Is Murugan a man or a God ?

IS MURUGAN A MAN OR A GOD? WHO IS MURUGAN?

Author Gurukkal Dr. S Mahesh  – The Warrior Monk

Indian Martial Arts Guru | Spiritual Visionary | Founder, Agasthyam Foundation | Author & Filmmaker

Murugan, the divine figure of South India, is known by many names—Subramanian, Seyon,Skandan, Vadivelan, Padayappa, Devasenapati. Is he a god, or was he once a man who ascended to godhood? This question resonates deeply with the spiritual and historical understanding of Murugan’s place in Indian culture.

The God with Many Names

Murugan is not just a god in the traditional sense. He represents the embodiment of wisdom, bravery, and the path to spiritual enlightenment. In ancient Tamil tradition, Murugan’s journey from a mortal man to a divinely revered figure was a process marked by extraordinary feats—both spiritual and earthly—that elevated him to the status of a god. He was a man who transformed into a god through his knowledge, penance, and heroic acts.

A Land of Heroes and Gods

In the land of Tamil Nadu, we see that superhuman feats and accomplishments were often seen as pathways to divinity. This was a place where humans, through self-awareness and devotion, transcended mortal limitations to merge with the divine. The great sages and yogis those who had mastered the atma, the true self—were equated with the highest gods, such as Lord Shiva and Parvati. The land, shaped by spiritual knowledge, revered those who embodied divinity through their earthly lives.

Kailasa, the mystical mountain that symbolizes the abode of Lord Shiva, is more than just a

heavenly realm. It represents the journey of spiritual realization that all beings whether divine or human—must undergo. We are reminded through the Vedas, Upanishads, andspiritual traditions that the ultimate reality is the supreme self. In this narrative, Murugan is not just a god, but a yogi, a warrior, and a guide who led others to the light of spiritual wisdom.

Murugan: The Primordial Tamilian ,the Maha Siddhar, the primordial figure of Tamil spirituality, guides us through the path of Sivayoga—spiritual knowledge coupled with self-discipline and awareness. His journey, both as a warrior and as a teacher, is a beacon of the profound spiritual legacy that Tamil culture has passed down through the ages.

Murugan was not simply a ruler of his people. His leadership extended beyond military prowess, encompassing wisdom and guidance. As Devasenapati, he led his people into battleand into enlightenment. As a spiritual figure, he taught the way of Sivayoga and became theguiding light for sages such as Agastya and the 18 Siddhars. Through them, the ancientknowledge of the supreme self was transmitted to the Tamil people and beyond.

The Land of Heroes and the Path of the Warrior

Murugan’s story is intrinsically tied to the culture of heroism and sacrifice that runs deep in Tamil tradition. From the ancient Tamil kings to the military leaders of today, the concept ofthe hero—one who gives his life for his people—has always been revered. The worship of heroes, particularly those who fought for justice and righteousness, formed the basis of many Tamil religious traditions.

The heroes of Tamil Nadu, commemorated through Veerakallu (hero stones), were not just warriors but figures of reverence who, through their sacrifices, ensured the safety of their people. The story of Murugan, the one who rose from the human realm to become a god, isone of selfless leadership and spiritual awakening.

Murugan in the Bhagavad Gita

The Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 10, Sloka 24, mentions Skanda:

purohithamshamcha mukyam mam ,

vidhi partha brihaspadim,

senaninam aham skanda ,

sarasam asmi sagarah

&quote; Among military heads, I am Skanda, among water bodies, I am the great ocean.&quote; This reference not only acknowledges Murugan’s military leadership but also elevates him to the status of a divine entity, symbolizing the highest form of strategic leadership and wisdom.

The Journey of Murugan: From Kailasa to the South

Murugan’s journey from Kailasa to the southern part of India, where he imparted the wisdom of Sivayoga, is not a journey into a distant heavenly realm but a spiritual pilgrimage through the land of Bharat. The geographical references of Murugan’s travels—crossing the Vindhya Mountains, meeting Agastya, and penancing on the Pazhani Hills—speak of a real human journey, one that led to spiritual enlightenment and the sharing of divine knowledge.

Murugan as the Ruler of the Five Regions

The ancient Tamil Sangam literature divides Tamil Nadu into five distinct regions: Kurinji the mountains, Mullai the jungles, Marutham farmlands, Neythal coastal, and Paalai deserts each of these regions is symbolic of different aspects of nature and human life, and they are intricately woven into the cultural and spiritual fabric of the land. Among these, Murugan reigns supreme as the king of Kurinji, the mountainous region.

Kurinji, the land of hills and mountains, is not only a geographical zone but a realm steeped in spiritual significance. Murugan, in his role as the king of Kurinji, is seen as the protector of these sacred hills. The mountains are home to the, sages, and tribes, and Murugan  is considered their guardian and guide, embodying the qualities of valor, wisdom, and divine energy.

The praise of Murugan is found throughout the Sangam literature, particularly in the work of Tholkappiyar, who celebrated Murugan as the ruler of the Kurinji, the lord of the six militarycamps. Murugan’s role as a military leader, a teacher, and a spiritual guide is central to his worship and legacy,he sings

mayon meya kadurai ulakavum

seyon meya mevara ulakaum

vendan meya teepunal ulakaum

varunan meya perumanal ulakaum

mullai kurinji marutham neythal

ennu cholkira murayilum varukiren .

The verse you provided is from the Tiruppugazh, a devotional hymn written by the Tamil saint and poet Arunagirinathar in praise of Lord Murugan .The verse praises the rulers the earthly regions - mountains, forests, farmlands, coasts and the divine areas controlled by godly kings like Mayon (Vishnu), Seyon (Murugan), Vendan (Indra), and Varunan (Varuna). The poet affirms that Murugans influence was the king or chieftain of the mountains

Murugan’s mythology is a tapestry woven with stories of love and battle. From his valorousdefeat of the demon Surapadman to his loving relationships with the princesses Valli and Devayani, Murugan embodies the duality of the divine—a warrior who protects his people and a lover who brings joy to his devotees.

Murugan is often described as the chief or warlord of the six military camps (AarupadaiVeedu), where each temple symbolizes a strategic and significant part of his mission on Earth. These temples, each associated with a specific aspect of Murugan’s divine function, reflect his role not only as a god of war and protection but also as the leader of the Aadi Sangha (the ancient spiritual assembly), guiding his people through wisdom and strength.Through his guidance and teachings, Murugan unified the ancient Tamil people, spreading the knowledge of Sivayoga, a spiritual practice focused on meditation, martial arts, and the pursuit of enlightenment.

Murugan is not confined to the borders of India. In places like Sri Lanka and Indonesia, Murugan continues to be revered as a deity of energy, mercy, and military prowess. His influence stretches far beyond the Tamil diaspora, with his worship spreading across various cultures and religions, including Buddhism, where Murugan is known by different names like Wei Tho Pu Sa in China and Sabaru in Japan. Murugan’s story is a testament to the transformative power of spirituality, knowledge, and self-realization.

 Born a man, he ascended to the status of a god not through divine birth, but through his work, penance, and unwavering dedication to the truth. He is both a symbol of human potential and a divine presence who guides us on the path of self-awareness and enlightenment. His legacy, embedded in Tamil culture and beyond, continues to inspire millions across the world.

ABOUT AUTHOR

Gurukkal Dr. S Mahesh, is a fifth-generation Kalaripayattu master, celebrated as a “Warrior Monk” ,  a self-realized spiritual leader and founder of Agasthyam kalaripayattu. Deeply rooted in a 129-year-old lineage, his journey is marked by profound self-awakening and dedication to the Thekkan Sampradayam (Southern Tradition) of Kalaripayattu. His teachings unify physical mastery, mental clarity, and spiritual insight, making Kalaripayattu a global path for holistic well-being. As co-principal investigator of the IKS Center for Kalaripayattu and Siddhar Tradition, he promotes Kalaripayattu’s healing wisdom as vital for modern life. An author and filmmaker, Dr. Mahesh’s legacy inspires resilience, self-discovery, and unity in seekers worldwide