon Soorapadman. Parvathi agreed. They
delivered 9 male children named Veerabagu, Veerakesari, Veera Mahendran, Veera
Maheswaran, Veera Rakshan, Veera Marthandan, Veerandhagan, Veeradheeran and
Veera Suran. There is a separate shrine for these nine heroes in the front hall
– mandapam in the temple.
Nakkeerar Shrine:
Celebrated
Tamil poet laurate in Pandya’s court, Nakkeerar came to this sacred place to
perform penance for cleansing himself of the sin of arguing with Lord Shiva in
a contest. A leaf in the tank was partially of fish form and bird form
partially. As Nakkeerar saw this strange creature, his penance was disturbed. A
devil (Bhoodam) had already captured 999 such persons whose concentration was
disturbed during Shiva worship. The devil now took Nakkeerar its captive and
made the count to 1000 round. Poet Nakkeerar sang Tirumurugattrupadai in praise
of Lord Muruga to save all the prisoners of the devil. This is the invocation
song in Pathu Pattu (10 songs) being the first section of the 18 works of
Sangam literature edited as Pathinen Keezhkanakku.
Lord
Muruga appeared before the poet, killed the devil, shattered the cave prison
with his Vel. The poet expressed his wish to have a dip in the Holy Ganga to
wash of the touch of the devil. Lord Muruga pounced on a rock with his Vel. Ganga
sprang up. Nakkeerar was happy. This spring, never going dry, is at the top of
the hill. Kasi Viswanathar-Visalakshi shrine is near this spring facing west.
Muruga Shrine is opposite of this shrine with a place to Nakkeerar. There are
sculptures of four Shivalingas, one Shiva idol, Kasi Viswanatha, Subramaniar,
Ambica, Bhairava and Karpaga Vinayaka. The Panchakshara cave where Nakkeerar
was locked up by the devil and Saravana Poigai are near this shrine.
Other Shrines:
Other
shrines found in this temple are Lord Sankara Narayanar, Lord Kasi Viswanathar,
Vadhapuriswarar, Vedapuriswarar, Ekambara Nathar, Mayura Nathar who is facing
north and Lord Chandeswarar facing south. There is also shrine for Bairavar can
be found in the temple premises.
Theerthams:
There
are 12 Theerthams (holy springs) associated with this Temple. They are Siddha
Theertham, Mandala Theertham, Kalyana Theertham, Pandava Theertham, Brahma
Theertham (Sanyasi Kinaru), Abisheka Theertham, Kushira Kundam, Lakshmi
Theertham, Pushpa Marthava Theertham, Puthira Theertham, Sathya Theertham
(Sathya Koopam), Paathala Gangai (Kasi Sunai) and Saravana Poigai. Water from
the Brahma Koopam is used for the abhisheka of Subramanya Swamy.
While
daily poojas are performed here, abhisheka is only performed regularly for the
presiding deity. The Saravana Poigai, situated on the left side of the temple,
provides water used for the elephant bathes, and for abhisheka of anything
other than the deities. Outside the temple there is a beautiful pond where,
according to Temple tradition, the fishes are served with salt and rice flakes
by the devotees. There is also a Vedic school adjacent to the banks of the
temple pond.
Sthala Vriksham:
Sthala
Vriksham is Kal Athi (Ficus retusa auct; narrow-leaved). The juice made of its
bark is believed to cure liver disorders, and the decoction of its bark cures
ulcers.
White Peacocks:
White
peacocks can be seen in Tiruparankundram. According to tradition, the Devas are
here in the form of white peacocks to worship Lord Muruga.
Pampan Swamigal Temple:
Pampan
Swamigal Temple is a Temple dedicated to Pampan Swamigal, a staunch devotee of
Lord Muruga located at about 1 Km to the east of this Temple. The place where
he merged with Lord Murugan (samadhi) is in Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai.
