Veerabaahu

Veerabaahu or Verabahu is a Hindu deity and the commander-in-chief of Murugan's army.[1] Lord Muruga was born from the third eye of God Shiva. To assist him from the ornaments of Goddess Shakthi nine commanders (Navaveerargal) were born. Among the nine commanders Veerabaahu is ranked highest. The Sengunthar Kaikolar community, a community of weavers and warriors[2] in Tamil Nadu, claim descent from Veerabahu and other eight Navaveerargal.[3][4] He is worshipped mostly in Tamil Nadu.

Three of the Navaveeragal with Veerabahu in the centre
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Legends

According to the Skanda Purana, after the birth of Murugan Shakti took her chilambu (anklet) nine shaktis were produced, and these were then transformed into the brothers of Murugan, called the Navaveeragal (lit. "nine bravehearts") in Tamil.

When Murugan was sent to destroy Soorapadman, Veerabahu and the other Navaveeragal followed him south at the head of a huge army. At the Vindhyas, the army saw two of Soorapadman's brothers - Krauncha, in the form of a mountain, and Tarakan. Veerabahu and his army attacked Tarakan, but he laid a spell on them that made them go into Krauncha. After news was brought to Murugan of the defeat, he fought Tarakan and pierced him with his heart. He then threw his Vel at Krauncha, who dissolved into dust. Afterwards Veerabahu and his army were restored to life.

Veerabahu arrived at Surapadman's capital Mahendrapuri to ask for the release of the devas who were imprisoned by him after he conquered their world, so that war would not occur. He entered the palace and spoke to the devas imprisoned, saying that they were imprisoned for their sins and they would be saved by Murugan soon. Veerabahu then arrived in Surapadman's throne room, but was insulted in being ignored and not offered a seat, as the laws of messengers demanded. However, Veerabahu conjured a magnificent throne and delivered his message for Surapadman to release the followers of Tirumal. Soorapadman refused and attempted to imprison Veerabahu as well. During his escape, he killed many Asuras including some of Soorapadman's relatives, and informed Murugan of what had occurred.

Veerabahu then fought in the war. One of Banukopan's weapons made him fall into a swoon along with much of the army, but after the astra was destroyed he recovered. He accompanied Murugan on his return and during his marriages.

References
  1. Ramaswamy, Vijaya (2017). Historical Dictionary of the Tamils. Rowman & Littlefield. p. 231. ISBN 978-1-53810-686-0.
  2. Mines, Mattison (1984). The Warrior Merchants: Textiles, Trade and Territory in South India. Cambridge University Press. p. 11. ISBN 978-0-521-26714-4.
  3. Ghose, Rajeshwari (1996). The Tyāgarāja Cult in Tamilnāḍu: A Study in Conflict and Accommodation. Motilal Banarsidass. p. 78-82. ISBN 9788120813915.
  4. Ramaswamy, Vijaya (2017). Historical Dictionary of the Tamils. Rowman & Littlefield. p. 231. ISBN 978-1-53810-686-0.
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