The temple above the hills
a place beautiful and still
throbs with life this month particular
the l month called karthigai in vernacular
when devotees from all walks of life
come to the temple with a dedicated strife
go around the temple singing hymns in emotion
go up the hill with full devotion
with coconuts and bananas in a basket
along with flowers and betel leaves
pray to the presiding deity Shanmugha
chanting in ecstasy “arokara, arokara”
light up the specially made maavillaku
that being of rice flour and jaggery mixed
with the cotton thread profusely soaked
as ghee is liberally smothered on it
lights up with a gentle flame glowing
a sight so profound and gracious
a sequence of bliss and calm
up there the God is bathed in milk and curd
then with sandal and sacred ash
finally dressed up like a king
the crowd goes fanatic as they shout
“Muruga, Muruga” with eyes turning moist
go down the steps as if in a trance
the fulfillment comes to a vivacious turn
with many devotees extending food to the poor
a ritual carried on by generations, no doubt
a symbol of devotion and charity merged together
as the wealth passes on to the progeny
so does nobility flows from the elders to the younger
the month karthigai finds a place
a rank, a status honourable and divine.
Meenas Poems 