To receive the grace of Lord Murugan, it is not just about worshipping him directly, but also greatly important to worship his Vel (spear), Peacock, and Rooster banner. These are not mere symbols; they are the very forms through which Lord Murugan comes to us! These three possess immeasurable power and bestow great benefits upon devotees, explains Spiritual Speaker Vijay Kumar. Here are the insights he shared on the Aanmeegaglitz channel:
Murugan's Vahanas - Peacock is Primary:
Lord Murugan has three Vahanas (vehicles). The first is the Goat Vahana. It originated from a destructive goat created by Narada's yagna gone wrong, which Murugan controlled and made his vehicle. This symbolizes the form of the star clusters in the Aries zodiac sign and its connection to Mars (Sevvai), who is subordinate to Murugan. The second Vahana is the Elephant. Indra gave his Iravatham elephant to Murugan after being freed by his grace. The most important vehicle is the Peacock. Murugan is famously known as 'Mayil Vahanan' (He who rides the Peacock). The Peacock's posture with fanned tail and bent leg forms the shape of the 'Om' mantra. Arunagirinathar states that the Om mantra itself transformed into Murugan's Peacock.
Surapadman, the Peacock, and the Rooster:
To destroy the arrogance of the demon Surapadman, Murugan waged war for 18 years (signifying that correction is harder than destruction). When pierced by the Vel (symbolizing divine wisdom), Surapadman, who had turned into a mango tree, was split. Murugan then transformed these two parts into his Vahana (Peacock) and his banner (Rooster). This fulfilled Surapadman's boon that whoever kills him must also carry him, and he must carry them. The peacock born from this battle is the Asura Mayil. The peacock that appears during our worship is the Mantra Mayil.
The Immeasurable Power of the Peacock:
Arunagirinathar has sung extensively praising the Peacock's power. He says merely the shake of the Peacock's feather when Murugan mounts it can level mountains and dry up oceans (a poetic exaggeration). Its underlying philosophy is that when Murugan's grace (represented by the Peacock) enters one's life, the ups and downs ('medu pallam') become level, bringing balanced vision and wisdom. The Peacock's movement also strikes fear into demons. Reciting 'Mayil Virutham' can remove worries and sorrows from home. Chanting Pamban Swamigal's 'Pakaiyathidal' mantra can cause Murugan's Peacock to appear. The Peacock carries us to Murugan.
The Valiant Rooster - Symbol of Valor and Cosmic Sound:
The Rooster symbolizes valor. In Kandapuranam, Murugan is hailed as "He who comes riding the Rooster" (interpreted as the banner). While other deities have their vahana as their banner, Murugan has the Peacock as vehicle and Rooster as banner, signifying unique power. The Rooster's crow "Kokkarakko" is interpreted as "Kokku Aru O Ko!" - "Remember the King (Murugan) who cut the Mango tree (Surapadman)." The Rooster's power, described by Arunagirinathar, is such that its wing-shake can tear the sky and dry oceans (signifying destruction of karma, desires, and ending rebirths). The Rooster represents 'Nadham' (sound), the 'Om' sound, and the principle of cosmic creation. It speaks of Murugan to the devotee.
Vel - The Form of Wisdom:
The Vel symbolizes divine wisdom (Gnanam). After worshipping Vel, Peacock, and Rooster, this wisdom resides in our hearts.
The Power of Mantras:
Chanting "Velum Mayilum Sevalum Thunai" constantly protects us from all troubles. Reciting Arunagirinathar's Kandar Alangaram verses (specifically verses 11 and 12, which describe the Peacock and Rooster respectively) also bestows the grace of Vel, Mayil, and Seval, bringing many benefits.
By understanding the profound symbolism of Vel, Mayil, and Seval, and worshipping them through related mantras, we can overcome all life's obstacles and worries and receive the boundless grace of Lord Murugan, concludes Spiritual Speaker Vijay Kumar.
