![[Valli-Murukan]](http://xlweb.com/heritage/valmugan.gif)
It has been acknowledged by many scholars that at least some roots of
Skanda lie in the mythology of proto-Indian civilization. The image of a
young warrior, for instanct, is clearly seen on several seals. Besides,
there is evidence that the number six, which is characteristic of Skanda
played a significant role in astronomical notions of proto-Indians. A
six-rayed figure on two seals is supposed to be a symbolic representation
of a year, consisting of six seasons. Later materials, especially epic,
confirm the connection of Skanda with the beginning of a year, thus making
him a deity-protector of the year. Moreover, there are widely known solar
associations of Skanda and his red and golden symbolical colours.
Tamil Murukan is also clearly a solar deity. In calendar terms he may represent the bright half of a year. But if we interpret the myth of hiw war with the demons as a calendar myth (Murukan and Cur representing accordingly bright and dark parts of a year otherwise hot and rainy months), we see that Murugan having overcome Cur becomes the sole protector of the year. This is in accordance with the fact that Murugan is seen as commanding the central position, which is symbolically represented by his act of cleaving his enemy in two (Cur and the Krauncha mountain). An interesting parallel to this tendency to occupy the central position is found in Kuriñci-tinai of akam poetry: the hero, who represets Murugan on his level, comes to a tryst precisely at midnight -- a detail which is conisidered by Tolkappiyam as characteristic of Kuriñci-poetry.
The marriage of Murugan to Valli is a myth symbolising the union of male and female natural principles. The idea is also expressed by way of vegetative (marriage of venkai and mango trees) and astronomical (union of sun and moon) symbolism. The latter has a striking parallel in the Mahabharata: it is said that before Skanda was born the sun and moon joined together.
Prof. Dubianski has been teaching Tamil for 25 years; he has published about seventy articles about Tamil poetry. He may be contacted at:
Department of Indian Philology
Insitute of Asian and African Studies
Moscow State University
11, Mokhovaya Street
Moscow K-9, Russia
E-mail:
dubian@iaas.msu.su