OUR HERITAGE |
KAUMARAM It has already been propounded that Adi Sankara established the six cults of Hinduism and codified the regulations. Kaumaram is the cult whose primordial deity is Subramanya-the Commander in chief of the divine away. He is more popular in Tamil speaking areas and he has his sway in the Far countries of Borneo, Sumatra-Java and Ceylon. His worship takes an ecstatic form and the devotees dance with Kavadis and forgets the whole world during such times. The God takes him over-temporarily. The tradition is that Sage Agastya was the first to set up the worship of Lord Subramanya (or Muruga as he is known in Tamil) in South India. Another famous devotee of the Lord was the Tamil poet Nakkirar of the Sangam period (2nd Century A.D.). In his Thirumurugatruppadai, he has selected temples from six places considered very sacred and named them Arupadai-Veedus, to indicate the bestowal of guidance to devotees by Lord Subramanya. Because they were six in number, these are called Aruppadi Veedus, and are known to have divine powers manisfested differently. Endorsement of six aspects of Lord Shanmukha can be found at these six Kshetras. TIRUPARANKUNDRAM-Tamil Nadu  Situated five miles west of Madurai, the temple is carved out of a rock. Tradition has it that Indra, the king of Devas, gave his Daughter Devasena in marriage to Subramanya in recognition of the services rendered by Him to devas by destroying their enemy Soorapadman, Nakkiar, the renowned poet of Sangam period rendered the Thirumurugatruppadai in this Kshetra. TIRUCHENDUR-Tamil Nadu  This temple on the seashore of the Bay of Bengal, at Tiruchendur 36 miles from Tirunelveli on the Madurai Road is situated in artistic surroundings. It is a monument for the victory of Subramanya over Soorapadman, having got a Vel (Gnanashakti- the Divine spear-symbol of spiritual wisdom) for the Soora Samharam. This festival during Skandashasti in the month of November attracts a large number of devotees. Tiruvavinankudi-Pazhani-Tamil Nadu  This is the third of the Arupadai Veedu, Subramanya is depicted as a saint, with tonsured head, in loin cloth, holding a mace(Dabda) and is called Dandayuthapani. According to the legend, having lost to his brother ganesa in a competition, he took to a life of seclusion. 25 miles off Dindugal Junction (Southern Railway) and situated amidst sylvan surroundings, the temple is on a high rock in the eastern Ghats. Siddhas have had realization of the Divine there. SWAMIMALAI-Tamil Nadu  It is situated on a small artificial hillock near Kumbakonam, Tanjore district. The six feet tall idol is known as Swaminatha, who is reputed to have initiated his father Siva into the power and meaning of OM the Pranava Mantra. The temple for Swaminatha, the son, is on a higher pedestal than that of the father(Siva). TIRUTTANI-Tamil Nadu  This temple is situated on a hillock on the Madras- Bombay Railway line, 84 Kms from Madras. PAZHAMUDIR SOLAI-Tamil Nadu  Located twelve miles off Madurai(TamilNadu, amidst inspiring natural surroundings, in an area, popularly called Kallalagarkoil(Vaishnavite Shrine), is the sixth Padai Veedu, a temple for Subramanya is known as Pazhamudir Solai. In the Sanctum Sanctorum, Lord Subramanya appears with his consorts-Valli and Devasena. |
 |