- Murugan
Sri Ettukudi Murugan Temple
- Ettukudi,Tamil Nadu
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Overview
The name Ettukudi is derived from the fact that it is surrounded by etti (Strychnine) trees and that there are Shiva temples in eight directions. Ettukudi Murugan or the Subramania Swami temple at Ettukudi, though not one of the Arupadai Veedu (Six Sacred Temples of Lord Murugan), achieved popularity mainly through veneration in songs by the 14th century Tamil poet Saint Arunagirinathar and today, through folk music and other devotional songs.
The Thala Virutcham (temple tree) of this temple is Vanni tree and the theertham (temple tank) of this temple is Saravana Poigai.
About The Deity
The Shanmugar image is a monolithic Sculpture of Lord Murugan with 3 faces and 12 arms, seated on a Peacock facing north. The idol is sculpted in such away the whole weight of the idol is supported by the peacock’s legs. The images of the two consorts of Murugan, Valli and Deivanai, are on either side of deity.
According to legend, the form which Lord Murugan assumes here is the typical warrior-cum-hero form in His peacock – also called Veerasoundaryar. This form was taken by Him in order to vanquish the demon, Surapadhman.
Lord Murugan appears before people as a child, youth and an elderly person suiting the imagination of the devotee. Lord Soundaranayagar and Mother Anandavalli grace as the parents of Lord Murugan in the temple. There are shrines for Nardana Ganapathy, Juradeva, Srinivasa Soundararaja Perumal, Anjaneyar, Manonmani, Ammaiappan, Mahalakshmi, Shani Baghawan and Bhairava.
Legend and Stories
This temple is linked closely with a legend that the images of Skanda in all three of his shrines were made by the same sculptor. The story goes that the sculptor who made the Subramaniar image of Sikkal was awe struck by it that he vowed that no other such image should be made, and cut off his right thumb. He was then prompted by Subramaniar in a dream, to fashion another image for the temple at Ettukudi. After following the instructions in his dream, he blinded himself so that he could not create images any more. Another dream prompted him to create a third image of Skanda 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.
Another legend states that there once lived a sculptor in a village called Porulvaithasery. He was chanting ever the glory of Lord Murugan with Sharavana Bhava mantra. He sculpted an image of the god with six faces. Seeing the beauty of the idol, the Chola king cut off the thumb of the sculptor. The sculptor moved to another village and enduring all the pain made out another one with equal charm. The chieftain of the village enjoyed this idol’s beauty. While the idol was being completed rays of light spread from the idol and the peacock bearing began to fly. The chieftain cried “Ettipidi” (jump and catch it). In the effort to catch it, the leg of the peacock was a little damaged. Hence, the name of the place came to be known as Ettipidi, changed to Ettikudi and finally stood as Ettukudi.
Festivals
Karthigai, Kandhasashti, Soora Samharam, Chithira Pouranami, and Ollai Chappara are the festivals celebrated in this temple.
Interesting Facts
One of the unique features here is the position of the peacock, the mount of Murugan. The head of the peacock in other Murugan temples is seen facing the right. However, in Ettukudi, it is seen facing the left. This is also mentioned in the Kandapuranam.
Offerings
People perform abhishek (anointment) and offer clothing to Lord Murugan.
Significance
Devotees pray for relief from the fear in children, removal of obstacles in marriage, child boon and education of the children. The devotee is relieved of sins when he simply touches the Saravanapoigai water.
Accessibility
Airport
The nearest airport is Trichy.
Railways
The nearest railway station is Nagapattinam.
Road
Ettukudi is in the Nagapattinam District of Tamil Nadu and is equidistant from Nagapattinam and Thirvarur.
Temple Address
Arulmighu Subramaniaswamy Temple,
Ettukudi, Nagapattinam District,
Tamil Nadu, India, Pin code - 610212.
Significance
Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfillment of the following:-
- To relieve fear in children
- To remove obstacles in matrimonial efforts
- For the gift of childbirth
- For progress in education
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 12:00 pm and from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm.