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Soorapadam, or more precisely, Soorapadman, was one of the rakshasas of Hindu mythologies.
He is said to have received a boon that protects him from death in the hands of all existing deities and mortals. This, he believed would grant him immortality. As such, he began tormenting all the good souls of the universe.
Enraged with his actions, Lord Siva is said to have created Lord Muruga (thus creating a new deity)from the flames emanating from his Third Eye on his forehead (symbolizing the eye of wisdom). Receiving the vel from Lord Siva's consort, Parvathi, Lord Muruga set forward to defeat Soorapadman.
The vanquishing of Soorapadman
Seeing the arrival of Lord Muruga and tasting defeat in his hands, Soorapadman sensed that his end was near and decided to run away and transform himself into a tree. Seeing through his petty tricks, Lord Muruga threw his Vel at the tree, thus splitting it. The tree split into two, with one half transforming into a cockerel and the other turning into a flag. Lord Muruga then ordered the cockerel to embed itself ono the flag, thus forming the deity's battle standard.
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