KUKKUṬADHVAJA

KUKKUṬADHVAJA

The emblem on the flag of Lord Karthikeya, Murugan, Subrahmanya, Skanda, Kumara, Saravana, Arumukha, Devasenapati, Shanmukha, Kathirvela, Guha or Swaminatha is a rooster called Kukkuta or Seval. The flag is called Kukkuṭadhvaja or Seval Kodi. The image of Lord Kartikeya is always depicted with Kukkutadhvaja in one hand and the other hand with his Vel or spear. The legend has it that the demon king Surapadman, with the boon he received from the gods had become invincible. He believed that he was immortal and began tormenting all across the universe. Lord Kartikeya confronted the Surapadman and he evaded the Lord’s attacks. The demon transformed himself into a large tree near Tiruchendur. Lord Kartikeya using his Vel, the divine spear struck the tree and split Surapadman into two halves. The demon sought forgiveness from the Lord and transformed the halves into Mayil or peacock and a rooster. Lord Kartikeya, by his grace, blessed Surapadman by adopting  the Mayil as his vehicle or vahana and rooster as his emblem. The Kukkutadhvaja symbolises Lord’s victory over evil. The Kukkuta or Seval represents vigilance and alertness; the power to overcome darkness with the dawn's first light; signifying the triumph of good over evil and spiritual awakening.