Six Shrines of Muruga

Contents: Foreword. 1. Kaumaram. 2. Arupadai Veedu: An Introduction. 3. Antiquity of Muruga. 4. Legend. 5. Thirupparankundram. 6. Thiruchendur. 7. Palani. 8. Swamimalai. 9. Hill Temples. 10. Palamudircholai. 11. Devotees.

The study of different stories connected with the emergence of Skanda as found in the Puranas conveys the message that the necessity of a commander for the army of the gods, who suffered at the hands of the demons, was the immediate cause. He appeared from the effulgence (Shiva Jothy), and the six fire sparks carried by Vayu and left into the Ganga subsequently got deposited into a receptacle amongst the thicket of reeds (Saravana Pogai), where six divine children emanated and were nursed by the six Kartikas. In the Sanskrit language, the word “swami” is ascribed appropriately to Murugan only.