Murugan

Murugan, also known as Kartikeya or Skanda, is a Hindu deity worshiped especially in South India and among Tamil communities worldwide. He is traditionally regarded as the son of Shiva and Parvati and the brother of Ganesha. In Hindu mythology, Murugan is a god of war, youth, and wisdom, and serves as the commander of the divine army. In Tamil devotional tradition, he is also seen as a patron of Tamil language and culture.

Iconography and attributes commonly identify Murugan as a youthful deity wielding a vel, a divine spear, which signifies spiritual power and enlightenment. He is frequently depicted mounted on or accompanied by a peacock, his vehicle, and sometimes with his consorts, Valli and Deivanai (also known as Devayanai). The Vel is a central symbol associated with his ability to remove ignorance and destroy evil.

Worship and major centers form a key part of Murugan’s cult. The six sacred abodes of Murugan, known as Arupadai Veedu, are Thiruchendur, Palani, Swamimalai, Thiruvannamalai, Tirupparankundram, and Pazhamudircholai. Festivals such as Thaipusam and Skanda Shasti are among the most prominent occasions for pilgrimage and public processions, drawing large numbers of devotees in Tamil Nadu, Sri Lanka, and among the Tamil diaspora.

Cultural and regional significance varies by community. Murugan is a central figure in Tamil religious life and is venerated in temples across the Indian subcontinent and in countries with Tamil populations, including Singapore, Malaysia, and Mauritius. He remains a focal point of Tamil religious literature, art, and temple worship.