Skanda is regarded as the supreme commander of the Gods and the destroyer of evil forces. He is also regarded as the epitome of knowledge. He is revered as an infant, as a child - (Balasubramanian), as a handsome and romantic prince (Valli Manavaalan - Azhagan Murugan), as an invincible warrior - ruler, and also as a mature renunciate. There is a wealth of literature centered around Murugan.

Skanda is regarded as the son of Shiva and Parvati and hence the brother of Ganesha. There is a shrine to Skanda in all Saivite temples in Tamilnadu, and likewise there are shrines to Shiva and Parvati in all temples dedicated to Skanda.

Valli - the daughter of a tribal ruler and Deivayanai or Devasena the daughter of Indra the King of Devas are the consorts of Skanda. Skanda is also revered as the nephew of Vishnu and is referred to as Maal Marugan. The rich mythology surrounding Skanda hence revolves around all of the above mentioned manifestations of Divinity.

See Palani for the legend relating to the manifestation of Skanda as the epitome of knowledge - Gnana Panditan, Velimalai for the colorful legend involving the romance between Skanda and Valli, Tirupparamkunram for legends relating to Skanda's wedding with Devasena.