MURUGAN

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, Korravai, 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 Tirumurukarruppatai, a guide to the worship of the god Murugan, 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.