Six Abodes of Murugan
Arupadaividu (also Arupadai Veedu, Tamil: அறுபடைவீடு Aṟupaṭaivīṭu [ ˌ arɯpaɖɛi̯ ʋi̯ ː ɖɯ ] " six camp " ) is a term for a group of six Hindu temples in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, which are dedicated to Lord Murugan ( Skanda ). This group includes the Murugan temple of Palani, Tiruchendur, Tiruttani, Tirupparankundram and Swamimalai. The identity of the sixth temple is controversial, but often is called in Alagarkoil the Pazhamudircholai Temple.
The concept of the six Murugan Temple
The God Skanda, according to Hindu mythology, one of the two sons of Shiva and Parvati, practically plays in the religious practice of North India not matter, is among the Tamils under the name Murugan but one of the most popular deities. By Murugan worship the idea is linked, six temples, called Arupadaividu were particularly closely associated with Murugan. The concept of six Arupadaividu temple dates back to the Tirumurugatrupadai ( " Guide to Murugan "), a text of the poet Nakkirar from the 6th century. Their present popularity owe Arupadaividu temple but especially the revival of Murugan worship in Tamil Nadu since the late 19th century and improved travel options from the 20th century.
The Arupadaividu Temple is an example of a cluster of temples, which are combined into a group. Other well-known temple cluster in Tamil Nadu are the Pancha - Bhuta - temples where Shiva is embodied in each one of the five elements according to the Hindu idea, and the nine Navagraha Temple, dedicated to the heavenly bodies.
Every temple of the six Arupadaividu temple is associated with a particular aspect of the mythology Murugan: Tirupparankundram is considered the place where Murugan his companion Teyvayanai married, in Tiruchendur he shall be broken in order to defeat the demon Surapadman, according to Palani he retired insulted back, after he was defeated by his brother Ganesha in a race. Swamimalai is the place where Murugan his father Shiva is said to have taught the meaning of the syllable Om and after Tiruttani he should have retired after he married his second wife Valli.
Sacred topography
In the temples of Palani, Tiruchendur, Tiruttani, Swamimalai Tirupparankundram and belonging to the Arupadaividu temples is generally recognized. The identity of the sixth temple is controversial: Often the Pazhamudircholai Temple is called in Alagarkoil. but other Murugan temple lay claim to the status. There is often an indication, any Murugan Temple in Tamil Nadu is the sixth Arupadaividu Temple.
The Arupadaividu temples are spread all over Tamil Nadu: Tiruttani is located in the district of Tiruvallur in the north near the border of the neighboring Federal States of Andhra Pradesh, Swamimalai in the Kaveri Delta near Kumbakonam in the district of Thanjavur in central Tamil Nadu Palani at the foot of Palani Hills in Dindigul district in the west, and Tirupparankundram Pazhamudircholai in Madurai district in the southern inland and Tiruchendur on the coast of the Indian Ocean in the district of Thoothukudi in the far south. Its location put the Arupadaividu Temple Tamil Nadu from a domain Murugan and anchor Murugan simultaneously in Tamil Nadu. So the concept of Arupadaividu Temple underpins today's current idea of Murugan as "god of the Tamils ."
The God Murugan is often associated with the mountains. Thus Murugan temple often on mountains and hilltops. Five of six Arupadaividu temples stand on hills. The spectrum ranges from forested mountain slopes in Pazhamudircholai over steep rocks as in Tirupparankundram to a small artificial hill in Swamimalai. Only the temple of Tiruchendur is not on a hill but right on the seashore.
Pilgrims practice
The Arupadaividu Temple are popular pilgrimage destinations that are within the scope visited either individually or collectively of pilgrimage trips. From their popularity testifies to the fact that the Murugan Temple of Palani is the most visited pilgrimage site in Tamil Nadu. On a normal day visit 10,000-12,000 believers the temple on special occasions multiplied the number. Various tour operators offer organized tours, in which all six Arupadaividu Temple are visited. Thus, with the Tourism Authority of the State of Tamil Nadu, a four-day bus trip Arupadaividu is bookable.