Chennai, Feb 11 (Reporter) Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his greetings to Tamils all over the world on the auspicious occasion of Thaipoosam festival, celebrated in Lord Murugan temples with spiritual fervour, on Tuesday. In a social media post both in English and Tamil, Mr Modi said "Wishing everyone a joyous and blessed Thaipoosam!". "May the divine grace of Lord Murugan guide us with strength, prosperity and wisdom", he wrote. "On this sacred occasion, I pray for happiness, good health and success for all", the Prime Minister said. "May this day also bring peace and positivity into our lives!...Vetrivel Muruganuku Arogara!", he added. Lakhs of devotees thronged the temples of Lord Murugan, especially the “Aarupadai Veedu” (six holy abodes dedicated to the lord) across Tamil Nadu on this auspicious occasion. Special prayers and abhishekams were performed at all the six abodes --Arulmigu Subramanya Swamy Temple at Thiruparankundram in Madurai, Arulmigu Dandayudhapani Swami Temple at Palani Hills in Dindigul district, Arulmigu Subramanya Swamy Temple at Tiruchendur in Thoothukudi district, Arulmigu Murugan Temple at Pazhamuthircholai in Madurai, Arulmigu Subramanya Swami Temple at Tiruttani in Tiruvallur district and Arulmigu Swaminathaswamy Temple at Swamimalai in Thanjavur district--besides several other important temples dedicated to Lord Muruga, including at the famous Vadapalani, Tiruporur and Kandakottam Murugan Temples in and around Chennai, since early this morning. After tonsuring their heads, many devotees, including women and children carried “Kavadis” on their shoulders and also milk pots and pierced their bodies with spears came to the Lord Murugan temples to fulfil their vows. Thousands of devotees pierced their tongue and cheek with lancers, while several others pulled small chariots with hooks pierced in their back to mark the occasion...////...