Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Arulmigu Sri Subramaniar Alayam – Kerling, Selangor


The foundation of this temple in Kerling is sacredly cradled by the adjacent flowing river, which abundantly nourishes the revered ground. Eras ago, a wandering ‘sadhu’ (spiritual monk), had meditated on the river bank, for the spiritual sustenance of the land. He was brought out of his tranquil contemplation, by the wailing cries of a married couple. Startled, he then strolled towards the couple, and enquired the reason for their tumultuous behaviour. The couple gloomily replied they were ill-fated, trodden with bad luck, and lacked the will to be alive, as they were not blessed with offspring. Upon hearing this, the monk considerately admonished them, and gave valuable advice on how to deal with unfavourable circumstances in life. Instinctively, the monk then waded into the river, until the iridescent water reached his waist, and heaved out a glowing, dense, rock resembling ‘Bala Murugan’ (baby form of Lord Subramaniar).
Droves of spiritual believers, often afflicted by incurable diseases who ardently pray at this temple, often miraculously obtain a salvation to their malady within 21 days. Devotees who experience ill-fate, personal complications, pledge an oath to Lord Subramaniar to balm their festering mental anguish. Those, whose problems have been resolved, often observe ‘kavadi’ (ritual dance) for the Thaipusam festival held at the temple. Lord Subramaniar’s ‘vahana’ (mount), a wild peacock had graced the festival once, miraculously appearing in the temple compound, swayed on the curvatures of the ‘vimana’ (tower above main sanctum), and displaying its gorgeous plumage. Another miracle that occurred in the temple, during a grand ‘yagna’ (ritual fire ceremony) in the premise of the temple, was a fiery formation of ‘Bala Murugan’ during the ’poornahuti’ (final offering), testament to all-pervading presence of Lord Subramaniar.
There are many personal experiences by devotees, one of which is the temple priest contracted a mysterious ailment, and was informed by his medical doctor to prepare for the end of his days. Succumbed by calamity, nonetheless with a sliver of hope, the priest instantly started meditating in the inner sanctum of the temple, contemplating on Lord Subramaniar. After several days of meditation, the priest’s health rapidly recovered, overwhelming the ailment. Another spiritual marvel was the healing of a 7 year old mute boy. The parents of the young boy brought him to the temple, in sheer desperation as they were deeply concerned for their son’s wellbeing. The priest etched Aum on the boy’s tongue, using a ‘Vel’, devoid of piercing it, and the boy immediately started speaking. In addition, many clairvoyant devotees have witnessed a vision of Lord Idumban guarding the boundary of the temple, safeguarding the safety of devotees.
Some of the temple’s significant attractions are the adjacent river, and lotus pond. Many spiritual aspirants who are undergoing ‘Naga Dosham’, often pray at the temple, and perform milk ‘abisekham’ on Naga Amman at the river bank, whereas those distressed by black magic are advised to bathe in the river, and then pray to Lord Subramaniar. ‘Tarpanam’ prayers are often held during ‘Mahalaya Amavasai’ to appease ancestors, and remove ‘pitru dosham’. The lotus pond is often sighted with ‘deva’s’ (celestial beings), bathing and humming melodious tunes, therefore is considered auspicious.
Address: Arulmigu Sri Subramaniar Temple, Jalan Besar, 44000 Kerling, Selangor.
 
 
 
 
 

Friday, July 26, 2013

Sri Subramaniam Thuropathai Amman Alayam – Malacca

The effulgent consciousness of cosmic ‘shakti’ (divine energy) reflected by Goddes Thuropathai, yields prevailing control of the five elements of ‘bhuloka’ (earth), which is fire, space, wind, water and earth. Those who worship her will benefit the material aspect of spiritual evolution, as Goddess Thropathai was destined for this role in her deific exaltation. The Goddess is an important figure from the epic Mahabarata.  As narrated from the Narada and Vayu Puranas, Goddess Thuropathai is a combined celestial representation of Goddesses Shyamala (wife of Dharma), Bharati (Wife of Vayu), Sachi (wife of Indra), Usha (wife of Ashwinis) and hence married their earthly counterparts in the form of the five Pandavas. The temple is estimated to have been built in 1863, in a rustic style of design.  It has been recently renovated, and upon completion the ‘Maha Kumbabishegam’ (Hindu temple ritual) was performed on 11th December 2005.
 
Many saints and holy souls have blessed this sacred abode. Kirupanandha Variyar had visited this temple twice.  He had silently meditated in this sacred space, and observed the prevailing actinic vibration of Lord Thandayuthapani. Bangaru Adigalar from Melmaruvathur, had also graced this temple, and performed an auspicious ‘yagna’ (ritual fire ceremony) for the benefit of female devotees. This temple is propitious for the contentment of devotees, as Goddess Thuropathai incessantly blesses the deserving with wealth, health and happiness. Childless couples, who often pray here, are miraculously blessed with offspring. The blessed couples often come back, contributing towards the upkeep of the temple. A sick Punjabi lady with a long-standing ailment had a vision of Goddess Thuropathai. In the vision, she received a spiritual instruction whereby to obtain ‘kungkumam’ (red turmeric), lime, and ‘abisegham tirtham’ (holy oblation) from the temple, and to continuously bathe with the sacred substances. She was cured within a couple of days, and became a steadfast devotee of Goddess Thropathai. Numerous devotees that pay homage to this temple obtain water from the temple well to bath, citing its astonishing healing properties, especially for skin disease.





 
 
The temple has 4 ‘gopuram’ (monumental tower), whereby the ‘Raja Gopuram’ is elegantly elevated, infused with Dravidian architecture, highlighting the structural beauty of this holy abode for Goddess Thuropathai. The temple is filled with heavenly murals, and divine sculptures, comprising the 108 Tandava dance phase of Lord Shiva, the marriage of Lord Ganesha with Buddhi and Siddhi, and the 63 ‘Nayanmar’ saints representing Saivism. As the temple has 2 main deities, Lord Thandayuthapani and Goddess Thuropathai, the deities have a separate inner sanctum, as well as a separate ‘kodi maram’ (flagpole). The accompanying deities include Lord Ganesha, Lord Shiva, Goddess Visalatchi, Sri Krishnan, Sri Hanuman, Sri Kamatchi, Sri Bairavar, Sri Aravan, Sri Katteverayan, Sri Periyachi, Lord Nadarajan, Sri Nagar and the ‘Navagraha’ (9 planets). Since the temple has two main deities, therefore separate festivals are conducted for both deities during the passage of a Hindu year. The festival for lord Murugan is celebrated on Vaigasi Visagam, whereas for Goddess Thuropathai, a month-long festival is celebrated in ‘Adi’ month, culminating with a sacred fire-walking ceremony, participated by pious ‘Shakta’ devotees.

Address: Jalan Gajah Berang, 75200 Melaka.
Phone: 06-2843060