At Thiruporur Murugan Temple, (our Kula deivam koil) a quick walk around the praharam of the main sanctum reveals a treasure that many devotees might easily overlook. Among the beautifully arranged utsava murthis stands a bronze, Upadesa Murthy, where Lord Muruga is seated on the lap of Lord Shiva, imparting the profound meaning of the sacred Pranava Manthiram, “Om.”
This striking murthy finds its roots in beautiful episode from the Kanda Puranam.
Once, Lord Brahma, the creator, passed by young Muruga without offering due respect. Angered by this arrogance, Muruga stopped him and asked him to introduce himself. Brahma proudly declared that he was the creator of all beings and the guardian of the four Vedas. Muruga then posed a simple question. If you are indeed the guardian of the Vedas, tell me the meaning of the Pranava Mandhiram.
Brahma’s dismissive reply, that he, Brahma himself is the embodiment of Om, revealed the creator’s ignorance. Recognizing this, Muruga imprisoned him. With Brahma confined, creation itself came to a standstill, and Muruga assumed the role of creator.
This unique form of Muruga, the Brahma sastha, holding the kamandalam and akshamalai, symbolizing his role as Brahma, can be seen at Shenbakeswarar temple at Natham Parameswaramangalam Temple, (near Kalpakkam, Off ECR) a rare depiction
Concerned by the halt in creation, the devas and sages turned to Shiva for help. Shiva first approached Muruga gently, attempting to persuade him to release Brahma. When that failed, he commanded him with authority. But Muruga stood firm. How could Brahma be released when he did not understand the very essence of the Pranava?
It was then that Shiva, filled not with anger but with admiration for his son’s wisdom, requested Muruga to teach him the true meaning of Om. Reversing conventional roles, Shiva seated Muruga on his lap, bowed his head, and listened in reverence, his hand covering his mouth, signifying humility before knowledge.
This story is captured in the iconic Upadesa Murthy bronze at Thiruporur. Not sure whether Swamimalai where this incident happens has this type of bronze. The priest who showed us said, its unique to Thiruporur and Swami Malai does not have it.
This legend and iconography reminds us that wisdom is not bound by age or hierarchy. A guru can be younger than the disciple. A father can learn from his son. True knowledge flows where there is humility to receive it.
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