Vadapalani Andavar Temple, Vadapalani – Legends
According to the Sthalapuranam, Muruga devotee Annaswami
Nayakar built the shed and kept a Murugan painting there for his personal
worship. During his worship, he experienced divine power entering his body and
inspiring him to speak surprising things later found to be true. His utterances
were labeled 'Arul Vakku' ('God blessed statements') and could cure diseases,
provide jobs, solemnize marriages and more. Once he fell ill suddenly. At the
instance of a sadhu, he visited Thiruthani and prayed to Muruga offering a part
of his tongue cut with a knife at Balipeeta.
On his return, the disease took to flight. He paid a
visit to Palani by foot and
had some strange experiences there. He continued his worship in the hut he
built, and when he felt his end was nearing he requested a close friend by name
Ratnaswami to continue the devotional activities to the painting he was
worshipping. Strangely enough, this Ratnaswami too started giving Arul Vakku
after building a small shrine and worshipping as promised to his friend.
The money that public gave was put to building purpose.
But Ratnaswami also passed away before completing it. Another like mind took
the building project with the money he was getting from Arul Vakku just
like his predecessors. Unluckily, he too passed away. Then entered into the
arena some humanist philanthropists who metamorphosed that simple hut into a
superb spiritual abode. Among the builders, the renowned Saiva Pravakta Kirupananda Variyar's name
takes first place. Thus, emerged this great Muruga Kshetra, and now a great
temple drawing a steady stream of pilgrims throughout the year.