THIRUPARAKUNDRAM
:
It is the venue of Lord Muruga's
wedding with Devayani - the lovely daughter of Devendra, the king of gods.
It lies at about 8 km to the south of Madurai and is accessible by all kinds of vehicles.
It is a hill temple deemed the best among the six favorite abodes - Arupadaiveedus of the Lord, since
his ace martial career and spiritual eminence were honoured here with a prize that none but he deserved
and obtained - the favorite daughter of Trilokadhipathi - Devendra, for killing the formidable demon -
Surapadman - a throng in the flesh and causing terrible nightmares to them though they were
immortals.
It is a grand shrine beautified with tall gopurams and huge mandapams - the best specimens
of Dravidian style of architecture. The Kalyana Mandapam is adorned with a large number of statues of
great beauty adding to the splendor of the temple, carved out of a giant rock of unusual dimensions.
The murals narrate many episodes of Murugan's exploits and wedding scenes.
The unique feature of the temple is that abhishekam is performed to the Vel - the potent
weapon of the Lord instead to the idol. The well chiseled form of Muruga feasts the eyes,
of the adorers, as he is considered the prince charming among the gods.
On the summit of this pretty hill, there is grand shrine dedicated to Kasi Viswanathar.
Another that lures the viewers is the statue of the famous poet Nakeerar of the
Sangam period's reputation. Lord Muruga seated atop the hill, with his comely spouse is looking afar down
at the sacred feet of his illustrious parents - Meenakshi and Sundareswar, who are looking up at
him eternally, enjoying the spectacle of the glory of their valorous sons marriage and sports.
It is always crowded, as it is considered very auspicious for celebrating marriages and the like.
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