vel

Vel is a term with multiple references across myth, culture, and science. In Hindu mythology, Vel is the divine spear of Murugan (Kartikeya), a symbol of power, knowledge, and victory. Tamil tradition holds that Parvati gifted Murugan the Vel to aid in the defeat of the demon Surapadman, enabling the deity to vanquish evil and restore cosmic order. The weapon is central to Murugan worship and appears prominently in temple iconography, devotional poetry, and festivals such as Skanda Shasti, reflecting its significance in Tamil religious practice.

In onomastics, Vel also appears as a root within Tamil given names. It is commonly found in compound names such as Velan or Velmurugan, and, in some contexts, may be encountered as a standalone element in personal names. The root meaning ties back to the spear, aligning with the mythic association of the Vel.

In science and informal writing, vel or vel. is sometimes used as an abbreviation for velocity, though the standard symbol for velocity in physics is v. The term may appear in notes, programming, or shorthand contexts where space or clarity favors a short form. As with many short forms, its meaning is context-dependent and should be clarified where precision matters.