ARUPADAI VEEDU - (Temple Story)

Arupadai Veedu/6 abodes of Muruga are six temples connected with Lord Muruga. Also connected with the creation and Existence of the Universe. There are stories behind how Lord Muruga’s six Arupadai veedu were created. Six abodes are

Thiruparankundram.

Situated in Madurai on a hill, this is the place where Lord Muruga married Indra's daughter Deivanai. This is the first of the Arupadaiveedu. Of the 6 Padai Veedu temples, this is the only temple where abishekam is performed for Vel instead of Lord Murugan.

Thiruchendur Muruga temple

Out of the Six Padai Veedu of Lord Murugan, Thiruchendur alone is situated in the seashore, and the rest all situated in hills. Here Muruga fought and killed Demon Soorapadman, and offering prayers to Lord Shiva.

Palani Murugan Temple

The idol of Muruga here is made of a Navapashana( 9 substances) which works as medicines for all diseases when mixed at a certain ratio by Saint Bhogar. The story is Once Sage Narada gave Lord shiva a fruit, which the Lord decides to give either to Muruga or Ganesh. Whoever circles the world fast will get fruit was the condition. Muruga went fast riding his peacock. Ganesha in turn said to Shiva that for him the entire world is his parents and circled them. Thus Ganesha won and got fruit which disappointed Muruga. So went atop of Palani Hills.

Swamimalai

Muruga here is known as Swaminatha Swami. The temple is considered as the place where Muruga preached the meaning of the Pranava Mantra to his father Shiva. Hence, the place is abode to the unique form where the son is the teacher and the father is the student.

Thiruthani

The story says Indira giving his daughter Devayani to Muruga gifts his elephant Airavata and saw that his wealth was dropping after Airavata left, Muruga returned the elephant but refused by Indira and instead told that the elephant face east direction.

Vel, the weapon of Lord Muruga has been worshipped as the presiding deity in the shrine. Lord Murugan stands with Valli and Devayani, which makes it the only temple amongst the six abodes where he blesses his devotees along with his consorts.