The story of how the rooster and peacock came to be associated with Lord Murugan, also known as Kartikeya, is a significant part of Hindu mythology and devotion, particularly in Tamil Nadu.
Murugan, revered as the god of war and victory, faced the formidable demon Soorapadman, who had been causing immense suffering and havoc. According to the legends, Soorapadman was blessed with immense strength and a boon that made him nearly invincible.
The final battle between Murugan and Soorapadman was fierce and monumental. Soorapadman, desperate to evade defeat, transformed himself into a massive tree. Recognizing the demon's trickery, Murugan wielded his divine lance, the Vel, with great precision and might. With one powerful strike, he split the tree in two.
As the tree split, Soorapadman realized the futility of his resistance and his many transgressions. Overcome with remorse, he begged Murugan for mercy and vowed to remain with the deity in service for all eternity. Murugan, known for his compassion and grace, decided to transform Soorapadman's penance into a lasting form of devotion.
Murugan decreed that Soorapadman would be divided into two symbolic entities. One half of the demon was transformed into a majestic peacock, which would become Murugan's Vahana (vehicle). The peacock symbolizes beauty, grace, and victory, complementing Murugan's persona as a youthful and valorous god. The other half of Soorapadman became a rooster, the emblem on Murugan's flag, representing vigilance, courage, and the victory of good over evil.
Murugan then directed Soorapadman to proceed to Mailam, a place in Tamil Nadu, to await further instructions. In this way, Soorapadman’s transformation became a part of Murugan’s divine entourage, forever immortalized in the form of the peacock and rooster. These symbols serve as constant reminders of Murugan's victory, the power of repentance, and the ultimate triumph of good over evil.
Thus, the rooster and peacock became integral to Murugan's iconography and mythology, celebrated in various temples and festivals dedicated to the deity across India and particularly in Tamil Nadu.