Interesting Facts about Lord Murugan

The son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, Lord Murugan has many names, including Skanda, Subramanian, Karthikeyan, Shanmughan, Arumughan, Kumara, Senthilnathan, Velayudhan, Kathirvelan, Velmurugan, Mayilvahanan, etc. He is depicted with 6 faces, and his mount is a Mayil or peacock. He is a handsome deity dear to the Tamil people. In most images, he has only one head, but some images show six heads, as a legend surrounding his birth says that he was fused from six boys. He became the commander of the gods and killed many demons like Tarakasura and Surapadma. He is also a philosopher who taught Shaiva Siddhanta and the importance of leading a righteous life. People in North and East India worship Murugan as Mahasena and Kumara. His worship is widely prevalent in Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, and other countries with a sizeable Tamil population. Hindus often worship Murugan for confidence, courage, and intelligence. Not surprisingly, Murugan is the god of war. This article explores some interesting facts about Lord Muruga. Patron god of Tamil In Sangam literature, Muruga is the tutelary deity of the Kurinji region. Theologists claim that the Tamil deity of Murugan merged with Skanda, a Vedic deity, over time. He is the patron deity of the Tamil language. Tirumurukarruppaṭai by Nakkeeraṉ and Tiruppukazh by Arunagirinathar are some Tamil literary works dedicated to Murugan. Birth Story of Murugan Goddess Parvati, the reincarnation of Sati, Shiva’s first wife who immolated herself in her father’s Yagna Kund, was born to Himaavan, the king of the mountains. She did severe penance to marry Shiva who was deep in meditation. Meanwhile, a demon/Asura called Surapadma was creating a lot of problems. He captured and imprisoned the gods. The gods were also tortured by the Asuras. One reason for this was the curse the deities incurred due to their participation in the Yagna of King Daksha, the father of Sati. Daksha did not invite Shiva to this sacrifice, as he was scornful of his son-in-law and also because Daksha was a devotee of Vishnu. The gods prayed to Brahma and Vishnu for help. They said that only a son of Shiva could kill the demons. So Shiva and Parvathi had to give birth to a child. The gods approached Manmadha, the god of love, to induce feelings of love for Parvati in Shiva by sending a flower-tipped arrow from his bow towards him. Struck by the arrow, Shiva opened his eyes. Angry at being disturbed, he opened his third eye and reduced Manmadha to ashes. But when the gods told him the reason for Manmadha’s action, Shiva restored the latter’s life with a curse that he would be invisible. According to mythology, Muruga was born from six sparks that emanated from Shiva’s third eye. Vayu and Agni carried the sparks to Saravana Poigai (lake), and they turned into six male infants. The six Karthigai Pengal (Pleiades) nurtured them. When Shiva and Parvathi visited the lake, the latter embraced all the six children and they merged to become one child with six faces called Eesanam, Tathpurusham, Vamadevam, Agoram, Sathyojatham, and Adhomugam. The boy became Muruga. Parvati gave Muruga a spear or divine Vel. Muruga led the army of demons and killed the demon Surapadma. He sliced the body into two pieces. One piece turned into a peacock, and the other a rooster called Krichi. Before he died, Taraka prayed to be at Muruga’s feet always. So, the cock became the emblem on Muruga’s banner or flag, and the peacock became his mount, called Paravani. Muruga’s Personality Muruga is one of the most personable Hindu gods. The word ‘Muruku’ means ‘youth’ and ‘beauty.’ His face has a boyish charm despite its serious mien. It is as radiant as the full moon. His vehicle is a peacock, and he carries a Vel or spear. Another name for him is Yudharanga, as he was the commander of the gods’ army. Muruga embodies knowledge and courage. He had immense strength and was very skilled in the art of war. One can say that he embodies perfection. Murugan’s Marriage Muruga has 2 wives, Valli and Deivanai/Devasena. They were actually Amirthavalli and Sundaravalli, the daughters of Vishnu who fell in love with Muruga and performed severe penance to gain him as their husband. Valli was born as a tribal girl raised by a hunter called Ambiraja from Kanchipuram. Devasena is the daughter of Indra, the king of the Devas. It was at Muruga’s behest that Amirthavalli incarnated as Devasena and Sundaravalli as Valli. After the battle with Surapadma ended, the gods were delighted. Indra wanted Muruga to marry Devasena, and he agreed. The wedding was celebrated with great pomp at Tirupparamkundram near Madurai. Muruga made his home in Skandagiri. Later, he went to Tiruttani near Chennai, where Valli was taking care of some barley fields. After indulging in some love pranks, they got married with the help of Lord Ganesha, Muruga’s elder brother. Kavadi Attam Kavadi Attam is a ritual performed during Thai Pusam festival that honors Murugan. Devotees carry a physical burden, entreating Murugan to free them from material bondage. The burden carried by devotees is called Kavadi. Kumara Purnima festival is celebrated on the full moon day after Vijayadasami. This celebration happens in Odisha. Unmarried girls worship Murugan on this occasion to get a good husband who is as handsome as the deity. Famous Muruga Temples Murugan has temples in many parts of the world. The most famous Murugan temple is in Tamil Nadu. Here are some famous Murugan temples: Sikkal Singaravelan Temple – Sikkal Kukke Subramanya Temple - Karnataka The Swaminatha Swami Temple – Swamimalai Kumaran Kundran Temple – Karamadai City Ratnagiri Arulmigu Murugan Temple – Vellore Tirumalai Kumara Swami Temple – Panpoli The Arulmigu Subramanya Swamy Temple – Thirupparankundram. There are also renowned Murugan temples in Palani, Tiruchendur, Pazhamudircholai, Tiruttani, etc.