Murugans

Murugans is a term that may refer to the Tamil Hindu deity Murugan, as well as to people who bear Murugan as a given name or surname. In Tamil tradition, Murugan is a major god, son of Shiva and Parvati, and is also known by the names Kartikeya, Subrahmanya, and Skanda. He is traditionally depicted with a spear (vel) and often shown riding a peacock. Murugan holds a central place in Tamil religious life and is honored in temples and festivals across Tamil Nadu, Sri Lanka, and the Tamil-speaking diaspora in Malaysia, Singapore, and beyond.

The most important temples dedicated to Murugan are part of the set known as the Arupadai Veedu, or the six abodes: Palani, Tiruchendur, Swamimalai, Thirupparamkunram, Thiruthani, and Pazhamudircholai. Festivals such as Thaipusam and Skanda Shasti are widely celebrated in Murugan worship, often featuring processions, special rites, and devotional songs. Murugan’s worship is characterized by a strong Tamil cultural and linguistic expression, temple rituals, and a rich tradition of hymns and prayers.

Murugans as a name: In Tamil-speaking communities, Murugan is a common given name and appears in compound forms such as Muruganantham, Murugavel, or Murugappan. It is also used as a surname in some families due to patronymic naming practices. The name is prevalent in Tamil Nadu, Sri Lanka, and across diaspora communities in Singapore, Malaysia, and other regions with Tamil heritage.