Thiruthani Murugan Temple – Literary Mention
The temple is praised in the Thirupugazh hymns of Saint
Arunagirinathar, Saint Ramalinga Swamigal and Poet Laureate Nakkirar’s
Tirumugattrupadai heading that part of Tamil Sangam Literature Pathupattu – 10
songs.
Apart from the puranic greatness of Tirutanikai, Saint Arunagirinathar, the illustrious devotee of Lord Muruga who lived 600
years ago, praised this hill as the chosen place for worship by Devas and the
favorite abode of saints performing prolonged tapas (austerities). He
also compared this hill to Sivaloka (Bhuloka) and as the very soul of the
world.
Saint Ramalinga Swamigal (Arutprakasa Vallalar), who lived 150 years ago,
was invited to come here by our Lord of Tanikai (seated on this hill) Who
appeared before our saint in the mirror of his puja room at Madras after which
the sour-stirring Arutpa songs flowed from his lips in chaste Tamil
like a torrential stream.
Sri Muthuswami Deekshithar, who lived 200 years ago (one
of the trinity of Karnatic music) had his inspiration in Tiruthani when our
Lord (in the guise of an old man) met him on the steps and sweetened his tongue
with the Prasadam of this temple, which impelled him to sing his
first song of course on Lord Murugan of Tanikai. Many a miraculous event takes
place at this shrine from time to time by the grace of our Lord.