Murugan Bhakti

The Skanda-Kumara Site

Research Articles

RESEARCH ARTICLES

  • Research articles on Skanda-Murukan Index of research papers concerning the cult of Indian god Skanda-Murukan
  • Skanda-Murukan Publications Publications about the pan-Indian god Skanda or Murugan and his cult in English and Tamil from Sanskrit and Tamil sources.
    1. Viswarupa of Skanda God Murugan or Skanda reveals His Viswarupa or Universal Form to devas, asuras and humans.
    2. Past and Future Trends in Contemporary Hinduism ‘Past and Future Trends in Contemporary Hinduism’ by anthropologist and sannyasin Agehananda Bharati
    3. Representations of Bala Murukan in Kunrutoradal Temples, Western Ghats, Tamil Nadu Iconography of Bala Murugan in Western Ghats Kundrutoradal Temples
    4. Kinetic Art Forms in the Iconograpy of Murugan Iconography of Murukan: Kinetic Art Forms
    5. Legends of Karttikeya in Puruliya Chau research article about Karttikeya worship in Bengal
    6. Skanda’s Sister Jyoti Article about Indian god Skanda’s sister Jyoti by Dr. Alagappa Alagappan
    7. Cult of Skanda-Murukan in ancient Tamil Nadu Research article detailing references in ancient Tamil literature to the worship of god Murukan.
    8. Lord Murukan, the embodiment of beauty and love Essay describing the association of Tamil god Murukan with qualities of love and beauty over the centuries as shown in Tamil poetry and folk worship.
    9. Tiruppukal as classical music and its role in the cult of Murukan research article about ancient Tamil Tiruppukal poetry as a classical music genre and as a form of Murukan worship.
    10. Distinctive features of Tirumurukarruppatai Analysis of Tirumurukarruppatai composed ca. 2nd Century AD by Tamil poet Nakkirar
    11. Arunakirinathar’s Views on Acquisition of Wealth research article about ancient Tamil poet Arunagirinathar and his views on the acquisition of worldly wealth.
    12. Facets of Murukan Facets of the Tamil god Murukan
    13. Murukan, The Protector and Healer Murukan, The Protector and Healer
    14. Sacred Trees in Murukan Temples Murukan, The Protector and Healer
    15. Tai Pucam In Malaysia Research article about the social and historical background of Tai Pucam festival in Malaysia devoted to Tamil Hindu deity Murugan.
    16. Malaysian Hindu Pilgrimage: Kavadi Worship at Batu Caves Research article examining the religious and symbolical dimensions of pilgrimage to Tai Pucam festival at Batu Caves in Malaysia devoted to Hindu god Murugan
    17. Murugan and the Vel: The Individual Implications Research article about the social and historical background of Tai Pucam festival in Malaysia devoted to Tamil Hindu deity Murugan.
    18. Viralimalai Murukan as described by Arunagirinathar Article about Virali Malai Hill and Temple sacred to Murugan as described by 14th century Saint Arunagirinathar in his Tiruppukal verses.
    19. Aspects of Karttikeya’s Character An exhaustive survey of the various characteristics of the pan-Indian war god Skanda-Karttikeya
    20. Cult of the Child-God Crosses a Millennial Milestone The cult of pan-Indian deity Skanda or Murugan down the ages in India and worldwide by Patrick Harrigan.
    21. Iconographic Contact between Kārttikeya and Manjusrī in China Research article about the occurence of 5th cent. AD inconographic representations of Indian god Kārttikeya or Skanda and bodhisattva Manjusrī at Yun-Kang caves in Shanxi province in China.
    22. Wei Tuo Pú sà (Bodhisattva Skanda) Research note on Wei Tuo Pú sà or the bodhisattva Skanda in Chinese Buddhist lore and legend
    23. The Many Faces Of Murukan: The History and Meaning of South Indian God by Fred W. Clothey The Many Faces Of Murukan: The History and Meaning of South Indian God by Fred W. Clothey
    24. Pierced by Murugan’s Lance Book review of Elizabeth Fuller Collins’ book Pierced by Murugan’s Lance: Ritual Power and Moral Redemption Among Malaysian Hindus
    25. Murugan Devotion among Tamil Diaspora History of Murugan worship among Tamil diaspora communities of the Indian Ocean region.
    26. Skanda-Murukan: time and nature associations Time and nature associations in ancient Tamil Sangam poetry about god Murukan.
    27. Some Observations on Kurinci Poetry Summary and analysis of the indigenous-autochthonous Dravidian romance-myth of god Murukan and the indigenous girl Valli.
    28. Vaikasi Visakam and Lord Murukan Vaikasi Visakam Tamil festival and god Murukan
    29. Skanda Legends in the Puranas Research article detailing legends in Sanskrit puranas to the Hindu god known variously as Skanda, Kumara, Karttikeya, Guha, Subrahmanya.
    30. Following Murukan: Tai Pucam in Singapore Research article detailing the social and historical background of Tai Pucam festival and ritual practices in Singapore.
    31. Skanda: The Alexander Romance in India 1937 research article examining the historical and mythological relationship between Alexander the Great and Indian war god Skanda-Murugan
    32. Murukan worship in Fiji History of Murugan worship among diaspora Indians in the Fiji Islands including festivals and modes of worship.
    33. Mailam: A Murukan temple at the crossroads of myth and local culture Research article about the history, folklore and temple iconography of Mailam Murukan temple near Pondicherry, South India.
    34. Note on painting of Murugan, Subrahmanya or Karthikeyan Note on water color painting of Murugan, Subrahmanya or Karttikeya
    35. Skanda-Subrahmanya in Sanskrit Tradition Research article detailing references in Sanskrit literature to the Hindu god known variously as Skanda, Kumara, Karttikeya, Guha, Subrahmanya.
    36. Note on Karttikeya in ancient Java Note and color plates on medeival sculptures of Karttikeya found in Java and Kampuchea.
    37. Summa-Iru in Tamil scriptures article about the metaphysical utterance ‘Summa Iru’ in Tamil scriptures
    38. Murukan Worship through Musical Forms Research article about the development of Murugan worship through music over the centuries since the Sangam Age.
    39. Tirumurukarruppatai’s place in the Saiva Canon research article about the ancient Tamil devotional poem Tirumurukarruppatai and its place in the Saiva canon.
    40. Iconography of Skanda-Murukan: Flashes of Insight Article about the iconography of the pan-Indian god Skanda or Murugan and his cult both in Sanskrit and Tamil sources by Prof Raju Kalidos, Dean of the Faculty of Arts of the Tamil University, Tanjore.
    41. Trimurti Orientation in Medieval South Indian Temples Article about the orientation of surviving sculptures of the Hindu ‘Trinity’ of gods Brahma, Vishna and Shiva in Medieval South Indian Temples
    42. The Iconography of Murugan Article about the iconography of the pan-Indian god Skanda or Murugan and his cult both in Sanskrit and Tamil sources by Prof Raju Kalidos, Dean of the Faculty of Arts of the Tamil University, Tanjore.
    43. Skanda-Karttikeya in ancient Cambodia Note and color plate on medeival sculptures of Karttikeya originating from ancient Kampuchea.
    44. Murugan Temples In Australia Rapid growth of the Tamil community and Murugan worship in Australia since the mid-1980s.
    45. Murukan Cult in Cilappatikaram A study of literary evidence concerning the cult of Skanda-Murukan in the Tamil epic Silapatikaram and related Sangam literature.
    46. The Story of Skanda as told in the Northern and Southern Recensions Article comparing classical Sanskrit and Tamil versions of the Skanda Purana about the pan-Indian god Skanda or Murugan and his cult both in Sanskrit and Tamil sources.
    47. Skanda the Merciful and His Devotees Skanda the Merciful and His Devotees
    48. The Iconography of Goddess Kaumari or Kanya Kumari
    49. My experience with Vallimalai Satchidananda Swami The author’s first-hand account of Valli Malai Satchidananda Swami (d. 1950) and his devotion to Valli and Murugan and mastery of Tiruppukal songs by Arunagirinathar.
    50. The Human Interface between Polytheism and Absolute Reality The Human Interface between Polytheism and Absolute Reality
    51. Arunagirinathar’s experience of Lord Murugan Kandar Anubhuti: Arunagirinathar’s experience of Lord Murugan
    52. Publication of Tiruppukal a Century Ago by V.T. Subramania Pillai: The Man and His Mission Research article about the rediscovery, rescue and publication of Tamil poet Arunagirinathar’s Tiruppukazh song collection extolling Lord Murukan by V.T. Subramania Pillai in the late 19th and early 20th Century.
    53. Murukan in the Indus Script Clear pictorial evidence from seals, sealings and other inscribed objects for Harappan worship of the pan-Indian god Skanda or Murugan in the Indus Valley script.
    54. Stone Celt Axe Indus Sign Discovery in Mayiladuthurai, Tamil Nadu, India Iravatham Mahadevan examines the Mayilaruthurai, Tamil Nadu, India find
    55. Murukan, Tamil God of Justice Research article tracing the concept of justice in ancient Tamil society and god Murukan as the embodiment of justice.
    56. Devotion to Murukan Research article summarising the history of the cult of Murukan and the role of devotion or bhakti.
    57. கந்தர் அனுபூதியில் பொதிந்த மெய்ப்பொருள் தத்துவம் Tamil article on the true meaning of poem Kandar Anubhuti by 14th century poet Arunagirinathar
    58. Vallakkottai Murukan Temple Research paper exploring the history of Vallakkottai Murukan Temple including literary citations from Tiruppukazh.
    59. Tirumurugarrupadai—A Study Nakkeerar’s magnificent concept of Muruga, where celestial beings mingle with earthly inhabitants & spirits of the underworld, vying with one another to sing & dance in jubilant adoration. Muruga is a Child of wisdom & a Guru of profound contemplation.
    60. Muruga Sadhana in Tirumurugarrupadai Muruga Sadhana or Kaumara spiritual practice as expressed in the 2nd century AD Tamil poem Tirumurugarrupadai
    61. Guha Jnana Bodham ‘Guha Jnana Bodham’ or poetic ‘Awakening to the Wisdom of Guha’ with Englishs translation from Tamil detailing yogic path to realisation through devotion to Guha or Murugan
    62. Karttikeya in the folk life of Orissa Research article about folk worship of Hindu god Skanda-Kumara or Karttikeya in Orissa.
    63. Murukan Worship in Sri Lanka: New Archaeological Evidence Illustrated article ‘Murukan Worship in Sri Lanka: New Archaeological Evidence’ concerning numismatic evidence about the cult of the pan-Indian god Skanda or Murugan and his cult in Sri Lanka.
    64. Rare Images of Brahmasasta and Varahasamhara Art history study of rare examples of Skanda as Brahmasasta in which Skanda punishes Brahma for not knowing the meaning of pranava mantra and imprisons him within the bars, and Skanda striking a wild boar from which Visnu emerges.
    65. In the Footsteps of Saint Arunagirinathar: Pilgrimage to the sacred places in the Tiruppukal Research article detailing the author’s fieldwork collating place names give in 14th cent. Tamil poet Arunagirinathar’s ‘Tiruppukal’ collection with modern sites in Tamil Nadu.
    66. Development of Muruku-Muruka-Velan and Ce-Cey-Ceyon in Cankam Literature Reserach article concerning the evolution of the ancient Tamil deity Muruku-Muruka-Vēlan and Ce-Ey-Ceyon.
    67. The Worship of Murukan and the Zodiac Reserach article concerning the association of god Skanda-Murukan with the zodiac and the measuring of time.
    68. Skanda, the elegant war-god son of Shiva Comparative study of the mythology of Skanda, the elegant war-god son of Shiva
    69. Shanmuka Kavacam and the Kavacam genre Reserach article about the kavacam genre of stotras in Sanskrit and Tamil literature with special attention to Shanmuka Kavacam.
    70. Deciphering the Indus Script (book review)
    71. Objectives and Scope of the Second International Conference on Murukan Study and Worship Inaugural address by the Chairman of the Second International Conference Seminar on Skanda-Murukan.
    72. Palani Andavar icon: A Scientific Analysis research article detailing findings of a Tamil Nadu Government committee of scientists commissioned to investigate the deteriorating condition of the Palani Andavar temple icon.
    73. The Skanda cult in India: Sanskrit sources Research article detailing references in Sanskrit literature to the Hindu god known variously as Skanda, Kumara, Karttikeya, Guha, Subrahmanya.
    74. Skanda Sasti: Reflections on Divinity
    75. Karttikeya worship in Bengal research article about Karttikeya worship in Bengal
    76. மேற்கு வங்காளத்தில் கார்த்திகேய வழிபாடு மேற்கு வங்காளத்தில் கார்த்திகேய வழிபாடு
    77. Pilgrimage and Mystical Practice Research article about Pilgrimage and Mystical Practice in the context of pilgrimages to Sabarimalai in Kerala and Kataragama in Sri Lanka.
    78. Kanta Shasti Vratam Research article about Kanta Shasti Vratam with special reference to fasting.
    79. Skanda Kumara in ancient North India Research article examines the cult of Skanda-Kumara-Karttikeya in ancient North India.
    80. Taippoosam Kavadi Festival in Seychelles Research article about the history of Murugan worship in the Seychelle islands including festivals and modes of worship.
    81. Saint Arunagirinathar: Was he a Shakta? Research paper citing reasons to believe that 14th Cent Saint Arunagirinathar was primarily a goddess devotee or Shakta rather than a Kaumara or devotee of Skanda-Murukan.
    82. Murukan in Cankam Literature: Veriyattu Tribal Worship Article about the pan-Indian god Skanda or Murugan in ancient Tamil Cankam Literature.
    83. Antiquity of Murukan Cult in Ancient Sri Lanka: A Historical Perspective Research article documenting the roots of Murukan worship in Sri Lanka.
    84. Devaraya Swamigal’s contribution to ‘Murukanism’ Devaraya Swamigal’s contribution to ‘Murukanism’
    85. Skanda Shashti message by Swami Sivananda Skanda Shashti message (1946) by Swami Sivananda
    86. History of the Tamil Diaspora A history of the Tamil Diaspora or emigrant Tamils and their descendents across the world.
    87. Skanda: Pan-Indian God of Love and War Indian god Skanda was a popular, young, handsome, spear-wielding war god who lived on forested hills, was fond of hunting and fighting and with an appetite for blood sacrifices.
    88. Somaskanda: Royal and Divine Somaskanda group consists of Lord Siva seated like a king on Mount Kailasa, with His consort Parvati seated next to Him and their son Skanda (Muruga), a tiny tot perched between them
    89. The Murukan cult in Mauritius Research article about the history of Murugan worship in Mauritius including festivals and modes of worship.
    90. Iranian Sraosa and Indian Skanda research article comparing structural affinities between Iranian god Sraosa and Indian god Skanda.
    91. Tamil Language and Murukan Worship in South Africa Research article concerning the history of Murugan worship in Natal, South Africa, and the problems South African Tamils face as a result of the colonial legacy.
    92. Karttikeya in Early Indian Coinage Research article by S. Suresh about the occurence of images, symbols and inscriptions concerning Skanda-Murukan as occurring in Indian coinage based on numismatic sources.
    93. The Iconography of Somaskanda Murti Research article concerning the iconographic depiction of the pan-Indian god Skanda in the Somaskanda aspect.
    94. Significance of Kaumara Icons Research article broadly outlinging the icongraphical and philosophical features of the Hindu god known variously as Murukan, Skanda, Kumara, Karttikeya, Guha, or Subrahmanya.
    95. Skanda in Japanese Zen tradition Note and traditional line drawing concerning Indian wargod Skanda in Japanese Zen tradition.
    96. Synopses of articles at 1st International Conference on Skanda-Murukan 1998
    97. God Murukan as viewed by the ancient Tamils Research article describing god Skanda-Murukan’s relation to ancient Tamil society as viewed through ancient Sangam poetry
    98. Indus Graffiti as Rock Art and their Astronomical Implications Article about the pan-Indian god Skanda or Murugan and his occurrence in the Indus Valley script.
    99. Indus Graffiti as Rock Art and their Astronomical Implications Article about the pan-Indian god Skanda or Murugan and his occurrence in the Indus Valley script.
    100. Evolution of the deity Murukan from the Indus Valley Prototype Ahmuvan Evolution of the Asian deity Murukan from the Indus Valley Prototype Ahmuvan and his role as a mediator in the process of cultural and religious spheres with linguistic and astronomical implications
    101. Discovery of an early sculpture of Murukan Art history article documenting the discovery of an early sculpture of Murukan dating from the Pallava period ca. 7th century AD.
    102. முருகனின் பண்டையக் காலச் சிலை Art history article documenting the discovery of an early sculpture of Murukan dating from the Pallava period ca. 7th century AD.
    103. Skanda Cult in South India Summarized account of the cult of Skanda or Murugan in South India
    104. Murugan and Valli Romance Summary and analysis of the indigenous-autochthonous Dravidian romance-myth of god Murukan and the indigenous girl Valli.
    105. Murugan and Valli Romance Part 1 Part 1 of summary and analysis of the indigenous-autochthonous Dravidian romance-myth of god Murukan and the indigenous girl Valli.
    106. Murugan and Valli Romance Part 2 Part 2 of summary and analysis of the indigenous-autochthonous Dravidian romance-myth of god Murukan and the indigenous girl Valli
    107. Murugan and Valli Romance Part 3 Conclusion of summary and analysis of the indigenous-autochthonous Dravidian romance-myth of god Murukan and the indigenous girl Valli.
    108. The Smile of Murugan on Tamil literature of South India by Kamil Zvelebil The Smile of Murugan on Tamil literature of South India by Kamil Zvelebil
    109. Tamil Traditions on Subrahmanya-Murugan: Introduction Introductory chapter to Tamil Traditions on Subrahmanya­-Murugan by Kamil Zvelebil