Kaumaram – Balamurugan
Muruga is the deity for Kaumaram faith. He is called Subrahmanya (Su-brahmanya) which means he is good, cultured person possessing and desirous of those seeking, Atma Jnana. Skanda as he is also called, is the commander-in-chief of the divine army (Deva Senapathy). The cult of Muruga is native to Tamil Nadu and is prevalent among Tamilians in Malaysia and Singapore. He is Karthikeya, as he was nourished by six Krittikas. Lord Karthikey’s devotees throng to “Aaru Padai Veedu”, His six famous kshetrams in Tamil Nadu which is said to represent the six Chakras of human body. (Mooladhara, Swadhistana, Manipura, Anahata, Vishuddhi, Ajna). At Sahasraram, everything is put to rest for there is no more place one needs to go. “Shatkona” or hexagon shaped star, is associated with Muruga and represent the six cardinal points of space.
Lord Karthikeya has six face (Shan-Mukhan) indicating that we should manage the five senses and the mind properly. It is also said that of the six faces, one confers light, another boons, the third one protects the sacrifice of Brahmins, the fourth one teaches the import of the Vedas to sages and saints, the fifth one destroys evil powers and the sixth face is a guide to all householders to lead a Dharmic life.
‘Bhagavan” is one who has the following six Bhagas – knowledge, wealth, beauty, valour, detachment and fame. Each of these qualities has formed one face of Shanmukha. Praying to Shanmukhan who is the Pranava Mantra “Om” with Vedas being His peacock vahanam and Brahma Vidya the spear, would lead us to the path of liberation.
Veda Eva Mayoorasyath Pranava Shanmukhastatha
Brahma Vidyapi Saktisyath Mokshas Tatdarshanatsmritha.
Somaskandamurthi is the representation of the child Murugan in between Siva and Uma where Siva indicates Sat, Uma – Chit and Muruga – Ananda. Muruga put an end to Surapadma, the personification of Ego, with his spear (Vel) representing the divine knowledge. This is widely celebrated as “SURASAMHARAM”.
He explained the meaning of Omkara to his father Lord Siva. Muruga himself represents Janan Sakti (knowledge) and married Valli and Devasena representing Ichcha Sakti (thought) and Kriya Sakti (action).
Adi Sankara has sung “Subramania Bhujangam” at Tiruchendur (“Bhujangam” means words set in snake like curling sentences) in praise of Lord Muruga.
Sri Sankara Mattham celebrates SKANDA SASTI and THAI POOSAM every year. The beauty of Lord Muruga at Sankara Mattham is a blessing for all the devotees