Namaste Viraja di,
For me too, skanda, as murugan is widely worshiped in TamilNadu than any other Indian State. This does not mean anyone not worshiping him in the north. Even in panchdeva puja or panchayatna puja, the sixth deity added is skanda or skanda replaces anyone of the 5 deities.
The legend also says that though initially skanda lived in Himalayas after being defeated in round-the-world race by Ganesha, he left to the south permanently.
Historically speaking, i think the popularity of any God is like phases of moon. A saint makes it famous, later followers spread his / her glory (poornima) and then it may decline.
Like Vijayanagar empire was a advaita-sArta kingdom during Hukka-Bukka's days and then Vaishnava acharyas spread glory of Bhagavan Vishnu and so Vishnu became popular.
Ashoka was inspired by Lord Buddha and some Saiva saints too build Lord Buddha's temples.
then there ar cults like Sai Baba, etc. During Gorakhnath's time, Natha Yoga was in it's pristine glory
During Jyanadeva's time, Hari bhakti spread far and wide among Maharashtrians. Jyanadeva was also nAtha yogi and so in his anritanubhava has glorified Shiva-Shakti aikya via Bimba-Pratibiba vada.
As on Today, Skanda / Murugan is popular in Tamil Nadu than other states. In Gujarat you wont find too many Murugan Temples.
ShivaFan ji, never knew Alexander became a Hindu. Where did you get this info?
Hari OM
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks