Muruga, God of Kali Yuga

The Hindu

05-06-2025

The sight of His flag (rooster) and mount (peacock) is enough to send Lord Muruga's devotees into ecstasy. Chanting His name even once, with faith, will fetch immeasurable benefits. Hailed as the God of Kali Yuga, Muruga, also known as Kartikeya and Subrahmanya, rushes to shower His grace on His devotees who place their full faith in him, said Dr. Sudha Seshayyan.
There are numerous examples of Muruga showering His benediction on the devotees and offering them His protection. Centuries ago, Muruga came to the aid of Arunagirinathar. Due to a number of wrong decisions and lifestyle, Arunagirinadhar's life hit rock bottom and he was on the verge of committing suicide. He was berating himself and asking God's forgiveness alternatively while attempting to end it all. However, Muruga appeared on the temple tower, prevented him from taking the extreme step. Following Muruga's advice, Arunagirinadhar stayed quiet for a few days; his mind became calm and experiencing Muruga with his mind and soul, he composed Tiruppugazh, marking the beginning of an illustrious life as a great, devotional composer, with the reputation of someone who could converse with Lord Muruga Himself. This was sufficient to rouse the ire of another poet, who, out of envy, complained to the king that poet Arunagirinadhar was duplicitous and should prove in public that Muruga would answer his call. The king directed the poet to prove the accuser wrong. When Arunagirinadhar sang a few lines, saying everyone, including His parents Siva and Parvati were dancing, Muruga did not appear, but when the post said Muruga's in-laws were dancing, Muruga immediately appeared for all to see.
Likewise, in December 1923, when Pamban Swami was walking on Thambu Chetty Street, a jutka made him lose his balance and fall, with the wheel going over his left leg. Doctors informed the 73-year-old Pamban Swami that the fracture would not heal and suggested amputation. The seer refused, but accepted minimal care. He kept chanting Muruga's name while his assistant recited Shanmuga Kavacham. On January 6, Pamban Swami saw a fleeting image of a peacock, spreading its wings and passing, followed by a younger peacock. 'Muruga, you have come,' cried Pamban Swami. The peacocks vanished at once. That night a beautiful baby suddenly appeared on his cot and Pamban Swami knew he was receiving Muruga's grace. The next morning, doctors were stunned to notice that the fracture on Pamban Swami's leg had healed overnight.