Statues of Murugan; the Son of Shiva and the Detroyer of Evil Forces

The son of Shiva, Kartikeya, is also known as Kumara, Skanda, Subramanya, Shanmukha or Murugan (used in Tamil Nadu).  As Kartikeya he is designated the deity of war, guarding right and destroying evil.  As Shanmukha, the six headed, he teaches that we have five senses and the mind, and only when all six are in harmony is there spiritual growth.  As Subramanya, he has two consorts, Valli and Devasena, who embody Jnana Shakti, the power of knowledge and Kriya Shakti the power of action.  He rides the peacock who struts around admiring his own beauty.  Murugan places himself on top of the peacock suppressing it, reminding us not to let pride and egotism get the better of us.  In his hand he holds the Vel or sharp spear, symbolizing the developed sharp intellect.  He uses the vel to guard the spiritual progress of the world.