Literally, all the way to Palani on weekends. People from not only Tamil Nadu but from different parts of the world come to the temple town, one of the six abodes of Lord Murugan, in Dindigul district, to witness the grand celebration of the Lord.
Elaborate arrangements were made to receive more than one lakh devotees and the general public at the Arulmigu Palaniandavar College of Arts and Culture located at the foot of the Sri Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple in Palani, where the two-day (August 24, 25) Muthamizh Murugan International Conference was held. held.
Devotees S. Uma and K. Kavitha had traveled to Palani from Madurai along with their 10 family members. To them, as to others, Lord Murugan is ‘Ishta Deivam.’ They spent the weekend attending various events held as part of the conference.
For A. Murugan, a resident of Dindigul, Lord Murugan is his ancestor. He said he was named after a Tamil God. Devotees from Japan, Malaysia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Australia, Switzerland, Mauritius and other countries have flown in for the event.
Japan participated in Muthamizh Murugan International Conference at Palani. | Photo Credit: G. KARTHIKEYAN
The conference attracted not only the Indian diaspora, but also foreign nationals. They wear traditional ‘either veshti’ or sari. The dignitaries from these countries who were invited to the event spoke about the importance and popularity of Lord Murugan at home.
Lord Murugan is not new to Yamada Miho from Japan. He studied Tamil and during one of his previous visits to India he learned about Lord Murugan. He visited the Murugan temple for the consecration ceremony. Since then, he took interest in Tamil history and Lord Murugan. He studied the language in Japan. Such is his fascination for a language that also has an Indian name – Meenakshi.
Hiroki Takahashi, also from Japan, has also studied Tamil. He was among 50 other Japanese nationals who came to the event.
S. Tirupathi from Sri Lanka said that he was pleased with the arrangement of the event. He said that one of his friends was in India doing research on Lord Murugan. He hopes that the conference will be held every year around the world.
Pregy Pillay and his family members flew in from South Africa for the big event. A fourth generation Tamil living in South Africa, he is a devotee of Lord Murugan and has visited every Arupadai Veedus – at least three times each. He said that there are temples of Lord Murugan in South Africa.
Subramaniam Maheswari was one of the Malaysians who were in Palani to attend the event. They all said that it is well known that the Tamil festivals of Thaipusam and Panguni Uthiram are also well celebrated in their country.
Host of the event
On the 1st day, pilgrims start at 8 in the morning. They are given an identity card at the registration desk. A force of volunteers was ready to guide them. The event started after the officials hoisted the event flag with the logo.
At that place, people were led to three large halls nearby. The main main hall hosts the main event of the conference. In the main square, devotees listen to the speeches of the clergy. Seminars and discussions and literary references and teachings of Lord Murugan are discussed.
Artists presented a cultural program at the Muthamizh Murugan International Conference held at Palani. | Photo Credit: G. KARTHIKEYAN
Traditional songs in praise of Lord Murugan and dance performances were performed by artists and research papers were presented on the occasion.
The event on Day 2 also attracted a similar crowd. In addition to the main event, exhibitions are also held in places that attract large crowds. The hall to the left of the main conference hall is where food is served to devotees and the general public three times a day. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner and refreshments free of charge.
The hall to the right of the main hall is the same as the mountain. This mountain-shaped hall houses photo exhibitions, books, and 3D exhibits.
Replicas of Lord Murugan idols in various temples across the State were on display in the exhibition hall at the Muthamizh Murugan International Conference held at Palani. | Photo Credit: G. KARTHIKEYAN
Just like entering the temple, people leave their footwear outside this hall which is divided into different enclosures for different exhibitions. As soon as one enters the hall, people see replicas of Lord Murugan idols in various Murugan temples across the State.
Photographs and paintings of various episodes and avatars of Lord Murugan are on display. People are seen clicking selfies and praying to temple-like idols. He was then led to a book exhibition displaying various literary works on Lord Murugan and Tamil. In the 3-D exhibition, people got to see Ishta Deivam in a 3-D video played in a theater-like setup. Prasadam stalls are also available inside the premises.
This exhibition has become popular among the public and continues till the end of the month.
Traditional Medicine
Lord Murugan is associated with Siddha medicine and is said to have imparted knowledge to the Siddhars. The Siddha camp set up on the spot attracted a large crowd. Consultations and medicines are free. The display board contains details of Siddha medicine and its importance.
Apart from the Siddha medical camp, other medical camps are also set up in the place with first aid and emergency facilities.
Drinking water facilities, portable bio-toilets and waste bins are available. A large number of police personnel were deployed at the spot to ensure tight security. Ambulances and fire engines are stationed in case of emergencies.
