Murukan, also known as Skanda or Tamizh Katavul, is the favorite god of the Tamils. This folk deity is worshipped in the villages mainly. The Tamil country with its early tribal culture was segregated into 5 major geographical divisions including Marutam, Palai, Neytal, Mullai and Kurinci. Kurinci consists of hilly tracts and the god of Kurinci is Lord Murukan. In Sangam literature, he is known as Korravaichelvan or Ceyon. Murukan’s other Sanskrit names include Skanda, Karttikeya, Subrahmanya etc. Murukan is accepted as God of the Hilly Regions as he commonly has his abodes in the hills.
Murukan’s facets are many which make him a unique deity. These include that he is Sakti’s favorite child, he is destroyer of Asuras, he is the worthy son of Lord Shiva, he is destroyer of pride and ignorance, is commander in chief of the army of the devas, is teacher of sage Agastya, is the benefactor of both opponents and devotees, is Lord Ganesha’s affectionate brother, showers grace and knowledge, is the embodiment of youth and beauty, is the carrier of Indian culture and lots more.
Murukan represents victory, strength, power and so on, in the Hindu Pantheon. He was aware of codes to be adopted during warfare. As a powerful and talented commander, he won over the Asuras. It is stated in the puranas that Murukan and Siva are one and the same. He was able to marry Valli at Tiruttani with the help of the elephant headed God, Ganesha, his beloved brother.
