In some rare cases they are said to contain fish ( Matsya Kavadi) and snake ( Sarpa Kavadi). The kavadi gets its name by the contents such as milk, flower, rose water, etc. Thus was born the kavadi pattern of worship. Lord Murugan showered His blessings and proclaimed that anyone coming to his place with similar arch-like objects would get prosperity and upliftment. Soon Idumban realised that the boy was none other than Lord Murugan and paid obeisance to Him. But the child, claiming right over the hill, refused to oblige. He then spotted a youth wearing a piece of loincloth and holding a staff ( danda) atop the hill. But later, when he tried to lift it, he could not. On reaching South, he placed them at a spot to rest for a while. Idumban connected the two hillocks with the help of a wooden piece in the centre and tied the loose ends with a snake and proceeded towards South. Perhaps, the origin of Palani Andavar dates back to several centuries when the weapon of Vel had not got so much prominence.Īccording to legend, Saint Agasthiar, an ardent devotee of Lord Siva, had asked his disciple, Idumbasuran to bring the two hillocks, Sivagiri and Saktigiri from Kailasha to the South for his worship. Yet, we find a staff ( danda) and not a Vel with Dandayudhapani at Palani. Arunagirinathar has composed many songs like Vel Virutham on the significance of Vel. It is said that Goddess Parvati has presented Murugan with the powerful Vel as a weapon to destroy Soorapadman. We find great significance being accorded to the weapon of Vel (lance) held by Lord Murugan. Appearing as Jnana Pandita, he radiates the light of knowledge from here and blesses the devotees. According to legend, renouncing everything worldly, Murugan has gone to South (Pothigai Hills) and chosen his abode at Palani.
"You are the fruit of knowledge, you are the embodiment of knowledge”, said Parvati. Addressing the disappointed Muruga, Parvati stated ‘You are the fruit' ( 'Pazham Nee') which is the reinstatement of maha vakya, Tat tvam asi (You are That). While Lord Ganesa sought it from his parents, Siva-Parvati, Murugan sought it from the all-pervading universe. Here, the fruit remained as the symbol of ultimate knowledge. While Murugan went all over the universe, mounted on his peacock, Ganesha went around his parents, Siva-Parvati and claimed the fruit on the ground that one's parents represented the whole universe and received the fruit. Lord Shiva then put up a contest thereby the fruit would go to one who goes round the universe and returns first.
When Lord Siva brought a rare fruit of knowledge, both his sons, Ganesha and Murugan claimed it. Just as the fruits appear fully matured, ready to be plucked, he appears at Pazhamudir Solai, as an old man, fully matured in knowledge and ready to impart his knowledge. By marrying Valli at Tiruttani, he has shown that it will be possible for the individual soul to unite with the eternal power by means of pure devotion. Here, after marrying the daughter of Indira, he has also come to be known as Devasena Pati, husband of Devasena. He has taken the role of a Commander-in-Chief and mobilised army at Tirupparamkundram and came to be known as Deva Sena Pati. He is the Lord of infinite power who has destroyed the mighty Soorapadman at Tiruchendur. Lord Murugan is the embodiment of knowledge, the Lord who has taken the role of a master guru even to his father, Lord Siva at Swami Malai. He is the God of beauty who is admired by millions of devotees throughout. He is the God of love who protects his devotees and fulfills their aspirations. He symbolizes knowledge, compassion, kindness, valour and beauty.
Murugan, the God passionately loved and worshipped in Tamil Nadu, is known as the God of Infinite Qualities.