Knowing that his end was near, Surapadman started his war the next day with Muruga. He could scatter Muruga's army with his weapons and then came face to face with Muruga. They fought for a long time and finally Muruga aimed His Vel at Surapadman. It took his head from his body. Not willing to destroy him, Muruga changed the head into a cock and made it His flag. He changed the body into a peacock and made it his vehicle.
Indra was returned to His kingdom. He spoke to Vishnu about His daughter's marriage with Muruga. They went to Kailash and spoke to Shiva and Parvathi about that. In the following days in Thiruparankundram, Muruga got married to Deivayanai in a grand style with all the Devas and saints.
Meanwhile Valli grew into a beautiful women and was always praying to Lord Muruga. Muruga decided that it is time He married the other sister also and so took the form of an old man and went to Valli. He teased her saying that her youth is wasted as Muruga is not going to come so it is better that she marries the old man. Valli got angry and shouted at Him. She was returning to her home when Ganesha, at the request of Muruga took the form of an elephant and chased her. Valli ran back to the old man to seek His help. The old man said that he can help only if she agrees to marry him. Valli said that she cannot marry anyone other than Muruga. Not wanting to trouble her anymore, Muruga show His presence and Valli was so happy. Ganesha also blessed them. Soon the king came to know about this and came to the place with his courtiers. They arranged for the marriage in their fashion. Valli got married to Muruga at Thiruthani.
Kandha returned to Kandhagiri with His escorts Deivayanai and Valli. They are blessings us ever from their abode.
Om Muruga
End of Kandhapuranam.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Veerabahu goes to VeeraMahendhrapuri
Before staging a war with Surapadman, Muruga sent Veerabahu to VeeraMahendrapuri with a message. Veerabahu met Surapadman and told him to quit all his bad deeds and to lead a good life. Surapadman got angry and his guards to capture Veerabahu .Veerabahu destroyed all the guards and started His way back as He had come as a messenger and did not want to fight. But Surapadman sent an army to stop Him and capture Him. Veerabahu killed everyone and came back to the city and started throwing boulders and rocks at the buildings. He finally left the city in shambles and returned to Muruga.Veerabahu told all that had happened and the only way was to wage a war.
The following day Surapadman sent his son Banudevan to fight Muruga. Muruga again sent Veerabahu to fight Banudevan. In the fight that followed Veerabahu injured Banudevan, who ran away. Banudevan went straight to his grandmother Maya and asked her for some weapon that would eliminate Kandha's army. She gave him a weapon that can confuse and spellbound the army. Banudevan next day fought vigorously with the new weapon on his side but could not withstand Veerabahu's attack. He finally used the new weapon and the whole army was spellbound and thrown into the depths of the sea. Muruga threw his Vel into the sea and destroyed the weapon thereby releasing the army and His brothers. Veerabahu got angry and destroyed all the weapons Banudevan had and entered into a hand-to-hand tussle with him. He tore him into pieces. The news reached Surapadhman who could not believe that his son is no more.
He asked his brother the lion faced, Singhamughasuran to fight with Muruga and that fight lasted for a long time. Finally Muruga killed him with his Vel. He took pity on Singhamugasuran and made him into a lion and asked him to serve as His mother Sakthi's vehicle.
End of chapter
The following day Surapadman sent his son Banudevan to fight Muruga. Muruga again sent Veerabahu to fight Banudevan. In the fight that followed Veerabahu injured Banudevan, who ran away. Banudevan went straight to his grandmother Maya and asked her for some weapon that would eliminate Kandha's army. She gave him a weapon that can confuse and spellbound the army. Banudevan next day fought vigorously with the new weapon on his side but could not withstand Veerabahu's attack. He finally used the new weapon and the whole army was spellbound and thrown into the depths of the sea. Muruga threw his Vel into the sea and destroyed the weapon thereby releasing the army and His brothers. Veerabahu got angry and destroyed all the weapons Banudevan had and entered into a hand-to-hand tussle with him. He tore him into pieces. The news reached Surapadhman who could not believe that his son is no more.
He asked his brother the lion faced, Singhamughasuran to fight with Muruga and that fight lasted for a long time. Finally Muruga killed him with his Vel. He took pity on Singhamugasuran and made him into a lion and asked him to serve as His mother Sakthi's vehicle.
End of chapter
Beginning of the Asuras decline
Day by day the Asuras increased their torture of the Devas and at one stage the Devas could not bear it any longer. They went to Shiva and prayed for a end to this torture. Just then Kandha and His nine brothers came to pay a visit to their father and mother. Shiva said to Kandha that the time for the purpose of His birth has come and that He should get ready to destroy the Asuras. Muruga took the blessings of His parents to accomplish His task. Parvathi using Her sakthi created a powerful Vel and presented it to Muruga. Shiva also blessed the Vel.
With His one lakh and nine strong army, Kandha set out the destroy the Asuras. Vishnu presented a chariot drawn by thousands of horses. He asked Vayu, the wind God,to be its charioteer. The army set out with loud chants of "Vettri Vel, Veera Vel". On their way to Mayapuri, where the elephant headed Thaarahasuran lived, they came upon a mountain which was blocking their way and growing in size. Just then Narathar came to Muruga and told Him that the mountain is an Asura named Krounchan who was turned into a mountain by saint Aagasthiar, on His way south.
Muruga told Veerabahu to take half of the army and fight Thaarahasuran. Veerabahu happily started off and reached Mayapuri, where He was engaged in a deadly duel with Thaarahasuran. During the fight one arrow from Thaarahasuran made Veerabahu faint. His army was stunted and did not know what to do. After a while Veerabahu got up chanting the names of Lord Muruga. Thaarahasuran took the form of a rat and entered the Krounchan mountain. Veerabahu and His army also followed him. The mountain took various shapes inside and confused Veerabahu and His army. They were locked up inside the mountain.
Muruga came to know of this and set out on His chariot to fight the asura. Seeing a grand chariot coming as a whirlwind, the asura asked his charioteer who it was and came to know about the son of Shiva. He came up to Muruga and told Him that it is a war with the Devas and nothing to do with Shiva and His sons, so he wanted Muruga to leave the battle and go. Muruga said that His birth itself was to destroy the sons of Maya so He has some to do His duty. A fierce battle followed between both of them. Thaarahasuran shoot many Astharams at Muruga all of which surrendered at the feet of the Lord. Thaarahasuran knew he cannot survive a one to one battle started using his maya and entered the mountain. He took various shapes and tried to connfuse Muruga. Muruga threw His Vel at the mountian which shattered it into pieces. Out came Thaarahasuran without any protection now. Muruga killed him with His Vel and the whole of the Asura army ran away. Kandha's army started chanting "Vettri Vel, Veera Vel" and returned to their base in Thiruchendur, where the seashore temple stands now.
End on chapter
With His one lakh and nine strong army, Kandha set out the destroy the Asuras. Vishnu presented a chariot drawn by thousands of horses. He asked Vayu, the wind God,to be its charioteer. The army set out with loud chants of "Vettri Vel, Veera Vel". On their way to Mayapuri, where the elephant headed Thaarahasuran lived, they came upon a mountain which was blocking their way and growing in size. Just then Narathar came to Muruga and told Him that the mountain is an Asura named Krounchan who was turned into a mountain by saint Aagasthiar, on His way south.
Muruga told Veerabahu to take half of the army and fight Thaarahasuran. Veerabahu happily started off and reached Mayapuri, where He was engaged in a deadly duel with Thaarahasuran. During the fight one arrow from Thaarahasuran made Veerabahu faint. His army was stunted and did not know what to do. After a while Veerabahu got up chanting the names of Lord Muruga. Thaarahasuran took the form of a rat and entered the Krounchan mountain. Veerabahu and His army also followed him. The mountain took various shapes inside and confused Veerabahu and His army. They were locked up inside the mountain.
Muruga came to know of this and set out on His chariot to fight the asura. Seeing a grand chariot coming as a whirlwind, the asura asked his charioteer who it was and came to know about the son of Shiva. He came up to Muruga and told Him that it is a war with the Devas and nothing to do with Shiva and His sons, so he wanted Muruga to leave the battle and go. Muruga said that His birth itself was to destroy the sons of Maya so He has some to do His duty. A fierce battle followed between both of them. Thaarahasuran shoot many Astharams at Muruga all of which surrendered at the feet of the Lord. Thaarahasuran knew he cannot survive a one to one battle started using his maya and entered the mountain. He took various shapes and tried to connfuse Muruga. Muruga threw His Vel at the mountian which shattered it into pieces. Out came Thaarahasuran without any protection now. Muruga killed him with His Vel and the whole of the Asura army ran away. Kandha's army started chanting "Vettri Vel, Veera Vel" and returned to their base in Thiruchendur, where the seashore temple stands now.
End on chapter
Birth of Deivayani and Valli
Vishnu was thinking about the deeds of Muruga and from his eyes two tears of joy fell.These two drops transformed into two beautiful women named Soundaravalli and Amuthavalli.They worshiped Lord Vishnu and waited on His command. Vishnu directed them to go to Khandhagiri and meet Muruga. The two women went and met Muruga. On seeing Him they immediately fell in love with Him. His handsome look mesmerized them and they started to shiver. Understanding their plight Muruga asked Soundaravalli to be born as Indra's daughter and Amuthavalli as the daughter of the tribal king Nambirajan.
Fearing Surabhadman, Indra hid His wife Indrani in a bamboo forest. Soundaravalli was born as a baby girl in this forest. Indrani found the baby and fondly started to bring her up. Most of the time the girl was in the care of Indra's elephant with whom the girl played and grew up. She was called Deivayani, one who was brought up by Devas's elephant.
Meanwhile Amuthavalli was born as a baby girl in Vallimalai which belonged to the tribal king Nambirajan. He was a devotee of Shiva and did not have any children. On seeing the baby girl amongst the fields, he thought that Lord Shiva has granted his wish and started to bring up the girl. He named her Valli.
Both the girls were always chanting the names of Lord Muruga as they grew up.
End of chapter.
Fearing Surabhadman, Indra hid His wife Indrani in a bamboo forest. Soundaravalli was born as a baby girl in this forest. Indrani found the baby and fondly started to bring her up. Most of the time the girl was in the care of Indra's elephant with whom the girl played and grew up. She was called Deivayani, one who was brought up by Devas's elephant.
Meanwhile Amuthavalli was born as a baby girl in Vallimalai which belonged to the tribal king Nambirajan. He was a devotee of Shiva and did not have any children. On seeing the baby girl amongst the fields, he thought that Lord Shiva has granted his wish and started to bring up the girl. He named her Valli.
Both the girls were always chanting the names of Lord Muruga as they grew up.
End of chapter.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Swaminatha Kadavul
Kandha was playing with his brothers in Kaliash. Brahma was on His way to see Shiva. Muruga wished Brahma but in some thought on his own Brahma forgot to return His wishes. Brahma was discussing with Shiva, meanwhile Muruga was discussing with Ganesha, His elder brother that He will teach Brahma a lesson. Ganesha told Muruga not to do anything wrong and let go of this incident.Brahma came back after visiting Shiva, when Muruga asked Brahma to stop and enquired why He did not acknowledge His wishes. Brahma said that He was lost in His own thoughts and did not hear it.
Muruga said that Brahma's ego has made His pride go before Him. Muruga asked Brahma what His work was and several other series of questions at the end of which Brahma could not answer Muruga's question. Muruga promptly told Brahma that without this knowledge it is not possible for creation to work and so henceforth He will start creation and order His army to put Brahma in jail. Both Parvathi and Shiva felt as if someone had hit them in their head with the knuckle when all this was happening.
They came down to see all that had happened and asked Kandha to release Brahma but Kandha refused at first and when Shiva insisted He ordered Brahma to be released. Shiva asked Muruga come along with Him and in a separate place asked Him what is the meaning of "Om" that Brahma could not answer. Muruga said that it could not be recited loudly and can only be told when Shiva sits in the form of a disciple and listen to Him by seating Muruga on His lap. Thus Shiva seated as a disciple with His hands folded and Muruga seated on His lap, listened to the Pranava Mantra whispered on to His ears. From then on Muruga came to be known as Swaminathan Kadavul (One who thought His father). This temple is located near Thanjavur in a place called Kumbakonam.
End of chapter
Muruga said that Brahma's ego has made His pride go before Him. Muruga asked Brahma what His work was and several other series of questions at the end of which Brahma could not answer Muruga's question. Muruga promptly told Brahma that without this knowledge it is not possible for creation to work and so henceforth He will start creation and order His army to put Brahma in jail. Both Parvathi and Shiva felt as if someone had hit them in their head with the knuckle when all this was happening.
They came down to see all that had happened and asked Kandha to release Brahma but Kandha refused at first and when Shiva insisted He ordered Brahma to be released. Shiva asked Muruga come along with Him and in a separate place asked Him what is the meaning of "Om" that Brahma could not answer. Muruga said that it could not be recited loudly and can only be told when Shiva sits in the form of a disciple and listen to Him by seating Muruga on His lap. Thus Shiva seated as a disciple with His hands folded and Muruga seated on His lap, listened to the Pranava Mantra whispered on to His ears. From then on Muruga came to be known as Swaminathan Kadavul (One who thought His father). This temple is located near Thanjavur in a place called Kumbakonam.
End of chapter
Kandha is knowledge
Once a homa was performed by Naradhar and other Devas. During the chanting of the mantras one of the pundits uttered a wrong sound which was not there in any of the known languages. This resonated and as a reason out of the pyre came a ram which started attacking everybody around. The Devas rushed to Kailash were they saw Muruga playing with his brothers. They requested Him to help them and Muruga sent Veerabahu, the eldest among his nine younger brothers to tame the ram.
The Devas did not have much hope on Veerabahu as they themselves could not do much with the ram. By then the ram had gone to Brahma's abode and started destroying things. Veerabahu caught it by its horns and tamed it. He then dragged it to Muruga. Muruga sat on the ram and made it his vehicle instead of harming it. Through out Kandhapuranam one will see such incidents where the Lord forgives His enemies and changes them into some other form and keeps it with Him. The ram which generally stands for ignorance and foolishness was able to shed them and attain knowledge once it became a devotee of Lord Muruga who resembles knowledge.
End of Chapter
The Devas did not have much hope on Veerabahu as they themselves could not do much with the ram. By then the ram had gone to Brahma's abode and started destroying things. Veerabahu caught it by its horns and tamed it. He then dragged it to Muruga. Muruga sat on the ram and made it his vehicle instead of harming it. Through out Kandhapuranam one will see such incidents where the Lord forgives His enemies and changes them into some other form and keeps it with Him. The ram which generally stands for ignorance and foolishness was able to shed them and attain knowledge once it became a devotee of Lord Muruga who resembles knowledge.
End of Chapter
Monday, January 18, 2010
Kandha made as Devasenathipathi
As Kandha and his brothers grew they played a lot of pranks all around Kailash. The Devas at first did not know who was playing the pranks and thought it was some Aasura and staged a war against Him. Kandha attached Devas like Indra, Angi, Vayu, Yama and the lot. One by one He defeated all of them. At last the Deva army retreated unable to withstand the force of Shiva's sons. They approached Pragaspathi, the guru of Devas for help. He bowed before Kandha and requested Him to calm down and end his divine pranks with the Devas.
Kandha restored everything back to its place and brought back the Devas to their consciousness. He then showed them His real form which spread all across the universe and the Devas was Shiva, Parvathi and all Devas in Him. It made them realise that Kandha and Shiva are the same.
Being pleased that their saviour has come the Devas shouted in joy and requested their guru to make Him the Supreme Commander of Devas army. Pragaspathi in consultation with Indra and others decided a place and time for this grand event. On the auspicious day Kandha was made the Supreme Commander of Devas in the presence of His parents and all Devas. He was called Devasenathipathi.
End of chapter
Kandha restored everything back to its place and brought back the Devas to their consciousness. He then showed them His real form which spread all across the universe and the Devas was Shiva, Parvathi and all Devas in Him. It made them realise that Kandha and Shiva are the same.
Being pleased that their saviour has come the Devas shouted in joy and requested their guru to make Him the Supreme Commander of Devas army. Pragaspathi in consultation with Indra and others decided a place and time for this grand event. On the auspicious day Kandha was made the Supreme Commander of Devas in the presence of His parents and all Devas. He was called Devasenathipathi.
End of chapter
Birth of Kandha
After the marriage, Shiva was involved in family life and time passed. Devas saw no relief even after marriage, so they again went to the Lord and told their anguish. Shiva showed his six faces [he has five faces and Parvathi's is the sixth] and from each He created a jothi. The six jothis were so fiery that all ran helter shelter including Parvathi who was seated next to Shiva. Shiva summoned Agni and Vayu and told them to deliver the jothis in Ganges. He also blessed them with his powers to carry the jothis. Ganges on her part became almost dry due to the heat but with the Lord's blessings, She could deliver it in "Saravana Poigai", a beautiful lake filled with lotus. The six jothis changed in six handsome babies once they were rested in the lotus bed. Near the lake their were six women called "Karthigai Pendiyar" [Karthigai womenfolks] who were praying for the divine task of nursing the babies as foster mothers. In honor of them the Tamil month "Karthigai" is named after them.
Meanwhile Parvathi who had ran away unable to bear the heat, returned after sometime and asked Shiva what had happened. Shiva narrated the story of the babies born from the jothis. Parvathi wanted to see the children immediately but Shiva said the time till come for that and hugged her. In their indulgence, the necklace worn by Paravathi containing nine gems schattered and each one shined brightly. On seeing the reflection of Parvathi in each of the gem Shiva made them all into a women, who were looking like Paravathi. They bowed before Shiva and by His grace they all were blessed to be pregnant. Seeing nine look alike women all pregnant with Shiva's children Parvathi cursed them that these sudden pregnencies will stay inside for a long time and never be delivered. On hearing this the nine women shivered and started to sweat. From each drop warriors arose chanting the names of Shiva and Parvathi. They were a lakh in all. Shiva blessed them and asked them to wait till their leader Kandha is ready to lead them.
Shiva and Parvathi came to Saravana Poigai to see their children. On seeing their parents the children ran to them. Parvathi hugged all the six children togather and what a wonder the six children became a boy with six faces and twelve arms called Arumugam. Parvathi then changed him to a boy with a head and two arms. He is called Kandhan meaning "fusion". Being the mother of all mothers, Parvathi started to lactate, which she took in a cup and feed the child. From this the child got more strength and knowledge.
All three of them returned to Kailash. In time the nine pregnant women were ready to deliver and praying to Shiva and Parvathi to help them. Parvathi happy then with the child Kandhan's mischief took pity and removed her curse. Nine children were born all boys who were younger brothers of Kandha.
End of chapter
Meanwhile Parvathi who had ran away unable to bear the heat, returned after sometime and asked Shiva what had happened. Shiva narrated the story of the babies born from the jothis. Parvathi wanted to see the children immediately but Shiva said the time till come for that and hugged her. In their indulgence, the necklace worn by Paravathi containing nine gems schattered and each one shined brightly. On seeing the reflection of Parvathi in each of the gem Shiva made them all into a women, who were looking like Paravathi. They bowed before Shiva and by His grace they all were blessed to be pregnant. Seeing nine look alike women all pregnant with Shiva's children Parvathi cursed them that these sudden pregnencies will stay inside for a long time and never be delivered. On hearing this the nine women shivered and started to sweat. From each drop warriors arose chanting the names of Shiva and Parvathi. They were a lakh in all. Shiva blessed them and asked them to wait till their leader Kandha is ready to lead them.
Shiva and Parvathi came to Saravana Poigai to see their children. On seeing their parents the children ran to them. Parvathi hugged all the six children togather and what a wonder the six children became a boy with six faces and twelve arms called Arumugam. Parvathi then changed him to a boy with a head and two arms. He is called Kandhan meaning "fusion". Being the mother of all mothers, Parvathi started to lactate, which she took in a cup and feed the child. From this the child got more strength and knowledge.
All three of them returned to Kailash. In time the nine pregnant women were ready to deliver and praying to Shiva and Parvathi to help them. Parvathi happy then with the child Kandhan's mischief took pity and removed her curse. Nine children were born all boys who were younger brothers of Kandha.
End of chapter
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