Frequently Asked Questions About Lord Murugan

Question 1

Who is Lord Murugan?

Accepted Answer

Lord Murugan (also known as Skanda, Kartikeya, Subramanya, and Kumara) is the Tamil God of War, Wisdom, and Victory. He is the second son of Shiva and Parvati, born from six divine sparks that emerged from Shiva's third eye. He is the patron deity of Tamil Nadu and one of the most widely worshipped deities in Hinduism.

Question 2

What is Murugan's divine weapon?

Accepted Answer

Murugan's primary divine weapon is the Vel (spear or lance), which was gifted to him by his mother Goddess Parvati. The Vel symbolises divine wisdom, the power of knowledge to destroy ignorance. It is one of the most sacred symbols in Murugan worship.

Question 3

What are the Six Sacred Abodes (Arupadai Veedu) of Lord Murugan?

Accepted Answer

The Six Sacred Abodes (Arupadai Veedu) of Lord Murugan are: 1) Thiruthani — where Murugan defeated the demon Surapadman; 2) Swamimalai — where Murugan taught the Pranava Mantra to Shiva; 3) Tiruchendur — the only coastal abode, where Murugan defeated the sea demon; 4) Palani — where Murugan accepted the Dandam as his symbol; 5) Pazhamudircholai — the forest abode; 6) Thiruparankundram — the cave temple near Madurai, Murugan's first abode.

Question 4

What is Thaipusam?

Accepted Answer

Thaipusam is the most important festival dedicated to Lord Murugan, celebrated on the full moon day of the Tamil month Thai (January–February). It marks the day when Goddess Parvati gifted Murugan the divine Vel (spear) to destroy the demon Surapadman. Devotees carry kavadi (physical burdens) as acts of penance and thanksgiving. The largest celebrations occur at Batu Caves in Malaysia and Palani in Tamil Nadu.

Question 5

What is the Thiruppugazh?

Accepted Answer

The Thiruppugazh is a collection of 1,340+ devotional hymns composed by the 15th-century Tamil poet-saint Arunagirinathar in praise of Lord Murugan. The name means 'Divine Glory of Murugan.' These hymns are set to unique rhythmic patterns and are considered the pinnacle of Tamil devotional literature. They are sung in Murugan temples daily.

Question 6

What is the Kanda Sashti Kavasam?

Accepted Answer

The Kanda Sashti Kavasam is a 71-verse protective hymn composed by Devaraya Swamigal in the 19th century. It is chanted during the Kanda Sashti festival (6-day fasting period in the Tamil month of Aippasi/October–November). The hymn describes Murugan's divine armour (kavasa) and is believed to protect devotees from evil.

Question 7

What is Murugan's vehicle (vahana)?

Accepted Answer

Lord Murugan's vehicle (vahana) is the peacock (mayil in Tamil). The peacock symbolises ego being crushed underfoot, beauty, grace, and the destruction of the ego serpent. Murugan also has a rooster as his banner (dwaja), which symbolises righteousness crowing at dawn.

Question 8

What are Murugan's other names?

Accepted Answer

Lord Murugan has 108 sacred names, including: Skanda (from the root word 'to leap'), Kartikeya (raised by the Krittika stars), Subramanya (dear to Brahmins), Kumara (eternal youth), Shanmukha (six-faced), Saravanabhava (born in the reeds of the lake Saravana), Senthil, Swaminatha (lord who taught his father Shiva), and Arumugam (six-faced one).

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