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Tamil Deity · Tamil God of War / Son of Shiva

Murugan

मुरुगन्
Also known as: Murukaṉ, Kārttikeya, Skanda, Subramaṇya, Shaṇmukha, Vēlaṉ, Chentil Andavar, Kumāra, Tiru Murukaṉ

About

The Tamil god of war, victory, wisdom, and love. Son of Shiva and Parvati, brother of Ganesha. Commander of the celestial armies. Central deity of Tamil Nadu, where he is worshipped as the supreme god (Kadavul) in many traditions. Associated with the hill country, the Vel (spear), and the peacock.

Attributes

WarVictoryWisdomYouthBeautyProtectionTamil language

Symbols

Vel (spear)PeacockRooster flagSix faces (Shaṇmukha)KavadiAruṇagiri hills
Consort
Valli (tribal goddess) and Devasena (Deivayanai)
Vahana (Mount)
Peacock (Mayil)

Associated Mantras

Om Skandāya Namaḥ
Om Subramaṇyāya Namaḥ
Shaṇmukha Mantra
Kandar Anubhuti
Tiruppukazh
Murugan Aṣṭakam
Kavadi Mantras

Festivals

ThaipusamSkanda ShashthiKanda ShashthiVaikasi VisakamThirukalyanam (marriage to Valli and Devasena)

Scriptures

Tiruppukazh (Arunagirinathar)Kandar AnubhutiSkanda PurāṇaTirumurukāṟṟuppaṭaiKanda Purāṇam

Regions Worshipped

Tamil NaduKeralaKarnatakaAndhra PradeshSri LankaMalaysiaSingaporeMauritius

Iconography

Six-faced (Shaṇmukha) with twelve arms, holding various weapons. Primary weapon is the Vel (spear). Rides a peacock. Sometimes depicted with two faces (Dvimukha) or one face. Often shown with Valli and Devasena. Youthful, radiant, warrior appearance.