We
worship Siva as Lingam manifested and unmanifested (Vyakta
and Avyakta).Likewise for Muruga, the Vel stands for the
Form and Formless, The Vel represents only Muruga. Qhatever
worship is offered to Vel goes to Muruga.
In
Sangam periods a beloved under the pangs of love will become
very thin. She will not reveal the truth. Her relatives
thinking that she is possessed will exorcise by propitiating
Muruga, it is known as 'Veriattu'. At that time they will
erect a 'Vel' as a symbol of Muruga. The priest who offciates
is called Velan, and he will be wielding a Vel in his hand.
He will be possessed by Muruga and he will start foretelling.
Thus 'Vel' an instrument become the God Velayuthan. Even
now we can see in many places the Vel being worshipped.
Devotees prick themselves with Vel as a sort of vow. The
pillars near Nandi explsin this. Two sculptures - a Vel
is decorated with garlands at the top and the bottom is
adorned with a dress. This represents Muruga decked with
flowers in his head and attired in his waist.
The
credit of spreading Muruga worship in foreign lands goes
entirely to the Nagarattars. Wherever they went they built
temples for Muruga and established worship.
Lilvanu,
the Prime Minister of Singapore was an ardent devotee of
Muruga of Tank Road. The Chiness and Malaysians too are
worshippers of this Muruga. The temples which at present
houses Muruga once had 'Vel' as their deity. That is exactly
what these pillar sculptures represent.
