Sri Subramaniam is the younger son of Lord Siva and Sakthi. He was sent down from Heaven with the ‘Vel’ from Sakthi to kill the demons who were terroising the devotees. The ‘Vel’ was given on Thaipusam day. Kanda Shasti is celebrated in his honor.

Skanda is one of the other names of Subrmaniam. His other names are Muruga, Velava, Shanmuga , Murugavel and a host of others.