“T he Six Abodes of Murugan, also known as Arupadai Veedu, are six temples in the state of Tamil Nadu in South India dedicated to the Hindu deity Murugan, who is also known by various names such as Kandaswamy, Kartikeya, Skanda, and Vadivela. According to Hindu mythology, Murugan is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and is primarily revered in South India.He is known as the commander of the army of devas (gods) and is depicted riding a peacock, with six heads, and carrying a vel (a type of spear).Each of the Arupadai Veedu temples is associated with a particular stage in Murugan's life and has a variety of legends associated with it.

Here are some of the legends associated with each of the Six Abodes of Murugan:

Swamimalai: This temple is associated with Murugan's childhood, specifically his schooling. According to legend, Murugan questioned Brahma about the creation of the universe, and when Brahma could not answer his question, Murugan struck him on the head, causing Brahma to lose his memory. Later, when other deities pleaded with Shiva to release Brahma, Murugan explained the meaning of the Pranava Mantra to Shiva and became revered as Swaminatha Swami in this temple.

Pazhani: This temple is associated with Murugan's journey to win the fruit of knowledge. Legend has it that Lord Shiva and Parvati presented the fruit to their sons, Ganesha and Murugan, and asked them to compete for it. The one who travels the farthest and returns home the quickest will get the fruit. While Ganesha won by taking a shortcut around his parents, Murugan felt deceived and retired to Pazhani Hill to sulk. He is said to have made a home there and became fervently worshipped.

Pazhamudhircholai: This temple is associated with Murugan's meeting with the Tamil poetess Avvaiyar. According to legend, when Avvaiyar sought refuge from the scorching sun under a large jamun tree, a boy sitting on the tree offered to pluck some fruits for her. When she asked for unroasted fruits, the boy shook the tree, and many jamun fruits fell on the ground. Impressed by the wordplay and ingenuity of the boy, Avvaiyar realised that he was Murugan and sang his praises.

Thiruchendur: This temple is associated with Murugan's victory over the demon Surapadman. According to legend, the demon defeated and imprisoned the gods, causing the world to be in turmoil. Shiva created Murugan from the six sparks that shot out of his third eye to save the universe and put Surapadman in his place. Murugan defeated the demon in a battle that lasted six days and nights, and the temple is said to commemorate this victory.

Thiruparankundram: This temple is associated with Murugan's marriage to Devasena, the daughter of the king of the devas. According to legend, Devasena was a prisoner of the asuras, and Murugan defeated them in battle to win her hand in marriage. The temple is said to be the site of their wedding.

Thiruthani: This temple is associated with Murugan's victory over the demon Tarakasura. According to legend, the demon had a continued boon that he could only be killed by a six-day-old baby. Shiva and Parvati then had Murugan to defeat the demon, and he was successful in doing so. The temple is said to be built on the site where Murugan rested after his victory. These six temples are considered sacred and are popular pilgrimage destinations for devotees of Murugan. They are visited by thousands of people every year, especially during festivals like Thaipusam, when devotees undertake extreme acts of devotion and penance to seek the blessings of Murugan.