Hari Om
Dutch pirates who looted Tiruchendur temple during 17th century had broken the granite statues and taken away Panchaloka idol of Arumuga Peruman to their ship. Suddenly there was heavy storm and rain.
Being afraid of this sudden development they tied the idol in a rope and dropped it in the sea. The storm stopped immediately.
The devotees were worried over the missing of Arumugha Nayanar in the temple. Senthil Andavar (Lord Muruga) appeared in the dream of an ardent devotee of Lord Muruga named Vadamaliyappa Pillai (who was also a renter of Tirunelveli district) and showed the place in the sea where He is lying. Immediately Vadamalaiappa Pillai rushed to the spot with some people where lemon was floating and Garuda was flying over the spot. They dived and took the idol.
The incident took place on Friday 29th Thai in the kollam year 829. ie.1653 A.D. This fact is known from temple inscriptions.
This historical event explains the power of Lord Muruga.
Vel Vel Vetrivel !
GF’ Blessings.