- Murugan
Engan Sri Subramaniaswami Temple
- Engan,Tamil Nadu
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Overview
Sri Subramanian Swami Temple is located at Engan village of Thiruvarur district. The main God of the temple is Lord Shiva known as Brammapureeshwarar and the Goddess known as Periyanayagi. However, this temple is popular for Lord Subramania.
About The Temple
The temple was built during the rule of King Kulothungan II. Though a Shiva temple, Lord Murugan enjoys more importance here. The sancta to Bramapureeshwarar and Bramanayagi are east facing ones. There are also shrines to Dakshinamurthi, Nataraj Sivakami, Kasi Viswanatha, Bhairava, Arunachaleshwarar and other deities here.
About The Deity
Lord Murugan graces sitting on the peacock vehicle with His consorts, Valli and Deivanai. Of the 6 faces of the Lord, 3 are in front and 3 behind. The Lord holds Vel (spear), arrow, sword, discus, pasam (rope), trident, bow, armour, cock flag etc. in His 12 hands. The gap between the fingers is visible, which is a sculptural marvel. There are holes in each of the 12 ears, with provision for ear rings. The entire weight of the idol firmly balances on a single leg of the peacock.
Legend and Stories
Lord Murugan demanded Lord Bramma to explain the meaning of Pranava Mantra. He could not. Lord Murugan put Bramma in prison and took up the creation job too. Though Bramma was released later, he could not get back His work. Bramma began worshipping Lord Shiva with His eight eyes. When Lord Shiva asked Murugan to leave the job to Bramma, Murugan politely refused saying that He was not qualified for the job as He did not know the meaning of Pranava. Lord Shiva advised Murugan to teach the Mantra to Bramma and reinstate Him in his place. Lord Murugan obeyed His Father and taught Pranava to Bramma. As Bramma worshipped Lord Shiva with eight eyes (En Kan), the place also came to be known as Brammapuram.
Another interesting legend states that the sculptor who made the Subramania image of Sikkal was awe struck by its quality. He vowed that no other such image should be made. He had cut off his right thumb.
He was then prompted by Subramania in a dream, to sculpt another image for the shrine at Ettukkudi. When the image was complete, he blinded himself.
Again, a dream prompted him to create a third image of Subramania mounted on a peacock with the aid of a woman. When his chisel inflicted injury upon her, the blood splashed over his eyes, and in a flash he got his eyesight back. The first phrase that he uttered was ‘En Kann’ – hence the name of the temple.
Festivals
A 14 day Thai Poosam-Brahmmotsavam in January-February is grandly celebrated here. A king named Simmavarman by name was cursed with a Lion’s face by a sage. For relief from the curse, the king prayed to Engan Lord Murugan. On a Thai Poosam star day (January-February) combined with Full Moon, Lord Murugan appeared before the king and restored his face. This day is grandly celebrated in the temple. Other festivals are monthly Krithika star days, 8 day Skanda Shashti in Aypasi (October-November), Karthikai in November-December, Maasi Karthikai (February-March), Diwali, Pongal, Tamil and English New Year Days.
Offerings
Devotees perform anointment to Lord Murugan with milk, curd, honey, rosewater, sandal, turmeric, oil, scented powders, panchamirtham (a sweetmeat made of five ingredients) etc. They offer hair by tonsuring, sheep and cocks and farm yields. They offer clothes to Lord Brammapureeshwara and Mother Periyanayagi, arrange feeding and distribution of Prasad.
Significance
People pray for restoration from impaired vision. They also undergo fasting on Tuesdays for good health and on Krithika star days for prosperity. Those facing adverse effects of planet Jupiter light ghee lamps on Thursdays. Poeple also pray for happy wed lock, child boon, good job opportunities, trade developments and promotion in jobs.
Accessibility
Airport
The nearest airport is Trichy.
Railways
The nearest railway station is Thiruvarur.
Road
The nearest major bus station is Thiruvarur.
Temple Address
Sri Subramaniaswami Temple,
Engan, Thiruvarur district, Tamil Nadu,
India, Pin code – 610104.
Significance
Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfillment of the following:-
- For restoration of vision
- For good health and longevity
- For prosperity
- For removal of adverse effects of planet Jupiter
- For marital bliss
- For the gift of childbirth
Shlokas
Shadaananam Chandana Liptha Gathram Mahorasam Divya Mayoora Vaahanam Rudrasya Soonum Suraloka Naatham Brahmanya Devam Charanam Prapadye
Meaning -I always take refuge in the 6 faced Lord Guha, who has sandal paste smeared over his body, who is broad-chested, whose vehicle is the peacock, who is Lord Shiva's son and who leads the army of the Devas.
Heyswami Natha Karunakara Dheenabandho Shree Parvatheesha Mukha Pankaja Padmabandho Shree Saadhi Devagana Poojitha Padha Padma Vallesa Nadha Mama Dehi Karaavalambham
Meaning -O! Merciful Lord Swaminatha, who cares for the poor, who is the sun to Lord Shiva's lotus face, whose lotus feet are acknowledged by Lord Vishnu and the others, Valli's Lord, please uplift me by lending me your hand.
Ariru Thadanthozh Vazhga Arumugam Vazhga Veppai Kooru Sei Thanivel Vazhga Kukkudum Vazhga Sevvel Yeriya Magnai Vazhga Aanai Thun Anangu Vazhga Maarila Valli Vazhga Vazhga Seer Adiyar Yellam
Meaning -Oh Muruga, we hail your 12 strong shoulders for they protect us from our enemies, we hail your 6 faces, we hail the Vel, your weapon that broke apart the Krounja mountain to reveal the asura in it. We hail the bird, the cock, that is part of your symbol in the flag. We hail your peacock, that takes you all over the world, we hail your consort Devyani, who was brought up by Indra's white elephant, Airavadam, we hail your other consort, the flawless Valli. And we hail your Bhaktas who worship you as a prayer.
Uruvai Aruvai Uladhai Iladhai Maruvai Malarai Maniyai Oliyai Karuvai Uyirai Gadhiyai Vidhiyai Guruvai Varuvai Arulvai Guhaney
Meaning -O Lord Muruga, you have form and you are formless, you have everything and have nothing, you who exist in the smallest, in flowers, in a bell's ring, in the light. You are the embryo, the life, destiny and fate. Bestow your blessings on us as our guru.
Timings
The temple is open from 6:00 am to 11:00 am and from 4:00 pm to 8:30 pm.