Vel of Lord Murugan (Shula, Spear of Murugan)

This symbolizes the sharp, triangular lance, or Vel, is the sacred weapon of the Hindu war god Murugan (Also called Skanda, Karttikeya, Subramanya). Vel’s other attributes are a peacock and a mace.

The vel in Vedic mythology was a demon-slaying instrument; it symbolizes penetrating spiritual knowledge, wisdom, and the cutting away of ignorance. In an annual procession honoring the god in Southern India, it is common for devotees to pierce their cheeks or other body parts with miniature lances.