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An
Asura by name Surapadma
was ruling Veera Mahandrapuri, an island
fortress, as his Capital. He
performed many austerities invoking Lord
Siva and Lord Siva granted him many boons. Later he became
arrogant and captured three worlds
and made the Heavenly immortals to do menial
task. Devas were unable to bear his torture
and complained to
Lord Siva. Lord Siva opened His frontal eye
to create a son to kill
the asuras. Six
sparks of fire where issued from the frontal eye of Lord Siva.
The divine sparks of grace were received
by river
Ganges through Agni, the God of Fire and
passed on to
the Himalayan lake Saravana Poigai.
Here they were transformed into six babes.
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These babes were suckled by the six
Kirithika nymphs.
Lord Siva and Goddess Parvathi Devi came to Saravana Poigai.
When the Goddess Uma fondly clasped the babes, they became Lord
Arumuga with six faces and twelve arms.
When the child Arumuga had grown into
a youth God, Lord Siva asked Him to destroy asuras and free Devas
from their cruel bondage. Lord
Muruga reached Tiruchendur with his huge army and encamped.
He sent his
lieutenant Veerabahu to the asuras
as an emissary
and asked Surapadma to release the Devas. Since Surapadma
turned down the request, war was started. |
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The
intense battle continued for few days.
During the first five days of the War the
brothers of Surapadma and all other asuras
perished. On sixth day
in the battle between Lord
Muruga and Surapadma, the lance of Lord Muruga pierced
Surapadma (who got himself transformed
as a frightful mango tree ) and broke it in twain.
The broken pieces instantly transformed
themselves into a mighty Peacock and a
Chanticleer. Lord
Muruga took Peacock as his vahana (Vehicle) and Chanticleer on his
banner. |
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After Surasamharam ( Destruction of
Surapadman) Lord
Muruga desired to worship
his father Lord Siva. Hence
Mayan, the divine architect constructed this shrines
at Tiruchendur. Even now
Lord Subramaniyan is seen in the posture of worshiping Lord
Siva in the Sanctum sanctorum.
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