Holding his cosmic vel (spear), gracefully dressed and richly garlanded with his loyal peacock by his side - as soon as we talk about Murugan Swamy, this is the image that comes to our mind. He is among the most celebrated deities - admired, adored, and worshipped by people in India and outside as well. His name stretches across borders: Kumar in Nepal, Subrahmanya, and Muruga in South India, and Kartikeya in Malaysia, Singapore, and other nations as well.
But how did he become such a celebrated deity, especially in South India? And why is he considered the commander of the Gods? If you want to learn more about Murugan Swamy, we’ve got all that you need to know right here.
Who is Kartikeya (Lord Murugan)?
Murugan Swamy is the Hindu God of war, victory, and wisdom. He is a warrior deity who is the son of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva and the brother of Lord Ganesha. He stands as a symbol of courage, intelligence, and overcoming obstacles, religiously revered for his divine power and strength.
In the Skanda Puranam and Kumarasambhavam, he is said to have led the war against asuras, defeating the army with his might – which is why he is lauded with the title of the ‘Commander of the Gods’.
In Tamil culture, Lord Murugan holds a special place as the Tamizh Kadavul (Tamil God).
Birth Story & Origin of Lord Murugan
There are many stories regarding the birth of Murugan Swamy, but the most prominent of them goes as follows.
According to Kanda Puranam (the Tamil rendition of the older Skanda Purana), the mighty demon Tarakasura and his brothers were terrorizing the universe, and no one was able to stop them as they had the boon of only being defeated by the son of Lord Shiva. And since Shiva was an ascetic, that meant immortality.
So, Lord Kama tried to wake Lord Shiva from his meditation so that he could marry Parvati. But Shiva was angered and created a powerful spark from his third eye, which burned Lord Kama and made six divine flames emerge. These flames were carried by Agni (fire god) and Vayu (wind god) to the sacred river Ganga, where they were nurtured by six celestial nymphs known as the Krittikas.
Each flame took the form of a child, and the six children were later united into one powerful being with six faces and twelve arms, thus the name Shanmukha (meaning “six-faced”). He grew up to be the warrior god who defeated Tarakasura and restored peace.
Interesting Facts about Lord Murugan
From defeating the immortal demons to being considered the most handsome God in the Hindu pantheon, here are some lesser-known facts about Murugan Swamy.
The Charming Deity
Lord Kartikeya is considered the most attractive and charming deity. He is said to have a stern countenance but a youthful charm. That is why Murugan Swamy is also referred to as Kumaraswami (Bachelor God).
Six Faces, Many Names
His six faces represent various qualities like courage, wisdom, and strength. He is also known by several names like Arumugan, Velan, Kumara, and Skanda.
Divine Vel (Spear)
Murugan Swamy’s divine vel was gifted to him by his mother Goddess Parvati as a symbol of Shakti. This gave him the power to ward off the adverse effects of Karma and gain the knowledge of distinguishing between good and evil. The spear stands as a symbol of victory, power, wisdom, and the destruction of evil.
Leaving Mount Kailasha
There are many stories related to how Murugan Swamy left his family abode and how he came to be a celebrated deity in South India. One belief is that he departed after being appointed the commander-in-chief of the gods' army.
Another widely known story suggests that Lord Kartikeya felt disheartened when his parents chose to get Lord Ganesha married before him. In response, he decided to leave Kailash and set out on his own path to establish his own identity.
The Immortal God
Lord Kartikeya is widely regarded as immortal by many devotees. That is, he is said to be beyond the cycle of birth and rebirth.
Two Wives
Lord Murugan Swamy is married to Valli (the daughter of a tribal chief, found in a pit and saved using the Valli plant) and Deivanai (daughter of Indra).
In their previous birth, Valli and her sister Devasena were daughters of Lord Vishnu. Both performed intense penance with the desire to become consorts of Lord Murugan. Pleased with their devotion, Lord Murugan appeared before them and granted a boon that they would marry him in their next life. Fulfilling their sincere prayers, he later married both, showcasing the strength of true devotion to the world.
Supreme Intelligence
Lord Kartikeya began his education under Lord Brahma and, on the very first day, asked him the meaning of "Om." Brahma explained it in 12,000 verses, but Kartikeya was not satisfied. He then posed the same question to Lord Shiva, who responded with 12 lakh verses, yet that too did not meet Kartikeya’s expectations. Finally, Kartikeya himself explained the meaning of Om in 12 crore verses, impressing Lord Shiva and making him proud of his son's wisdom.
Blessings of Worshipping Murugan Swamy
Praying to Lord Murugan Swamy can help you with:
-
Courage and Strength: He is the ultimate warrior, and his devotees often seek inner strength and confidence through his blessings.
-
Wisdom and Knowledge: As the commander of the celestial army, he also symbolizes sharp intellect and leadership.
-
Removal of Obstacles: Lord Murugan is said to destroy negativity and help his followers overcome hurdles in life.
-
Spiritual Growth: His worship leads to clarity, discipline, and deeper spiritual awareness.
Festivals Related to Lord Murugan
Some of the most vibrant and widely celebrated Hindu festivals that are centered around Lord Murugan Swamy are as follows:
-
Thaipusam: Celebrated mainly in Tamil communities worldwide, this festival commemorates Murugan Swamy receiving the vel from Parvati. Devotees perform acts of devotion like carrying kavadi (burden) or walking over fire.
-
Kanda Shashti: This six-day festival commemorates Murugan’s victory over Surapadman. Devotees fast and re-enact episodes from his life.
-
Panguni Uthiram: A festival that celebrates his celestial marriages with Valli and Deivanai.
In East India, Kartikeya is worshiped on the last day of the month of Kartik. The God is also worshiped during the Durga Puja festival, in which Kartikeya is represented as a young man riding a peacock and wielding a bow and arrows.
Famous Lord Murugan Temples in India
There is an old Tamil saying that, “Wherever there is a hill, there will be a temple dedicated to Lord Murugan”. So, you can find many Lord Murugan Temples in India. However, here are the most famous of them:
-
Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple, Palani – One of the six sacred abodes (Arupadai Veedu) of Murugan, located atop a hill and known for its healing powers.
-
Thiruchendur Murugan Temple – Situated by the sea, this temple is unique among the six abodes as it's not on a hill.
-
Swamimalai Temple – This temple is believed to be the place where Murugan taught the meaning of “Om” to Lord Shiva.
-
Tiruttani Murugan Temple – It is said that Murugan Swamy reclaimed his peace here after the war over the demons. He is also believed to have married Valli at this place. Today, the mandir is associated with peace and serenity and is said to bring relief from stress and negativity.
-
Arulmigu Subramaniya Swami Temple, Thirupparamkunram: This temple, carved into a hill, is famed as the sacred site where Lord Murugan married Deivanai. It is renowned for its stunning rock-cut architecture.
-
Arulmigu Solaimalai Murugan Temple, Pazhamudircholai (Near Madurai): Surrounded by dense greenery, this temple reflects the playful and youthful aspect of Lord Murugan.
-
Batu Cave Shrine: This Murgan Swamy temple is famous for its colorful 272 steps and the biggest statue of Kartikeya at the entrance.
Conclusion
Lord Murugan Swamy is a symbol of youthful energy, courage, and divine wisdom. His stories inspire strength, his festivals energize communities, and his presence offers a deep sense of peace and purpose. He is the perfect deity to inspire your life and live in a more compassionate way.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What is Lord Murugan famous for?
A. Murugan Swamy is famously known as the god of war, victory, and wisdom and is also known as Kartikeya or Skanda. He is revered in South India, Sri Lanka, and among the Tamil diaspora worldwide. One of his most celebrated legends is his battle against the demon Tarakasura. Murugan is also seen as a symbol of courage and a source of spiritual enlightenment.
Q. Who is the father of Murugan Swamy?
A. Lord Shiva, the god of destruction and transformation in the Hindu trinity, is the father of Murugan Swamy.
Q. Is Murugan Swamy an incarnation of Lord Vishnu?
A. No, Lord Kartikeya is not an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
Q. How many Murugan Swamy temples are there in India?
A. There are many Murugan Swamy temples in India but six of them are considered the most sacred of them all:
1. Arulmigu Subramaniya Swami Temple, Thiruparankundrama
2. Thiruchendur Murugan Temple, Thiruchendur
3. Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple, Palani
4. Arulmigu Swaminatha Swamy Temple, Swamimalai
5. Arulmigu Subramanyaswamy Temple, Tiruttani
6. Arulmigu Solaimalai Murugan Temple, Pazhamudircholai
