Murugan temples in Sri Lanka

In Sri Lanka, Murugan is known by some special names, said Desa Mangayarkkarasi in a discourse. In Maavittapuram, He is Abhisheka Kandan; in Nallur, He is Alankara Kandan; in Selva Sannidhi, He is Annadana Kandan; in Kadirgamam He is Kaavalkaara Kandan. In Nallur, the sanctum sanctorum has only a small spear (vel). This temple is very strict in its observance of the time for various pujas. No exceptions will be made for anyone, no matter how influential he or she might be. Usually, we see Puranic figures on gopurams. But an unusual feature of the gopuram here is that it has a clock. At 4.30 in the morning, Thirupalli ezhuchi is recited, followed by a puja for Vinayaka. Then Murugan is taken around the temple in a ratha. Before 5 a,m. all these rituals are completed. Murugan then goes to the sanctum and the curtain is drawn. When the curtain is lifted, deepa aradhana takes place. Then there is a puja for Arumugan.

In Yazhppanam, in a place full of scenic beauty, we find the Selva Sannidhi Murugan temple. Kanda Puranam says that when Veerabahu was on his way to Veera Mahendrapuri, he rested here. He did sandhi puja and so the place came to be called Selva Sandhi kovil. In course of time, it became Selva Sannidhi. Here too it is only the spear that is worshipped in the sanctum. But there are many huge spears in the sanctum. There was a time when the many maths here provided food to visiting pilgrims. Now, the temple provides a sumptuous meal for devotees. And so, the Murugan here is called Annadana Murugan. On His way to fight Sooran, Murugan established a military camp in Kadirgamam. Here one can only have darshan of a screen with images of Murugan, Valli and Deivanai. Murugan in Kadirgamam is worshipped as a guardian deity. So, Murugan here is Kaavalkaara (guard) Murugan.