The divine legend of Lord Murugan: It is said that the Sage Narada once presented Lord Shiva with a golden mango. It was not an ordinary mango; it was jnanaphalam (the fruit of knowledge). Lord Shiva at once gifted the fruit to His consort, Devi Parvati. The Holy Mother then wanted to present it to her children, Lord Ganesha and Lord Muruga by holding a contest. She told them that whoever goes around the universe faster than the other will receive the sacred fruit.

Lord Muruga at once summoned His peacock and was off in a trice and circumambulated the universe three times! Lord Ganesha in the meanwhile thought of an artful stratagem! He quickly circumambulated both His parents by saying that there is no place in the universe where they are not and that by circumambulating them.

He was actually circumambulating them; He was actually circumambulating the universe! Pleased by His answer, the Divine Mother gifted Him the fruit. No sooner did his occur than Lord Muruga arrived on the scene, and upon discovering that he was not the recipient of the fruit, He fled to Palani in anger and disappointment and decided to permanently settle there! Among other reasons, this helps to explain why  Palani and the beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Muruga that it houses, is revered by Lord Muruga’s  devotees the world over as the holiest of His shrines.

It is said that both Lord Shiva and Devi Parvati descended to Palani in search of Lord Muruga! When they found Him, they held Him in their arms and said, “Why do you grieve for the fruit, when you are yourself the fruit? (Pazham Nee!) Whence the name: Palani! This means why do you grieve when you are none other than Self Knowledge? The divine blessing from His parents consoled Lord Muruga and restored His equilibrium!

Sacred places of pilgrimage associated with Lord Muruga include Thiruparamkundram, Thiruchendur, Palani, Swamimalai, Thirutani and Pazhamudhircholai. In the Hindu pantheon, Lord Muruga is Commander-in-Chief of the Devas (Gods) and was anointed in this role by none other than Lord Shiva Himself!

Lord Murugan is a special deity in the Hindu pantheon. He is deeply revered in South India and there are innumerable legends about His glory. His Grace is an absolute requirement for self awakening, peace and prosperity. He will first test His devotee, purifying His longing and only when He is persuaded that His devotee is fir to receive the ultimate gift of transcendental wisdom will He confer that supreme blessing.

Become a Sudama in Faith!

Become a Hanuman in Strength!

Become a Sri Rama in Karma!

Om Sharavanabhava!

The article has been taken from the book

The Global Mission of Sadguru

Sri Sharavana Baba

Source: The New Indian Express, DT. June 4, 2013.