When Adharma flourishes, the Supreme Truth appears in one
form or another to restore Dharma and the story of the birth of Murugan is no
different. Three demons – Surapadman, Simhamukha and Tarakasura – armed with
powerful boon that only a son born of Shiva would kill them embarked on a
massive rampage and devastation. The Devas and human beings were overpowered
and Adharma flourished.
The demons were of the belief that Shiva who was in deep
meditation will not return to the life of a householder. So they thought the
one destined to fight them will never be born.
On advice of Brahma, Kamdev deployed his arrows on flowers
to wake up Shiva from his meditation and instill passion for the benefit of the
world. Kamdev succeeded in his mission but was burnt into ashes by the fury of
Shiva.
The divine spark that emanated from Shiva as a result
divided into six and Vayu (wind) and Agni (fire) carried them and deposited it
in Ganga . The Holy River
The six Devis (goddess) of Karthikai – the third
constellation of the 27 birth stars – took care of the six babies. Goddess
Parvati on realizing that the divine manifestation has taken place rushed to the
spot and lifted the six babies up. Suddenly the six faces and twelve hands
merged into One – Murugan was born –
Known by the names of Kartik, Kartikeya, Muruga, Skanda,
Shanmukha, Velayudha, Swaminatha….this divine manifestation guides millions of
people on the path of self realization.
Murugan then took the mantle of the General of
Devas and put an end to the Adharma of the demons.