Siva turns a disciple

Known for its magnitude and quality, Kachiappa Sivachariar’s

Kanda Purana is an inspired work that describes in detail

the birth and exploits of Muruga. It is clear that if one is

able to experience His unfathomable greatness and also describe it, it is because of Muruga’s Sankalpa, pointed out Sri Mathivannan in a discourse.


Muruga’s advent is occasioned under extraordinary circumstances. The entire world was under harassment owing to the atrocities of the demon Soorapadman who possessed unlimited powers. The celestial beings approached Siva for a solution for their plight. Siva knew that only a divine being whose exceptional jnana and prowess would be on a par with His own, and hence a part of Him would be able to vanquish the demon. So He opened His third eye to allow an effulgent jyothi come out and willed that it be deposited in the cool waters of the Saravana Poigai by Agni and Vayu. From this spark there arose six babies who were reared by the Kartika maidens. Parvati united them into a charming child with six faces who grew up in Kailasa.


It is said that once when Brahma visited Kailasa, he

happened to slight the young child. Muruga wished to teach

him a lesson and asked him the meaning of Pranava. When

Brahma faltered, Muruga divested him of his role as a creator

and imprisoned him as well. He then took up the responsibilities of Brahma. Siva then intervened and asked

him to release Brahma. He also asked Muruga if he knew the

import of Pranava. Muruga said that he knew. Then Siva

wanted him to expound it to Him. A rare situation arose out

of this episode when Muruga insisted that he would do so if

Siva accepted him as the Guru and listen in the bhava of a

disciple. Arunagirinathar recreates the ecstasy and pride of

Siva on seeing Muruga’s jnana, competence and sense of

discipline.


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