Hindus are known to worship many gods. Most Hindu gods have a pan-Indian appeal, like Vishnu, Shiva, Ganesha, and the Supreme Goddess. However, there is one deity who is more popular in south India, especially Tamil Nadu. It is Muruga, the son of Shiva and Parvati and brother of Ganesha. Muruga has many names, like Skanda, Kartikeya, Subramanya, Shanmukha, Kumara, etc.
Why is Muruga Adored in Tamil Nadu?
Muruga is the patron god of Tamil Nadu. His abode lies in the Palani hills. There are 6 important temples dedicated to him in the state, which are known as Arupadaiveedu. ‘Aru means ‘6’, and‘padai veedu’ means battle camps. The name refers to his famous battle against the demons, Tarakasura, Soorapadman, and Singamukha. The six abodes are Tirupparamkunram, Thiruchendur, Thiruavinankudi (Palani), Swamimalai, Thiruthani and Pazhamudircholai. Muruga has different names in all these temples, and these 6 abodes are mentioned in a Tamil text by Nakkirar. Many important festivals are celebrated in his honor. They include Vaikasi Visakam, Chitra Pournami, Aadi Krithigai, Thai Poosam, Thirukarthigai, Panguni Uthiram, etc.
But why did Muruga choose to settle down in Palani, far away from his parents’ abode in Kailasa? Therein lies an interesting story.
Once, Sage Narada, the son of Brahma and a person known to stir the hornet’s nest wherever he went, had gone to visit Shiva and Parvati. He had a divine mango with him, and he told Muruga and Ganesha that he would gift it to the one who could go around the world and be the first to return to Kailasa. The mango represented wisdom.
On hearing this, Murugan immediately climbed on his peacock to circle the world. After he left, Ganesha leisurely circled his parents, Shiva and Parvati. He said that they represented the entire world to him. Not surprisingly, he won the divine mango. When Muruga returned after going around the world, he felt cheated and, in a huff, fled to Palani in Tamil Nadu. Despite everyone’s entreaties, he refused to return to Kailasa. Thus he came to be worshipped as a Tamil god.
Muruga and the Tamil Sangam
Sage Agathiyar headed the first Tamil Sangam. Tamils believe that Murugan himself taught him the Tamil language and grammar.
Agathiyar wrote on Tamil grammar. His disciple Tholkaapiyar used his master's manuscripts to write Tolkappiyam, which many hold to be the most ancient Tamil literary work. The work glorifies Murugan, "the red god seated on the blue peacock, who is ever young and resplendent," as "the favored god of the Tamils”.
Murugan is said to have played a key role in the development of the Tamil language and culture. His influence on Tamil culture can be seen in many aspects, ranging from literature to archeology.
Vaikasi Visakam
This festival celebrates the birthday of Murugan. It is on the full moon day in the Tamil month of Visakam (May-June).
Muruga was born as 6 sparks of fire from Shiva’s 3rd eye. Agni (Fire god) and Vayu (wind god) carried the sparks to the Ganga. But she found them too hot and carried them to a pond called Saravana Poigai and left them on a bed of reeds. The sparks turned into 6 babies who were cared for by the Karthigai Pengal (Pleiades). Later, Parvati hugged them and merged them into 1 baby with 6 faces and 12 arms.
Muruga became the commander of the gods’ army and led them into battle against the demons. Under his command, the gods defeated the demons. After the victory, Muruga also married Indra’s daughter, Deivanai.
The celebrations of Vaikasi Visakam span ten days, and the festival is also called Brahmotsavam. Devotees perform special Poojas and rituals on this day to invoke Muruga’s divine blessings. They offer milk in pots or Paal Kudams and do Abishekam. They also carry Kavadi, a decorated yoke, on their shoulders.
Rituals of Vaikasi Visakam
On this day, devotees clean and decorate idols or photos of Muruga with flowers. Some may observe a fast to please Murugan.
Worshipping Muruga on this day can help resolve your marital problems. It can remove obstacles to marriage or restore harmony in marital life. It can also bring wealth and prosperity and reduce your past sins. Murugan’s blessings also help one to get rid of the adverse effects of Planet Mars. Those with Kuja dosha in their birth charts can worship Muruga on this day with special rituals.
A bhog of sweet dishes like sweet Pongal is offered to the deity. Red oleander flowers or six Nagalinga flowers are also offered. Chanting Mantras and Slokas is another popular ritual. Many also donate to charity on this day.In 2023, Vaikasi Visakam is on June 2.
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