Since he was carried by Ganga, he is known as Kangeyan and since he was nursed by stars from the galaxy, he is known as Karthikeya. He is known by the knowledge he symbolizes Jnana Pandita, by his qualities of love and compassion Karunakara. He is known as вЂSu BrahmanyaвЂ™, вЂSuвЂ™ signifying sacred and вЂBrahmanyaвЂ™ signifying the eternal reality, Brahman. It was on this day, mother Parvati gave Muruga the powerful Vel which destroyed the demon, Sooran. The word Thaipusam comes from the Tamil month of Thai and the star Pusam). Thaipusam is celebrated in a grand manner at Palani. It guides the way to the Lotus Feet of Muruga. It brings confidence, courage, happiness, health and prosperity. It has the power to remove the fear of death. In his Vel Vakuppu, Arunagirinathar says that the Vel carries the power to ward off the adverse effects of Karma (consequences arising out of our action). Arunagirinathar described Vel as the weapon that destroyed the Krownja mountain, symbolizing the ego of Soorapadman. Though many pundits described Muruga and Vel in glorious terms, it was Arunagirinathar who described Muruga very beautifully, truthfully and completely. The Vel of Muruga is powerful enough to bring light of knowledge where there is ignorance. The lance radiates the light of knowledge and is known as Kadir Vel. It is believed that the power of Vel excels all the three divine weapons held by Siva (trishul), Vishnu (discus) Indira (vajrayudha). The Vel represents not only the power to destroy but also the power to protect. It is impossible to visualize the image of Muruga without Vel (lance). With the powerful Vel (lance) presented by Parvati, Muruga came to Tiruchendur and put an end to the atrocities of Soorapadman and other distractors and restored peace and tranquility on earth. Having nursed by Karthigai maidens who shine as brilliant stars in the galaxy and having brought up by Siva and Parvati with care and affection, Muruga grew up as a handsome youth (Kumara). He appeared on earth with the combination of all powers and knowledge with a view to provide peace and security. He is special because he has the unique combination of the power of Sakthi derived from Mother Parvati and the power of knowledge acquired from father Siva. He is described as an extension of Siva, the eternal reality, the one without a second. He is known as the ultimate God or as God of all Gods. Thus Muruga has come to possess a power that is unequalled. Such an unparalleled power called Muruga was created in order to destroy the demon, Soorapadaman who had got a boon of immortality and in order to protect the devotees from the world of illusion. He even acted as the Guru to Siva and gave him the enlightened advice. Though originated from Siva, he excelled in the knowledge and power of Siva. He was formed from the powerful flame of fire that originated from the third eye of Lord Siva, the eternal reality. Kanda Purna describes Muruga as a unique and extra-ordinary power. However, Kanda Puranam which describes the origin, purpose and the life history of Muruga indicates how Muruga has come to be regarded as the Supreme Power.

How they got this conviction? What is the moving force behind it? It can never be explained but only experienced by one whose heart is filled with devotion. What prompts them all towards Muruga? Why is Muruga so special? What is unique about Muruga? The faith is so strong that devotees believe that Muruga comes into their life and graces them as God, helps them as a friend, guides them as Guru and guards them as a savior. In Palani, we find a human ocean with the strong under current of devotion running through them. Muruga, the Lord of love and compassion exercises an enormous influence on the people. The people worship Him, admire Him, adore Him, respect him and love Him because they find that there is a divine and magnetic appeal in Him. вЂMurugaвЂ™ the very word spells charm, splendour, beauty, knowledge and power.

Mahathe lord muruga