Vel Maral is lovingly regarded by devotees as Muruga’s divine medicine. Many have walked into surgery rooms trembling with fear and walked out with renewed hope, holding on to this sacred chant. While doctors and science play their vital role in healing, devotees believe that true recovery blossoms through divine grace.
Muruga’s Vel stands as a symbol of protection for those who surrender with faith. It reminds every devotee that they are never alone. The Vel represents wisdom, victory, courage, and righteousness. With this sacred spear, Lord Murugan destroys negative forces and safeguards His devotees from harm.
The powerful Vel Maral Maha Mantram was compiled by Vallimalai Sri Sachchidananda Swamigal, drawing from the first 16 verses of Vel Vaguppu composed by Saint Arunagirinathar, the great devotee-poet of Lord Murugan.
The sacred story behind Vel Maral Maha Mantram
Sri Vallimalai Swamigal was an ardent devotee of Lord Murugan who composed many hymns in His praise. Above all, he held Tiruppugazh, the divine compositions of Saint Arunagirinathar, in the highest reverence. In 1928, a mantravadi who proclaimed himself as “Triloka Murugan” attempted to challenge Swamigal through black magic. Due to unfortunate circumstances, Swamigal temporarily lost his speech.
In that painful moment, he remembered the Vel Vaguppu composed by Arunagirinathar. With unwavering faith in Lord Murugan, he rearranged the first 16 verses of Vel Vaguppu in a unique sequence, reciting them in forward and reverse order, ascending and descending, repeating the cycle four times. Thus emerged the 64-verse Vel Maral.
As Swamigal began chanting with deep devotion, it is said that the mantravadi felt an intense burning sensation throughout his body. Overwhelmed, he surrendered before Swamigal and vowed to abandon his dark practices. Through Muruga’s grace, divine power triumphed.
Devotees believe that sincere recitation of Vel Maral has the power to remove suffering and restore balance in life. For many, it has become a spiritual refuge during times of distress.
The chanting is believed to help overcome three types of afflictions:
Mental afflictions – easing anxiety, fear, confusion, and emotional disturbances.
Physical ailments – strengthening the body and supporting recovery from illness.
Spiritual maladies – cleansing negative energies and deepening one’s connection with the Divine.
A unique and powerful aspect of this recitation is the 16th verse:
“tiruttaṇiyil udit(tu)aruḷum oruttaṉmalai viruttaṉeṉa(du) uḷattiluṟai karuttaṉmayil naḍattugugaṉ vele”
This verse is revered as the Vel Maral Maha Mantram. It is traditionally recited 108 times, 20 times at the beginning, 20 times at the end, and interwoven within the main sequence. By placing this sacred verse at the end of each recited verse, the entire chant transforms into a deeply potent mantra.
Devotees observe the recitation for one mandala, 48 continuous days with discipline and devotion. It is believed that during this sacred period, Lord Murugan’s grace flows abundantly, removing obstacles, curing afflictions, and granting heartfelt prayers.
Above all, Vel Maral is not merely a chant, but an act of surrender. With faith in Muruga’s Vel, devotees find courage in fear, strength in weakness, and light in moments of darkness.
Source/ Image Credit : YouTube , Sloka Sagara
