The Meaning Of Arohara

Vetrivel Murugannuku...Arohara!......This is the word Lord Murugan or Kartik devotee use to praise him.Chanting the "arohara" during kavadi possession on Thaipusam and Panguni Utiram festival.I do wonder what is the real meaning of the word " arohara". Its been a while since finally I am able to search for it and understand. After so many years I had devoted myself into Murugan seva.
 

The word "arohara" is a shortened form of the phrase "ara haro hara". Its meaning is:

'Oh God Almighty, please remove our sufferings and grant us salvation'.
This was first used by Saivaites (followers of Saivam - worship of Shiva), at the time of Thirunyanasambandhar. During Thirunyanasambandhar's journeys, the bearers of his 'pallakku' and followers had the habit of chanting (meaningless) phrases - like 'yElEloh yElEloh', as a form of stress relief. Thirunyanasambandhar taught them to replace these with the meaningful 'ara haro hara'. Over time, the use of 'ara haro hara' faded among the 'Saivaites' but lived on with the 'Kaumaras' (Murugan Devotees). It was further shortened to the present 'arohara'.

Below Tirunyanasambandhar and Kavadi barrier:

Whenever the devotee says 'vetrivel Muruganukku arohara' he/she is sending a humble message to God Almighty - Lord Murugan - the Bearer of the 'vetrivel' (victorious spear) - to grant refuge from all unpleasantness in life.

We, who regard Lord Murugan as The Supreme God, can vigorously say:

      'Vetrivel Muraganukku Arohara'