Kandhar Alangaram - A Divine Spell : The Foremost Bow

 Greetings,

In this sacred land, many great sages have been born and have joyfully sung the glories of the Divine in various ways. Their purpose was not just their own spiritual bliss, but also to leave behind these works so that we too may read them and become dear to God.

When a child runs lovingly to embrace its mother, the mother feels deep joy. In the same way, when we sing about the Divine, God too rejoices like a loving mother. These sacred works were composed by great souls so that we may receive what we desire in the right way, purify our hearts, remove our karmas, and attain happiness both in this life and beyond.

Among such works, I feel immense joy in sharing with you Kandar Alankaram, which praises the glory of Lord Murugan.

Kandar Alankaram is a sacred text that describes the beauty and divine qualities (auspicious virtues) of Lord Kandan (Murugan). These are the limitless, benevolent attributes that belong only to the Divine. This work was composed by Arunagirinathar.

It consists of a total of 108 verses, including the invocation (Kappu) and concluding verse (Nootpayan). It belongs to the poetic form called Kattalai Kalithurai and the literary genre known as Alankaram (ornamental poetry).

By reciting these verses, one is freed from karmic burdens and the fear of death, and receives the grace of the Lord along with desired blessings.

Let us begin this journey by reciting one verse each day, starting with the invocatory verse (Kappu).



Adal Arunai thirukkopuratthae antha vaayilukku
Vadavarugil sendru kandukonden – varuvaar thalaiyil
Thadapadena padu kuttudan sarkkarai mokkiya kai
Kadathada kumbak kalittrukku ilaiya kalittrinaiye


Arunai, known as Tiruvannamalai, is a sacred place that never perishes even at the end of time (Yuga Pralaya). It is a divine abode that grants liberation just by being remembered. Radiant like a blazing red flame, this holy place shines with spiritual brilliance.

At the majestic temple tower entrance, Arunagirinathar wonders—“Who resides to the north of this sacred gateway?” With curiosity and devotion, he walks toward the northern direction. What did his eyes behold?

He saw Lord Murugan, who is strong like an elephant; the younger brother of the Elephant-faced Lord Ganesha,  who delights in the love of devotees. He joyfully accepts their offerings—milk, honey, and sweet delicacies—and is pleased by their affectionate gesture of gently tapping their heads (In tamil Kuttu) in devotion. In return, he grants their wishes with grace.

Thus begins the sacred Kandar Alankaram.
Let us continue to explore each verse in the days to come.

Thank you,
Shanmugapriya K Sambathkumar

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