Thiruparankundram Murugan Temple: Significance, History, and Benefits

In a special interview given by Dr. Deepa Arulalan for the Aanmeegaglitz channel, she explained in detail the glory of Thiruparankundram, the first abode of Lord Murugan.

The History of Thiruparankundram:

Thiruparankundram is located about 8 kilometers southwest of Madurai. “Param” means Parameswaran, “Kundram” means hill. Since Parameswaran himself appears here in the form of a hill, it is called Thiruparankundram. It is said that Annamalaiyan who stood as a boundless light in Tiruvannamalai, the same Annamalaiyan stands as a hill in Thiruparankundram. This is the place where Murugan worshipped Shiva as Parangirinathar. Thirugnanasambandar has sung very beautifully about this place. He says that whoever circumambulates and worships Thiruparankundram daily, will get all the pleasures in the world. A life without any sorrow is not a dream, it will come true. He also says that one will attain Shiva Sayujyam without suffering Yama’s torment after enjoying all the pleasures while living in the world.

The Special Features of Thiruparankundram:

Thiruparankundram is the place where Murugan’s marriage took place. Murugan married Devasena, the daughter of Devendra, here. Therefore, this is considered a great place for marriage dosha. Those who have marriage dosha, Mangalya dosha, and Chevvai dosha in their horoscope can get rid of the doshas by visiting here. In some horoscopes, it is said that the marriage will not take place, and even if it does, it will lead to divorce. It is believed that those with such a horoscope will have a stable life if they get married at the Thiruparankundram Murugan temple. It is believed that any marriage that takes place in this place where Murugan’s marriage took place will be stable. Poets have sung that this is the holy place where Brahma conducted the marriage ceremonies, where the Sun and Moon stood holding the nine gems lamps, where Parameswaran, the father of the universe, and Ambikai, the mother of the universe, attained great joy, where Devendra gave the coral-like Devasena to Murugan, and where our lord, the great Murugan, Kathiresan, Kumaresan held Devasena’s hand. Here Murugan appears in a wedding attire.

Nakkeerar and Thirumurugaatrupadai:

The greatness of Thiruparankundram can be said continuously. Nakkeerar performed penance here. In the Thiruvilayadal, Nakkeerar examined the song written by Tharumi and argued that even if Shiva himself came in person, a mistake is a mistake. This is the place where he later fell into the Potramarai pond and repented and performed penance. Those who seek wisdom will gain intelligence if they worship here. While Nakkeerar was doing penance, he saw a fish with half its body as a fish and half its body as a bird. Then a demon lifted him up and imprisoned him. There were 999 sages and rishis there. When Nakkeerar sang Thirumurugaatrupadai, Murugan appeared and destroyed the demon and freed everyone. Nakkeerar asked Murugan to grant him Ganga to bathe in to get rid of the sin of the demon touching him. Murugan pierced his Vel on the mountain and brought Ganga. Bathing in Ganga in Kasi gives the same merit as bathing in Ganga on the top of Thiruparankundram hill. Nakkeerar says that even impossible things will happen if Thirumurugaatrupadai is recited.

The Nine Warriors and the White Peacock:

There is a shrine of the nine warriors here. The nine gems that scattered from Parvati Devi’s anklet turned into nine maidens. They fell in love with Ishan and became pregnant. Parvati Devi was angry and cursed them. Then Parameswaran pacified them and said that nine sons would be born to them as companions to their children. Those nine sons are the nine warriors. Among them, Veerabahu will always be with Murugan as his shadow. Children who lack courage will gain courage if they worship the nine warriors. You can see a white peacock in Thiruparankundram. It is believed that the gods worship Murugan in the form of a white peacock. It is good to see the white peacock.

Worship Methods and Benefits:

Circumambulating here is as special as the Thiruvannamalai Girivalam. Worshipping here on Pournami, Amavasai, monthly birth, Ekadasi, Krithikai, Sashti etc. will give many times more benefits. Milk is very dear to Murugan for Abhishekam. Performing milk Abhishekam in Thiruparankundram will give special benefits.