🛕 Arulmigu Arubathu Moovar Gurupoojai Mutt

About the Deity

Arubathu Moovar, meaning 'the sixty-three' in Tamil, refers to the revered Nayanars, the 63 poet-saints of the Shaiva tradition in South India. These devotees are celebrated for their profound bhakti (devotion) to Lord Shiva, composing exquisite hymns known as the Tevaram that form the core of Tamil Shaiva literature. The Nayanars span various social backgrounds, from kings and poets to humble laborers, embodying the inclusive nature of Shaiva Siddhanta devotion. They are collectively venerated as exemplars of selfless surrender to Shiva, with their lives and songs inspiring generations of devotees.

In iconography, the Arubathu Moovar are often depicted in a grand assembly, seated or standing in rows within temple mandapas or as bronze sculptures. Each Nayanar holds symbolic items reflecting their life stories—such as the sickle of a farmer or the lute of a bard—clad in simple attire with tilak marks and rudraksha beads signifying their Shaiva allegiance. Devotees pray to the Arubathu Moovar for spiritual guidance, protection from life's adversities, and the grace to cultivate unwavering devotion (anbu). Their worship is believed to invoke the saints' intercession, helping seekers attain Shiva's darshan and liberation (moksha).

The Nayanars belong to the broader Shaiva family, closely associated with the trinity's destroyer aspect, Lord Shiva, and his consort Parvati. They are integral to the Bhakti movement, countering ritualistic orthodoxy with emotional poetry. Key figures like Appar, Sundarar, Sambandar, and Manikkavachakar highlight themes of divine play (lila), miracles, and redemption, making their legacy a cornerstone of living Shaivism.

Regional Context

Mayiladuthurai district in Tamil Nadu lies in the fertile Kaveri Delta, a cradle of ancient Tamil culture and devotion known as the Chola heartland. This region pulses with Shaiva and Vaishnava traditions, where temples echo the hymns of the Tevaram saints and the rhythmic chants of the Divya Prabandham. The area, historically linked to the Chola and later Nayak patronage, fosters a vibrant ecosystem of agraharams (Brahmin settlements), car festivals (therotsava), and daily rituals that blend Dravidian spirituality with agrarian life.

Architecturally, temples here typically feature towering gopurams adorned with stucco deities, pillared halls (mandapas) for assemblies, and intricate stone carvings depicting Shaiva lore. The Dravidian style prevails, with vimanas (towering sanctums) symbolizing Mount Kailasa, Shiva's abode. Local traditions emphasize Soma Skanda murthis and Nataraja forms, reflecting the region's dance-like devotion and rhythmic pancha kala worship.

What to Expect at the Temple

In Shaiva mutts and temples honoring the Arubathu Moovar, devotees typically encounter the five-fold pooja (pancha upachara): abhishekam (ritual bathing), alankaram (decoration), naivedyam (offerings), deeparadhana (lamp worship), and mangala aarti, conducted at dawn, noon, evening, and night. Chanting of Tevaram hymns by Oduvars (traditional singers) fills the air, creating an immersive bhakti atmosphere. Gurupoojai rituals, central to such sites, involve honoring saintly lineages with garlands, sandal paste, and bhajans.

Common festivals in this tradition include the Arubathu Moovar Utsavam, marked by processions of the 63 Nayanar idols, Masi Magam river celebrations, and Pradosham vigils for Shiva. Thiruvathira-related events and Navaratri may feature special abhishekams. Expect vibrant kolams (rangolis), prasadam distribution, and discourses on the saints' periya puranam biographies, fostering community bonding through shared devotion.

Visiting & Contribution

This community-cared local temple or mutt follows Shaiva customs, but specific timings, poojas, or festivals may vary—devotees are encouraged to confirm with temple authorities or locals. Contribute by sharing verified details to enrich this directory for fellow pilgrims.