The Kanda Purana, an inspired work of Kachiappa
Sivachariar of Kanchipuram, is believed to be the authentic
Tamil version of the advent and life of Muruga as found in
Vyasa’s Skanda Purana. This voluminous work reveals the
myriad facets of Muruga, who is associated not only with
power, strength and victory but is also the embodiment of
jnana. It is a source of solace, inspiration and faith to many.
The main purpose of the incarnation of Muruga is the
slaying of Soorapadman and his brothers who begin to
harass the celestial beings as a matter of routine. But the
deeper significance of the Lord’s war with the demons is
His role in helping each one overcome individual evil
tendencies and ego that are sure hurdles to salvation,
pointed out Dr. Sudha Seshaiyan in a discourse.
The asuras typify the evil tendencies in people and
when these are allowed to grow, they can be detrimental to
the good aspects in life.
The aim of the asuras is to gain uncontrolled power over
the entire universe and when this is attained through
severe penance as boons, it feeds their ego. When
enveloped in this ego-centered selfishness, coupled with
unassailable power, it is easy to become blind to the truth
of the more powerful compassionate Lord.
Muruga’s war with the demon is shown to be a long
drawn out one with challenges aplenty. But divine power
always prevails and the evil is subdued. Muruga splits the
demon in the form of a tree and the two pieces become a
peacock and a cock. Muruga accepts the peacock as his
vehicle and the cock as the flag sign. The message is that
the demon is not doomed or killed; but he undergoes an
inner transformation and acknowledges the greatness of
the power of good over evil.
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