How To Worship Murugan Vel?
On June 08, 2025Each sacred weapon held by gods and goddesses in Hindu tradition has a special meaning. These weapons hold a deeper meaning, representing the important spiritual qualities and powers of each deity. Lord Vishnu holds the Sudarshana Chakra (Spinning disc), which He uses to protect dharma and uphold righteousness. We find that Lord Muruga holds the Vel, a spear representing higher intelligence and power. Many miracles are associated with the Vel. Read on to know more about the story of the Vel and the method and benefits of worshipping it:
The Vel’s Story
Muruga is the youngest son of Shiva and Parvati. He was born to protect the gods from a demon named Surapadma, who was causing trouble. Muruga went to seek the blessings from his mother, Parvati, before the battle with Surapadmaa. The Vel was a gift given to Muruga by his mother to help him win the fight on a Thai Poosam. During the battle, the Vel was really helpful and powerful in destroying Surapadma and the complete demon army. Surapadma’s brothers were also defeated in the fight. The Soorasamharam event at Thiruchendur is famous for the replay of this event.
Surapadma realized his mistake and asked for forgiveness to Muruga. Muruga showed mercy towards the demon and transformed him into a peacock, which he rides on.
The Sacred Vel In Worship
Muruga’s Vel holds great importance during worship. It is believed to destroy health problems, past Karma, negativity and ignorance. Other names by which Lord Muruga is called are Kathirvelan, Velayudhan, and Velan, which all mean one who holds the radiant Vel. The Vel is found in most of the Muruga temples and devotees consider the Vel as Lord Muruga himself. Hydration ceremonies are performed in Muruga temples for the Vel also.
How To Worship The Vel?
Vaikasi Visakam, Skanda Shasti and Aadi Kiruthigai are special days for Lord Muruga; people offer special worship to the Vel and Muruga. Devotees often use the saying “Vetrivel! Veeravel” while praying to Lord Muruga. They believe that worshiping the Vel helps to remove fear and karma. The Vel protects you and brings success. Lord Muruga devotees perform the Vel pooja at home also. Some people perform this pooja every day. A Vel can be placed in a sacred place or the pooja room to invoke divine blessing and protection. It is believed to guard your house against evil forces and create a shield of positive energy.
Vel Pooja At The Temple - Vel pooja is conducted at many powerspot and temples like Tiruchendur, Thiruparankundram, Palani, Tiruttani, Swamimalai, and Pazhamudircholai. For Vel Pooja at powerspots during Vaikasi Visakam 2025, you can contact the temple administration or the priest to perform it. Abishekam is performed for the Vel with different items like milk, honey and more for protection, victory and success. Vel pooja can be performed on any day, but certain auspicious days bring more benefit. The six days of the Kanda Shasti festival, Shashti Tithi, Tuesdays, are a powerful time to perform the pooja for maximum benefit.
Vel Pooja At Home - You can buy a Vel of your choice from the market. There are many shapes, sizes and materials available. The easiest and cheapest way is to draw a Vel on the wall and worship it. You can find Vels made of different materials, such as silver, gold, brass, or Panchaloham. Buy one as per your requirement. First, a Vel is fixed to a plate. Abhishekam, or a holy bath, is performed using curd, honey, ghee, and milk. After that, the Vel is cleaned with water. Sandalwood paste is spread throughout the Vel and kumkum is placed in the middle. While performing the Vel pooja, Skandha Guru Kavacham or Skandha Sashti Kavacham is chanted. After this, devotees also complete the pooja by chanting the Sri Subramanya Sahasranamam or Sri Subramanya Ashtothram. Prasadham (Naivedyam) is offered to Lord Muruga. Panchamirtham can be offered as prasadham. Betel leaves, beetle nuts, bananas, guavas and coconuts are offered. The abhishekam ingredients, milk, honey, ghee and curd, are offered as prasadham to everyone in the family.
A picture or small statue of Lord Muruga with Valli and Devayani is placed next to the Vel. To complete the pooja, the coconut is broken and arathi to the Vel and Lord Muruga’s photo is performed. This pooja is performed for knowledge, good health, success, positivity, and protection.
The Vel is a spiritual tool or a guiding light towards the path to righteousness. It is a symbol of victory over evil forces. Performing the Vel pooja helps to conquer all obstacles towards spirituality.
