Sri Subramaniya is the son of Shiva and Parvati. Other common names of Subramaniya are Karthikeya, Muruga, Kumara, Skandha, Shanmuga and Guha. Created out of six sparks from the third eye of Lord Shiva, for the special purpose of destroying the demon Soorapadma. The Vel (spear) is His divine weapon and is regarded as the source of all knowledga and as the dispeller of ignorance. According to the legend, Subramaniya explained the esoteric significance of “OM”, the Pranava Mantra, to His father, Lord Shiva.