We show you the myths and legends of the god Murugan. See here what powers he represents and how you can seek his divine support.
Muragan Indian God
Murugan God of enemies and legal problems, also known as Kartikeya (Kaa-rrttih-Keh-Yuw), is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Pavathi. His brother is the infamous deity, Ganesha. Murugan is popularly revered in South India, especially in the Indian state of Tamilnadu. He is often referred to as Tamil Kadavul, meaning The Lord of the Tamil people. He is considered the primary deity of the Kaumaram sect of Hinduism.
Although this sect is mainly found in the Tamil region, there are also members in Sri Lanka and Malaysia. The handsome Kartikeya is the commander of the army of Devas (Indian deities) and is depicted with six heads, which allows him to see in all directions at once. This means he can see any approaching war attack. He also has 12 hands and rides a peacock.
Origin Murugan God of enemies
Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi, newlyweds, were living together on Mount Gandhamadana. While they were enjoying their intimacy, a drop of Shiva’s fluid fell to the ground. Heat began to emerge from it, and it was so hot that it seemed possible that it could engulf the whole world in flames. Agni (the god of fire) disguised himself as a beggar, entered the couple and devoured the spilled fluid in an effort to save the world.
Naturally, Parvathi was mortified and insulted by the intrusion. He cursed Agni; paraphrasing, he said, “You are going to have terrible inflammation in your body from consuming that fluid, and from this day forward you will be an omnivore, and eat impure things.” Agni quickly developed unbearable inflammation all over his body. In desperation, he asked Lord Shiva what he could do to get rid of this horrible curse.
Vital fluid
Shiva informed him that once the vital fluid was transferred to a woman, he would be relieved of his ailment. Agni hid in a deserted place, awkwardly waiting for a suitable woman. The six Kritikas arrived. He transferred the fluid to all their wombs, and all six women became pregnant. When their husbands found out, they were cursed, turned into stars and sent to the sky to form a constellation. Before they were transformed, however, they each aborted their fetuses on a Himalayan mountain.
The Ganges River carried the fetuses to an isolated place covered with reeds. After a while, Lord Murugan was born from the reeds with six heads, for he had six mothers. The gods rejoiced at the birth of this fantastic child. Parvathi picked up the baby and asked Lord Shiva to allow him to keep the child as his own. Murugan grew into a handsome and honorable man and became the commander of the Devas and a great demon slayer.
Murugan’s Family
Lord Shiva, Muragan’s father, is the most powerful deity in the Hindu pantheon. He is a complex, unique and supreme god. For this reason, his shrine is separate from the other gods in most temples. Parvathi is the representation of the furious power of the male gods and the personification of the divine energy of Lord Shiva. She is a destroyer of evil and a protector of the righteous. Muragan’s esteemed brother is Ganesha. He has an elephant trunk and ears, and is one of the five main Hindu deities along with his parents.
He prevails over success, destroys evil and is a remover of obstacles. Although various gods are worshipped in all sects, all Hindus are devoted to Ganesha. According to legend, Murugan had two wives, Valli and Devasena. Valli represents the power of will, and Devasena, the power of actions. Murugan represents the power of wisdom, so the two wives completed him. Ironically, before he married two wives, Murugan was known as Kumaraswami, which means bachelor god.
The race for the handle
An Indian sage brought a divine piece of fruit to Parvathi and told him that whoever consumed it would have supreme knowledge and immortality. Parvathi thanked the sage and suggested that she cut the fruit and divide it between her sons, Kartikeya and Ganesha, as she loved them both. The sage advised that the mango could not be shared and that only a brother could consume it and reap the divine benefits. Lord Shiva, in an effort to resolve the matter, decided to organize a contest to settle the matter. He told the brothers that the one who could travel around the world three times and return first would be awarded the mango.
The Journey
Murugan did not want to waste a moment and immediately got on his peacock to begin his journey around the world. The pot-bellied Ganesha knew he was no match for the warrior Muragan in a race. Nor did he have a viable means of transportation, as his mount was a mouse. He considered the situation, and then the wise Ganesha began to circle his parents three times. When Shiva and Parvathi asked why he circled them, Ganesha explained to his parents that they were dear to him and to the center of his world. Within you is my universe, he said, so I am surrounding the world. He further explained that what one holds dear becomes the center of one’s life and all life energy.
Needless to say, his parents were honored and Ganesha won the race. He was bestowed with the divine mango and its blessings. Murugan was a little unhappy about being a little smarter, but he admitted that his brother had beaten him fairly. Murugan was aware that his strength was his power and speed, while Ganesha’s strength was his intelligence. In life we all follow different paths, just like Ganesha and Murugan. Some of us learn by traveling and others by observing people.
Symbolism
Murugan rides a peacock, which is also the national bird of India. It symbolizes the destruction of harmful habits and control over sexual desires. The peacock is often depicted clutching its feet around a snake, the symbol of ego and desire. The divine spear (Vel) represents Murugan’s powerful protection of people. Murugan is often depicted holding other weapons, and each is a pointer toward a better way of life. Its six heads correspond to the six attainments (siddhis) to which yogis aspire along their spiritual path to enlightenment.
Modern Influence of Murugan
The Six Abodes of Murugan are temples in Tamil specifically dedicated to him. In addition to his other popular name, Kartikeya, he is also known by the names Subramaniyam, Vadivela, Skanda and Muruga in various temples. There are other temples dedicated to Muragan outside India as well, including the famous Batu Caves in Malaysia.
Several Hindu festivals are dedicated to Muragan. Thaipusam is celebrated in the Tamil community during the month of Thai, which corresponds to a time in January or February depending on the year. The festival is a celebration and a remembrance of when Parvati gave Murugan the divine spear with which she killed evil demons. Vaikasi Visakam is another Tamil holiday, and is Murugan’s birthday. Devotee followers also observe a monthly fast dedicated to Murugan.
Some show their dedication by fasting completely for 24 hours, while others observe by eating only one meal. No non-vegetarian food is consumed during a fast. Kanda Shasti is a six-day fast dedicated to Murugan. According to legends, the gods were being tormented by demons led by Surapadma. Murugan defeated Surapadma after a six-day battle by killing him with the spear given to him by his mother Parvathi. Fasting is sacred and signifies the awareness of Murugan within each person to triumph over the negativity in their mind and guide them on the path to success.
