Twinn Swan

The veneration of the young male deity Murugan is a complex syncretism of several inseparable historical and cultural roots. Murugan is known by many names: from Skanda, to Karthik Swami, to Subramaniam. He is worshipped as the son of Shiva and Parvati.

The word Murugan, which comes from the word Muruku, means beautiful, fragrant or youthful one. As the son of Korravai, the Goddess of War and Victory, Murugan is hailed and worshipped as the God of the Hills and the Hunt.

Due to his association with the ruddy hills of the region of Kurinci as well as the planet Mars, Murugan is also called ‘The Red One’. His mount is a peacock and his weapon is a vel lance.

The central myth in the worship of Murugan involves him vanquishing the demon Sur. In preparation for the battle, he is presented a vel by his mother, Shakti. With his vel, Murugan destroys Sur–who had shape-shifted into a mango tree–by splitting the tree into two. Sur then shape-shifts into a peacock and a cockerel. The vel, however, was invincible. In the end, Murugan conquers the demon.

According to the legends of Palani, Murugan is a young ascetic who holds a staff and exemplifies the mastery of the self. The story goes that a young Murugan, who was angry at his parents for their judgment of a competition in favour of his sibling, retreats to the top of a nearby hill. Disgruntled at the loss of the reward, Murugan finds solace and consolation in his solitary act of penance.

While Murugan is on this hill, he meets the demon Idumban. Idumban was travelling when he saw Murugan atop the hill. The demon confronts Murugan without realising that Murugan is of divine origin. Murugan destroys Idumban, but later revives and installs him as a guardian.

The austerity of Murugan and his lone, self-disciplined stance provided his devotees with an exemplary example. He became the one that worshippers looked to when they left their homes and family in search of an opportunity in a foreign land.

The Chettiars, in particular, adopted Murugan as the patron deity for their business ventures. When they boarded a ship, they transferred the worries and woes of their burdens to Murugan. The belief was that Murugan would protect them and keep them safe.

When it comes to Murugan, the symbolism and theology associated with him is extensive. Regardless of all the variances that exist among the different stories and legends, unifying themes remain. The first is that his birth occurs through a surrogate. He is not raised by his biological mother, but a host of different mothers. In the end, however, Murugan is reunited with his parents.

Lord Murugan, as the God of Victory, is both a handsome warrior and a celibate yogi. His martial abilities are used to lead armies to destroy demons. He is both a philosopher and a warrior. And above all, he is seen by his devotees as the greatest protector.