Pazhamudircholai Murgan , Vallis Garden

Pazhamudircholai:-

This is the sixth abode of Lord Muruga which lies about 19 km away from Madurai, Tamil Nadu. Lord Muruga stands on the top of the hill which can be reached by the motarable road, and he is called “Solaimalai Murugan” here. This very beautiful shrine is surrounded by green woods, shrubs and hills. At the foot of hills is the, “Alagar Kovil” temple which is one of the important temples of Lord Vishnu.

Pazhamudircholai is the abode where Lord Muruga stands with both his consorts Shri Valli and Shri Deivanai. Though the temple is the simplest of all, it is the most beautiful one amidst natural sceneries.

At the entrance of Pazhamudircholai there is a temple called Azhagar Kovil, the deity being Lord Vishnu in the form of a protector, safeguarding Lord Muruga. Pazhamudircholai is a hill, which is rich in fruits, vegetables and flowers. It is a dense forest where "Valli" is supposed to have lived. It is a small temple with Valli, Deivanay, and Lord Muruga in a separate shrine. Lord Ganesha is also present in a separate shrine.

Pazhamudircholai is a hill rich in fruits, vegetables and flowers. It is a dense forest where “Valli” is supposed to have lived. There is a temple tower and monkeys abound around the area. It is a fertile hill with many natural springs and herbs.

Although there are hundreds of temples in Tamil Nadu for Lord Muruga, these six temples called the “Arupadaiveedu” are very famous, and devotees throng them throughout the year. It is in these places the legends of Lord Muruga are associated.

About Legend:-

This Pazhamudircholai Lord Murugan is praised in old Tamil literature such as Silappathikaram, Ettuthokai, Pattupattu etc. The great Tamil poet and saint Avvaiyar had been tested by Lord Murga here.

In order to play with Avvaiyar who was one of the very famous devotees of Lord Muruga, the Lord played a drama. One day Avvaiyar became tired while travelling because of very hot summer and so came under the shadow of a fruit tree. She was very hungry and thirsty. At that time, a small boy who was sitting on the tree asked her whether she wanted fruits from the tree. Avvaiyar told that she wanted fruits. At that time the boy asked Avvaiyar whether she wanted roasted fruits or unroasted fruits. Avvaiyar who was a famous Tamil poet, litterateur and having indepth knowledge in Tamil thought,"Is there any roasted fruit in the world?" and decided that the small boy didn't have knowledge even about a fruit.


But, as she was very tired, she didn't want to argue with the small boy and asked him to pick roasted fruits for her. The boy shook the tree and so fruits fell under the tree. The mud under the tree had stuck on the fruit. Avvaiyar took the fruits and blew on the fruit to remove the mud. It was observed that as the fruits were roasted and had become warm, Avvaiyar had blown the fruits to cool them. At that time, the small boy asked Avvaiyar whether the fruits were warm? Avvaiyar was astonished, "How had a small village cowboy played such an intelligent drama? She had thought that the small boy had no knowledge about fruits and how the fruits in the tree may become roasted fruits. But blowing the air on the fruit to remove the mud is like blowing air to reduce the heat as the fruit is roasted. What a beautiful comparison.

Such a beautiful comparison would not have risen in her mind even though she had gained rich knowledge in Tamil." She asked the small boy, "Who are you actually?" At ,the small boy disappeared and in his place, Lord Muruga appeared. Now Avvaiyar realized that it was a play of God and she understood that there were more and more things that she had to learn. She bowed to Lord Muruga and requested him to bestow her with bountiful knowledge.

About Temple:-

This temple is mentioned as the sixth Arupadai veedu. The place is full of natural beauty and sylvan surroundings. This hill is also known as Virshabhadri or Idabagiri. Most scholars , priests and devotees identify this as the pazhamudircholai , twelve miles north of madurai in the alagar hills.
And this temple is not as large or bustling as the other five recognised shrines , it is just as incredible to visit. At the top of the hill is Noopura Ganga , a perennial waterfall with a temple dedicated to Rakkayi amman . the Noopura Ganga is said to be orignated from the anklet of Tirumal or Vishnu and hence the name of the spring.

Though the stala is of ancient origin , the temple as in existence today was constructed only recently. From days of Yore Vel has been worshipped as the moolavar or main deity. The idol of Lord Muruga in a standing posture has a single face and four hands with Vallu and Teyvayanai on both sides. The vel made up of stone is of special significance and is worshipped with great veneration by devotees.
The sthala Viriksha is a rose apple tree. The fruits of this tree ripen during skanda Sashti festival. The temple that was in existence during sangam period no longer existed in Arunagirinatha's time. The recently constructed temple is considered as Pazhamudircholai and worshipped by devoteed.


About Deity:-

Here Murugan is worshiped along with his consorts Valli as Iccha Shakti and Devayani as Kriya Shakti and  himself as Jnana Shakti. The idol of the lord in standing posture with a single face and four hands is kept between the idols of his consorts. The Vel (spear) of the lord made up of stone is of special significance and is worshipped with a great veneration by devotees.

A natural spring called Noopura Ganga with a temple dedicated to Raakkayi Amman is located at the top of the hill. Pilgrims to the temple take a dip in this small, sacred spring which is said to have originated from the anklet of Lord Vishnu. It is believed that the devotees who worship at this shrine are blessed with wealth and health. The Silambar river flows near the temple.


At the down hills, there is a Vishnu Temple, called Azhagar Kovil.
There is beautiful stone image of Vishnu, called Soundara Rajan, the Azhagar in Tamil.  He is with Soundara Valli, Sri Lakshmi, the consort.  This is a later construction,.after  Muruga's temple.  This is praised by Azhwars, the Vaishanava Tamil Saints.  In Vaishnva Tamil works, it is called Tirumal Irum Cholai, the garden where Vishnu rests.


  Special Days In Pazhamudircholai Temple:-

    Panguni Uthiram-It is celebrated in the month of March
    Vaikasi Visakam-Clebrated in the month of Vaigaasi. Visakam is Lord Muruga’s birthday star.
    Kandha Sashti-Kanta Shasti Vratam is observed once a year in the month of ‘Aippasi' (October–November) starting from the ‘piratamai' the 1st phase of the brightening moon.
    Aadi Krithigai-This is celebrated in the month of May/June.

 Nearest Major Town/City:-

    Madurai - 9 km from Madurai to pazhamudhircholai

How to Reach:-

    By Air:-
    The nearest airport to Pazhamudhircholai is in Madurai
    By Train:-
    The nearest railway station is Madurai
    By Road:-
    Regular buses are available from Madurai.

Murugan Devasena Married place ,Tirupparankundram

Tirupparankundram:-

Tirupparankundram, a hill five miles southwest of Madurai, is the fourth pilgrimage site of Muruga. A cave temple dedicated to the element of earth and mentioned in various classical Tamil texts as the 'Southern Himalaya' where the gods assemble, Tirupparankunram is also mentioned in legend as 'the place where the sun and moon abide'. Murugan was married to Devasena upon the hill and for many centuries the Tamil people have considered it the most auspicious place for their own marriages, especially during the time of the Pankuni Uttiram, the festival of marriage held in late March. Besides the fantastic temple to Murugan on the hill, there is also a Muslim shrine dedicated to 'Sekunder' who is associated with Murukan by the Muslim pilgrims. "Sikandar was a friend of Murugan at the time when Murugan was King here," they say.


Legends:-

 Subramanyar is said to have married Devasena (Devanai) here, and is said to have worshipped Shiva - Parangirinatheswarar.  

 Tirupparankunram is also mentioned in legend as 'the place where the sun and moon abide'. It is regarded as the sacred temple for marriages. People believe that marriages done here are succesfull due to the blessings of lord Muruga. The temple is surrounded with many trees and green lands.
Tirupparankundram is one of the Aru Padai Vedugal of lord subramaniyam.

Tirupparankundram is situated three miles southeast of Madurai on the main railway line. It is one of the Aru padai veedugal or six sacred places selected by Lord Subrahmanya for his abode. The importance of this temple is that here was celebrated the marriage of Lord Subrahmanya with the daughter of Indra, Devayani.
Long, long ago, when Lord Subrahmanya was staying at Kanda Verpu, the two daughters of Lord Maha Vishnu, Amrita Valli and Sundara Valli, cherished the desire of becoming the consorts of Subrahmanya. With this aim in mind they both went to Saravana Poigai and commenced austere penance to fulfil their desires.
Pleased with their prayer and worship, Lord Subrahmanya appeared before them and told Amrita Valli, "You will be brought up by Indra as his daughter and I shall marry you in due course." Her younger sister Sundara Valli was also graced with a similar blessing. She was born to sage Sivamuni and brought up by Nambi, the headman of Veddas.
Amrita Valli took the form of a female child and went to Mount Meru, the abode of Indra, and told him, "I am the daughter of Maha Vishnu and the responsibility of looking after me has been entrusted to you." On hearing this, Indra became very happy and directed Airavatam, his white elephant, to take care of the child.
The elephant with all love brought her up and affection and she attained the age of marriage in course of time. Hence she came to be known as Devayanai, one who was brought up by the heavenly elephant of Indra (yānai in Tamil means elephant).
The six sons of sage Parasara were cursed to become fishes in the Saravana Poigai. On request for redemption, these six boys were ordered to pray to Lord Subrahmanya.
When they got his darshan, they could get redemption. It was also made known to them that Lord Subrahmanya would come to Tirupparankunram after vanquishing the demon Surapadma. Anxiously they waited for the arrival of Subrahmanya.
When the mission of Subrahmanva to vanquish Surapadma was over at Tiruchendur, on his way, he came to this spot followed by all the devas and heavenly beings whom he had released from the untold miseries caused by Surapadma.
On his arrival at Tirupparankunram, the sons of Parasara received Subrahmanya and, at their request, he consented to stay there. He at once ordered Viswakarma to construct a beautiful abode for himself, for the devas and for others.
He also suggested to the heavenly architect to build roads and erect a city around them. Indra, the king of the angels, desired to get his daughter Devayanai married to Subrahmanya, as a mark of his gratitude for relieving him and the devas from the depredations of the demon Surapadma.
He expressed his desire to Brahma and Vishnu who were present there. They were only too glad to hear the proposal. When they communicated the desire of Indra to Lord Subrahmanya he readily agreed to it and said: "Devayanai has been praying at Saravana Poigai in the Himalayas for this happy marriage. Now the time has come for its being solemnised." As Subrahmanya agreed to this marriage, Indra sent a messenger to bring his wife Indrani and daughter Devayanai from Mout Meru.
The marriage took place at Tirupparankunram, after the victory of Subrahmanya over Surapadma. All arrangements for marriage were made and the marriage was performed at the Tirupparankunram Temple. All the devas, Siva and Parvati attended the marriage and blessed Subrahmanya and Devayanai. Since then, the temple has become a very famous abode of Subrahmanya.

Short history of the temple:-

According to another tale King Harichandra worshipped Shiva from this hillock and gained eternal wisdom. Thus he built a temple here - temple was complete with Praharams (ambulatories), walls, Gopurams (gate towers) and steps.

The "real history" (who can differentiate myths and reality in Indian past?) of the temple may start with 8th century AD when Pandya rulers built rock-cut temple.

Later, during the reign of Nayaks of Madurai (1559 - 1736 AD) the temple was supplemented with beautiful gopurams and beautified. There was built extensive and beautiful front part (mugha mandapam) with 48 ornate pillars carved during the rule of Pandya and Nayaks.


About The Temple:-

          Thiruparankundram Subramanya Temple is considered to be one of the six abodes of Lord Subramanya or Murugan.

Thiruparankundram temple is dedicated to the Lord Subramaniya. It is situated 8km south from Madurai district. These six abodes of the Lord are popularly referred to as Arupadai Veedu.  This is cave temple, One of the sangam poet Nakkirar has sung a log poem about this Temple is called Thirumurugatrupadai. Devayanai Marriage, Thirumalai Nayak and Mangammal Sculptures are there in this temple. The most important sculputure is Lord siva with flag of Rishaba in his hand cannot be found anywhere else. The important festival in this Temple is Vaigasi visagam, which is celebrated as Lord Subramaniyar’s birthday, and Surasamharam, which is celebrated in the month November or December every year.
Presiding deities of the temple are Lord Muruga and Goddess Devasena. Other deities – Shiva, Vishnu, Durga and Ganapathy – are represented as well.

       The 48 massive square pillars with beautiful carvings and lotus-shaped medallions made during Nayaka period adorn the entrance of this ancient cave temple. The most impressing feature of this temple is the idol of main deity which is carved from a single rock.  The temple tower is of seven tiers and displays magnificent carvings and sculptures. The Brahmi inscriptions found in the Thiruparankundram Temple are of significant archeological and historic value.  The Sivathandavam scene made as a sculpture is a piece of great artistic value that should not be missed.


White peacoks:-

 We know peacocks in their natural colours only. White peacocks can be seen in Tiruparankundram. According to tradition, the Devas are here in the form of white peacocks to worship Lord Muruga.

Rudrabishekam to Lord Dakshinamurthy:-

 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.


Goddess Devanai Sannidhi:-

 In the Thiruparamkundram Temple, there is a Goddess Devanai Sannidhi in the northwest corner. Other shrines found in this prakaram are Lord Sankara Narayanar, Lord Kasi Viswanathar, Vadhapuriswarar, Vedhapuriswarar, Ekambara Nathar, Mayuranathar who is facing north and Lord Chandeswarar facing south. There are also sannidhis for Lord Nataraja and Lord Baihravar. Lord Saneeswara is found facing south. Golden Kodi Maram is seen on the south.

Devi Lingam:-

While Lord Shiva was teaching the Pranava Mantra to Mother Parvathi, Muruga sitting on the lap of Mother also was also listening. Any lesson should be learnt from the Guru in a proper way. To make amends for the mistake, Lord Muruga performed penance here. Lord gave darshan to His beloved Son on a Thaipoosam day. This Shiva shrine is in a separate shrine in the name of Aadhi Sokkanathar. Those visiting Tiruparankundran should worship this Shiva first according to tradition. But as the temple is the first army camp temple of Lord Muruga, traditions changed in later days.


Sathyagiriswarar:-

Demon Mahishasura was harassing the Devas in many ways. Mother Ambica took the form of Navanayakis, fought with him and destroyed him on the nineth day. The killing of the demon brought her the Brahmmahati dosha. She worshipped Lord Shiva for release from the sin. Lord advised Her to worship Him from here for result. Ambica followed Lord’s advice and worshipped installing a Linga on the mount which itself was but a Linga. Shiva granted darshan to Durga and relieved her of the dosha.

Today too, the presiding deity is Lord Shiva only in the temple. He graces from a Kundru –Mount, and is praised as Parankundranathar and the place Parankundram. He is also praised as Sathyagiriswarar. 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.

Nandi with His consort:-

 Nandi, the bull vehicle of Lord Shiva graces with His consort Kalakandi in the Maha Mandap of the temple. There are twin Vinayakas by His side. 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.

Correcting the mistake:-

 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 Sokkanatha 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.

The Son in place of Father:-

 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.

While Durga is a sub-deity in other temple, 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.


Special Days In Temple:-

    Panguni Uthiram-It is celebrated in the month of March

    Vaikasi Visakam-Clebrated in the month of Vaigaasi. Visakam is Lord Muruga’s birthday star.

    Kandha Sashti-Kanta Shasti Vratam is observed once a year in the month of ‘Aippasi’ (October–November) starting from the ‘piratamai’ the 1st phase of the brightening moon.

    Aadi Krithigai-This is celebrated in the month of May/June.

    Thai Poosam-It is celebrated on the full moon in the month of Thai.

Temple Pooja timings:-

Eight-kala pooja is performed at this temple.
Pooja Schedule *
1.     Thiruvananthal     -     05.30 A.M
2.     Vila pooja     -     07.30 A.M
3.     Kaalasanthi     -     08.00 A.M
4.     Thirukaalasanthi     -     10.30 A.M
5.     Uchikkaalam     -     12.30 A.M
6.     Saayarathcai     -     05.30 P.M
7.     Arthajaamam     -     08.45 P.M
8.     Palliarai     -     09.00 P.M
Worship Time *
From 05.30 A.M – 1.00 P.M
From 04.00 P.M – 09.00 P.M.

How to reach:-

Air:-
 The nearest airport is at Madurai.
Rail:-
 The nearest railway station is at Madurai, which is an important railway junction on southern railways.
Road:-
 Tourists can access Thiruparankunram from Madurai, which is well served by Tamil Nadu government and private bus operators.