Lord Murugan, also known as Kanda, Karthikeya or Subramanya, is a widely revered deity in Hinduism, especially in Tamil Nadu and among Tamil communities worldwide. As the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, he is regarded as the commander of the celestial army and the embodiment of wisdom, courage, and divine strength. His stories, filled with valour, devotion, and divine interventions, are deeply ingrained in Hindu mythology and Tamil culture. Here are some of the most famous tales of Lord Murugan:
1. The Birth Story of Lord Murugan
The demon Surapadman grew immensely powerful, disrupting the cosmic order and threatening the universe. Faced with this dire situation, the gods sought a solution to counter his growing strength. Lord Shiva, the supreme deity, and Goddess Parvati conceived a divine plan to restore balance. Lord Shiva released a brilliant spark of divine energy, destined to create a formidable being capable of vanquishing Surapadman. This celestial spark split into six fragments and descended into the sacred waters of the Ganges. Carried by the river’s flow, the sparks eventually reached Saravana Poigai, a mystical lake.
Goddess Parvati gathered these six divine sparks and shaped them into a radiant child, naming him Sara Vana or Arumugam (Six-faced). Parvati entrusted the six Krittika stars with Murugan’s care, asking them to raise him as their own.
2. Lord Murugan and Ganesha – The Race for the Mango
One day, Sage Narada visited Mount Kailash and offered a divine mango to Lord Shiva and Parvati. But there was a condition—the fruit could only be given to the one who circled the world three times first.
Lord Murugan, swift and determined, immediately mounted his peacock and sped across the universe. Meanwhile, Lord Ganesha, wise and thoughtful, walked around his parents, stating, “For me, my parents are the entire universe.”
Lord Shiva and Parvati were pleased with Ganesha’s devotion, so they granted him the mango. When Murugan returned and learned what had happened, he felt disappointed and left Kailash, settling in the hills of Palani. There, he meditated deeply, renouncing worldly possessions. His deep penance transformed Palani into a sacred pilgrimage site, where devotees still seek his blessings.
3. The Battle Against Surapadman
According to Hindu scriptures, Surapadman was a powerful demon king who received a boon from the gods, making him nearly invincible. His growing arrogance led him to cause havoc across the three worlds.
Recognizing the threat, Lord Shiva decided to intervene. Using his third eye, Shiva created Lord Murugan, his son with Parvati. During the battle, Murugan was armed with a mighty Vel (spear) from Goddess Parvati. Murugan's bravery was evident as he swiftly defeated Surapadman's sons and followers.
The final battle between Murugan and Surapadman was intense, with Surapadman using illusions to avoid Murugan's attacks. Eventually, he transformed into a massive tree in Marappadu, near Tiruchendur. Murugan struck the tree with his spear, splitting it into two halves.
After his defeat, Surapadman sought forgiveness from Murugan. Showing grace and compassion, Murugan pardoned him and transformed his two halves into a rooster and a peacock. The rooster became Murugan's banner, and the peacock became his vehicle. This is why Lord Murugan is also known as "Karunai Kadale" in Tamil, meaning "Ocean of Compassion."
4. Lord Murugan and Avvaiyar
Avvaiyar, the great Tamil poetess and devotee of Murugan, once travelled through a village, where she saw a young boy sitting on a tree under the hot sun. He was none other than Lord Murugan, disguised as a simple cowherd.
Murugan playfully asked Avvaiyar if she wanted roasted or unroasted fruits from the tree. Thinking he was just a mischievous boy; she asked for roasted ones. The boy then blew on the fruits, making them fall to the ground covered in dust.
Avvaiyar picked them up, but before eating, she blew on them to remove the dust. Seeing this, Murugan smiled and asked, “Why are you blowing on them if they are already roasted?”
Realizing that this was no ordinary boy, Avvaiyar bowed before him, recognizing Murugan’s divine wisdom. He then taught her deeper spiritual truths, and she composed many devotional songs praising his grace.
5. Lord Murugan Teaching Om Mantra
According to Hindu Mythology, when Brahma visited Mount Kailash, he disrespected young Muruga. Offended, Muruga questioned Brahma about creation and asked him to explain the meaning of the Pranava Mantra, "Om." When Brahma failed to answer, Muruga imprisoned him and took over creation.
Worried, the Devas sought help from Vishnu, but only Shiva could intervene. When Muruga refused to release Brahma, Shiva asked him to explain the mantra’s meaning. Muruga then revealed its profound essence, and Shiva humbled and listened like a student. Impressed, he honoured Muruga as Swaminatha Swami—"The Teacher of Lord Shiva."
6. Lord Murugan’s Valli Marriage Story
Valli, the daughter of chieftain Nambirajan, was deeply devoted to Lord Murugan and longed to be united with him. One day, her father assigned her to guard their thinai (foxtail millet) fields from pests.
Moved by her devotion, Murugan took the form of a handsome tribal hunter, Veduvan Kolam, and approached her. Unaware of his identity, Valli asked him to leave. Later, when her father returned, Murugan turned into a tree to stay hidden.
Determined to win her heart, he took the form of an old man. When Valli kindly offered him food and water, he jokingly hinted at marriage, which annoyed her. To help Murugan, Ganesha appeared as a wild elephant, scaring Valli. In fear, she ran to the old man for protection, unknowingly agreeing to marry him. At that moment, Murugan revealed his true form, and Valli, overjoyed, accepted him as her husband.
Their love story is celebrated at Vallimalai in Tamil Nadu, where they spent time together before moving to Thiruthani, one of Lord Murugan’s sacred abodes.
Lord Murugan is more than just a deity; he is a divine force of hope, embodying courage, wisdom, and boundless compassion. His legendary tales of valour, devotion, and profound teachings continue to inspire and uplift countless souls across generations. As we remember his divine plays and chant his sacred name, may his grace illuminate our paths, remove our obstacles, and bless us with unshakable strength, wisdom, and inner peace.
Om Saravana Bhava!