Aarupadaiveedu Thiruthani - Part II

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Significance Of the temple

Thiruthani forms the fifth of the Aarupadaiveedu of Lord Murugan. Thiruthani is situated in Thiruvallur district of Tamil Nadu. It is also known as Kunruthor Adal, Thanigachalam, Santhipuri and Skandagiri.

The Lord here is said to be in bliss and tranquility after vanquishing the evil forces in His war with Soorapadhman. The presiding deity is Sri Subhramanya Swami ( Lord Murugan ). The temple is located on a hill with 365 steps leading to to it.

The sacred water sources in the temple are Vishnu theertham, Naga theertham, Brahma theertham and Saravana Poigai.

Thiruthani is called Shantipuri owing to the peace that prevailed after the battle with Soorapadhman. On Valli asking to enlighten her about the greatness of this shrine; the Lord replied that all the best of life could be acquired by one who performs worship there for five consecutive days. This is the place accoladed for bestowing mental peace and material fulfillments.

Valli Kalyanam during Brahmotsavam, Thai Poosam, Panguni Uthiram, Kirthika Star every month and Shashti are the festivals that are celebrated.

Lord Rama is said to have worshipped the Lord Murugan here after His worship in Rameswaram and attained peace after slaying Ravana. Lord Brahma resumed his creative function after having immersed himself in the Brahmasonai and worshipped the Lord. Lord Indra is said to have got back his wealth that was seized by asura Titan on worshipping the Lord in Thiruthani. Nanda Devi attained realization and Vasuki the celestial snake got its wounds healed by worshipping Lord Murugan in Thiruthani.

Lord Vishnu is said to have prayed to Lord Murugan of Thiruthani and got back his conch and wheel which were abducted by Soorapadhman.

Spiritual Significance

The spiritual significance of the legend marks the union of the Jeevatma with the Paramatma. Valli who is the Jeevatma roamed in the forests amidst hunters on account of ignorance. The dark forest represent tamas and hunters, the rajas qualities of the mind. Her unswerving wish and devotion to marry the Lord represent the will power to attain realization. Sage Narada's intercedence on her behalf to Lord Murugan is the intervention of the Guru who leads one to enlightenment.

The Lord's disguise as the hunter and the old renunciate represent the tests that she is exposed to determine her perseverance. The forces of Rajas is vanquished by the Lord and the transformed into Sattva ( purity of mind ) owing to her steadfast devotion. With a pure mind the Jeevatma is then conjoined with the Paramatma to become an indivisible whole which is bliss or liberation.

Hence let us seek the grace of the Lord Of Thiruthani for peace and happiness.