#KandaSashti
"Subrahmanya Parakramam," a book authored by Na. Kathiraiver Pillai talks about 46 rare forms of Shri Subrahmanya Swamy (Murugan) with beautiful illustrations.
Sharing with you a few of those namas and illustrations from the book in this thread.
In order. 1. Shri Subrahmanya Swamy 2. Pathankabavarka murthy 3. Singamukaasuravadha murthy 4. Sarvavibuthva murthy
Juradevar is depicted with 3 heads, 3 legs, and 3 arms, holding a rod, a bell and a trishulam in many ancient Shiva temples in TN. He is worshipped by devotees by anointing pepper paste, performing abhishekam with hot water, and lighting a ghee lamp for curing high fever.
Who is Juradevar? Check this thread.
Note: Pic from Mayiladuthurai Shri Mayuranathar temple
When Dakshayani self-immolated due to the humiliation inflicted by her father on her and Mahadeva, Veerabhadra emerged from Shiva's divine locks, destroying the yagna and slaying Daksha.
At that moment, yagnapala took the form of a deer and began to ascend. Shiva captured it, and as he did, a drop of his intense sweat fell on the ground.
From this, a colossal creature called Juram, radiating extreme heat, was born. To protect the world from this extreme heat, Beahma divided and distributed it among living beings. This heat is called Juradevar and by worshipping him, the extreme ushna (heat) in our body is subdued.
On the auspicious occasion of #Ganeshchaturthi, let's have darshan of some of the ancient Vinayaka murtis of Tamilnadu.
1. Alangramam Vinayakar: This ancient vinayaka, possibly the oldest in TN, can be dated back prior to 4th century CE, is in Alangramam Yama Dhandeeswarar temple. The inscription below this murti is in the ancient Tamizh Brahmi/vattezuthu script. It reads
Pillayarpatti Karpaga Vinayakar: One of the oldest rock cut temples in TN, the Karpaga Vinayakar can be traced back to 7th Century CE. Known to bless his devotees with abundance like Karpagavruksham, he is most popular in TN.
Thiruvalanchuzhi Shwetha Vinayakar: Made of sea foam, the legend says this was the murti that Devas and Asuras made and prayed before commencing the churning of Ksheera sagaram. The murti is currently housed in Kabartheeswarar temple.
Snakes, Snakes, and Snakes was what was heard before this Uzhavaarapani started. Several members of Annamalaiyar Arapani Kuzhu encountered snakes in their dreams as the preparation of cleaning this ancient Shri Rama temple at Nemili Mathura Mathapuram, 15 kms from Tiruthani went ahead.
Disturbed by the visions and past accounts of seeing large poisonous creatures in this dilapidated temple, Ramachandran sir @pollaavinayen to sought guidance of Devaprasna. Devaprasna revealed that this is the abode of Shri Ananta padmanabhaswamy and the presence of Adishesha and Vasuki here. The temple is the parihara sthalam for pre mature birth and other pregnancy related complications.
Despite of these scary visions and warnings from villagers, kuzhu went ahead with Uzhavaarapani on 11th Aug 2024. 25 students from Rajalakshmi Engineering College, Chennai joined along with other devotees.
With divine blessings, Uzhavaarapani went well without even one encounter with snakes. Snakes had always been a common sight in several Uzhavaarapanis.
A thread on Sastha/Ayyanar worship. Do read.
Since time immemorial, Sastha worship has been prevalent across the globe. Sastha is widely worshipped as Ayyanar/Chathan in TN & Kerala with Shri Ayyappan of Sabarimalai as Dharma Sastha, one of the eight incarnations of Sastha. (1/n)
Sastha refers to teacher/ruler/respectful one while Ayyanar derived from Ayyan, which literally means the same. Ayyanar/Chathan references can be found in ancient Tamizh literary works Puranananooru, Silapathikaram with Kanda puranam calling him "son of Shiva". (2/n)
Puranas refers him as the 'protector of Vedas' and he is depicted with his two consorts Poorna and Pushkala. Inscriptions suggest Chera, Chola Pandyas and Pallavas worshipped Sastha for annihilation of enemies and prosperity. (3/n)
Do you know there is another Navapashana Murugan installed by Bhogar, one of the 18 siddhars? Yes, It's in Poomparai, 19 kms from Kodaikanal.
I was fortunate to visit Kuzhandai Velappar temple at Poomparai that contains the Navapashana Murugan as its presiding deity. #KodaiTales
Located at the centre of this picturesque hilly village, this ancient temple possibly more than 2000 year old was built by Chera King.
Few centuries back, Arunagiri nadhar stayed here and extolled Poomparai Murugan with a Thirupugazh.
Assuming the form of a child (Kuzhandai), Lord Murugan saved him from a Rakshasi. Hence the Lord here assumed the name, Kuzhandai Velappar.