Murugan is one of the most popular Hindu deities amongst Tamils of Tamil Nadu state in India, Sri Lanka and in the Tamil diaspora. He is popular throughout India and also abroad. He is known by a number of other names, including Kartikeyan, Kumaran, Shanmukha, Skanda and Subramanian. He is the God of war and the patron deity of the Tamil land. As the late Tamil devotional work - the Tiru-pukazh would have it, "Murugan never hesitates to come to the aid of a devotee when called upon in piety or distress".

He is shown here with his vehicle the peacock and is depicted killing the demon Surapadman, who ravaged the earth and tormented its beings. It was realized by the gods that only the son born of Shiva could lead the gods to victory over Tarakasuran, Surapadman and their demon companions.