chief deity of the ancient Tamils of South India, later identified in part with the Hindu god Skanda. He probably originated as a fertility god, and his worship is said to have included orgiastic dancing. He is described as joining his fierce mother, Ko&rinfmacr;&rinfmacr;avai, in cannibal feasts on the battlefield, a practice that authorities use to explain his association with the North Indian war god Skanda.
His favourite weapon was the trident or spear, and his banner carried the emblem of a wild fowl. The Tirumurukārruppa&tsubdot;ai, a “guide to the worship of the god Muruga&ninfmacr;,” is a description of the chief shrines of the god that the worshiper is encouraged to visit; it was probably written prior to the 7th century &AD;. See also Skanda.
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