Have you heard about the "Lord spared a demon from destruction" and wondered what role the Lord gave him? If so, here's the mythological story of Lord Murugan and his vehicle, the peacock.
Lord Murugan, a revered deity in Hinduism, is the younger son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. He holds a special place in the hearts of Hindus, especially among Tamil people around the world. Lord Murugan is often depicted riding a majestic peacock. This vibrant bird is not only a symbol of beauty but also carries deep spiritual significance in Murugan's divine narrative.
How the Peacock Became Murugan's Vahanam
The tale of the peacock's transformation into Lord Murugan’s vahanam (vehicle) is as fascinating as it is symbolic. The story begins with Surapadman, the demon king, who had received a boon from the gods that made him nearly invincible. His boon declared that only a child born through a woman could bring about his destruction. Believing that no such child could be born, he grew arrogant and began tormenting all beings in the three worlds.
Lord Shiva, recognizing the threat posed by Surapadman, created Murugan, the son of Shiva and Parvati, using his third eye. During the ensuing battle, Murugan was gifted a powerful Vel (spear) by Goddess Parvati. Murugan's bravery was evident as he quickly defeated Surapadman's sons and followers. The final confrontation between Murugan and Surapadman was intense, with Surapadman using various illusions to evade Murugan's attacks.
In a dramatic turn, Surapadman transformed into a large tree in Marappadu near Tiruchendur. Murugan, wielding his spear, struck the tree and split Surapadman into two halves. Realizing his mistake, Surapadman sought forgiveness from Lord Murugan. Murugan, showing his grace, forgave Surapadman and transformed his two halves into a rooster and a peacock. The rooster became Murugan's banner, while the peacock was made as his vehicle.
Significance
The peacock is renowned for its beauty and elegance. Its vivid plumage and graceful movements symbolize the divine grace and splendour of Lord Murugan. In Indian culture, the peacock is believed to have the ability to predict rain. When it spreads its feathers, it is seen as a harbinger of rain, which in turn brings prosperity and fertility to the land. This aspect of the peacock connects with Murugan’s role as a provider and protector of the natural world. The peacock's feather also features an ‘Om’ shape, symbolizing the divine presence in all things. The peacock serves as Murugan's vehicle and is celebrated as our country's national bird.
Other forms of Peacock
Among the peacocks that serve as Murugan's vehicle, there are three distinct types:
- Mantra Peacock: This peacock is linked with the story of acquiring the mango from Shiva and assisting in travelling around the world. It is regarded as the first type of peacock.
- Deva Peacock: During the Surasamharam (the battle with Surapadman), Indra transformed into a peacock to support Murugan.
- Asura Peacock: This peacock originated from Surapadman's two halves and is referred to as the Asura Peacock
The peacock, as Lord Murugan's vahanam, holds a significant place in many Murugan temples, where devotees honour it with deep reverence. This mythological narrative not only highlights Lord Murugan's formidable strength and skill in battle but also demonstrates his compassionate nature. By forgiving Surapadman when the demon admitted his errors, Lord Murugan exemplifies the qualities of mercy and justice. As a beloved deity, Lord Murugan continues to inspire and guide his followers, embodying the virtues of valour and kindness.