"Instinct is intelligence incapable of self-consciousness"
A Lesson We All Can Learn From Lord Subramanyan Lord Subramanya whom we considered as one of the supreme symbols of intelligence is the son of Lord Siva and Parvathi born in Kailasa, one of the divine peaks of Himalaya Mountains. Other common names by which Lord Subramanya is known to us are Karthikeya, Muruga, Kumara, Skhanda, Shanmugha and Guha. It is believed that Subramanya is created from six sparks taken out of Lord Siva’s central third eye. He is created for the special intends of destroying the demon Surapadman. Subramanya had six faces by birth. Hence the name Shanmugha. The spear that we observe all times with Subramanya was his divine weapon capable of destroying any evil tendencies. His spear was also the symbol of his knowledge and the convergent source to eliminate ignorance. According to legends, it was Karthikeya who explained the esoteric significance of the divine word "OM", the Pranava Mandhra to his father, Lord Siva. Lord Ganesha or better known as Sri Ganapathi was Subramanya’s own brother.Lord Subramanya’s divine ride was on a Peacock. He is inherited some one of his father’s behaviors too. They were impatience and anger. Lord Siva, the commander of Devas, is well known for his anger. He used to open his central eye only when he looses his temper and intends to destroy anything or anybody.
The following story teaches us a valuable lesson.
Once Subramanya and Ganapathi childishly entered into a fight for a mango. Lord Siva stepped in between to settle the quarrel. In fact, Lord Siva was waiting for quite sometime to test the reflux thinking capability of his sons. Lord Siva told both of them that who ever comes back to him after completing a complete round of the universe would be eligible for the whole mango. Subramanya who pretend himself that no one else could think more intelligently than him quickly took the decision of making a complete round of the virtual universe riding over his favorite speedy vehicle, the peacock. However, Ganapathi realized his handicap. His divine ride was only a mouse. Once he recognized that a run behind Subramanya would never fetch him anything, he started thinking wisely to overcome the hurdle to win the mango. Immediately he got an idea. He wisely finished a round around his father Lord Siva. Then he faced his father, bowed his head in respect and pleaded for the mango.
In response to Lord Siva’s argument that he did not even make an attempt to follow the courageous Subramanya, Ganapathi replied, " Lord, you are not only my father but also the father of Kailasa and the whole universe. Therefore completing one round around you is equal to rounding the whole universe". Lord Siva was very pleased with Ganapathi and congratulated his wise thinking. He did not think twice. Ganapathi was gifted with the whole mango. Up on his return, Subramanya turned furious. He couldn’t admit his lapse. He was ashamed of himself. He couldn’t face either his brother of parents. Thus he left Kailasa and never returned. The story teaches us a lesson and the lesson is obvious.
Lord Subramanya’s auspicious days are Karthika and Shashti (according to malayalam calendar). In temples during these auspicious days we celebrate ritual performances called "Mayilattam" or "Peeliyattam". The temple "Palani" is famous for ‘Kavadhiyattam" too. Other temples in Tamil Nadu where Lord Subramanya is worshipped are Swami Mala, Thiruthani, Thiruchendhur and Pazhamudhircholai. Lord Subramanya had two wives. The Hunter’s daughter by name "Valli" who symbolizes "Kriya Shakthi" (the power of performance) and "Devayani", the celestial princess who symbolizes "Jnana Shakthi" (the power of intelligence). In the aforesaid auspicious days, "Valli Kalyanam" (marriage with Valli) is also celebrated in many temples. The actor wears the costumes of Subramanyan holding the spear in his hand and pretends to sit over a peacock. He then dances in rhythm and carry you through the myths.
HARI KOCHAT