திருப்புகழ் — முத்தைத் தரு — Benefits & How to Chant
திருப்புகழ் — முத்தைத் தரு
Complete guide to chanting correctly for maximum benefit
Benefits of Chanting திருப்புகழ் — முத்தைத் தரு
The very first and most beloved song of the Thiruppugazh
held to be given by Murugan Himself to Arunagirinathar.
Chanting it is believed to bestow Murugan's grace, sharpen the intellect, and lead the devotee toward liberation (mukti), as its opening words declare.
Its intricate metre (chandam) trains the tongue and mind; singing it is considered a powerful spiritual and even rhythmic discipline.
Recited for devotion to Lord Murugan on Tuesdays, Krittika nakshatra days, and during Skanda Sashti and Thaipusam.
Loved across Tamil Nadu and the Tamil diaspora; it is one of the most frequently sung of all Murugan hymns.
How to Chant திருப்புகழ் — முத்தைத் தரு
Instructions
Sit before an image of Lord Murugan with His Vel and peacock. Learn the rhythm (chandam) of the song carefully, for the Thiruppugazh is sung in precise metrical cadence; chant 'Muthai tharu' slowly at first, keeping the beat, and let the pauses (marked by the gaps) fall correctly. Sing with devotion, dwelling on the meaning, and close with 'Perumale!'. Many begin their Thiruppugazh recitation with this first song before singing others.
Spiritual Significance
It is said that Lord Murugan literally placed the first words of the Thiruppugazh, 'Muthai tharu', upon Arunagirinathar's tongue with His Vel — and that ever after the saint could compose, on the instant, songs of the most intricate rhythm in praise of the Lord at every shrine he visited.
Origin & History
Source: Thiruppugazh of Arunagirinathar (Tamil, 15th century CE) — song 1, sung at Tiruvannamalai
Author: Arunagirinathar
Arunagirinathar of Tiruvannamalai, after a misspent youth, in utter despair climbed the temple tower (gopuram) to end his life. Lord Murugan caught him, saved him, and touched his tongue with the Vel, granting him divine wisdom. When the Lord bade him sing His praise and Arunagiri faltered, Murugan Himself uttered the words 'Muthai tharu...' — and with them the entire Thiruppugazh, thousands of songs in dazzling metre, poured forth from the saint.