Pujya (Dr) Om Ulaganathan and Shrichitshakti (Mrs) Anjali Mukul Gadgil take darshan of Kartikeya at Subramaniya Swamy Temple in Tiruttani, Tamil Nadu

Shrichitshakti (Mrs) Anjali Gadgil’s tour across India

Tiruvallur (TN) – Jivanaadi reader HH (Dr.) Om Ulaganathan, and Shrichitshakti (Mrs.) Anjali Mukul Gadgil, one of the two spiritual successors of Sachchidananda Parabrahman (Dr.) Athavale had the divine darshan of Kartikeya from the Subramaniya Swamy Temple in Tiruttani village on July 30th.

Shrichitshakti (Mrs.) Anjali Mukul Gadgil, one of the two spiritual successors of Sachchidananda Parabrahman (Dr.) Athavale

During this visit, Kartikeya was worshipped. On this occasion, Shrichitshakti (Mrs.) Gadgil offered prayers for the good health of Sachchidananda Parabrahman (Dr.) Athavale, the protection of seekers in the coming adverse times, and the early establishment of the Hindu Rashtra.

Spiritual significance of Tiruttani Kartikeya Temple

After slaying the demon Tarakasur, Kartikeya, on the instructions of Shiv and Parvati, came to the South. He defeated Tarakasur’s elder brother, the demon Surapadma, at the seashore in Tiruchendur, Tamil Nadu. Seeking rest after the intense battle, Kartikeya ascended a mountain — now known as Tiruttani Hill. It is here that he found peace. The name Tiruttani comes from Tiru, meaning ‘Shri’ and Tani, meaning ‘to calm down’. It is also believed that on this very hill, Kartikeya taught the Tamil language to Sage Agastya.

Shri Kartikeya has two wives – Devasena and Valli. After Tarakasur’s defeat, Indra, pleased with Kartikeya, offered his daughter Devasena in marriage to him, and the wedding was performed at Mount Kailash. After slaying Surapadma, Kartikeya came to Tiruttani and married Valli, a tribal girl and his devotee. In Tamil Nadu, this divine wedding is considered a symbolic union of Jiva (embodied soul) and Shiv (the Supreme). The wedding of Valli and Kartikeya is celebrated with great enthusiasm at the Tiruttani temple.

Tiruttani Kartikeya Temple is located 45 km from Kanchipuram, 80 km from Chennai, and 60 km from Tirupati. This temple is situated on a small hill with 365 steps, symbolising the 365 days of the year. Devotees climb these steps carrying Kaavad as an offering to Shri Kartikeya.

Tiruttani is the fifth of the six most important abodes of Kartikeya, all of which are located in Tamil Nadu. Kartikeya (also known as Murugan) is considered the family Deity (Ishta Devata) of the Tamil people.