The Oldest Name of Murugan: A Journey Through Ancient Tamil Literature

Murugan, a significant deity in Tamil Hinduism, has a rich and diverse history with various names and epithets. This article explores the earliest name of Murugan, drawing insights from ancient Tamil literature. We will delve into the significance of Karthikeya, the evolution of Murugan's names, and the historical context of his worship.

Earliest Name: Karthikeya

The earliest name of Murugan, as attested by available Tamil literature, is Kartikeya. This name is prominently featured in ancient Tamil texts such as the Tolkāppiyam and Silappatikaram, where Murugan is often referred to by this name. Additionally, Murugan is associated with various other names and epithets such as Murugan, Subramanya, and Skanda, reflecting his multifaceted divine qualities.

The Worship of Murugan: A Deep-rooted Tradition

The worship of Murugan has deep roots in Tamil culture and literature, with references dating back to the early centuries CE. The Tirumurukāau and other classical texts provide detailed insights into his significance and various aspects of his mythology. Murugan is celebrated as a symbol of divine youth, wisdom, and victory.

A Divine Dialogue: Murugan's Answer Through Arunagirinathar

According to Arunagirinathar, the original name of Murugan is Sakthi Saravana. This divine saint is known for transforming the character of Arunagirinathar through his teachings. Additionally, Murugan is described as the one who taught the pranava (Om) to Lord Shiva and is cherished by all the gods. He is the personal favorite of Lord Narayana and is escorted by Mata Parvati in her form as Bhairavi and Lord Shiva in his form as Ashta Bhairavars.

The Evolution of Murugan's Name: Murugan, Marugan, and More

As the name Murugan evolved over time, it took on various forms. The name Marugan, meaning the son-in-law of Lord Vishnu, is a variation of the original name. This is derived from the fact that Mata Sachi and Lord Indra, after years of penance, were blessed with Devasena as a boon from Lord Vishnu. Devasena is seen as Lord Narayana's daughter, thus making Kartikeya her son-in-law. Over time, Marugan transformed into the more familiar form, Murugan.

The Ancient Literary Evidence

According to available literary sources, some of the oldest names of Murugan include Murugu, Murugan, Sei Seyon, and Sevvel. Murugu is mentioned in Aikurunooru, while Murugan is found in Aganaanorru. Sei and Seyon are associated with Paripadal, and Sevvel is referenced in Paripadal. Velan, an ancient Tamil poet, attributes Murugan as the reason for playing his musical instrument. Arumugan, though not found in ancient poems, refers to Murugan having six faces and is mentioned in the Thirumurugarruppadai.

Interestingly, Murugan appears as a six-headed animal in Harappa and Mohenjodaro seals, and the Indus Murugan vs. Sooran clan encounter is also depicted in an Akkadian cylindrical seal. These ancient depictions provide insights into the early visual representations of Murugan, adding to the richness of his mythological heritage.

Conclusion: The earliest name of Murugan is Karthikeya, as documented in ancient Tamil literature. Over time, this name evolved into Murugan, with various other names and epithets reflecting his diverse and multidimensional nature. His worship in Tamil culture spans centuries, and the rich literature of Tamil Nadu continues to illuminate the significance of Murugan.