Unknown Facts About Amarnath Pilgrimage

Among the many shrines of Lord Shiva, the cave of Amarnath is a world-famous destination. The Shivalinga made of ice in the cave is the symbol of people’s faith and trust. The beginning of the journey till this cave has numerous stops in between that are extremely beautiful and increases ones faith in Lord Shiva even more.

The legendary importance of Amarnath’s cave is related to the secret of immortality told to Lord Shiva’s wife Parvati. When Lord Shiva was insisted by his wife to reveal the secret of immortality, he decided to proceed towards the cave. On his way to the cave he did a few things,which were great according to his devotees. Because of these few things, the entire way to the cave became blissful.

Actually, in order to reveal the secret of amarakatha, Lord Shiva left his son, vehicle, etc. in various isolated places, which is why all these places seem like tirtha sthalas.There are two ways for Amarnath journey – Pahalgam and Sonmarg Baltal. According to the legends, Lord Shiva took the Pahalgam route to reach the cave.

Pahalgam

When Lord Shiva took Parvati to the cave to tell her the amar katha, he first left his vahana, Nandi, at this location. This place was later called as Pahalgam. It is 96 kms from Srinagar and is surrounded by mountain peaks.

Chandanbadi

The next place after Pahalgam is Chandanbadi. It is 16 kms from Pahalgam. According to beliefs, Lord Shiva did a very unique thing here. Also known as Chandramauli, Lord Shiva sacrificed the moon from his head here. The moon then waited for Lord Shiva to return here. This is how the name of this place became Chandanbadi.

Pissu Top

Slightly ahead of Chandanbadi is Pissu Top. The importance of this place is related to the darshan of Amarnath. According to this, for the darshan of Amarnath, a huge fight between the Gods and demons occurred. That time with the help of Lord Shiva, the Devas defeated the demons. With the dead bodies of the demons a mountain was formed. From then this place is known as Pissu Top.

Sheshnag

After Pissu Top the next destination is Sheshnag. Lord Shiva had dropped the snake from his neck here. There is a lake of blue water here, which proves that this is the place of Sheshnag. It is 12 kms from Chandanbadi

Mahagunas Mountain

It is around 4 to 5 kms from Sheshnag. It is at an altitude of 14,000 feet. It is believed that Lord Shiva had left his beloved son Ganesha here. This place has several waterfalls and scenic overlooks. The winters are extremely cold here.

Panchatrani

It is 6 kms from Mahagunas Mountain. It is at an altitude of 12,500 feet. It is believed that Lord Shankara sacrificed the five Panchabhutas here, i.e. space, air, water, fire and earth. Here there is the confluence of five rivers. It is believed that the five rivers flowing here come out from the tangles of Lord Shiva’s hair.

Amarnath Cave

This is the final destination of the journey. The cave is situated at an altitude of 13,500 feet. The path of 3 kms to the cave is covered with snow. After crossing the river of ice, the cave is finally seen. The cave is about 100 feet long and 150 feet wide. In this cave the ice Shivalinga is formed. In this cave Lord Shiva told the secret of immortality to Mother Parvati.

19 Avatars of Lord Shiva

Shiva is present everywhere! As Adi Shankaracharya said, “Forgive me, Oh Shiva, my three great sins! I came on a pilgrimage to Kashi forgetting that you are omnipresent. In thinking about you, I forgot that You are beyond thought. In praying to you, I forgot that You are beyond words.” To sustain law and balance of nature Lord Shiva took many avatars in various yugas. In Shiva Mahapurana there is a mention of these avatars. Here are a few:

Piplaad Avatar

As per the legends, Shiva was born as Piplaad to sage Dhatichi. The sage left his son even before he was born. Upset without his father Piplaad asked the devas why his father left him. They told him that the unfortunate circumstances were formed because of the planetary position of ‘Shani.’ On learning this, Piplaad cursed Shani and Shani started falling down from his celestial abode. Piplaad forgave Shani on the condition that he will not trouble anyone before 16 years of age. It is believed that praying to this form of Lord Shiva helps people to get rid of Shani Dosha. According to Shiva Purana, Lord Brahma had named this avatar of Lord Shiva.

Veerabhadra Avatar

Sati was the youngest daughter of Daksha, the king of all men. When Sati grew up she married Lord Shiva, much to the displeasure of her father. One day Daksha made arrangements for a great yagna, and invited all the gods omitting only Lord Shiva. Sati’s urge to go to her home due to the affection towards her parents overpowered the social etiquette for not going to an uninvited ceremony. Daksha insulted her and Shiva in front of others. Unable to bear further trauma she ran into the sacrificial fire.

When Lord Shiva came to know about this, with deep sorrow and anger he plucked a lock of hair and threw it on the ground. Lord Veerabhadra and Rudrakali were born. Virabhadra is believed to be the destroyer of ajnana, his tall body reached the high heavens, he was dark as the clouds, three burning eyes, and fiery hair; he wore a garland of skulls and carried terrible weapons. To provide him power, Bhadrakali arrived, a wrathful incarnation on Devi.

On the direction of Shiva, Virabhadra appeared in the midst of Daksha’s assembly like a storm and broke the sacrificial vessels, polluted the offerings, insulted the priests and finally cut off Daksha’s head, trampled on Indra, broke the staff of Yama, scattered the gods on every side; then he returned to Kailash.

Bhairava Avatar

Bhairava, sometimes known as Kaala Bhairava, Kal Bhairab, Annadhaani Bhairava, Bhairon or Bhairadya, is the fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva associated with annihilation. The origin of Bhairava can be traced to the conversation between Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu recounted in “Shiva Maha-Purana” where Lord Vishnu asks Lord Brahma who is the supreme creator of the universe. Arrogantly, Brahma tells Vishnu to worship him because he (Brahma) is the supreme creator. This angered Shiva who then incarnated in the form of Bhairava to punish Brahma.

Bhairava beheaded one of Brahma’s five heads and since then Brahma has only four heads. When depicted as Kala Bhairava, Bhairava is shown carrying the severed head of Brahma. Cutting off Brahma’s fifth head made him guilty of the crime of killing a brahmin (Brahma Hatya Paapa), and as a result, he had to carry around the disembodied skull for twelve years and roam as Bhikshatana, a mendicant, until he had been absolved of the sin. In the form of the frightful Bhairava, Shiva is said to be guarding each of the Shaktipeethas. Each Shaktipeetha temple is accompanied by a temple dedicated to Lord Bhairava.

Ashwatthama

According to Mahabharata, the son Dronacharya, Ashwatthama is an amsha of Lord Shiva’s kaal, krodh (anger) and yam (death). During Samudra Manthan, Halahaal the fuming posion capable of burning universe appeared and all Dev Danav Manav Yaksha Gandharva fled. All of them along with Lord Vishnu and Lord Bramha came to Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva consumed Halahaal and held it in his throat. However unable to bear its consequences it started burning him.

The Vish purush sprung out of him folded his palms, Lord Shiva asked him that although Lord Vishnu and me didn’t let you kill the people yet in Dwapar Yuga but during Mahabharat war, with my blessings, you will be able to kill oppressive kshatriyas. You will be born as Bhardwaja’s grandson and be raised as Brahman but attracted towards Kshatriyahood. This Vish purush was born as Ashwatthama to Drona and Kripi.

Sharabha Avatar

Sharabha is a creature that is part lion and part bird. According to Sanskrit literature, Sharabha is an eight-legged beast, mightier than a lion and elephant and which can kill the lion. In later literature, Sharabha is described as an eight-legged deer. Shiv puran narrates that god Shiva assumed the Avatar of Sharabha to tame Narasimha – the fierce man-lion avatar of Vishnu worshipped by Vaishnava sect – into a normal pleasant form representing harmony. This form is popularly known as Sarabeshwara (Lord Sarabha) or Sharabeshwaramurti.

Grihapati Avatar

Once upon a time, there used to live a brahmin named Vishwanar who was a great devotee of lord Shiva. Shuchismati was his devoted wife. Shuchismati expressed her desire of having a son just like lord Shiva. Vishwanar went to Kashi to please Lord Shiva by his penance. He worshipped Vishveshwar linga with supreme devotion. Lord Shiva became very pleased by his devotion and he appeared before Vishwanar from the Shivalinga. When Vishwanar expressed his desire, lord Shiva agreed to take birth as his Son.

In due course of time, Shuchismati gave birth to a beautiful child. Lord Brahma named the child as Grihapati. When Grihapati attained the age of six, he was proficient in all the Vedas and other sacred texts. When Grihapati attained the age of nine, Narada came and informed Vishwanar that death of Grihapati was imminent because of the evil effects of the planetary combinations. Grihapati then consoled his parents and proceeded towards Kashi to do penance so that the ‘death’ could be conquered.

Grihapati commenced his penance at Kashi. Indra arrived there and requested him to demand anything he wished but Grihapati refused. Indra became furious and tried to attack him with his Vajra. Grihapati was very terrified. Right then Lord Shiva appeared and Indra had to retreat from the scene. Lord Shiva blessed Grihapati by saying “even Kaalvajra would not be able to kill you.” Grihapati became very pleased. The Shivalinga which he worshipped, later on became famous as ‘Agnishwar linga’. Lord Shiva made Grihapati the lord of all the directions.

Hanuman

Lord Shiva was so infatuated by the appearance of lord Vishnu in his form of Mohini during Amrita Manthana episode that his semen was released on the ground. This semen was established by the Saptarishis in the womb of Anjani, with the permission of lord Shiva himself. In this way was born the mighty Hanuman, who is considered an amsha of Lord Shiva.

Rishabha Avatar

After the churning of the ocean had been accomplished, Lord Vishnu made the deities drink all the nectar. When the demons came to know about this, they became very furious and attacked the deities. Ultimately the demons got defeated. To save their lives the demon ran towards their abode. Lord Vishnu chased the demons and killed them. However, he got infatuated by some enchanting beauties. During his stay in the Patal Lok, many sons were born to Lord Vishnu, who were very wicked and cruel. These sons of lord Vishnu started tormenting the inhabitants of all the three worlds.

All the deities and the sages went to lord Shiva to take his help. Lord Shiva went to the Patal Lok in the form of a Ox (Vrishabh). He killed all the sons of lord Vishnu with his sharp horns. Seeing the death of his sons, lord Vishnu came forward to fight him. He attacked lord Shiva, but lord Shiva couldn’t be conquered. Ultimately lord Vishnu was able to recognise him and returned back to Vishnuloka.

Yatinath Avatar

There used to live a bheel named Aahuk on the Arbudachal mountain. His wife was Aahuka and both of them were supreme devotee of lord Shiva. Once, lord Shiva wanting to test their devotion, appeared before them disguised a hermit Yatinath. Aahuk honoured his guest and treated him very well. Lord Shiva then requested him to give shelter for the whole night. Aahuk expressed his inability as he had a very small hut, in which only two people could be accommodate at a time.

But his wife intervened and requested Aahuk to sleep outside the hut with his arms, as it would be inappropriate on their part to miss this chance of proving their hospitality. The hermit, who in reality was lord Shiva and Aahuk’s wife slept inside the hut, while Aahuk himself slept outside. Unfortunately Aahuk was killed by a wild animal while he was asleep. In the morning when lord Shiva found that Aahuk had died, his heart was filled with grief.

But Aahuka consoled him and decided to give up her life by jumping into the burning pyre. Right then lord Shiva appeared in his real form and blessed her by saying “In his next birth your husband would take birth in a royal family. He would become Nala and you would be born as Damayanti. I would myself appear in the form of a swan and help both of you to unite.” After saying this, lord Shiva established himself as immovable Shivalinga, which later on became famous as Achaleshwar linga.

Krishna Darshan Avatar

Once there was a King Nabhag who, during his childhood, left his home for ‘gurukula’ to get education. In his absence his brothers got the wealth of the kingdom distributed among themselves. When Nabhag returned home after the completion of his education, he demanded his share of wealth. His brothers told him that they had forgotten to fix his share as he was absent at the time of distribution. They advised him to go and meet their father.

Nabhag went to his father and made the same request. His father advised him to go to sage Angiras who was trying to accomplish a yagya, but was not being able to accomplish it because of his attachment. Nabhag did the same. He went to the place where sage Angiras was performing his yagya. He preached sage Angiras on the virtues of Religiousness. As a result the sage became free from all sorts of attachments and the yagya was successfully accomplished.

Sage Angiras was very pleased by Nabhag’s knowledge of religion. He gave all the remaining wealth of the yagya to Nabhag. Just then lord Shiva arrived there in his incarnation of Krishna Darshan and tried to prevent sage Angiras from donating the wealth to Nabhag, instead he staked his own claim. Nabhag told lord Shiva that, since the wealth was given to him by sage Angiras himself, it naturally belonged to him.

Lord Shiva then sent Nabhag to his father Shradhadev to know about his opinion. Nabhag went to Shradha deva who revealed to him that the person who was staking his claims on the wealth was none other then lord Shiva. He also told him that whatever remained after the accomplishment of the yagya belongs to lord Shiva only. He went back to lord Shiva and worshipped him. Lord Shiva blessed him which helped Nabhag to attain salvation.

Bhikshuvarya Avatar

There was a king named Satyarath who ruled over Vidarbha. Once he was attacked by a neighbouring king and got killed in that battle. His wife somehow managed to save her life by hiding in a forest. The queen was pregnant at that time. At the shore of a pond she gave birth to a child. She was feeling thirsty, so she went into the pond to quench her thirst. Unfortunately she was killed by a crocodile who used to live in that pond.The hungry child started crying- A beggar woman arrived there with her one year old child. Though her heart was filled with compassion seeing the hungry child cry but still she was hesitating to take him in her lap. Right then lord Shiva appeared as a beggar and advised her to bring up the orphan child.

Sureshwar Avatar

Upamanyu – the son of sage Vyaghrapaad, was brought up in his maternal uncle’s home since his childhood. One day Upanyu he was crying for milk when his mother told him that if he wanted milk then he should worship lord Shiva as he only was capable of making the milk available. Upamanyu proceeded towards the Himalaya and started doing penance to please lord Shiva. His penance generated so much of heat that all the three worlds started burning.

To test his devotion, Lord Shiva and goddess Parvati appeared before him disguised as Indra and Indrani respectively. Both of them told Upamanyu to stop doing penance. They said “We Indra and Indrani are extremely pleased by your devotion. Stop worshipping Shiva. We will fulfill all your desires.” Lord Shiva and goddess Parvati did not stop at this. They even cursed Shiva. Upamanyu became very furious and got up to attack the abuser – Indra.

Shiva and Parvati were satisfied by his total dedication and devotion. They revealed their real identity and blessed him. Shiva promised Upamanyu that he would be present in the vicinity of his hermitage along with Parvati forever. Upamanyu returned back to his home and narrated the whole story to his mother who was very pleased. Lord Shiva got the name ‘Sureshwar’ because he appeared in the guise of Indra.

Keerat Avatar

Once, Arjuna was performing a tremendous penance to please lord Shiva. Duryodhan had sent a demon named Mooka to kill Arjuna. Mooka had disguised himself as a boar. Arjuna was engrossed in his meditation, when suddenly his concentration got disturbed by a loud noise. He opened his eyes and saw Mooka being chased by a Kirat. In fact it was none other than Shiva who had appeared in the guise of Kirat. Both Arjuna and Lord Shiva struck the boar with their respective arrows at the same time. A disagreement broke between Arjuna and Kirat (Shiva’s avatar) over who killed the boar. Arjuna challenged Shiva for a dual. Shiva was very much impressed by his valour. He revealed his real identity. Arjuna was very ashamed that he fought with Shiva but Lord Shiva consoled him and gave his weapon Pashupat to Arjuna.

Sunatnartak

Lord Shiva had taken this form to ask the hand of Parvati from her father, Himalaya.

Yaksheshwar

After defeating the demons and driking ‘Amrit’ the deities very arrogant. Lord Shiva was very concerned about their arrogant nature. He went to them in the guise of a Yaksha. He asked as to what was it that had made them so arrogant. The deities replied that their arrogance stemmed from victory over the demons. Lord Shiva who was disguised as Yaksha replied- “Your pride is based on false notion, because you did not achieve victory due to somebody’s grace and blessing.”

Lord Shiva then asked them to cut the grass if they considered themselves so mighty. He then kept a grass leaf in front of them. Each of the deities tried to cut that grass with their respective weapons but remained unsuccessful in their attempts. Suddenly a heavenly voice was heard which said that the Yaksha was none other than Lord Shiva himself. The deities realized their mistakes and apologized to lord Shiva.

source : http://www.indiadivine.org/unknown-facts-about-amarnath-pilgrimage

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BENEFIT OF HANUMAN CHALISA / PRAYER OF LORD HANUMAN

Benefits of Hanuman Chalisa /Prayer of Lord Hanuman

Reciting specific hymns.

Hanumanji is well known for his hidden strength and Ram Bhakti, People who swear by his devotion remain happy and contented always. Worshipping Hanumanji involves reading his Hanuman Chalisa religiously and a few important rituals like applying Sindoor on his Tail to accomplish hearts desire.

The recitation of specific Hindu prayers and hymns in Hanuman Chalisa will bestow specific results.  I have compiled specific number of the Hymns and the benefits:

1) Chanting the Opening Invocation Hymn of Hanuman Chalisa many times will mitigate the doshas arising out of having insulted knowingly/ unknowingly one’s preceptor/a Rama Bhakta.The hardships in your life will be relieved and you will be blessed with strength and wisdom.

2) Chanting the First Hymn of the Chalisa “Jaya Hanumaan gyaan guna saagar…..” will bestow Divine knowledge.

3) Chanting the Third Hymn of Chalisa “Mahaaveer Vikrama Bhajrangi…..” will remove the bad company of friends or relatives or get rid of your bad habits. It will guide you in your right path.                                                                             

Hanuman Chalisa

4) Chanting the Seventh and Eighth Hymns“Vidyavan guni athi chaathur…..” will channel a devotee into Rama Bhakti and he will become dear to Shri Rama.

5) Chanting the eleventh Hymn “Laya sanjivan…..” will mitigate the effects of poisonous bites and remove fear of snakes.

6) Chanting the Twelfth Hymn will remove misunderstanding between your sons and daughters and will bring unity and affection among them.

7) Chanting the Thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth Hymns will help you to reach name and fame.

8 ) Chanting the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Hymns will restore lost status or help in getting desired career improvements or promotions.

9) Chanting the Twentieth Hymn will remove obstacles and help in reaching your goals.

10) Chanting the Twenty-second Hymn will provide due protection from adverse planetary effects.

11) Chanting the Twenty-fourth Hymn will drive away all negative energies and evil spiritsincluding black magic.

12) Chanting the Twenty-fifth Hymn will restore exuberant health and spirits. The recitation will also give you the ability to withstand physical agony and pain when you are injured or in ailment.

13) Chanting the Twenty-sixth Hymn protects you from general hardships and difficulties.

14) Chanting the Twenty-seventh and Twenty-eighth Hymns will bring fulfillment of desires by HIS Divine Blessings.

15) Chanting the Twenty-ninth will take to the pinnacle of name and fame.

16) Chanting the Thirtieth Hymn will help you to conquer evil forces.

17) Chanting the Thirty-first Hymn will help you to master occult powers and great wealth.

18) Chanting the Thirty-second, Thirty-third, Thirty-fourth, and Thirty-fifth Hymns will certainly make you enjoy a self-contented life without any bothers / frustrations. You are assured that at the end of such a self-contented life, you will attain the Lotus feet of Shri Rama.

19) Chanting the Thirty-sixth Hymn will mitigateyou from all difficulties and pains.

20) Chanting the Thirty-seventh Hymn will secure the Grace of Shri Hanuman.

Hanumanji Tail Pooja Photo

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SANTHA SHREEDHAR SWAMI MAHARAJ

                 SANTHA   SHREEDHAR SWAMI MAHARAJ

SOME EVENTS IN THE LIFE OF SHREEDHAR SWAMI MAHARAJ

Shree Swami Sridhar Maharaj was born on 7-12-1908 in Lad Chincholly,near Gulbarga in Karnataka. Every moment of his life was dedicated in the service of the divine.

Before attaining MahaSamadhi on 19-4-1973 at the Varadpur Ashram, Sagar, Karnataka where he established the “Dharma Dwaja”, he inspired the masses and reinforced the principles of “Sanatan Dharma”.

In 1948, Sreedhar Swami came to Rishikesh after eight months of “Tapas” at Uttarkashi. Swami Sivananda, founder of Divine Life Society, Rishikesh immediately recognized him by his divine radiance and welcomed him and offered Pranams to the great saint. Swami Sivanada told his disciples “ I walked a lot, but I have never seen “Tejasvi” & “Tapasvi” of the order of Sreedhar Swami Maharaj. “Akhand Brahmanishta” and “Purna Gyani”such is the nature of Sreedhar Swami. ”


Karpatriji Maharaj in Kashi has said “ In present age, Samarth Ramdas has himself come in the form of Sreedhar Swami. Dharma’s establishment and social transformation has all been made possible by Sreedhar Swami’s “Akand Tapas”.

Ma Anandmayi on meeting Swamiji declared “ We are all walking up the hill of “Parmarth”. Path is narrow and extremely difficult. Established on the top of the hill is seen Sadguru Sreedhar Swami Maharaj”.

Prabhavati Raje, the ardent disciple of Raman Maharshi after passing away of her Guru, came across Swamiji Receiving his blessings she said “Sreedhar Swami’s darshan has made me realize the presence of Maharshi”.

Shrengeri’s Shankaracharya Swami Abhinava Vidyateerthji once breaked his journey to Delhi at Hoshangabad when he came to know of Sridhar Swami’s stay there. He had the Darsan and offered the holy seat of Shrengeri Peeth to Swamiji. Swamiji smiled and showered his blessings.

Once, Satya Sai Baba along with his disciples went to Varadpur Ashram to see Swamiji . On reaching the Ashram, he asked his disciples to maintain perfect silence and declared “Brahma” himself was performing “Tapas” there. Swamiji came out of his cottage and blessed all.

Swami Chinmayananda, founder of the Chinmaya Mission once came across Swami Nityanada, a disciple of Sridhar Swami at “Saandepany” Ashram, Mumbai. On meeting him he offered pranams to Swamiji and said “Your Sadguru is this worlds greatest treasure. There is no limit to his Divine powers and Tejas. I have realized this myself.”

Swamiji spent his complete life aimed at transformation of totality. His Akhand sadhana during last eight years was restricted at Varadpur Ashram, Sagar which he established as the power centre for all aspirants. Swamiji’s sankalpa of transformation stands firm.

External Link:
SadguruBhagwanShreedharSwamiMaharaj.com - A good site dedicated to Sant Sreedhar Swami Maharaj.

source : http://spiritual-note.blogspot.in/2007/03/sant-shreedhar-swami-maharaj.html
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HISTORY OF DIWALI FESTIVAL - DEEPAVALI LEGENDS

          History of Diwali Festival - Deepavali Legends

Here are some interesting legends associated with the Festival of Lights - Diwali or Deepavali. This year Diwali date is on 23rd October 2014. Click here to read about Diwali Festival and the Traditions of Diwali.

Legend of Lord Ram

Traditions date back to history when people celebrated Lord Ram’s victory over the demon king, Ravana. Lord Ram and his wife Sita returned after 14 years of exile and the Lord was honored as the King of Ayodhya. People lit diyas and burst crackers to express their happiness. This tradition is continued since then on the day of Diwali.

Legend of Lord Krishna

Legend has it that Naraka, son of Bhudevi, got enormous boon from Lord Brahma after a severe penance. During his rule, the demon tortured the people who pleaded Lord Krishna to save them. The boon that Naraka acquired was that he would face death only at the hands of his mother Bhudevi. Therefore, Krishna asked his wife, Sathyabhama, the reincarnation of Bhudevi, to be his charioteer in the battle with the demon. Finally, the demon was killed by Sathyabhama who stated that the day should be an occasion to celebrate. It is said that Lord Krishna had an oil bath to relieve himself from the blood that splashed on his body when Naraka was killed. Thus the tradition of taking oil bath on this day is followed.

Legend of Goddess Lakshmi

According to legends, Goddess Lakshmi emerged from the ocean of milk called the Ksheer Sagar. She is the goddess of wealth and prosperity. Goddess Mahalakshmi Puja is performed on Diwali to honor her. It is believed that the goddess visit the homes of her devotees on this day and that is why the places are kept clean and lamps are lit to welcome her.

source : http://www.hindudevotionalblog.com/2009/10/legends-of-diwali-history-of-deepavali.html

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Palani, the Sacred Abode of Lord Murugan View this email in your browser

Facebook Email Murugan.org Palani.org Tirichendur.org Kataragama.org YouTube Pinterest Palani, the Sacred Abode of Lord Murugan by V.S. Krishnan Murugan, the God passionately loved and worshipped in Tamil Nadu, is known as the God of Infinite Qualities.  He symbolizes knowledge, compassion, kindness, valour and beauty.  He is the God of love who protects his devotees and fulfills their aspirations.  He is the God of beauty who is admired by millions of devotees throughout. Lord Murugan is the embodiment of knowledge, the Lord who has taken the role of a master guru even to his father, Lord Siva at Swami Malai.  He is the Lord of infinite power who has destroyed the mighty Soorapadman at Tiruchendur.  He has taken the role of a Commander-in-Chief and mobilised army at Tirupparamkundram and came to be known as Deva Sena Pati. Here, after marrying the daughter of Indira, he has also come to be known as Devasena Pati, husband of Devasena.  By marrying Valli at Tiruttani, he has shown that it will be possible for the individual soul to unite with the eternal power by means of pure devotion.  Just as the fruits appear fully matured, ready to be plucked, he appears at Pazhamudir Solai, as an old man, fully matured in knowledge and ready to impart his knowledge. When Lord Siva brought a rare fruit of knowledge, both his sons, Ganesha and Murugan claimed it.  Lord Shiva then put up a contest; thereby the fruit would go to one who goes round the universe and returns first.  While Murugan went all over the universe, mounted on his peacock, Ganesha went around his parents, Siva-Parvati and claimed the fruit on the ground that one's parents represented the whole universe and received the fruit.  Here, the fruit remained as the symbol of ultimate knowledge.   While Lord Ganesa sought it from his parents, Siva-Parvati,  Murugan sought it from the all-pervading universe.   Addressing the disappointed Muruga, Parvati stated; ‘You are the fruit' ('Pazham Nee') which is the reinstatement of maha vakya, Tat tvam asi(You are That). "You are the fruit of knowledge, you are the embodiment of knowledge”, said Parvati.  According to legend, renouncing everything worldly, Murugan has gone to South (Pothigai Hills) and chosen his abode at Palani.  Appearing as Jnana Pandita, he radiates the light of knowledge from here and blesses the devotees. We find great significance being accorded to the weapon of Vel (lance) held by Lord Murugan.  It is said that Goddess Parvati has presented Murugan with the powerful Vel as a weapon to destroy Soorapadman.  Arunagirinathar has composed many songs like Vel Virutham on the significance of Vel.  Yet, we find a staff (danda) and not a Vel with Dandayudhapani at Palani.  Perhaps, the origin of Palani Andavar dates back to several centuries when the weapon of Vel had not got so much prominence. According to legend, Saint Agasthiar, an ardent devotee of Lord Siva, had asked his disciple, Idumbasuran to bring the two hillocks, Sivagiri and Saktigiri from Kailasha to the South for his worship. Idumban connected the two hillocks with the help of a wooden piece in the centre and tied the loose ends with a snake and proceeded towards South. On reaching South, he placed them at a spot to rest for a while. But later, when he tried to lift it, he could not.  He then spotted a youth wearing a piece of loincloth and holding a staff (danda) atop the hill. He asked the lad to move away. But the child, claiming right over the hill, refused to oblige. Soon Idumban realised that the boy was none other than Lord Murugan and paid obeisance to Him. Lord Murugan showered His blessings and proclaimed that anyone coming to his place with similar arch-like objects would get prosperity and upliftment. Thus was born the kavadi pattern of worship. The kavadi gets its name by the contents such as milk, flower, rose water, etc. In some rare cases they are said to contain fish (Matsya Kavadi) and snake (Sarpa Kavadi). There are artistes who swing and dance balancing the kavadi on their head. ` Saint Bhogar, a siddhar, is credited with the creation of the idol of Palani Dandayudhapani. Bhogar had a vision of Lord Murugan and he has given shape to it with the powerful Nava Pashanam.  He wanted the benefits of the grace of Murugan to reach all the devotees and so he made the Dandayudhapani idol with Nava Pashanam which is the combination of nine precious and rare components. A shrine to Bhogar exists in the southwestern corridor of the temple, which, by legend, is said to be connected by a tunnel to a cave in the heart of the hill, where Bhogar continues to meditate and maintain his vigil.  The temple around the Murugan shrine at Palani was built by King Cheraman Perumal, the contemporary of Saint Sundarar, sometime in the eleventh century. Arunagirinathar mentions this in his song Nadha Vindhu...Cherar Konguvai Kavoor Nannattathil. King Cheraman Perumal was a great Siva devotee. While he composed poems on Siva in Tamil, he scripted poetry in stone for Murugan at Palani. Though Cheraman Perumal constructed the temple, it is believed that the presiding deity of Dandayudhapani existed even long before. The magnificent temple that keeps attracting lakhs of pilgrim is located at a height of 150 metres and on foot one has to climb 693 steps to reach the sanctum sanctorum. There is also a long winding steep way known as the elephant path. As the devotees reach the top they are greeted by the majestic Raja Gopura. Dandayudhapani appears as an embodiment of knowledge, (Gnana Swaroopa) his serene face radiating the spirit of love and harmony. While every day Palani wears a festive look, it is a spectacular event on the day of Thai Poosam. This is the sacred day which falls in the Tamil month of Thai on the starPoosam (15 January-15 February) .  This is the day when Parvati gave Murugan the powerful Vel, the weapon to destroy the evil forces represented by Sooran.  The Thaipoosam festivities start ten days in advance and end on Poosam day.  Devotees carrying Kavadi throng the hill during this time. Six different pujas are performed to the Palani idol, symbolising the six points of time, from dawn to dusk. It is also said that they represent the six divine gunas of Arumuga. It is remarkable to see the Lord majestically inching His way round the temple with the twilight sun casting its golden rays on the decorated golden chariot. The traditional direction of most of the temples is facing east but Palani Andavar faces west.   A devotee from the neighbouring State of Kerala said that by facing west, Palani Andavar is showering His blessing on the people of Kerala, God's Own Country. Tirupalani Thaipoosam Annadhana Sangham, Calicut, has been conducting mass feeding (annadanam) during Thaipoosam for many years. An important part connected with various rituals at Palani is abhishekam, anointment.  Abhishekam is done to the idols with various items like pure water, sandalwood paste, vibhuti (sacred ash), milk etc. The most prominent abhishekam is with panchamrutam, a sacred paste made with jaggery, ripe hill plantain, dates, etc. It is believed that milk and panchamrutham that pass through this idol in abhishekam get high medicinal value.  After the abhishekam, the idol is adorned with various attires and garlands. The Lord appears in grandeur and splendour in the role of a King (Raja Alangaram), ruling over the entire universe, bringing prosperity and affluence.  But soon, the Lord appears as Dandayudhapani, with a loin-cloth, giving out the message that one who renounces his aspirations and withdraws from the world alone would reach the Lord. Palani temple finds mention in many religious texts and Sangam literature. Saint Arunagirinathar has composed over 90 songs about Palani Andavar and about Bala Murugan at Tiru Avinangudi, at the basement.  Some of the notable songs areArumugam Arumugam, Ulaga Pasu Pasa, etc. Apart from saints like Nakkeerar, Kachiappa Sivachariyar and Arunagirinathar, many other saints like Sri Chidambara Swamigal, Sri Kumara Guruparar, Sri Devaraya Swamigal, Vadalur Sri Ramalinga Adigalar, Sri Vannacharapam Dandhapani Swamigal, Sri Bala Murugan Adimai, Sri Pamban Swamigal, Sri Sachidananda Swamigal and Sri Murugan Kripananda Variar have hailed the glory of Muruga.  To the ever-increasing number of devotees who climb the hill to worship Him, the Lord showers his bountiful blessings. Palani Dandayudhapani is the Lord of abundant grace, the ultimate refuge for the people caught in the illusions of life. He is Kali Yuga Varada, He who liberates the people from the morass of ignorance and delusions. One who goes to Palani after discarding his individuality and ego, with a mind of detachment, with a heart full of love, and worship Murugan with full of devotion would free himself from all the consequences of Karma and evil effects and attain the Lotus Feet of Murugan. Source : Murugan Bhakti editor@murugan.org via mail176.us4.mcsv.net  **********************************************************************************************************************